Not a Horrible Halloween This Year

Dramatic much, with the blog post? Yes, a lil dramatic but hey, in my mind it's warranted. Here's why.

Last year, on Halloween, I started the job from hades. I knew it was going to be hellacious, I cried when I accepted the job, I cried on my way home from my first day of training and I cried probably every week I was there. Awful, awful. 

I remember crying to Lynn and my sisters every day driving home the first week. And worrying I wouldn't be able to handle everything. Worrying about my life going forward. Worrying about people not showing up for shifts. Worrying, worrying, worrying. Yet knowing this was one of two full-time job offers I'd received in six months and this one was the 'right' one to take. 

Because the other one was easy. In an office. Something I was trying to get away from at the time. This one was the job people helped me get. Went out on a limb for with recommendations. So, naturally I couldn't turn it down after it was offered. Buck up, buttercup and all that jazz right?

Y'all, it was bad, no it was worse than I imagined. I had a feeling it would be chaos, a gut feeling in my stomach this was NOT for me and I was 100% correct. I mean, a full on three day gallbladder attack the weekend before my job starts must have been someone kind of warning, right? Because this job took a lot out of me.

Because of this job my health suffered. Because of this job I found myself floundering again. Because of this job I was tested. Because of this job I became someone I never believed could exist. Because of this job I didn't sleep. Because of this job I cried everyday. Because of this job fights with Le Husband happened frequently. Because of this job I doubted myself. Because of this job, I quit.

Before you stop reading because you think I'm ungrateful, trust me, I get it. I 100% understand that the job from hades was still THE JOB I prayed for so many many months. The job that took me from part time to full-time. From no benefits to benefits. From zero management skills to management of a team of sixteen. This job made me believe I could be a personal trainer full-time. This job brought me to some incredible friendships and people. This job taught me more about myself than I ever knew. This job qualified us for a house. This job was the first stepping stone towards a different life. 

Now here I am, a year later. On the brink of beginning my personal training career. Something I never in A MILLION years expected. One small step at a horrible job, made it all possible. 

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Wishing you and yours a fun, safe and happy halloween!

I Could Tell You About My Weekend...

Morning, friends. Welcome to another week, what what!?!? I hope you had a wonderful weekend, mine was pretty darn awesome. And I could tell you alllll about it. 

I could tell you about...

...the four plus hour drive, starting with 70 degrees and sunny and ending in the rainy 40s.

...the instagram story I wanted to post but didn't have time because we were late.

...the cold cold rain at a cousin's football game.

...hating the cold rain but it's what you do for family.

...chaparoning another cousin in an uber to go meet family at a bar during halftime.

... a three week old baby in a bar and all the snuggles.

... lazy Saturday morning recovering from the cold.

... sushi lunches and being overdressed for the cold.

... the awesome OHIO STATE win after a terrible beginning. #GOBUCKS

... yummy lasagna dinner and delicious chocolate cake dessert.

... sleeping in Sunday morning and getting a phone call from our four year old nephew.

... toy store perusing while playing with the nine month old baby.

... errand runs before an early dinner.

... one last family function before we hit the road back home. 

... missing the big back up because we left later than planned, phew.

... a whirlwind of getting ready for the week before bedtime. 

I could tell you everything above and so much more, but I won't. Instead, I'm gonna brag about these three lil boys. They are the sweetest, snuggliest, most fabulous nephews in the world and they make my heart so happy. Being a mom is on my to be list, not right now but hopefully soon, and every visit with these muffins makes me realize how worth it motherhood must be at the end of the day. They wear me out, they test me, but they love me and I love them and I'm so thankful we are closer so visits are much more often. 

Love you boys, thanks for being so fabulous. And cute!

Weekly Wins: Last of October

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Boom shakalaka, it's Friday!!!! Hope you had a great week so far and cheers we only have today until the weekend, right?!? My week was a good one with quite a few wins. Let's check em out:

|| I made it through my first DOUBLE in a month. WOOOHOOO!

|| A friend and fellow fitness instructor subbed my Tuesday night class so I could chill and let my body recover from the double on Monday. So wonderful having friends who are willing to help out whenever they can.

|| Since I had more time for food I made a deliciously healthy meal. All about the oven roasted brussel sprouts, I jazzed this dish up with mushrooms and prosciutto.

|| I slept for nine hours Tuesday into Wednesday. Man, waking up refreshed is the best.

