A new travel companion

After some pushing and prodding, Jason agreed to join me at the gym.  We got a membership Monday at Snap Fitness.  ATC Fitness is SUPPOSED to be coming to Jackson.  But, we're not sure when.  So, this will do for now.  There are parts about it, I am not a fan.  Its missing a few pieces of equipment I wish they had.  HOWEVER, I have no clue where the would put it :P.

I have a new frenemy: the stationary bike.  Yesterday was our first day working out.  When I got up this morning, I seriously thought my legs were going to fall off.  They hurt.  They felt like Jell-O.  Blah.  But, tonight I put on my workout clothes and got on the treadmill.  Got on my frenemy.  Lifted some weights.  Ready to be sore tomorrow.

Every Tues Jason and I will be taking update pictures.  We will be measuring various parts of our body.  

Week One Check-In

Jason:

(inches)

Thigh

22 3/4 (L)

23 1/2 (R)

Calf

17 (L)

16 3/4 (R)

Forearm

10 1/2 (L)

10 (R)

Upper Arm

 13 (L)

13 3/4 (R)

Neck

16 3/4

Chest

44

Waist

41 1/8

Hips

44

Alison:

(inches)

Thigh

23 1/2 (L)

22 7/8 (R)

Calf

17 1/2 (L)

17 1/4 (R)

Forearm

9 1/2 (L)

10 1/8 (R)

Upper Arm

 13 1/2 (L)

14 1/4 (R)

Neck

15

Chest

43 3/4

Waist

22

Hips

43 1/2

This is disheartening.  But, these numbers will change.  Some will get lower.  Some will get higher.  The pictures are definitely going to change.  

Tomorrow morning we will weigh in for the first time.  See you then ;)

not this day again

So much on my mind, I can't sleep.

Hubby's been there for a while.  Should be there, too.  But here I am.  In front of a computer I haven't had on in a while.

There's lots of things I haven't done in a while.  Work out is one of them.  Paying for something I haven't used.  That will be remedied within days.  I'm gaining the weight back.  Easy fix.  I did it once in about six weeks.  I can do it again.

Youth group trip is weeks away.  Can't wait.  I think the in between time will be the death of me.  

Father's Day.  Probably my least favorite day of the year.  Makes me miss my Dad more than usual.  Makes me despise Gary more than usual.  Just another day to throw in my face to say, "Hey...guess what?  You're missing out."

Looked at a "friend's" wedding pictures tonight.  Picture of her and her dad laughing their heads off.  So jealous.  

Very grateful for the men God has brought into my life to fill some of those blanks.  Yet, I still miss him.

Any guy can make a child.  But, it takes a man to raise one.  A truly great man takes on the task of raising another man's responsibility.  Tom did that for me.  And I truly thought he'd get to be a part of my life for a lot longer than he did.  Wanted him to walk me down the aisle.  

There are so many times that I look at my husband, and realize how much my dad would have loved him.  

Jason was grilling tonight, and I looked outside.  I could just picture them standing by the grill enjoying a beer together, and just waiting for the meat to finish.  

I can hear his laugh in the back of my head.  Such a unique laugh.  

As I sit here, tears streaming down my face, I can hear him telling me, "Goose, suck it up."  He wouldn't want me "wasting tears" on him.  Not really sure he fully realized just how much I loved him.  How much I appreciated all he tried to and did do.  He always thought he embarrassed me.  So not true.  Sometimes being a teenager brings out the worst in yourself.  And those that truly matter get hurt in the process.

I think about all that I would say to him right now.  But, I don't think there would be a lot of words.  Honestly, I just wish I could wrap my arms around him, and tell him again that I love him.  Tell him that he was one of my favorite people on Earth.  Nobody was perfect, and I didn't expect him to be.  I didn't expect him to be anything more than who he was.

Growing up, his favorite answer for me was, "We'll talk about it over a beer when you're older."  I'm ready to have that talk.  I would do anything to have that talk.  

I made fresh salsa yesterday w/ a tomato and two fresh avocados.  As I ate it for dinner tonight, how I wished to share it with him.  Actually, wished I could have him make it, because it would have been better.

