Monthly Motivation: Choose Your THING

Morning, friends! How are you doing today? Hope your week is off to a great start, I'm getting back into the groove after a weekend away with Le Husband. Yesterday's workouts were better than anticipated and now I'm planning the rest of my week. 

Which is where my post comes in. Today is the FIRST day of our Monthly Motivation and I'm super excited to be hosting with Lynn. I honestly thought longer than I should have about what I wanted to share today. There are so many great places to start, so many awesome things to pursue and so much research to read. 

And then the light bulb went off in my brain. With so much to do, how can one be successful? My suggestion:

What do you want to change? Is it drinking more water? Is it eating better? Is it being more consistent with your work outs? Is it leaning up? Getting stronger? Finding a way to make something a routine? Once you decide what you WANT to change, choose ONE THING and make a plan. 

Too many people try to change EVERYTHING and then end of failing because the amount of things to change is too overwhelming. Raise your hand if you've been there [RAISES HAND HIGH]. Y'all I've been there too many times to count. Trying to RESET everything. Trying to get better at everything and IT. IS. EXHAUSTING. And completely unattainable. 

So I learned. SLOWLY. Pick one thing, commit to it and make it a habit before you attempt the next big change. First it was lifting heavy weights with my husband. After six months of committing to getting stronger I started to add in more cardio. Then I began cleaning up my eating and figuring out WHAT works for my body. This was across three years, y'all. THREE! Changing your lifestyle is NOT a quick fix, it is something you have to decide to pursue and then COMMIT to working on day after day. 

Take a moment today and think about what one thing you really want to commit to become more healthy. Then, plan it out. If you're adding more fitness into your routine, WRITE workouts in your planner so you can't flake to on yourself. Maybe you want to drink more water, set your timer on your phone as a reminder every hour. You could want to eat more whole foods and less processed foods, so that means slowly changing eating habits. Plan which processed food you will replace with a healthier version. 

Small daily choices, become weekly choices, which become monthly choices and soon become habit. YOU CAN DO THIS, you just have to believe in yourself and find a plan you believe in. If you want help, email me or leave a question in my comments. I'm passionate about people working to improve their lives and want to help you as best I can. 

What are you choosing to change this month?

Exciting Blogging News: Monthly Motivation

Hey, friends. Happy Thursday to you. Hope this week is going well [mine is because family time is super close this weekend]. Maybe this post will add a lil something to your week.

If you've been reading here for awhile [THANK YOU and HI] you'll know I met one of my besties via blogging. Yup, Lynn of Dispositive Motion is my BOFF [Best Online Friend FOREVER]. We connected quickly on our views of life, family, fun and of course fitness.

While both of us THRIVE when we're active and eating healthy we both go about our workout routines different ways. she is a busy working lawyer mama of the cutest lil girl [I heart lil E], wife and twirling teacher so her workout schedule is much more limited than mine since I basically live at the gym and teach fitness classes. And you know what? that's honestly the BEST thing ever. Because we get to ask each other questions, change up our routines and learn from one another.

We also get to hold each other accountable and on days where it's all BLAH we get to motivate each other to stay healthy. Which is where the idea of our Monthly Motivation linkup was born.

Join us on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month for a dose of Monthly Motivation. Starting June 5th, we will be hosting a linkup to help set your monthly healthy living goals. The linkup will be all about sharing tips, tricks, food planning, workout planning and just talking about how you stay motivated each month. Share your favorite food ideas for adults and kids and just cheer each other on as we reach for our goals. 

Lynn and I are so excited and we can't wait to see you on June 5th!

Weekend Update: Middle of May and HIIT IT DAY

Morning and happy Monday, lovies. I hope y'all enjoyed a wonderful weekend. To the mothers out there, I hope you were spoiled, surprised, taken care of and felt special yesterday. To those who have lost mothers, have lost children, are waiting to be mothers and are dealing with strained relationships please know I prayed and loved on you yesterday. Holidays are so special, but sometimes they are sooooo hard as you grieve. *BIG BIG HUGS TO YOU FROM ME*

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Our weekend was quite wonderful. Full of friend time, work around the house, building new furniture [Le Husband is so talented], blog planning, purging, house cleaning, car cleaning and of course some delicious food. We are getting so close to being *COMPLETELY DONE* and trying to get as much done as possible before family comes into town NEXT WEEK [excited face emoji].

Basically the weekend was lots of living, with very little picture taking, haha. I did post something fun for my mama and was able to speak to Sportyspice and wish her a happy Mother's day. I mean, is this child the cutest or what?

While I wasn't able to hit the gym this weekend [honestly, I like to take the weekends off to give my body a rest], I created THIS image for the HIIT workout I posted to Instagram on Friday. If you're looking for more explaining, hop on over to my NEW BLOG and check out my newest post. I'd love to know if you tried this out, what work out's you'd like to see and if you have any suggestions for the new blog. I'm working hard to get it up and running well,  so thoughts are appreciated.

Have a wonderful day and I'll check back in later this week!

Auditions Rocked & Weather Ruined Plans

Wowzers.

