Retreat and Rehabilitation

Hello Work Out fans!!! You all have had so much drama to digest these last few weeks but somehow I think you guys are eating it up. Ha!

My presence on the show has been somewhat understated -- until NOW. The whole point of these blogs is to give perspective so now I can finally say that Shannon is all MINE. Peeler out -- JD in. I came into Sky Sport as a massage therapist and new trainer, never realizing that my first client would be in Sky Lab and that I would be tested and pushed to become the best trainer possible. I can't give away my experiences with Shannon, but let's just say I was totally committed to her success and knowing my abilities would be compared against JACKIE'S AND PEELER'S.

I just want to comment for a second on Peeler's termination. I am sure Jackie is getting hate mail galor but please realize that not every detail is shown on TV. I think Jackie and Lisa should have kept their insecure catty comments to themselves but how was Jackie to know that Peeler's client had cancer? Jackie has struggled with cancer in her own family and knowing her, I would say she would never deliberately insult a cancer survivor. May I also say that these comments were said in a somewhat private situation and they were overheard by someone other than Peeler's client. So before I get hate mail, I just would like to express that there are always details the viewers are not hearing, seeing, or experiencing. I think Jackie should have apologized but she is not the villain that she's being made out to be. She has publicly addressed these issues already, so I would like to put it to rest. Am I happy Peeler is out? Yes -- selfishly because I was able to be given a chance to make a difference in someone's life. In addition I don't think working with two people who HATE each other is a good environment for anybody. Let me also say that I actually like Peeler. He was going through a lot at that time but he did make an effort to make sure I was doing OK and to include me. I struggled with believing Peeler was a genuine person but he does have a big heart and regardless of our differences I would like to consider him a friend.

Let's go on a retreat! First, what a gorgeous environment to have a retreat in. The Dolphin Bay Resort was amazingly accommodating and I just wanted to say thank you to Maureen for an amazing experience. The retreat was full of drama, breakthroughs, and some hooking up. You have to wait to see what really happens when trainers drink together next week. I was sooooo happy though to have the opportunity to talk with Shannon and connect with her. I know she was worried about me and connecting with someone new. No one wants to be passed around. She started with Jackie originally, then Peeler and then to me: a somewhat new trainer, regardless of how passionate I was. I had a lot to prove to Shannon, myself, and Jackie was in the wings watching over to make sure I could do it. That's a lot of pressure. After the amazing dinner with Chef Evan and bonding with Shannon, I knew she felt betrayed when we came knocking on the door at 5 a.m. I think she would have liked a courtesy call so she could throw some make up on and wipe the sleep from her eyes. WHAT A FIGHTER THOUGH! Shannon showed me what true commitment was. She gave me 110%, threw up, and never complained besides asking for a Tic Tac. I knew from that moment that as long as I gave her the same energy she would get amazing results and we would be a force to be reckoned with.

And what an INTENSE therapy session. To realize these peoples stories and journeys they have been through. I know people want me to talk about Deenie and comment on her smoking, hurt ankle, and excuses BUT Deenie eventually finds her way. Sometimes we have to hit bottom to see what others are seeing to change. Denial is a powerful device. I was so proud of Shannon for sharing her heartfelt story though. Shannon is not a victim. Her family has had to deal with a handicap but have turned it around into an inspiration. Her husband and her daughters have the same strength and determination that Shannon emits. I have so much respect for the efforts and persistence they put forth. What an amazing family. We can all be victims, but we can make the decision to pull ourselves up and look at what our options are. We can all be fighters! Thank you Shannon!