MY ‘07 Spring Celebration…a week early
I am celebrating spring 2007 a week earlier than the “official” date of the Vernal Equinox. But, my celebration is in line with the many different walks of life celebrating a changing of seasons.
I looked at the calendar and reflected on the date, monumental to me it seems. This weekend marks the 9th anniversary of my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. How time flies when you are having “fun”J. Nine years ago, I never dreamed that I’d be in the “best shape” of my life now…9 years subsequent to diagnosis of a chronic illness. The illness still permeates my daily activities, but the limitations are manageable. I realized this is far from a “death sentence”. It is simply a call to adjust. I have and I continue to adjust everyday to its unpredictable nature.Because of this, I want to say “Hoorah!” especially to my MS buddies here on Bodyspace demonstrating their own perseverance despite the challenge. Go on, please take your bows. JI am celebrating another obstacle I continue to overcome – recovery of a completely torn ACL on Sept. 13, 2006. It’s been a half year, 6 months since the sadly accidental injury that occurred 2 days before a much anticipated appearance at a national Figure show. Since then, I have YET to lift utilizing my quad muscles in a capacity with any sort of semblance to pre-injury status. Muscle atrophy has ruined any symmetry desired and sought in Figure competitions. But, I’ll continue with the balancing and strengthening movements with hopes to get medical clearance within a month to restart my lower body weight lifting routine.Ooh yeah, and 3 months since my foot surgery…a “Bunionectiony”. A success there too it seems. I’m walking again…and can wear low heels. Whew, just in time for the cute sandal season. lol
And I made it to Oxygen magazine…May ‘07 issue. I had not yet seen the photo and story, but I am a designated “Future Cover Girl”. hehheeheeee
So, maybe my personal spring celebration isn’t as significant as the fact that the ‘day and night are about equal in length all over the world’ during the Vernal Equinox. Nonetheless, I am adamant about my reasons to celebrate. And believe that you too can appreciate my sense of JOY!
March 12, 2007 at 10:20 pm
lol, heels. Its all built from the bottom up, literally. Always positive, I love it.
March 13, 2007 at 7:30 am
I Love your Ultra-Positve Attitude.
Dawn, you truly motivate me!
Great Job Keep it up and you WILL be able to train quads again…I Promise…It’s just gonna take a little while.
I’m comming Back and so can you!
- Bill Belfert
March 13, 2007 at 7:39 am
What a spirit, what a woman! Congratulations on making into the Oxygen pages (front?? nice) and with that attitude, your knee will heal faster Ha, ha. good luck
March 13, 2007 at 11:34 am
I am feeling your joy and I admire your spirit! Can’t wait to see you in Oxygen mag!!!
March 13, 2007 at 11:44 am
That is so awesome for you. I can’t wait to see you in Oxygen.
March 13, 2007 at 4:48 pm
You really are the symbol of someone who is a warrior. I def. will pick up the Oxygen mag so I can say I used to talk to her before she started making the covers.
March 13, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Ok already, I was hungry after my workout. And besides, I needed some protein quick! I did toss one of the 3 burgers’ buns. And I only ate half of the sour cream WITH butter baked potato. With the exception of the grease content, it was a decent meal, UNTIL:
Until I swallowed that last bite! “Indigestion”
That is a funny story =)!!! I feel like doing the same thing right now but I know my gut would die.
March 14, 2007 at 12:59 am
Your blogs always serve to inspire! The big words are scary for a trucker… but I can figure them… for example.. "Vernal Equinox" It’s that guy from Cheers’ love for horses right? lols.. I crack me up!
Keep kickin butt!
March 14, 2007 at 4:27 am
And people stop living life to the fullest with much less medical diagnosises. You are an amazing woman!!!! And you look great in Oxygen, just got my monthly issue 2 days ago.
March 14, 2007 at 8:58 am
AhaaHAhHahhh. Thanks Everyone. Thanks for the good feedback to my journey despite obstacles. Thanks for checking out my pics on site and in the Oxygen magazine that so many have seen, but, I have yet to get a copy. And thanks for reading my sometimes convoluted blogs …(sorry Madfun, just means confusing as heck). And "thruxton" that’s plagirism! Dude, what gives?
