Catching Up With..

Melynda Commiato

By Charlotte on August 19, 2011 8:00 AM

Turning 53 was a light-bulb moment for Boomer Melynda Commiato. That's when the Texas native decided it was "time to take care of me."

Wanting to drop a few pounds and improve her energy, Melynda took several life-changing steps. She consulted a hypnotist for help losing weight, began a serious workout program and said "Hello" to healthy eating. Roughly one-year later, she'd lost 65 pounds and needed a new wardrobe!

 

Proving that life can begin in your '50s, Melynda also started over in a new town. She moved to Boerne, Texas, a quaint setting 22 miles northeast of San Antonio filled with antique shops and historic landmarks, in June after divorcing. There she's met lots of interesting, new people and is learning to enjoy the simple things in life.

 

Today, Melynda says she is happier than she ever imagined. She begins her days with a two-mile walk followed by 15 minutes of strength training and a half hour of pool exercises. She's careful about what she eats. Fish, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables, and water often top her table. She stays motivated by checking things off her Bucket List and being physically able to do them. When a recent trip to New Braunfels' Natural Bridge Caverns took this Boomer 18 stories below ground, she hiked back to the surface without a problem. And she's the first to admit she couldn't have done that a year ago.

 

We caught up with an all smiles Melynda just as she was leaving for a stroll. Since she's found the secret to getting the most from life, it seemed only natural that we ask her how she spends her weekends...

How do you like to spend your Saturdays?

Going to the Botanical Gardens, taking long walks, traveling and feeding the ducks. I am lovin' life! I even went to the movies for the first time in nine years and bought new white jeans and shorts for the summer. Haven't done that in years! I was surprised to find out I have nice legs!!

I also like spending time with my two grandsons and reuniting with my Sam Houston (Arlington, Texas) high school classmates.

 

My grandsons Garrytt and Brayden bring such joy to my life. Garrytt is starting high school this year. (I can't believe he'll soon be 15.) I love watching him play all sorts of sports but basketball is his favorite. Our miracle child, Brayden, is 5. He's a computer whiz that came into this world weighing only 2 pounds 15 ounces. We color, watch movies and hike together.

 

After my 30-year high school reunion, I felt compelled to keep everyone connected. We've all reached a time in our lives when we're helping with kids, parents and trying to juggle so much. I knew we could be a strong support system for each other. So I started organizing more frequent get-togethers where we could have some shoulders to lean on and let our hair down for a few hours.

 

What are you reading now?

Sandra Brown's Tough Customer. Her books are easy to read, even a little juicy, without lots of foul language.

 

What's your favorite drink?
That would have to be a Coke Icee. I can tell you where they're sold from Tyler, Texas to Trinidad, Colorado.

 

But when I got hypnotized for the weight loss, I quit caffeine because I had to have sugar in everything to drink it. Since I'm caffeine-free now, I go for water, milk and the occasional Mike's Hard Lemonade.

What was last movie you saw in a real movie theatre?

Cowboys and Aliens starring Harrison Ford. The people of an 1800's Arizona town are being kidnapped by aliens in need of the area's gold. It's an interesting combination of the best of the western and sci-fi genres.

 

Conan, Letterman, Leno, Fallon or Ferguson?

Craig Ferguson is my late night man ... I love his sense of humor.

 

Last time you read a "real" hold-it-in-your-hands newspaper?

I read the Boerne Star every week. It comes out on Friday and, unlike the evening news, focuses on positive events. I read it in the hopes of finding both good local news and some acreage for a future home.

 

 

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