Its been almost six and a half years since my dad passed away.  I can't remember who told me it would get easier.  But.....they lied.  It gets different.  But, it never gets easier.  

Deep down I know my dad is proud of me.  Part of me wonders if this is where he pictured me being.  But, the only thing he wanted for me was to be happy.  And to be the best at whatever made me happy.  And, I'm definitely getting there.  

I think back to the song that played at Jason and my wedding.  "One More Day," by Lonestar.  If I had that one more day...part of it would be spent cruising around in my car.  He would love my car.  Yes, I'd have to clean it out first.  But, he'd probably help, and tease me every second.  Actually, no.  He'd throw all the junk in the back seat.  Its what he always did in the truck.

As, I look over at my dog sleeping on the couch, I think about how much Dad would love him.  Woodie wouldn't leave his side...feet...whichever.  

Oh, how I need to see him.  Hopefully, one day.

One day.

today...thats what day it is

So, I've been very lax in doing posts.  Life has caught up with me.  I have two jobs now, and have been working A LOT more than I used to.  Youth group has hit full speed.  We're less than three months away from going to New Orleans.

I have still been working out here and there.  Haven't gained the weight back, but have lost some of the muscle.  Definitely got to get back in the swing of things.  I am going to start sitting down with my work schedule every week and mapping out when I'm going to go to the gym.

I have to.  Otherwise, I'm never going to get to my goal.  Got to get back to eating more strictly.  I take my lunch to work, so it shouldn't be an issue.  Time to be more disciplined again.

I am fully happy with the way my life is.  Definitely think the working out will make things even better.  If that is possible.  I adore my job at Best Buy.  Adore.  Its fun, challenging, and rewarding.  Love having bosses that have my back and give me opportunity.  Church is starting to settle with the drama.  Jason and I are finally in a rhythm.  While we're out of the honeymoon stage, and aren't getting along 100% of the time, we work.

Time to get down to work.  It will start Monday :).

Day 89

So, I think I've set into a groove.  I'm still losing weight little by little.  Some of my jeans that haven't seen the light of day in a while, have made their way out of the closet.  Its been good to see them. 

But, in other news, on the job front...........I GOT A JOB!!!  Its part-time at the ball park here in Jackson.  I am ushering for the 2010 Diamond Jaxx season.  So, a lot of things flag on this one.  Part-time.  Temporary.  The Jaxx very rarely hire full-time positions from the street.  I'm hoping to land something by the end of the summer.  I'd love to be added to their regular staff. 

So, now comes the shopping.  I need new sneakers, khakis pants/shorts, and other random things.  But, I have time for some.  These aren't things I have to get all at once.

Many have asked about the Nissan position.  My 2nd interview was scheduled for 10am Friday.  They called me after 9am to tell me they filled the position Thurs, and told me not to bother showing up.  I was furious. 

Anytime Fitness called me and said they had narrowed all the current applicants down to me and one other person.  However, they're still accepting applications.  So, we'll see from them.  Hopefully I hear from them by Wednesday, because I have a 3rd interview with Best Buy.  I think I'll get offered that job, but who knows.  But, I would prefer to have the gym job. 

I am definitely seeing some light at the end of the tunnel :). 

Until next time...

Day 81

I had a job Wed that blew me away.  What an opportunity.

There's a gym opening in Milan, which is about 20 minutes from my house.  I WANT TO WORK HERE SO FLIPPING BAD!!!!!  On my way to the interview, I couldn't help but start making marketting plans in my head.  After the interview I'm frustrated beyond belief. 

The owner told me I gave a good interview.  I was me.  I couldn't help but be anything but me.  Michael (the owner) was hard.  He kicked my butt...and loved it.  HARD.  But he's got A LOT of money invested in this place, so I totally get it.  However, holy crap.  He was thorough.  He was specific.  However, he coached me through the whole thing.  While, this probably makes no sense whatsoever......I WANT THIS JOB!!!! 

For those who've talked to me since I've been working out.  There's so much I could eventually see myself doing.  I think this could be the first step.  However, he wants someone that is a "good fit."  You know...business experience w/ a personal training license.  I want to get my certification in personal training.  I want to work with people in the field of wellness.  Oh, how I want this job!!!!!