The word to describe my weekend. Both amazing and incredulous. Not in the good way, sadly. Despite what the weather aka the CRAZY AF winds blew into town, I was able to enjoy my trip home. Oh and I rocked the auditions which was such an amazing feeling.

Trip details:

+ Drove up to DC from Knoxville with two of my besties who also auditioned. It was a nice and easy trip, with lots of laughs and texts along the way. Everything was hunky dory until route 66.

+ Daddy called me and relayed the news the CRAZY AF winds had downed a power line on our street, so not only were we out of power, there was no way to get up the street to the house because the lines were down. Have I mentioned we live on a culdesac?

+ The girls and I were able to get a hotel on points close to the city which was awesome. I felt so bad for Daddy, but he pulled together a generator and was completely fine, so he said.

+ Saturday we were up early for auditions. All three of us are early birds and arrived an hour early to get the lay of the land. BODYPUMP was the first audition and there were eight of us audition. The president of LMUS was there so we all had a starstruck moment when he let us know about the day. #allthehearteyes

+ BODYPUMP auditions went really well and I was super proud of what I did. Everyone was told to have more space between their coaching. I was told even though I was petite I looked strong and have a commanding voice!!! Talk about a major pump up, so thrilled. My friends did really well, too.

+ While my friends auditioned for BODYSTEP I was in the cycle room auditioning for SPRINT. I did really well with this audition, talked a bit too much but I was nervous, however I really felt I did the best I could techniquewise which is huge. The feedback was incredible, again and I was thrilled with everything I learned.

+ Once we were done with auditions we chilled out for a bit, then went and ATE ALL THE THINGS. Chicken and waffles was my choice of deliciousness and it was divine. The girls headed west to drive home on Sunday and I headed down to see Daddy.

+ Power was still off but we chilled out until leaving to go to dinner with Babyspice. We hit up our usual watering hole and it was deliciously fun to be together. Thankfully when we got home the power was on, even though no Internet, so we watched movies until bedtime.

+ Sunday I met up with two darling friends and enjoyed catching up on life. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people to work their plans around me. Then it was family dinner, more movies and then bed. I woke up early for the drive home on Monday and it was a quick, but long, eight hours home.

+ This weekend was SUCH a meaningful one. I learned so much about the company, so much about myself and so much about how well I'm actually doing. I'm not saying it to be conceited, but to make it THIS FAR IS SUPER HUGE. I don't find out results until mid April, but I'm thankful I don't have to worry about my part. What is decided is out of my hands and I showed them my best. THat's all i can ask for right?

Weekly Wins: I PASSED & Family VISIT!

YES, y'all, YES! I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! I PASSED MY NASM PT CERTIFICATION!

Last night I retook {see the first try here} my NASM PT certification test and saw those four beautiful letters, P A S S ! After seeing the words failed in June this was such a welcome relief. Y'all, I cried in the car again. This time tears of joy because this has been such a long few months and SUPER long week studying like crazy. Which is part of the reason I've been silent all week. The other reasons had to do with with Irma and September 11th looming. I just didn't have to drive to come here with everything else so serious. But also, I've been so immersed in studying I've barely made the rounds reading blogs, on Instagram or even Facebook. I hated tell everyone, here and IRLI failed last time and was determined NOT to do it again.

So I studied. And I bought the NASM APP. And I studied some more. I stopped taking extra classes. I didn't sub for anyone but my favorites {yes, that's how it can work}. I spent at least four hours at work studying, broken up throughout the day. I credit my passing to the NASM APP and the fact my job is so chill right now I can study away without being bothered. The past few days have been extremely stressful, both mentally and physically and I'm so grateful it is over. Thank you to everyone for cheering me on when asked. For believing in me. For answering my texts when I freaked out. The support here is incredible, I'm so so so so lucky. YAY WINNING!

Another big win for the week: Today I'm flying back HOME -- yes home -- to celebrate Babyspice's 30th birthday. Sportyspice and I put our heads together last month and put together a fun winery picnic with some of her nearest and dearest friends. She knows part of the fun planned, but we have a few things up our sleeve and I honestly just can't wait to BE HOME and hug on her. It will be nice to see family and sleep in my old bed, too. Cheers to a fun VA WEEKEND!

Cira a few years ago. I want her arms!

What are your weekly wins? Would anyone be interested in a weekly wins link up? I know Fridays are kind of saturated, but I personally enjoy celebrating the 'wins' of the week, especially after a long one. Any takers? Let me know in the comments!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! Lots and lots of love and cheers!

Confessions of a Group Fitness Instructor

+ We work harder than you can imagine to learn our content, add our own spin to it and perform with intensity for you each and every class. Sure we may be in shape, but bringing it each and every rep takes more effort than you can imagine.

+ When you leave during the abs/cooldown tracks we worry about you. Stretching out after an hour workout is SO IMPORTANT and when you duck out early we can only hope you stretch at home.

+ Like every workplace there is DRAMA and politics. Instructors can be divas and it can be exhausting.

+ All of us have had one of those uncomfortable digestive body moments when teaching.

+ If you have a question, critique or issue PLEASE COME TO US AT THE END OF CLASS. Nothing hurts worse than hearing second hand someone wasn't happy with your class. We teach FOR YOU, so if you need something or notice we are lacking something, please approach us directly.

