My name is Raya and I currently live in the Orlando, FL area.  I grew up in upstate NY and will always be a small-town girl at heart. I love being outdoors and going on adventures.  I also love movies, music and new restaurants!!

This is me being silly in my car!

I began training in martial arts in the beginning of 2003 at the insistence of my little sister.  In 2008 I achieved the title of First Degree Black Belt and this year (2009) I achieved my Second Degree black belt and will be at this level for several years. 

This is me (right) and my *little* sister at my First Degree Black Belt testing. She was testing for Second Degree that day also. Now we are both Second degree, for the moment.   

My journey to black belt was filled with sweat, tears, frustrations, and of course, soreness and bruises!  But I also learned a lot along the way about myself, both physically and mentally.  Originally when I started training I lost about 40 pounds and felt great. Unfortunately, over the last year, I got a job sitting at a desk and cannot believe how that has affected my metabolism! I have put back on a lot of the weight and am now, once again, on the weight loss journey.  I know how to eat healthy, I know how to exercise properly, now the next step is being disciplined to do so consistently! I hope some of you can join me on my journey