Michael told me over and over not to kick myself and get frustrated.  But, those that know me realize that I can't help it.  I've replayed this interview over and over again in my head.  I just want to get to do it again.  I want it so bad I can't see straight.  Michael would be a fantastic boss.  So will Lisa.

I think the part that frustrates me, is that it felt like I had the job in the bag.  Yet, once again, I get the, "we still have some more interviews to do."  AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGH!!!

And on another hand...I had an interview today at the Nissan dealership here in town.  I'd be a Sales Writer. People tell me why they brought their car in.  I put it into the computer, and the tech checks out their vehicle. The tech comes back and tells me whats wrong.  I convince the customer what to do to their vehicle. 

The lady who told Jason about the job (to tell me) said it was full time with benefits.  Full time.  Benefits.  After the interview (that took less than 10 minutes), it sounds like a fantabulous position for me.  Maybe this is why I haven't had any luck.  Maybe this is the position I was supposed to have.  This is definitely something I would be successful at.  

I think I got the job.  I have to talk to my interviewer's boss theoretically on Monday.  She's going to call me back to let me know when.

This is crazy to me.  I found a job that I think will be perfect, and the same day God drops one in my lap.  Basically hands it to me on a silver platter.  Just another lesson in what we think is best, isn't always. 

I googled the heck out of the job, and it doesn't appear to have been publicly posted yet. They're open from 7:30-5 Mon-Fri, 8-1 Sat.  This would be perfect for Wed nights.  Definitely not a time frame where I'd have to rush to church.  Seemed like people I'd enjoy working with.  Did I mention it'd be good money?

Until next time...

Day 75

Well, there I go letting my blog go. I am not letting myself go yet. Or my goals. The snow kicked my butt, and made me get cabin fever. It seems that just when we got the first batch of snow to melt, the second batch came to take its place. Was definitely nice to build a snowman, HOWEVER Woodie does NOT like snow...


To make a long story short...I'm officially ready for spring.

Things have picked back up with church. Bill's been busy with work, so I've been running the show. Been fun getting to know the kids. Definitely get to see some of their colors they normally hide when "real" adults are around. Tomorrow (today) is Acolyte training at church. Should have eight or nine kids. Pretty excited about it. Definitely put quite a few man hours into planning this. Its the first opportunity to get to "re-prove" myself, so to speak. It would be awesome if the kids would fly right tomorrow.

Back in the gym hardcore. Been trying some new things. Trying to switch it up to see how my body responds. Been hitting it hard on those ab bench things; making myself use the one with an incline. Cut down my cardio a little, but have been hitting the weights harder. Trying to really focus on my abs, and back. Since using the ab bench, I have noticed my entire back is sore. Not painful. Just sore. I can tell the muscles are getting stronger.

I'll start measuring again next week. Had some really great leads for jobs. Hopefully something will come of one or two of them. There's a new gym hiring, and I'd LOVE that. I would appreciate all prayers.

Until next time...

Day 63--February 1st

Ok...Snow sucks at life.  I have been griping all winter about not getting any of the white dust.  If I start doing it ever again...tell me to shut my trap.

I've got cabin fever worse than ever.  I can't go to the gym.  I couldn't go to Nashville.  I love my husband more than anything.  However, we've been stuck around each other basically non stop for five days.  I don't drink a lot, especially since I started working out.  But, I want a Smirnoff or something similar.  And, guess what...there are none in this house...BOOOOO! 

Did I mention I haven't been to the gym since Thurs?  Its driving me nuts.  The elliptical is calling my name.  I refuse to measure myself this week.  I flat out refuse.  I will again next week.  Don't think I've gained weight while being cooped up, but I don't want to see if I have hahaha.

Plus, to make matters worse for my mood...I'm PMSing so bad I can't see straight.  Totally feel sorry for Jason.  Everything is ticking me off.  I need to take some aggression out on the weights soon.  Hopefully that can happen tomorrow.

Pretty excited about Sunday's big game!!  GO COLTS!  Got a few friends coming over.  Especially excited about Jamie coming.  Will be good to see him, plus he's going to go work out with me, and give me pointers.  Hopefully he has some tricks up his sleeve.

Until next time...