+ Don't be scared if you are new, we've all be there and can spot you whether you raise your hand or not. We ask if anyone is new to help you, not embarrass you so if you can get to class early to introduce yourself to us and we promise your class will roll a lot smoother.

+ 99% of us get butterflies before each and every class.

+ Making a mistake, even a teeny blip can make us feel like we failed the class. WE HATE MISTAKES!

+ YES, we have a list of THOSE members. The ones who don't listen. Who show up late every class just because they are too cool to be on time. The ones who do their own exercises no matter what the class is doing. YES, we know who you are and YES we warn other instructors about you. #dontbethisperson

+ What we get paid to teach does not compensate the entirety of effort put into each class.

+ Our end goal is to get you healthier, so if you have a success story from class PLEASE share it.

+ You have no idea how much a "Great class" can mean, especially on our own tough days.

What do you want to know about teaching from a fitness instructor? Ask me!

Weekly Wins

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+ Green smoothies prepped at night make for a much easier morning. I'm loving the quick shot of energy in the morning and hey, it helps keep food from going bad.

+ New fun podcasts keeping me company when I'm done with fitness music. I've mentioned my love of true crime in posts previously and I'm super intrigued by this new podcast Accused. Super interesting if you're into unsolved murders. 

+ A new outlook on my BODYATTACK class after I filmed myself last week. When teaching you often think you are KILLING it but when you tape yourself, yeah, not so much. I took a chance last week and man did the tape open my eyes to some weaknesses. I took them home and then ROCKED my Wednesday class, it felt so gooooood!

+ Le Husband was able to come home two days earlier than expected and it was a nice surprise when he came home late and crawled into bed. I'm happy he's traveling because he is fulfilled by his job, but it's always nice when we get more than two days home together. 

+ My sister made it to VA from AZ and I'm so excited we're on the same coast right now.

+ I successfully completed a week back on the IF [intermittent fasting] train and am happy to get back into the IF groove. Teaching late at night really created a crimp in my IF style, but after talking with a fellow instructor starting out I committed to getting back into a window of eating and think I've found the sweet spot. 

+ THIS RIGHT *HERE*! After many a push and kind word about a my own fitness blog I decided to bite the bullet and just step out on that scary new blog ledge. If you have a moment, please check out PINKYFIT321 and let me know your thoughts. There are only two posts live right now and it is VERY generic. Oh, you might finally find out my real name, too.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. We are gonna get in some lake and family time, woohoo < 3!

Weekly Wins

Bestest look on the bestest day by the bestest daddy

+++ So this post was prepped before I took my test. And received my score...saying I didn't pass. I was pretty devastated last night, it hurt my ego a lot. This was almost a no post because I was so upset. But, I cried it out to family, got support from Le Husband and ate a compliant Whole30 smoothie before bed and feel a bit better today. It sucks, bad, but nothing can be done now, I can only move forward and do my best to pass next time. Thanks for the sweet vibes, yesterday!+++

+ Studying and test is OVER, thank the gummy bears above! I'm just so so so so so glad it is over. I procrastinated way too much and could have used another week, but hey, I understood a lot more the last two days of cramming than expected, which made the fail even more tough.

+ I survived teaching my first double since surgery. It was BODYCOMBAT followed by BODYPUMP and minus the lunge and shoulder tracks it wasn't as tough as I thought coming back. Super glad COMBAT was first though, that format is tough to fake.

+ Le Husband was home all week and it was so nice falling asleep next to him.

+ Father's Day cards went in the mail early and will arrive on time!

+ Successful searched for and found a legit acupuncturist. #thankyouinternetandfriends

+ Blogging mojo seems to have made another appearance here and I finally have some inspiration.

+ Flights for a wedding up in Michigan are finally booked.

+ Another week on Whole30 round 4* is complete.

+ My Tuesday night BODYPUMP class was freaking amazing. Not only did the members work hard and respond well to the release, I also taught one of my best classes in a long time.

+ I'm getting my new Tennessee license today. #sadtoseevago

+ MY CAR IS PAID OFF AS OF WEDNESDAY! YES! YAY! WOOP! MINE!

+ The heart attack I had over registration of my car, not having a title and expired registration proved to unnecessary as all will be well once the title is in my hands. #phew

Beyond happy the weekend is here and looking forward to chilling out at the pool or doing nothing because this week was rough. Four classes down and two to go tomorrow, I got this! Hope you have a fabulous weekend. Happy Father's day to the special men in your life and if you've lost a father special hugs and sparkles sent your way, because I can only imagine how hard this holiday can be for you. < 3

linking up with these ladies: amanda andrea april and katie

Weekend Highlights {The one with the HIKE and home stuff}

Morning, friends. Happy Monday to you! I know, Mondays aren't our favorites, but since they come around so often let's try and make it nice. This weekend was mostly about hiking, with a lil home improvement thrown in there for balance.

This weekend we...

... took it easy on Friday evening because tired and big hike the next day.

... woke up later than planned Saturday morning, but sleep was so needed, especially by me.

... packed up and hit the road for 30ish minute drive into the beautiful mountains.

