LOVE this story and other Friday Finds

Last week The Husband and I were watching a television news show, I can't remember which one.  We were both touched and awed by the story of Brian Banks. 
You might of heard of him in the news lately.  His is a remarkable story.  And you all know how I love a story.  Brian was  a highschool football star.  In fact, he was such an awesome athlete that he was ranked 11th nationwide as a middle linebacker.  He had offers to play in several Division 1 schools and had decided to play at the University of Southern California.  Unfortunately, that never happened.  He was wrongfully accused of rape and kidnapping in 2002.  Unbelieveably, with no DNA evidence he faced a 41 year sentence.  He decided to plead "no contest" and received a 5 year sentence which would be followed by 5 years on probation.  Gone was his dream of playing football.  

Fast forward to a recent Facebook friend request.  A friend request came from the girl who wrongfully accused him of rape.  Hearing Brian talk about that during his on this news show, I just could not imagine what he was thinking when he got that "friend" request - from someone who was so obviously NOT a friend.  He ended up meeting up with her where she confessed to making the entire thing up and saying she "felt bad" about it.  However, not bad enough to come forward if it meant she had to give up any of the money she had gotten as a result of her accusations.  Brian had some detective help with his case and was able to use the accusers confession.  

Fast forward again.  Brian Banks was exonerated of the charges.  Two weeks later he got a call from a trainer encouraging him to get back in the gym.  He had to make up for 10 years  of being away from the game of football, the workouts, the training, the whole lifestyle of being an athlete.  However,  his dedication and hard work all paid off when he got a call to participate in some professional minicamps and, recently, was invited to try out by our very own Atlanta Falcons.  Brian Banks will now be on the roster of the Atlanta Falcons.  How incredibly uplifting!

He may still have a long way to go, but I know I'm rooting for him.  After going through everything he has, and beating such odds, he surely can only go up and forward from here.  Makes me think of one of my favorite words:  perseverance.  

What a great story!

Other things I've seen this week:

*The USDA has established some guidelines for snacks in schools.  Seeing how kids these days snack at every possible opportunity - school, sports, camp, church, playground, and the list goes on, one mom takes a great stand on the constant snacking and wants to educate us on ways we can support the new USDA guidelines here.  
When you get a chance, give it a read.

*I am constantly being asked about foods to help boost metabolism.  So, if you are wondering about these, check these 18 Metabolism Boosting Foods.  

I'm dying to make this! Quinoa, Asparagus, Sundried Tomatoes and a little goat cheese. Doesn't it look great?

A little something to think about - Don't drink away all your calories!

This is for all of you 8 Week Challengers! This is why we stretch! Maybe . . . And it's good for a Friday afternoon chuckle!

I'm headed to the beach tomorrow with the Third Son for some Spring Break fun.  Since I don't have a laptop (am I the only person in history who doesn't?) I'm afraid I'll be absent from the blogsphere!  

Hope you all have a Great Week, stay active, and have some stories to tell!