|| Cooler mornings [blech] mean FALL CLOTHING {woop}! Finally being able to break out the vests, scarves, boots, booties, and flannel makes me feel better about the cold.

|| Sportyspice is halfway through her pregnancy and looking fabulous. #growbabygrow

|| Our cousin gave birth to a healthy baby girl and used a family name we all love. YAY baby!

|| We received our bootcamp materials and I understand most of it which is awesome. Now, I just need to practice cueing with an authentic self and I should be able to nail the audition.

|| My blog email is finally cleaned up. I did have to just delete, delete, delete which I hated, but I needed a new fresh start. I pledge to be better about responding to y'all.

|| Fall TV is back and everything has been so so so so good so far. Loving my regulars and new shows. Anyone her watch BULL or Seal TEAM!?!?! So much to discuss.

|| I get to leave earlier than normal today to meet Le Husband. Two pm can't get here soon enough!

If you're going out for Halloween parties have fun and be safe, friends. Check you Monday! < 3

Putting Down the Bricks

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I'm good at holding grudges. I'm also not shy about telling people how good I am at holding onto things. I can and I will. If someone did you wrong and you need someone on your team, giiiirl I'm there. I'm there taking them down, I'm there reminding you how much better you are without them, I'm there to support you through everything. And if you move on, I'm there for you too, but I've always got that HURT in my head and won't move on completely.

It's the same with people who have wronged me. Oh I'm goooooooood at holding on and remembering why I don't want someone in my life anymore. Or what I would do if they ever talked to me again. I'll forgive, but I won't forget. That hurt, that issue? It sits and stays. And is ready to be called up at any moment.

Which is tiring. And heavy. All those bricks. All those moments in the past I still hold on to because I carry the grudge. What good is it doing me? How is it helping me live a happy life? Easy answer, it's not. I heard a sermon on Sunday where the pastor compared grudges to bricks at the bottom of a pool. How one brick, one problem, one grudge you can manage as you kick back up to the surface. But as you add on grievances and grudges, the heavier the load and harder it is to swim to the surface. The surface is oxygen and happiness and the bottom of the pool is not.

In the past 34 years I've learned a great deal. One of the things I'm learning late in life is to LET.IT.GO. Holding grudges does nothing for the offender, it just continues to poison my life. Take up brain and emotional space I could use for greater, more important things. Happier things for a happier life. So here are the bricks I'm laying down:

To the college boyfriend who chose his fraternity and senior year escapades over me. Who tried to make it work again but couldn't abide by my terms. Who truly did a number on me with regards to opening my heart and trusting men. Who almost ruined my senior year in college. Who never could get over the fact I made the soccer team and he didn't get asked to play. I'm putting down the brick.

To the best friend in college who fooled everyone. Who decided to lie, cheat and steal. Who 'supported me' unless it conflicted with her playing time. Who always tried to talk me into making wrong decisions. Who was a master at manipulation and would never talk honestly about problems. Who chose to keep everyone in the dark to live a double life. I'm putting down the brick.

To the ex-best friend who let her jealousy ruin our decade old relationship. Who constantly tried to push me down a different path than the one I wanted. Who couldn't stand the thought of me being married before her. Who decided one day she no longer wanted to be happy for me and tried to make people choose between us. I'm putting down the brick.

To the trolls on sports teams who enjoy riling everyone up because they can. The ones who decide to post stupid things online, say untrue things about people's character and accuse others of cheating. Who drive me crazy because they know just what to say to push my buttons. I'm putting down the brick.

To the person I cut out of my life four years ago who continues to try and stir up drama. Who's need for constant pump ups and dramatics became too exhaustive for me and who tried to lie about everything after I ended the friendship. You're big and bad behind a computer screen as you continue to rehash the past. Which used to annoy me because it's different from the who you really are in the world, but once again, I'm moving on with my life. I'm putting down the brick

To the extended family members who continue to try my patiences being rude to others I love. You can't choose family and sometimes things get heated and words get said that can never be unheard. I wish we could all get along. I'm putting down the brick.

My shoulders are so much lighter after writing this here. I'm sure I'll still hold a grudge and feel heavy again, but I'm actively trying to change my mentality. Nothing changes overnight, but a single step is where success starts.