... threw our planning for this hike together at the last minute and kind of drove around until we found something that looked good on the map. NOTE: Not the best idea for the first hike in a year.

... started the jaunt up the trail and enjoyed the gorgeous morning [so cool and sunny] and then came across aggressive bear signs, eek! The sign was in regards to a camp site, not the trail so we decided to go on with our plan.

... originally planned for maybe a six to seven mile hike round trip. Welp, somehow that turned into a twelve plus mile hike round trip because the map wasn't the C L E A R E S T on distances. Thankfully the view at the top made it alllllll worth the ouch in the legs and lungs.

... both decided the descent is a BAZILLION times worse than the ascent. Y'all my body is more sore from walking DOWN the mountain than up, no joke. By the end my feet were yelling at me and my posterior chain was talking as well. 

... had a fabulous time with wonderful weather and truly reignited our hiking bug.

... ate dinner at a delicious lil BBQ joint which had THE BEST COLESLAW in the world. PERIOD!

... headed to the gym after the hike to workout....SIKE! We went to use the foam rollers, hot tub and steam room to loosen up our uber tight lower body. Totally my idea and TOTALLY the best idea because the next day was a lot nicer to us.

... woke up late Sunday, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast then did some home improvements. 

... bought a new fan, new foyer light and new dining room light. Only snapped this baby bad one on the couch but will have more tomorrow/wednesday. I was so exhausted, but proud because I helped but up the fan and first light. 

... studied some more, prepped for the next day and tried to sleep. No dice. UGH!

Annnnd, that's all she, well I, wrote. It was a good mixed weekend, but I'm still feeling the hike and have quite a few classes on the docket for this week. Plus my test, egad. Happy vibes would be so appreciated. Have a wonderful day!

If I'm Being Honest

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If I'm being honest//

// I'd tell you how much I hate this stage of DIY renovation. My teeth are on edge often when I'm home because it's in such a state of chaos. I know and understand it will all be worth it in the end but right now, I'M SO SICK OF IT I COULD SCREAM!

// Money has been keeping me up at night. Can't I just win the lottery already?

// My PT exam is coming up and I am 100% not ready for it, due to my own stupidity. I've failed to study when I should and so now begins the cramming process until June.

// The past two weeks off of teaching have been much more of a dream than expected. Don't get me wrong, I miss my music, my classes and participants desperately, but not having to rush to teach and then get home late has been quite a lovely change of pace.

// All of my 'eating all the things' has me feeling very large, bloated and fat. I've been very indulgent and while I'm happy to have my life back my body is not quite as jubilant as my tastebuds.

// Waking up every four hours is really starting to wear on me, especially after a busy long weekend. How I wish my body would learn to sleep quickly and stay asleep all night.

// I'm quite anxious to get back into the sweaty session swing of things. I need to move and start getting back on track workout wise. Mornings are going to be very early soon now with morning workouts making a return.

// The state of this blog has me debating whether to try and resurrect it or let it slowly fade out.

// Teaching my first BARRE class this week in six months has me more nervous than expected.

// My slow recovering from gallbladder surgery pissed me off and no one understanding my attitude annoyed me as well. I completely understand my body lost an organ and there were incisions made in my body, totally get it. BUT, EVERYONE else said it was nothing. EVERYONE else said they were up and moving the next day easily. EVERYONE else said it was such an easy surgery and I'd feel right as rain afterwards. I don't like being bad at anything, ever.

// Hearing the PA on Wednesday explain my tight abs might have made it harder to recover made my week. I'm not trying to brag about my health over anyone, but to FINALLY understand WHY it hurt so much makes me happy. So, yeah, I'll take it!

Coffee Date

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Guys, it's been more than a YEAR since our last coffee date. Crikey! Time to fix, don't you think?

If we were having coffee...

The first thing I would do is hug you, because it's been so long. I'm a hugger, through and through and friends get hugged at least twice a meeting #sorrynotsorry. If you really don't like hugs, I'll give you at least a high five, that's just how I roll.

If we were having coffee...

We'd probably muddle through the weather [gorgeous here in Tennessee right now] and I'd probably next ask about your current job. Do you like it? Is it worth it? Is it new or something you've had going on for awhile? I'd ask you first, because the J O B question is quite a loaded one for me and I'd hate to monopolize the conversation. Right now, my current job, is 100% less stressful than my previous managers position, but I honestly still am not happy. I'm back in an administrative job and one that can be quite boring. But, the money is more [not much, but still] and I get to lock away the day when I lock up the door each evening. The best part is the fact I'm done with work at 3:00pm on Fridays, woooohooo.

If we were having coffee...

I couldn't mention work without talking about my second job, being a fitness instructor. Ah, the light of my working life. At the moment I am certified in four LES MILLS classes, plus a BARRE ABOVE class and my workload is four classes a week. Teaching classes weekly is my happy place and right now being 'out of commission' is quite hard.

If we were having coffee...