Basically, you all make me smile and help maintain my positive attitude. I hope it rubs off on you too. –Dawn Melanie
March 15, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Saw the pic in oxygen mag - sooo cool! You have such a great attitude with all that you’ve been thru - and are still joing through! Keep at it - that muscle will come back once you get clearance to hit it hard!
March 15, 2007 at 8:29 pm
hey congrats on the mag. thanks for the idea ref the ice pak. I just recalled, there’s a specialty store right up the street from me. never crossed my mind to check there.
March 16, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Good Luck with your rehab.
you look great in that pic! you are such a inspiration and hopfully we will see more of you on stage!
March 17, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Wow DM that is fantastic!!! Now you’re gonna make me go pick up that issue of Oxygen
You’ve overcame a lot of obstacles and still continue on in spite of other hindrances, what drive and determination you have! Well, plenty of others have mentioned it here on your comments but i’ll say it to, you are truly inspirational!
March 17, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Likewise, again I offer my gracious acceptance to your kind words of thoughtfulness. Cheers! Dawn Melanie
March 18, 2007 at 10:10 am
Hey DT, is the quote for your blog "the thrill of victory…" from the real prophecy or did you snag that from the Wu-Tang? Keep rockin!
March 18, 2007 at 10:45 am
Nah,,,actually I just remembered that phrase from ABC’s Wide World of Sports!
Dawn Melanie
March 18, 2007 at 8:00 pm
OXYGEN!! I am a faithful fan and will look forward to seeing you! There is no one here with as much positive spirit as you- you are an inspiration, truly!
March 18, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Congratulations on the Oxygen feature! I will be getting my copy this week! That cover is next. : )
March 18, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Heheheheeheee! Thanks M.A.Change, I love optimism. As it is acknowledges the "possible". Cheers! Dawn Melanie
March 19, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Hooray!! I’m so happy for you, and much enjoying the nice spring weather here too. Much congratulations and keep up your hard work to get to your goals.
March 19, 2007 at 9:04 pm
DM congratulations on the Oxygen article………you deserve it and I will pick up a copy………looking forward to reading it………….never let anything stand in your way with any challenge………I am looking forward to meeting you at the NA…………..oh by the way have you competed at the NA and what was it like?
Christine
March 19, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Hi Christine, Thanks. And I too am looking forward to meeting you at the N.A. show. No, unfortunately I sustained my ACL injury just 2 days prior. Arrrrrgggghhhh!!! But, everyone I know who did compete in the show spoke very highly of the production and the promoter, Gary Udit - who sent me a personal reimbursement entry fee check after i contacted him about my unfortunate injury. How sweet was that?! –Dawn Melanie
March 19, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Well we can experience it together for the first time……………I can’t believe I wil be there at 45…………..it’s my lst year competing and I can’t wait to jump on stage………keep on training hard Dawn and keep in touch. Christine
March 19, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Wow, so much to over come, and you have done it with out looking back. Your awsome! Your physique is truly amazing! Keep it up Dawn, your quite the inspiration!
March 20, 2007 at 6:31 am
Yeah I’m with JaruebaT! I’ll be picking up a copy and I don’t care who sees me! LOL!! Don’t forget us little people!
March 20, 2007 at 12:41 pm
That is so awesome. I am so getting a copy. Way to go.
March 20, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for the welcome, I hope I can get some help sometimes
March 21, 2007 at 12:37 am
Enjoyed the talk we had. Thats cool your in Oxygen. I definetly will be reading your article.
Your story is amazing. Keep up the positive attitude. Recovery is around the corner.
March 21, 2007 at 8:01 pm
It’s funny how small a world it is, I link up with you through GoJoFit and had already seen your pic in Future Cover Girls (its one of the first sections I look at in O2). Great Pic, Great story, you are truly an inspiration. Best of luck to you in your fitness future. Keep in touch.
March 21, 2007 at 8:03 pm
You are an example of why I continue to visit other peoples’ bodyspace sites. Seeing what others have overcome helps keep me thinking I can do "it"! Thanks and again, congrats on making it into "Oxygen"!!! -Shannon
March 21, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Thanks Ladies…and Gents. I am still amazed at how many of you here have "recognized" me simply from my profile, etc. here on Bodyspace. Even more fulfilling are the responses that I continue to receive crediting me as an "inspiration". Never was that a set goal of mine. But, I am sincerely enjoying the feeling by merely sharing MY experiences. Thanks for your subpport and may I continue to be in a suitable capacity to continue such offerings. My blessings are many! –Dawn Melanie
March 22, 2007 at 8:02 am
nice attitude. congrats on the magazine do u get to meet oprah?