Now, please understand. This is not some post to say forgive and forget anything and everything. I don't pretend to know everyone's situation or struggles. As you just read, most of the bricks I carry are quite small compared to many of the world's problems. Which is why I need to set them down.

This post is mostly for me. To finally say the words out loud, to truly get it out of my head and here. And maybe, this post might help someone else put down the brick(s). Maybe lighten someone else's load. What brick do you need to put down?

What I'm Up To {October}

Linking up with Shay

This recap of October is quick and brisk. Not a lot of time to write it all down, but here it is anyway. October was much busier than I expected and next month is going to be super crazy. I honestly can't wait though, it's going to be a good month. 

What we're eating: burgers, brussel sprouts, hot cocoa, cereal, and the randoms, oh my!

What I'm reminiscing about: getting my first full time job here in Tennessee. This time last year I had just received an offer to become an operations manager of a Gold's Gym. I knew it was going to be hard when I said yes, but I had no idea what a crazy six months I was going to start. I'm grateful the opportunity came my way - it brought us our house - but I'm so glad that job is in my rearview.

What I'm loving: seeing Le Husband more than normal. His travel has been only three days the past two weeks and it's nice having him home more often. I 100% enjoy my solo time, but after the fourteen day stretch earlier this month I'm glad to see him more.

What we've been up to: finishing the first floor of the house, kickball and fitness.

What I'm dreading: traveling in the car again. 

What I'm working on: starting my personal training career and auditioning to become a bootcamp instructor. Both things are hugeeeeeee on my list right now and I'm excited and nervous about both. Keep your fingers crossed for me, friends.

What I'm excited about: bootcamp auditions, kickball trips, family trips and the holidays.

What I'm watching/reading: fall shows are back so the usual suspects are in play. We love NCIS & NOLA, Blue Bloods and are almost all caught up. I'm also a big fan of Madame Secretary and just started getting into Seal Team and Bull. Reading for fun so everything is light and easy right now. I'm working my way through the whole Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder series right now and it's perfect. 

What I'm listening to: Les Mills music {duh} and podcasts when I need a change from choreyland.

What I'm wearing: good grief, it's a total cluster right now. Very chilly in the mornings but still 70s in the afternoon. Learning to layer, so jeans/leggings with tanks, tees and cute swing long sleeve shirts. No pictures, but will be better about it next month. 

What I'm doing this weekend: catching up with our Ohio family, woohoo!

What I'm looking forward to next month: travel, family, food, THANKSGIVING!

I'd Rather Not

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Prep coffee for the morning.

Wipe down baseboards.

Be cold. Ever. Unless it's Christmas Eve/Day, then bring the snow.

Rise up and engage in meaningless drama.

Fly on an airplane.

Answer the phone when my boss is in the office.

Answer the phone at the office period.

Clean out the refrigerator.

Deal with traffic because there are two raindrops falling from the sky.

Get out of bed when it's cold outside.

Wear shoes. Or a coat. And gloves. But mainly, shoes. I love sock feet or just flips.

Wake up with a hangover.

Listen to whining for the sake of people wanting to whine. Kids and adults included.

Hang out with bugs or snakes. NOPE!

What are the things in life you'd rather not?!

Weekend in Numbers

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Morning! Hope y'all had a great weekend. Mine was a mix of busy, friends, chill, food and fun. Coming at you this morning from work so I thought I'd do a quick numbers post.

55: the number of minutes spent teaching a BODYATTACK class on Saturday morning.

20: the number of times my muscles rejoiced during a BODYBLOW class after ATTACK.

9000: the number of seconds spent at brunch with a great friend.

6.5: the number of people we radonmly invited over for our first dinner party.

1.5: the age of the lil kid who took a nap on a pillow fort in our living room.

3: the number of glasses of champagne I consumed when I popped the bottle that had been sitting in our fridge waiting for our first non family guests.

10: the number of hours I slept on Saturday night.

15: the number of pictures we attempted to organize on our gallery wall up the stairs.

A BAZILLION: the number of times Le Husband and I argued over placement.

0: the number of pictures actually hung on the wall right now.

6: the number of people who showed up to our kickball practice.

3: the number of good kicks I made, woop woop!

120: the number of minutes we spent catching up on our NCIS shows.

7: the number of times I heard the words 'three convicts attempted to escape Alcatraz' during a 45 minute show on the retired prison. Y'all, they hit us over the head with it, sheesh.