Which brings me to my recent surgery. As we're 'chatting' I would realize it's been almost two weeks since my gallbladder surgery, something I find quite astonishing. After so many years [yes, years] of off and on pain, plus the last year of dreadfully horrible pains I'm finally free. Honestly, I'd probably take a sip of my FULL FAT latte after that sentence, since I'd been surviving on skim milk for all dairy the past six months. Today I'm actually seeing the doctor for a post op appointment and hoping for a good report. My recovery was much tougher than expected and it will be nice to find out why and if I'm technically cleared to start teaching again.

If we were having coffee...

The next topic would probably be family and vacation plans. My family is doing pretty well, I just don't see them nearly enough anymore. Sportyspice being in Arizona is still so far away, but she and her husband are doing well. She's almost done with school and then will start teaching swim lessons for the summer. We are still waiting to hear back regarding the interview Babyspice had last week. I'm so hopeful and praying reverently because I know this is something she desperately wants. I'd probably ask you for prayers or good vibes for her. Mama and Daddy are doing quite well, going about life with substitute teaching [Mama] and being a leader at an Army college [Daddy]. Summertime makes me miss them so, as there were always fun get togethers at the pool on weekends.

If we were having coffee...

It would be about time to start wrapping things up as we both would be moving on to the next thing. I'd say 'Let's do it again soon' and hopefully you would agree. Before you left, I'd of course give you a big hug and send you of with a 'love you'. Because, you know, that's how I roll < 3

An Attitude Adjustment

Monday night I had a moment. A very big moment. It turned into a big #transformationtuesday moment. If you follow me on insta you've already seen what I'm talking about, but for my records here it is again. 

The picture you see above is me last summer/fall. Pretty sweet right? I've worked forever to get abs and boom they finally showed up. I was the leanest I've ever been and back at my wedding weight, which is where I've T R I E D to get many times, to no avail. And finally, HERE I WAS, goal weight and abs showing. 

But, at what cost? I was teaching probably 7 of the same classes a week, plus certifying another format, all while looking for a full time job. The girl up there...wasn't sleeping. The girl up there...was barely eating because there was no appetite due to stress. The girl up there...lost EIGHT pounds in a month due to a death in the family and life. The girl up there... was living in someone else's home trying desperately to figure out where life was going to turn next. 

Monday I taught a BODYATTACK class and as I looked in the mirror I immediately went yuck. My arms...not as toned. My legs...big. My booty...strong but not lifted enough. My stomach...soft, soft soft. It was disheartening when I realized how far I had 'let myself go'. I had a down in the dumps moment, then rocked the stage as best I could for my members. 

After class I got to thinking. This 'softer' body still functions like the leaner one. I can still rock two classes a day. I can still tuck jump, pushup, pull up, squat and run with a smile while teaching. This softer body is due to stability. To an actual INCOME where eating cheat meals can happen without freaking out. Where small little victories equal a trip to froyo to celebrate. Where I'm actually HUNGRY and want to eat food. Where pop tarts with coworkers become a fun bonding moment. This softer body isn't a BAD thing. Is it where I want to be ideally? NO! But, I can make the right choices and get where I want SAFELY and the right way. 

Longwinded post, and possibly boring for most, but hey, that's cool. I just wanted to pop in and say YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Take today as a moment to reflect on how incredible your body is RIGHT NOW, because it REALLY is an incredible machine. < 3

Right Now {How Is It Almost April?}

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Un-freaking-beliavable right? I'm in awe April is RIGHT around the corner and super excited spring to O F F I C I A L L Y has arrived. Can I get a warm weather AMEN? A M E N!

As I write this I realize it has almost been 365 days since Le Husband and I left our jobs and moved. A week from today we bought our storage unit and started packing up our stuff. Our way too much stuff. Our life all of a sudden fit in a storage unit and my parent's house. BUT, that is post for a different day.

Right now. . . I'm looking at the calendar and realizing I have less than TWO WEEKS at my gym job. LESS THAN TWO WEEKS of being an operations manager and less than two weeks of living a hellacious six months. I always try to keep the job of the blog, so I won't SAY much else here [you've read enough], but if you want to really know about my life hit me up in the comments.

Right now. . . We are in the middle of looking for my replacement and I have high goals for some of the candidates. Some good internal candidates who will make the transition much easier, which is a very good thing. I think I've made some good changes and there is a good operational flow to the group.

Right now. . . Word has gotten out that I am leaving and I have sooooo many people asking why and saying they will miss me. Super awesome for the ego, but super tough when I don't want to truly say why I'm leaving. Yes, money is the BIG reason, I'm leaving for a better paying job. However, that is not all. I am also leaving for a better state of mind and more peace in my life, yet I don't feel comfortable sharing that with people. Partially I see it as a failure. Partially I see it as being ungrateful. And partially it's not of their damn business. Eeeep, well that sounds harsh for those who will miss me.

Right now. . . Hearing people will miss me means a lot. Because I've only been here six months. Because I've been a basket case most of those months. Because I've so often felt like I was failing everyone. Because that means I did what I was here to do and that my changes worked. Because knowing you've touched someone's life after so short a time means so much to a people pleaser.

Right now. . . Le Husband and I are knee deep in housing renovations, but we are also slowly getting back to our together life. Meaning, our traveling life and our eating life and our working out life. It's been such a struggle without a routine and with my job being so demanding outside of working hours. We could NEVER truly find time to get away, without me being worried about something at the gym. Now, we can plan. Now we can say YES to weddings and family trips and just taking a weekend away visiting friends. I cannot wait for the freedom.