March 22, 2007 at 10:49 pm
wow,you have really inspires me!
March 22, 2007 at 10:52 pm
inspired me
March 23, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Awwww.. You inspire me Girl… AND I bought the issue tonight… I HAD to open it up and read it in line, I couldn’t wait…he he he Great pic in there too….
Talk soon…
Deanna
March 26, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Congrats on the Oxygen article…it was great!!
FYI on the ACL….it will come back, it just takes time. My husband had his done and it took a good 9 months before he felt comfortable with it.
FYI on the foot surgery…..you’ll be so happy you did it. I had one foot done 3 years ago and I’m doing the other in 8 weeks…..
March 26, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Thank you for your comment..you are quite an inspiration. I want to go get Oxygen to see you! Thank you:D
March 26, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Thanks… for the comment and giving me another motivation story. Its rough to fight thru an injury…. I had an incident doing power clings thats left me terrified of doing squats for the last year and a half. So I know what your up against but not quite to your extreme… stay motivated!
March 27, 2007 at 2:29 pm
You are truly a winner! Sometimes life seems rough until you hear someone elses story and then you realize life is not all that bad after all. Keep on keeping on Dawn Melanie, you give new meaning to being an inspiration! God bless you.
March 27, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Wow. I’m very proud of you. You are tuely inspiring. Yeah I think I need to learn how to spell. I subscribe to Oxygen and just took a moment to look. And I must say congrats! It must be hard to get ur photo in there. But You truly deserve it. Keep up the hard work
Bonnie
March 31, 2007 at 7:16 am
So I’m flipping through Oxygen and I see this picture and I’m thinking "She looks familiar to me…the name is familiar to me…." It’s you! I need to read your blogs more often so next time it’s not such a shock! LOL. You look FANTASTIC, but that’s a given. Congrats!!
April 2, 2007 at 1:05 pm
WOW!!!! I see you!!!! You’re on page 143!!!!!!!
You look good!!!!!! Congrats!!!!
April 3, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Way to Go, 43 comments, if that aint love, I don’t know what is. Congrats on being in Oxygen, I did see you way to go, by the way it was an awesome pic. Good for you, you are in great condition, you should feel so proud and grateful. I am blessed to have the opportunity to read about your stories.
April 5, 2007 at 11:06 am
Amazing work! I hope to find half as much success. I also wanted to thank you for "backing up" my advice, I often worry about giving advice and it is nice when people agree; dissolution of responsibility I guess haha.
May you have the best.
April 8, 2007 at 3:17 pm
HI Mel
So the countdown has started, one more month then you can get the wheels turning, so to speak hope you can be back on track as soon as possible, good luck
PS nice new profile pic
April 9, 2007 at 4:39 am
Thanks for the support!!! I am sorry about the knee injury… I feel your pain there.. I tore mine when I was 17; I had to give up dancing for a while; it takes time to feel comfortable standing strong on the hurt knee. My surgeon told me a few years back; that I didn\’t need to worry about the knee that had been fixed because it is now stronger than my other knee; it\’s just getting the muscles to work properly:) Best of luck…
April 10, 2007 at 10:27 am
Wow! You’re an inspiration!
April 11, 2007 at 10:29 am
You are a great inspiration. I have a friend who have MS and she’s driven to beat it as well.
Your goals are never to hard to achieve as long as you keep them in front of you.
Good luck in training.
April 11, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Beautiful pic in red…love that pose! I agree with the others who have left comments…truly an inspiration!! Makes the rest of us who are tempted to "wimp out" on a workout for a sore toenail or whatever, think again!! Keep it up!! LK
April 12, 2007 at 7:02 am
Wow girl. You’ve definately had your obstacles. That’s awesome how you’ve overcome them. You are a true inspiration to both ment and women. GOod luck!
April 12, 2007 at 7:12 am
A true inspiration story! congrats on the well-deserved cover!
April 12, 2007 at 9:17 am
congratulations on the oxygen mag - is that issue out yet? i’ll go get it if it is (my subscription ran out last year), how awesome for you!