30483024803284: the number of calories consumed when we ate cereal for dinner on Sunday.

Hope you have a fabulous week, friends. Lots of sparkles to y'all!

Weekly Wins {Middle of October Edition}

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October is halfway over, what in the world. Fall is in FULL force down huuurrr, mornings have been chilly, especially those early 6am class mornings. Scarves and hats will be coming out soon cause I don't do cold very well.

I do enjoy a happy week and this one went by quickly, which is always nice. Nothing huge happened or will happen either, but that's why I like this concept. A quick look back and the lil wins.

|| Le Husband was home Wednesday night and we did an Italian night in for dinner. The food was delicious and the company was even better.

|| While my food intake hasn't been the greatest, my water intake this week has been on point. I credit all the water for helping me make it through on the low energy days.

|| I'm having brunch tomorrow with two awesome friends and I'm excited.

|| No traveling plans this weekend so delicious dinners cooked on the Green Egg are happening.

|| Fall shows are back and I'm all caught up on my favorites.

|| Sunrises on the drive to work have been too gorgeous to describe. Pink and blue cotton candy skies have greeted me every morning and it makes me so thankful to be breathing. Pictures are too dangerous to take and honestly wouldn't do the scene justice, so just trust me.

|| New shoes and workout clothes have been purchased at an awesome discount.

|| Today is Friday and we have nothing planned. Bring on the lazy.

Hope you have a fantabulous Friday and wonderful weekend. See ya on Monday, lovies!

Things I Believe in This Week

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Last week was a doozy and there was no catching up this weekend. Which means I had very little down time on Monday because I had to learn the launch release I put off last week. #skills. Those two sentences to say, my blog hopping and visiting has been down recently and I'm hoping to change that course this week.

I managed to get around to a few blogs yesterday and saw *this* post from fabulous Chelsea. Not only was it well written (like all of her work of course), it provided much needed inspiration for today. Thank you, pretty friend, for allowing me to borrow your fabulous idea.

Husband sweatshirt are more comfortable than my own. Mine are way cuter of course, but when it gets chilly I reach for his first. Something about the coziness I think.

Maple is the flavor of the season. I don't do pumpkin {nope} so I'm usually out of luck when it comes to the fabulous fall flavors. But, down here in Knoxville, maple has been everywhere and I can't get enough.

Quiet moments with a book can offer a much needed respite. I read to live in a different world for just a moment. Sometimes I'm gone for a long time, but even just a chapter here or there brings me back to a happy perspective on life.

New friendships. We may have only been here over a year but I've made some incredible friendships. I'm talking grip you deep inside your soul, part of the family, will drop anything to help out kind of friendships. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful new people in my tribe.

90% of it all is mental, so be a human and adapt. While driving 7 hours Friday night and Sunday to and from a wedding [ouch] I listened to one of Le Husband's podcasts. We both enjoy learning about fitness, but he takes it to a whole scientific level I normally don't vibe along. However, this week's episode made a great point and it's something I've taken to heart. Thoughts become things or actions and we are in control of them 90% of the time [excluding any type of mental health diagnosis of course]. Just because we have a bad day, or are hungry or tired doesn't give us the right to give up and just be a jerk. When possible adapt to your situation and know it isn't forever. Please understand I'm talking about the day to day, small bothers and annoyances in life, this is not a blanket statement to every situation.

When things are hard, look for the helpers. Lots of bad and horrible in the world right now. So much it makes me want to hide my head and just wish it away. But, the helpers who show up everyday inspire me to do my part. Maybe it's a quiet part, maybe it's a loud part, but I will be a helper in times of need.

Travel makes my heart sing. I can't get enough of traveling and my list grows daily.

What do you believe in this week?

The Last

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Thing I ate... brisket stuffed sweet potato and a small piece of baguette.

Show I watched... episode two of Law & Order True Crime: The Melendez Murders

Account I followed on Instagram... ArtisticPops

Blog I visited... Hungrymeetshealthy.com for a truly incredible post. #brave

Activity I did... taught BODYATTACK98!!!

Song I listened to..."Let Me Love You" Dj Snake and Justin Beiber. #bodypump103

Time I swore... this morning when a police officer decided to ride slow in the right lane. #gofaster

Product I used... peel face mask because my face is destroyed after last week and weekend.

Book I read... Key Lime Pie Murder Mystery.