Right now. . . I'm trying SO HARD not to buy all the cute clothes. My wardrobe has only consisted of black pants, black polo and tennis shoes. Great for the budget but no fun at all to wear. I've actually ruined two pairs of black pants which really pisses me off. Now, I just want to spend the money on cute trends. Now I want to go crazy at the outlets. Now I want to go crazy online shopping. I won't go crazy, but I plan to buy two new fun pieces...any thoughts?

Right now. . . I am swimming in Les Mills new release choreography. First Launch in Tennessee I had one release, BODYPUMP. Second, I had three, BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, & Barre. This time I have four, BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT and Barre. Which means lots and lots of new choreography to learn in just a few weeks. I have a better handle on it all this round than last time and have already made some great progress.

Right now. . . I am slated to start teaching FOUR classes a week, WOOHOO! So excited to teach at multiple gyms and have some extra cash flow coming in, even with a raise. I really am excited for the growth I'm going to experience teaching so many classes.

What's going on in your life right now?

Fri-YAY!

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The best day of the week is here, woop woop! Today I'm focusing on the YAY of Friday.

YAY... I taught four BODYPUMP classes and felt shifts happening in my teaching.

YAY... I'm super excited for my BODYATTACK class tonight. 

YAY... Le Husband was home all week. 

YAY... We did Mexican and Margaritas for Valentine's day with a friend which was a blast.

YAY... My staff at work is showing up, being consistent and people are willing to always help out.

YAY... A short weekend trip is planned and I'm excited to feel like I have a life again.

YAY... I'm SLEEPING!

YAY... Le Husband picked up major slack when I felt HORRIBLE on Wednesday. 

YAY... The weather seems to be consistently warmish and not freezing.

YAY... I'm finding time to blog.

YAY... Les Mills released all the new formats for each program yesterday!

YAY... You guys make me smile, constantly. THANK YOU!

What's Happening in My World

1] Work is still annoying but not as stressful. I've gotten scheduling down pretty well and can get things taken care of, I just hate working the front desk every day. I also hate dealing with ungrateful people. I thought I was more of a people person, but this job reminds me too much of retail and I think something more steady without so much facility responsibility will make me happier.

2] Speaking of happier, my fitness journey is continuing and I'm loving all the growth. I'm stronger, fitter and leaner than I have been in awhile and beyond grateful for the changes in my physical body. Bringing BODYCOMBAT into my regimen has given me another awesome tool for leaning up and the cardio is out of this world. I do miss lifting heavy and need to add that back into my training, especially since I need to finish up my PT cert.

3] Speaking of that, have NOT made nearly enough progress with the program and book. I have to pass my exam by May and holy cow here we are in the middle of February. I need to get my act together, however it seems like new choreography keeps popping up and I'm not able to spend time with the text book. Need to work on planning PT time into my day.

4] Studying LES MILLS has been my life. This past weekend I attended a second Advanced Training and came out an Advanced Instructor in BodyPump. My next goal is to become ELITE and then hopefully become a trainer if everything falls into place. It's  BIG BIG GOAL and I have quite a few things to work on first.

5] Those being talking LESS in my classes when instructing and SMILING more. Yeah, this girl RIGHT HERE was told she needed to smile more when teaching because I come off much too dominant and need to be able to reach the more social people in the class. Very strange, but actually makes sense when you really dive deep into who I am and how I want to be perceived on stage.

6] Life has kept me from really being present in many things and I'm still not sleeping the greatest. I'm not sure if there is a happy medium with my job and being present and happy, but I'm doing my best to find it. Maybe it will take a new job and that's okay. I know this isn't forever, I just might need to find something sooner rather than later.

7] I still miss my family and friends back home like whoa. My tribe here is amazing, but things still aren't the same. I miss my regular dinners with friends, my church, my soccer team [ oh i miss soccer], my other gym friends, casual and quick dining places and just the ease I had living. It will come, I know, sometimes I just wish it were sooner.

What's happening in your world?

Loving Lately {The JUST HANDLE IT Edition}

What, a post without whining? Is this a different blog? Nope, friends, nope! I'm trying to get back into the swing of things and TRYING not to be so negative. I've heard from quite a few of you that you like how REAL I've been about my struggles and you have no idea how much I appreciate those words. I NEVER want to be fake and I'll NEVER pretend things are roses if they aren't. I know people like that and KNEW people like that and it drove me bananas how FAKE their blog was compared to their REAL LIFE personality and situation. However, that's another post for another day. 

Life has been nothing SHORT of bananas for me, so my faves and loves have come in QUITE handy. None of these are new, well one is, the facial mask [oh em gee love] was recently discovered at Target, they are just my tried and true steady eddies. 