April 12, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Congrats on the magazine story. I’ll look for ya!
April 12, 2007 at 5:33 pm
pumpiron Says:
April 12, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Check out my progress pictures just added what i look like as of 4 days of working out your the only one who posted on my site yet so ya check out my skinny body woohoo.
April 13, 2007 at 11:17 am
yes as a matter of fact my son my daughter and myself race bmx.treks are supernice bikes man you have an awsome body…what kind of diet are you on?? well talk to you soon!!
April 13, 2007 at 3:50 pm
I like your style…. keep on being an inspiration!
April 14, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Thanks for the comment..looking forward to the possibilites and experiences associated with this website!
April 17, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Congrats on all your successes. You have worked hard for what you’ve got and deserve it. Congrats on the mag. Let me know when it comes out so I can take a look. I also want to add that you have incredible strength, will, and determination to find back against the MS. It’s better to go out fighting than to just lay down in defeat. Thank you for your continued support. It makes me want to work harder and persevere so that your support isn’t in vain. Thank you.
April 18, 2007 at 10:38 am
Never thought I’d buy the Oxygen magazine -But I will. . .
April 22, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Incredible story, thank you very much!
April 29, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Congrats sweetie! You are such an inspiration without even trying
I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Systemic Lupus and that was the push over the edge for me as well. Funny how life throws us curve balls!
April 30, 2007 at 3:35 am
well done D, always good to read your stuff, you continue to inspire
j
May 1, 2007 at 4:46 am
well done! I hope to someday very soon be lean and strong again…
I only agree with protein/vegetables for the average person, certainly someone like you or a pro sport guy would need that plus "good carbs" but generally I think the best diet is protein and vegetables, because you get the food fat, the good carbs and protein. most people have trouble eating the right amount of good or even bad carbs so I just say go with vegetables because they’re low in calories.
May 11, 2007 at 4:59 am
You Rock….as usual! Still keeping your knee in my thoughts…really hope for a good recovery for you.
May 11, 2007 at 11:59 pm
congratz on sucess!!
May 17, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Looking forward to seeing how that leg workout goes. Your progress is a definite motivator!
Saw you in the new Oxygen mag! How exciting!
June 7, 2007 at 7:50 am
You made it to Oxygen! That’s freaking awesome! I never miss an issue. I have the July issue in my purse right now, w/ my fitness rx and muscle fitness for her. lol. (hey, I have a big bag!) but now, I have to look for my May issue, so I can say-Yeah-I know her! I talk to her all the time! lol
That’s so awesome! You have soooo much to be proud of! 
July 2, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I have killer bunions and I don’t want the surgery! I’m afraid it will effect the way I run. Do you think you will make it back to 100%?
July 4, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Congrats on the O mag. I will have t find that issue and check it out.
July 6, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Dawn,
Like I’ve been saying, your will power to heal yourself is enough for 5 thousand people.
Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see you in Oxygen. Can I get a personally signed copy?
July 28, 2007 at 8:51 pm
I have seen your profile many times though until this blog had not known you have MS. Congrats to you for not letting it get you down. I started back to working out because of decline from a different neurologic condition that got me motivated. You motivate me again. I am 18 months into my renewed health and have turned back the deterioration that got me started. Take care and thanks for the inspiration. Great trophy. Congrats!!
August 5, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Best wishes to you, DawnMelanie. You really know how to do things right - ACL, sliced calf, ouch. Seriously, so glad to read your positive messages to everyone and believe you deserve the same or better treatment. Kudos to you for maintaining such a terrific attitude in the face of some tremendous adversity.
:)
August 29, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Hey, girl. I made it. I am qualified for nationals.
Thanx for the support.
September 16, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Hey DM. I don’t need to tell you that you are a real inspiration to many on this site, including me. I’m glad to know you, if only through cyber space
October 14, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Wow!!! You are such an inspiration to not only me but many others!!! It’s great to see someone do what you’ve done when you could have easily taken a darker road!! Good job and thank you!
October 25, 2007 at 10:23 am
Your recovery from reconstructive knee surgery is an inspiration to me. Ive actually had both knees reconstructed over the last 3 years (most recently last year). Prior to my surgeries I was very fit and active but complacency set in and became out of shape. Ive rededicated myself and have made big strides. Seeing your progress post surgery is a great motivational tool.
Thanks