Thing that frustrated me... trying to get a sub for a class. #spoileralertitscoverednow

Time Le Husband shocked me... how excited he was to see my Friday night. I love him dearly, but superfluous works of affection are not his love language [gifts + physical touch are his jam] so hearing he was happy to see me [said multiple times] made me all happy mushy inside.

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Weekly Wins: Short and Sweet

Going at you late today, oh well. This week was super busy, but super awesome. It just sometimes means I write a blogpost in the morning, not the night before. Even when things are tough and yucky I usually can keep my perspective that LIFE in general is good. Which is exactly where this post idea was born, for me. Even if the week STUNK TO HIGH HEAVEN, there are always small lil wins and joys to celebrate.

|| My parent's celebrated their 37 year wedding anniversary on Wednesday. My card to them was late, oops, but the texts and calls were on time. I'm very thankful and feel super blessed to grow up in such a loving home with two people who respect each other so much. Wishing them many, many, many years of happiness and joy. LOVE YOU MAMA AND AND DADDY!

|| LAUNCH WEEK IS COMPLETE and I DIDN'T MESS UP ANYTHING! YES! YES! and mooooooooooooooore YES! Studying for my PT cert really put me behind the eight ball with learning new choreography, but I managed to cram, cram, cram and rock all my classes. Even the one yesterday where I learned everything in three hours. Cheers to fitness!

|| Also, cheers to friends. After the last class of the week last night, two of my fave guy friends and I went to pizza and it was delicious and fabulous. We are a lil trio of fun and it had been awhile since we had all just chilled together and laughed. Grateful for my friends.

|| LE HUSBAND COMES HOME TODAY!!!!!!! Y'all, he's been gone for 14 days and he's finally coming home. I don't post this lightly because I know many a military wife or wife of a traveling husband but I'm still super excited he's coming home. We have a wedding this weekend so it's right back on the road for him, however this time we will be together. YAY!

Before I leave I need to speak about Shane. Wednesday also marked 11 years since he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country {you can read more *here*}. I miss him, a lot. I think of him quite often, too. Beyond grateful for his bravery and willingness to serve. I love you, Shane. #landofthefreebecauseofthebrave #lancersforever

 

For Real? - A Confession Post

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+ I used a work stamp for a personal letter because I ran out. #sorry

+ I had every intention of coming into this post guns blazing because someone I haven't talked to in four years decided they wanted to make drama. And I was THIS close to taking the bait. But then I realized pointing back and throwing accusations only perpetuated drama which is the last thing I PERSONALLY want or need in my life. Things are good here and whether or not they are good for her is none of my business, so why even chime in with chatter?

+ Someone stole my credit card information and my first thought when I received the email was 'Call Dad'. I'm a married 34 year old who owns a house and I STILL reached out to my dad. #adultingnope

+ Last week was a doozy of late nights and Thursday was a long one. So long I didn't get home until 10:15pm and still hadn't eaten dinner. So I heated up meal plan dish and ate it sitting on the floor because I was too tired to find the table.

+ Yesterday when I got in my car I realized my shirt had a prominent hole on the sleeve. I had the extra thirty seconds to go in and change but I didn't. I rolled up the sleeve and just went to work.

+ Through asking a question about a policy I ended up accidentally tattling on another instructor for teaching the new releases early. I caught her using the new music and would have kept my mouth shut, but I freaked out I needed to learn choreography earlier than expected. Luckily they had already heard about her launching early, but I still felt bad when I answered the questions asked.

+ Tomorrow I launch SPRINT and I haven't even looked at the release. #fakeittillimakeit

The Baby Weekend - The Sissy Not a Kid

Wah, it's Monday. I'm tired, sleepy, cranky and just a bit sad because Babyspice just drove away to head back home to DC. I know each day is a blessing and I want to be kicking booty this weekend, but right now that ||woop|| feeling just isn't here. I miss her already, sadz.

What's getting me smiling today is all the fun memories squashed into a quick three days together. She arrived Friday afternoon and we honestly hit the ground running. Or pumping. Or CPRING, because your girl right huuuur, needed an updated CPR certification and I dragged Babyspice along to get hers too. #oldersisterproblems

Once we completed the course it was off to SOCCER TACO to watch the United States Men's National Team play Panama. The USMNT stunk their last qualifying game so we were a bit nervous, however, Friday night they came to play and rocked it like no other. It was a great evening of chips, guac, margs, goals and sissy. #ole

The rest of Friday night was spent sissy timing hanging out then to bed early because guess who was asked to sub a BODYPUMP class Saturday morning? Yup, this girl. You will be happy to know I ASKED BABYSPICE before committing to help. Of course she was all for the workout it was fun seeing her face in the class. Afterwards we had fun posing and playing on stage, because yeah, that's just what we do.