Or, old pieces I totally forgot about and now use like crazy. I'm looking at you Oakley Kitchen Sink. Le Husband and I bought Oakley bags back in the day for traveling and kickball and since we've moved I haven't touched my bag. Well, I barely used it last year now that I think about it, haha. My gym back was NOT cutting it for work, it didn't have enough pockets and all of a sudden I went, wait a minute, I have a solution. This bad boy is super comfortable and holds a ton of crap! I carry my laptop, binder with teaching materials, planner, keys, makeup bag, workout outfits and BCAA cup easily. The only bummer is if I want to change out shoes, but I just keep those in my car, no sweat. HIGHLY recommend this bag, totally worth the price.

Being so involved with Les Mills I basically live in workout pants outside of work. Zellas are my favorite because they are SUPER comfy, wear well without thinning and if you take care of them last forever. Normally I'm in black pants at work and very now and then will throw on my Zellas and they feel great all day. 

Reebok sponsors Les Mills, so I've slowly started building my Reebok wardrobe. The shoes have been pretty incredible and I'm so glad I snapped a few up during Black Friday. The pumps are my favorite, perfect for cross training and magic when teaching BODYPUMP. I need to find a more active shoe for ATTACK and COMBAT, though. Any suggestions?

November and December I was just about survival at work, so my hair and makeup routine was pretty horrid. I did not take care of myself and I hated how scruffy and blah I looked. I've started to take care of my appearance more now, hello fresh new hair cut and products, but still need things to be quick and easy. No fuss, because after all, it is a gym, right? Still loving my ELF primer and the mineral eyeshadow is pretty fantastic for all day wear. Garnier makes the best undereye concealer, I look like I'm carrying shopping bags under my eyes if I forget to swipe it on in the morning. 

Lastly, I have to send out some love to a group, not a thing. This move has been hard and stressful and I've wanted to throw in the towel more times than I can count. But, it has brought me to my people. My tribe. Those who will never leave me and who support me unconditionally. I'm talking about my group fitness peeps. My peers, my members and now, my squad. I have created fast and secure friendships all because of group fitness. Some of my closets friends I've met at trainings and my Facebook group keeps growing because of people I've connect to through new formats and new classes. I am beyond grateful for finding my niche and for finding those people who will always be there because they GET IT! I love fitness, I love results and I love my squad.

Fitness Friday the Thirteenth

Y'all, two posts back to back, stop the world! Hah! I really think I'll be able to get back into the blogging groove now that things in my life are more settled. Probably not five days a week, but at least three, fingers crossed.

Why am I so busy you ask? Oh you know, I work at a gym and my life is alllll about that fitness, everyday, errryday. Most of the time my stress is brought on by something I'm not that into, but the past two weeks and especially the past few days my stress has been high but my smile has been big. This weekend is FITTEST at Gold's and also the GLOBAL LAUNCH OF #BODYPUMP100!

THIS.IS.HUGE! Something so massive and so fantastical, I'm just grateful to be a part of it. Normally launch week is a busy time of year, but this year it's even busier since we are launching multiple programs over the weekend. I have three different formats I've had to learn and with my new job haven't been able to spend as much time as I normally do learning the chorey. But, I was a great late night studier so I'm confident my brain power will work, I just hope my body does. Check out my weekend, and then add two more classes Monday and Tuesday! #thatinstructorlife

Check out some of the fun I've been learning!

You'd think after this week I'd be all 'ahhhh I can't wait to relax', yeah, no! Once this week is over it's time to perfect my BODYPUMP100 technique because I have another training schedule for February that will take my coaching even further. I'm excited but super nervous because this could make or a break a big dream/goal of mine for the year. 

Speaking of goals, did I mention I was also trying to become a personal trainer in the next five months? Oh yeah, I am. This is a relatively new goal of mine and something I never thought I'd EVER attempt. But, being here in Tennessee and really sinking into the fitness world has made me realize what an ASSET a national certification would be for my career. I hope I can make myself proud and really absorb all of the knowledge to becomes one kick@$$ trainer. The sky is the limit once I pass my test and I'm looking forward to where my fitness path might lead.

Soooooo, yeah, how are you spending your weekend :)!?

The Sun Shines Brightest After the Rain AKA I HAVE A JOB

Thank you friends for your love on Friday. The post came together in fifteen minutes and I almost deleted it because it was so sad. Yet, I knew I needed to put those words out into the universe. They needed to leave my head and become less powerful in the world. I cried on my way to work because I felt so disheartened and fearful. The anticipation and unknown was pulling my soul down and I felt helpless to turn my mood around.

I'm forever grateful to my friends. The ones who sent emails to me when I turned comments off. Who texted me just to check in on my heart. The ones who called and reassured me it would all come together and the right decision would play out no matter what. You turned my drizzly miserable morning into just another rainy day and wiped away the clouds covering my eyes.

After all the tears, fears, drama, interviews, resumes, near misses, no response emails and phone calls left unanswered it came. After all the waiting and double teaching days while working the front desk of a gym for minimum wage, it came. The call I've been waiting to answer for so long. Finally, the voice on the line said "We'd like to offer you the job"!

Yes, friends, yes! I am no longer just working part time. I am now a FULL TIME employee with a steady paycheck, benefits, 401K, sick leave and vacation. FINALLY! FREAKING FINALLY!


My Friday afternoon turned around in a matter of minutes and now my future is busy, busy, busy as I get ready to prepare for my new gig. This will be something completely new, as I've never managed people before, but will also be something I know as I've learned a lot in the fitness world the past few months.

