So my off-campus challenge (OCC) went well. Many of you may be wondering what an "off-campus challenge" is. Well, it is basically a break from the school but not from our program. On an off-campus challenge you have to work your skills such as self-monitoring and exercise. You see at home, there is no planned schedule; you have to do the planning. It can be very difficult to do.

My OCC went very well. My mother and I had planned out all of my meals even before we left to go to Lake Powell. We had estimations of how many calories and fat everything would contain. My mom even put labels on everything homemade so I would know how much fat and calories to self-monitor.

I went home on Tuesday the 11th. I stayed up 'til one thirty in the morning and I woke up at five fourty five that same morning. Why? many of you may be asking yourselves. Well, I had made a promise to my bloodhound of one year that I would get up and take her on a walk. You see, since we were going to go to the lake, we were going to kennel our dogs. It would be great for her and me. So I got up and did it at the sound of my alarm clock. No questions asked. Then I went to go on a four mile walk with my dad. It was great spending time with him, and my dog.

Then my dad and I went out to eat. We went to JB's. It was great. They have a bar with yogurt and fresh fruit. I also ordered a plain pancake with fresh fruit and yogurt on it. No syrup or butter! So when we got up the the lake that night I already had 29,897 steps. That is two times the amound needed daily. So I did pretty well there.

Now, when we were out on the lake I had a pretty hard time exercising. It was hot so I didn't want to walk, I just wanted to float in the water and talk to my family. One day I did go for a long swim, but it wasn't enough since I did it only one day. I did eat well though.

So my OCC was good. However, I still need to learn. The first time I went home I gained almost three pounds. This time I gained .8. So it isn't too bad and every OCC I go on I learn a little more. It was great spending time with my family and friends. All of them supported me alot while I was at home. Coming back to AOS was hard. I was so used to doing what I wanted to and when. But I am glad to be back. I still need to learn alot and get some emotional things out of the way, but I'm getting there. I got back on Tuesday the 18 and the next day I was out and running on the morning walk. I felt confident that my OCC went well. Also, I got asked out by Mr. Anonymous. At first, I was unsure about a relationship here. Then I got to thinking, why not? Just so long as it doesn't affect my program, it will be fine. So life is good here at AOS!