Next stop was Honey Bee Coffee Company for their delicious artisanal coffee and pastries. Babyspice chose the Cold Brew Nitro coffee and I ordered the Lavender Honey Latte. Oh my delicious and caffeinated. The vibe is a fun one, we sat outside relaxing and stretching while we enjoyed our mini breakfast before brunch. Yes, that is a thing.

Our brunch was with T-BONE, woop woop. There is a delicious restaurant right near his house so we picked him up and got a seat on the water. I had the fantastic chicken and waffles and Babyspice enjoy the BBQ eggs benedict. T-Bone is doing well and looking good for 91, we enjoy spending as much time as we can with our super cool dude of a grandfather. 

Good granddaughters help around the house to say thank you for brunch. When we dropped T-Bone off we both notice the leaves everywhere so we offered to take care of the front yard and the driveway before the rain settled in early next week. I felt so much better when we drove away, knowing we helped make the house more functional and helped it look better, too. Don't worry, next time I get to break out the chainsaw, T-Bone already pointed out what needs to be done.

After brunch it was time for yoga stretching and a nap before preparing for the evening's festivities. Man, naps, are they not the greatest things ever? Too soon it was time to get up and get ready but we did and headed downtown to meet some of my faves. The evening starting at our favorite wine bar where flights, bottles and champagne were had as we discussed fitness, life, friends and Europ. Too many laughs with this fabulous crew

The next stop was an upscale Mexican restaurant and it was quite delicious. More margaritas were had and then it was off to the Library. For reading. Ha, sike. The Library is a speakeasy themed bar and super fun. More drinks, more laughs, more fabulousness and then it was bedtime.

Sunday morning we were up for church [rough start though] enjoyed a great service then headed out for one last brunch. Took longer than expected but the coffee and muffin made up because they were to die for delicious. 

We chilled out at home for a bit then it was off to another fitness class because, yeah, your girl always helps out a friend in need. I admit, it's so nice to have a sissy in the class, someone to smile at more, someone to make you want to rock it a lil more and someone to give you feedback. The ladies in class loved our humor and everyone worked super hard which was the best. 

After class we headed home, did laundry then headed to my aunt and uncles house for dinner. T-Bone made an appearance too, so it was the fun family affair. Yummy food, family fun and a few more drinks passed the time and suddenly it was time to head home and get ready for the week.

Our bodies were exhausted from the fun weekend but neither of us wanted to sleep yet. So we packed her up, prepped food and then finally went to sleep. This morning came much to quickly and I'm super bummed to be the only sissy in the house now. The countdown to Thanksgiving is on now.

Weekly Wins - First in October

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Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday. Cheers to the first Friday in October, woop woop. I'm way more excited for this weekend than I was three weeks ago thanks to family and friends. I can't wait to see my sissy, teach some fitness, drink coffee shop coffee, see T-Bone, take a nap, go out and party with friends, teach another class and just relax with sissyboobear.

It's going to be a winning weekend, let's check out the winning of the week:

|| I mentioned yesterday about my growing tribe down here and I was beyond thrilled when a girls evening came together so easily. We closed down the restaurant and spent most of the time laughing and I'm thankful I have such amazing women to ask advice now and in the future.

|| Sissy's coming into town. Sissy's coming into town. SISSYBOO IS COMING HERE!!!!

|| This darling, darling video. Baby doesn't want daddy to go to work, too cute.

|| Biggest win for the week [besides sissy, but I've mentioned that a BAZILLION times] is receiving some fitness photos taken last week. A friend is trying to get better at sports photography and I volunteered my class to have her come practice, hoping to get a few action shots. She GOT SOME AMAZING shots and I'm beyond thrilled with what she sent. I don't post these to boast or brag, I'm just extremely proud of my technique & form and excited to have clear pictures where I don't look ridiculous. Big big big win and new profile picture :)

Happy Friday, loves! Hope you have a fabulous weekend < 3 !