I grabbed celebratory champs and cupcakes to share with Le Husband Friday night and he brought me home flowers, peanut butter M&Ms and a card. After so many heartbreaking talks and tears it was such a joy to celebrate a success together. Saturday brought about a charity kickball tournament with friends and many congrats were given my way when people asked what I was doing down in the area.  It's so much easier explaining our move now that we both are employed full-time. No one cares, I know, but constantly saying 'I only work part time at a gym' was beginning to get depressing. No more. No more down in the dumps. No more silent pity parties at night as I struggle with our move.

This post comes to you from the deck as I watch the sun set over the lake. Fall colors are blooming everywhere and the temperatures are once again mild making porch sitting with wine possible. I don't expect the future to be easy or perfect, but I finally feel as though we are moving in the right direction. We are both taking a step forward and my confidence in other parts of our life falling into place is once again high. Thank you for being here. For reading this and for being there during the dark moments. Your comments, emails, texts, private thoughts and prayers mean more than you could ever possibly know. I wish you all the best Monday of the year. < 3

While I Have an Extra Few Minutes

Let's post, shall we? Remember when I said I thought I had a new schedule down? Yeah, me too. To be honest, I did, but then LAUNCH WEEK happened and my life was COMPLETELY consumed with fitness, teaching, new classes, new choreography and anxiously awaiting my certification.

When I say there was NO TIME to post or blog, there really was NO TIME. I barely slept, barely ate and jumped full force into my six launches in three days. WOOF! Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute of it, [well almost EVERY], but I'm no longer a spring chicken and pulling two a days started to max me out. All of the launches went really well and the energy in PUMP was fabulous. Already looking forward to the next quarter's launches, SOOOO.MUCH.FITNESS.FUN!

The last class I taught was my FIRST BODYATTCK class since filming and I was a bit nervous since I hadn't received my certification from LES MILLS. Oh AND this was a substitute class for a different program leaving me concerned about people walking out when they realize the switch for launch week. THANKFULLY no one left and AWESOMELY everyone LOVED the class and many told me they would give it a try another day. Can I get a HOORAY!? Oh yeah, I was also interviewed by a local radio station for Gold's Gym. We talked about my fitness journey, why I became an instructor and what I hope people can find in fitness. The DJ told me I was very well spoken and that he loved taking my class, double hooray.

Want a triple hooray?!?! GUESS WHO RECEIVED FULL BODYATTACK CERTIFICATION ON FRIDAY!?!?! THIS PINK GIRL RIGHT HERE!!!! I have been sweating bullets since submitting my video and Friday was the due date for my results and I was convinced I would have to retape since the assessor was waiting to the last day. I physically jumped up and down when I finally saw the email and was blown away by the assessors comments and critiques. Now it's time to start subbing and then hopefully get my own class, woop woop! Holla at a double certified instructor!

Oh, look at that. An email from my regional manager with a class change for tomorrow. Well, guess I better go learn some more BARRE. No rest for the working fitness girl ;)! Hope y'all have a wonderful day and HOPEFULLY I'll be back with a lil more of a catch up tomorrow.

C U R R E N T L Y

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going: a bit craycray with the job search. Resume writing is so tedious and I'm realizing how specialized my previous field was compared to the rest of the corporate world. Oh and let's not even get into the salary talk, ugh. I fired out a bunch of new resumes and I'm hoping a few of them stick this time since I've made some actual PEOPLE connections. October was always my freakout 'i don't have a real job month', but I'm trying to stay positive.

toasting: a new day every morning. Not with a real drink, but virtually saying cheers to a new day. After losing my grandmother last month I've strived to really take stock in each new day, no matter the circumstances or feelings.  Life is so, so, so precious and one day we won't have ANY more days, bad or good so I'm choosing to embrace each and every day. Cheers to TODAY!

anticipating: moving into our own place. YES, new place. Le Husband and I went apartment/house looking last weekend and we think we've found our new home for the next year. Originally we had planned to buy, but right now with the job search going so slow we're taking the smart route and just renting.  I'm REALLY excited about our options though and hope to share the BIG news soon.

loving: the fact most of my family will be in Tennessee this weekend. Can't wait to squish and hug them.

overthinking: teaching barre for the first time on Thursday morning. Y'all there are only four people in the class but I am SOO STRESSED about teaching to them for the first time. I've only been certified for two weeks and feel an enormous responsibility to do my best for the Barre Above and Gold's Gym logo.

posting: very randomly, but trying to get back on schedule.  I miss blogland!

reading: lots of books to keep my brain zen before bed. Hoping to get my reviews up next week, but right now I'm trying to finish "All the Light We Cannot See". 

practicing: all the BODYPUMP. All the BODYATTACK. All the BARRE. All day, errreday!

wearing: workout clothes and summer clothes. Not only is it too warm for fall clothes, I gots NONE down here. I'm hoping to get up to VA soon so I can find all my boots and sweaters. Thankful I don't need them all now, I'M LOVING the warm weather. 

wish listing: Too many things to count. A JOB would be number one, though.

What's currently going on with y'all?

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