I still got it!

So I realized that I have not posted for a bit...sorry about that. (I know you must have been getting no sleep in fear you may be missing something...but have no fear!) So last week I went to the gym for my normal (wow, I can actually say that?!) workout but ended up cutting it short with excruciating pain in my calves. I did however manage to run my fastest mile (at that time!) before hobbling down the stairs to get to my car in which I had to sit for a good 5 minutes trying not to freak out and cry because of the pain (I HATE crying) before driving home. I couldn't seem to shake the pain for a few days (perhaps I should have purchased some stock in ibuprofen) and didn't want to aggravate them, so I took some time off from the gym (believe it or not, this made me antsy...I actually missed having that physical activity!). Well...I finally went back! Today's lunch hour felt fantastic! I completed another day on my C25K program and did my normal 2 miles faster than ever (well maybe not EVER, but at least since high school LOL)!!!

I am proud of the improvement in just a few weeks and CANNOT wait to improve even more! A few friends and I are looking into running some 5Ks at the end of summer and on...CAN'T wait!!! It seems so strange that I used to run track back in the day and loved it...and I didn't run for so many years. (I could delve into the reasons why...but we'll just leave it as I allowed myself to make excuses and let life pull me along.)

Although I would love to lose weight, my goal is to be healthy and happy. I do not ever want to be the twig I used to be as that wasn't healthy either. I look at pictures from that time and it digusts me...I wish I could feed my younger self and tell her to keep her chin up and don't let people destroy her confidence. So although the above picture is motivating me to keep improving on my health...the following picture is a reminder to me that I do not want to completely let myself go to an extreme either (this was at my current height and my stomach was actually inverted! Yuck!).

Here's to improvement that will hopefully never diminish! Cheers! (Oh, this is your opportunity to clap and get excited...you're welcome HAHA)
:-)

Lunch of champions

So I worked from home today (I am fortunate enough to have this available to me while I still have my corporate job) and was feeling very sluggish (eww yuck!). I decided that instead of letting myself feel this way, that I would do something about it. So I actually went to the gym at lunch! Who knew that people did that during the workday?! I was surprised to find that there were actually more people there at lunchtime than any other time I have gone (it was kinda like walking into the twilight zone for a few minutes LOL). Anyway, I started up my C25K app and jumped on the treadmill and went at it. Today was my Week 1, Day 3 workout (although it was actually day 4...I just sucked at life day one and had to run outta there too quick to be able to finish the last 2 minutes of my cool down so it didn't count). I know it's not fantastic, but since I have not jogged in YEARS, I am pretty damn proud of myself. I completed 2 miles in 30 minutes! (This includes brisk walking and jogging intermittently.) I cannot wait to improve on this (and perhaps wear a more supportive sports bra next time...but that's another story) and be able to run a 5k at the end! So, what did you do for lunch today? HEHE

Biggest Loser

About a month or so ago, the females in my family decided to do a Biggest Loser contest with the winner getting a pedicure at the end. I didn't think I had a shot in hell at winning because I feel that I have so much more to lose (no, we are not going by lbs lost, but by percentages so I realize we can all potentially win), but was willing to join in for the support and fun of it.

A few weeks went by and for whatever reason I decided I needed to take "before pictures" so that I can see a difference at the end of the competition (like I as actually doing something to win LOL). These pictures actually horrified me! Oh.My.God. Don't get me wrong, I love having curves, but I do NOT like seeing certain curves in the light of day. There is a reason you can turn lights off. HAHA.

So being me, I needed to find the good in it, so I decided that those pictures were the motivation I needed....so I downloaded an app on my phone (Couch-to-5k) and started it last week. (Who said a chick with HUGE knockers can't run?) HAHA...so it may not be pretty, but screw it. I am actually LOVING jogging again...I didn't realize how much I missed it. I'm not ready for a 5k yet, but look out world, when I am, IT'S ON.

So the app is great, but it pisses me off at the same time...I cannot get it to sync with the treadmill and it doesn't show what I'm actually doing. If I make it a certain distance, I want to be acknowledged for it damnit! And at the correct speed would be nice too! But I digress...

It's great, and either way, I will see a change in what I can accomplish by the end of the program. If you're feeling lucky, I may share my journey...OK, maybe not EVERYTHING don't worry. Perhaps if I keep this up, there is a chance in hell that I may win that pedicure! And then maybe get that tattoo I've been talking about.............

Beginnings...or ends...how do you see it?

OK, for quite some time now I have had an internal debate over whether or not to start a blog...guess which side won...no, not "I'll Have Another" so get over it already (for those of you who may not know what I am talking about, perhaps you should turn your TV or computer on or open a newspaper LOL). I do not expect to have people banging on my door waiting for my next post, but if for some weird reason I am able to make someone realize they are not alone in this crazy, f'd up world, then I've done my part. Enjoy...


What has brought me to this point in my life? Hmm...a few months ago myself and many coworkers were pulled into a room and advised that the company had decided to pull out of the business we handled. Just. Like. That. To make matters worse, we had to continue working for 2 months as if nothing had changed. Riiight.  To make it even better, they then offered us a 30 day extension...and then another...and then another. WTF...either job or no job. The yo-yo they put us on is exhausting! We've now gone through 2 rounds of "last days" and had to say goodbye to some of the most amazing, funny, caring individuals that made going to work fun. Although I love those that are still there everyday with me, it's not the same as it used to be. We are all unsure of where we'll be in a few weeks or months, but we know we're not alone with this.

Since getting the news of my job elimination, I have battled with myself over what to do. I decided to go back to what I love...kids. After taking my (annual) trip to TX with my sister, nephew, and niece, a friend and her daughter to visit amazing friends (and their family!) I realized that I would LOVE to be a nanny. I forgot how much I enjoyed running after kids and making them smile. I took a leap of faith that I am meant to work with kids and created a profile to become a nanny. Guess what...it worked! I started nannying the most amazingly well-behaved twins (who said I wasn't an over achiever...one wasn't enough! lol). The family is awesome and I have arranged my schedule so that I am still working full time (yes, I accepted the extension) and nannying one day a week. It's great! (I wish I could do it more! Shhh...I'm not crazy, I just enjoy it HAHA.)

To make life even more interesting, I decided to start my own business...with Mary Kay! (I know, you are thinking, "WHAT?!"...yes, it's me, who does not know how to apply makeup other then powder and mascara! But damnit I sure as hell am willing to learn!) There are no guarantees in life, so why not spread yourself out and give different things a chance, right? Right. So go ahead and allow me to offer you a FREE facial...and accept it DAMNIT! (Even if you don't become a client, you can let me practice my spiel on you...and laugh at me if you feel the urge LOL.)

So I have gone from working one stressful account management job...to doing my old (monotonous) job (that allows me to continue my benefits), nannying, running my own business (OK attempting to get it going right now), and I am also in the process of becoming a contracted pet sitter (yes, we do exist!). Phew...that's it! Oh yea, I am still trying to figure out if and how I can go back to school too...but I am taking it one day at a time. Who knew that working multiple jobs is less stressful then when I was only working my one stressful job! Life has a way of showing you how strong you are and leading you in the right direction.

While this is all going on with work, life continues too. Family issues are always there...long story short, its not easy, but we stick together to pull us all together and over life's obstacles. Friends are just an extension of family, and I couldn't be as strong as I am without each and every one of them.

OK...I think that's enough to start with...you (are you there??) and I need a break. OK, scratch that. I am tired of talking about myself. HA!