What's New With You {October}

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Late to the party, womp womp. But, at least I'm still at the party, right?

New things in my hood:

+ Now a certified personal trainer (CPT) after failing the exam in June. WOOOOHOOO

+ Starting the trainer training (haha) and excited/nervous to learn everything.

+ Babysissy is coming to visit me this weekend while Le Husband is out of town. I was green with envy he was going to be in Las Vegas without me, but now sissy will be here I think I got the better end of the deal. #familyalways

+ Sportyspice might be getting a puppy, eeeeek.

+ Bummer of a new is my knee. Or IT band. Or ligament. Just SOMETHING along the outer part of my right knee is bothering me, especially after I teach. I'm on an icing and stretching regiment per a PT friend, but uggggh, y'all, just ugh!!!!

+ Oh and yeah, did I mention LAUNCH IS NEXT WEEK!?!?!? EGAD!

+ I've slowly brought my other blog out of the spiderwebs. Please stop by if you have the chance and let me know your honest thoughts. What would you like to read/see from a new fitness blog?

+ My tribe of women friends is growing here and I'm beyond grateful. There are some amazing women who are fitness instructors and are friends of fitness instructors and I've enjoyed getting to know each and every person. So thankful to slowly have my tribe form.

+ October brings beautiful days and I find myself praising the beauty of the world every morning.

Alright, thats all she wrote. Nothing spectacular or pretty with pictures, but these are the new things happening in my life at the moment. I'm trying to get better about being here more often, so please keep checking back. Join me tomorrow for Weekly Wins :)!

C U R R E N T L Y

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styling outfits for fall. kind of. the mornings are in the 50s and the afternoons the 80s, #randomoutfits

saving time by making my morning green smoothie the night before and freezing it overnight.

searching for some blogpost inspiration. anyone feeling a bit ho-hum? any post suggestions?

picking out pieces for a little fall/thanksgiving decor around the house. #thankskathy

making homemade bread {wheat, gluten free, rosemary} to keep the nasty glyphosates away.

loving the thought of sissyboo Babyspice coming to visit this weekend. we gonna rock this city!

reading lots and lots of personal training blogs, choreography notes and my devotional.

hoping our world can get it together and stop the senseless tragedies.

anticipating the craziness of launch week 10/9 - 10/13. four new programs, one brain, EEEP!

watching new episodes, three cheers for fall television.

linkinguphere

I'm In The Mood For

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Hot cocoa while cozy on the couch watching a movie

Flannel and sparkly tops with jeans

Cupcakes that contain no calories

Pho, gimme all the Pho!

A weekend where I can just lazy around and do nothing

Smores, because why not?

Decorating for Thanksgiving

More peace and less heartache

Creating a new workout routine so I can get stronger

More sleep

A spa day complete with facial, mani, pedi and massssssssage

Waking up early for a sunrise with the birds

Purging of all the old in our house and completely getting everything finished

Family time

inspiration from steph

Autumn Adventures

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Oh hello, beautiful month of October. You bring with you delicious temperatures, gorgeous foliage, tasty treats and wonderful adventures. We had a fabulous weekend with the end of September and beginning of October. Friday night was easy as we prepped for the Tennessee game. Saturday was gorgeous and we had a fantastic time tailgating on my grandfather's boat before, during and after the game. We won't talk about the result, haha. It was so much fun I didn't think to take a single picture as I was busy chatting with friends, chasing lil kids around, stuffing my face and basking in the glow of 25+ people hanging out on the boat. So lucky to have such fabulous people in my life.

Sunday was basically get stuff done and eat all the things day. We worked out, tried Duck Donuts for the first time, bought food for dinner, grabbed a fantastic smoothie then did work around the house together. Things are coming together which makes me so happy. Before and afters coming soon, promise.

Now autumn is here I've put together a small fall list for Le Husband and I to complete. Since we don't have littles [yet!] we don't have too big of a list, but still hope to accomplish these before we winter. Or, before November when we have no free time. The next two weeks are busy but the last two could be where we accomplish everything on my list.

Any thoughts on the best {and cheapest} place to buy fall flowers and a wreath? What's on your fall list?

***EDIT: I just saw the news about Vegas and my heart is breaking. You all know how much we love our Las Vegas trips and I have my love and many friends heading there this weekend. Our world needs to stop hurting, we need to pray unceasingly for peace. ***