Hello 2016

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

2015 was filled with highs and lows; heartache and joy, and new friends, adventures and traditions. It was a chance to learn and grow and become a better me.

I did things that I never thought I would ever do, like going on a roller coaster that went 120 miles per hour - ok just going on "real" roller coasters in general. I went on 2 "road" trips, one to NY and the other to Ohio. I also got to go to my cousins wedding in California and see family that I haven't seen in some cases 20 years and meet cousins I have never got to meet. I decided to "take a break" from teaching and "take a chance" in a new job (which I LOVE 95% of the time). I started teaching more classes... many many more classes including Bokwa. I got to touch the dugout at Fenway Park as I cheered on my friends running the race. I gained 2 baby cousins. I got to stand up and witness a friend say "I do" and avoid catching the bouquet. I got pre-approved to buy a house and told that I had "the best credit of a 20 something year old" she had ever seen. I strengthened my friendships with some of the best friends around and made new friends along the way. 

As we move into the New Year many people will make goals. It is important keep them reasonable. 

Here are mine.

1. Say good bye to the 200's again. I could blame it on stress, not working out as hard or as much, but when it comes down to it, part of me didn't care anymore. I wasn't in the zone or in my happy place and it showed. But there aren't any excuses. It happened. It's over and I have to move on.

2. Make time for friends. I admit it. I am very type A. I enjoy working and being creative and getting stuff done. But I also enjoy just relaxing with no cares in the world, even if its just sitting in a car and having a conversations... ;) or road trips with the music going. Just having time to relax and have no cares is an amazing feeling.

3. Continue looking for a house. I have been working very hard at saving money to get my own house and I am confident that 2016 is going to bring me closer to these dreams.

4. Learn my limits. I don't want to burn my candle at both ends and thus burn out my candle. 

5. Sing. I have enjoyed being back at church and signing and I want to continue this. 

6. Read a book- or at least finish the one that my niece let me borrow to read in August...

7. Stay on top of laundry. You laugh but when teaching classes nearly everyday of the week- that means most days I go through 2 outfits and that is a lot of laundry. So not only do I want to keep on top of doing laundry, it means putting it away too.

8. Attempt to get up on skis. This is going to take great effort. I am going to have to drop some pounds and strengthen my arms. 

9. Run a 5k in under 35 mins. That would mean that means I am going to have to do a few things. I'm going to have to get my mile closer to 11 mins (the best one I've done was 12:12) and I'm going to have to keep running. Gah. Make it a habit right?

10. Try something new. I don't know what this will be but I don't want to limit myself by fears.

When you write your goals you are more likely to achieve them. I also want to be mindful not to already blow number 4... 

Happy New Year. May it be filled with joy, happiness, love, family, friends and wonderful memories. <3

#truth

Truth. There is so much truth in this image that came across my newsfeed and I've thought about it a lot in the nearly 2 months that I have had the image saved on my desktop.

1. My body isn't perfect.
In fact I would say its far from it. I have loose skin and rolls. I have childhood scars from falling off my bike or that one on my knee when I was at my Godmothers house and landed on one of those Nurf Gun toys with the spikes. And then there are my scars from surgery. They go from my elbow to my armpits. But those scars, I like those scars. The remind me of where I was and how far I have come. They keep me going and keep me from throwing in the towel.

2. I don't walk with confidence.
OMG especially in heels. I have no grace in them whatsoever. But in all seriousness, this used to be true. I would say that I would walk with my head down. I avoided eye contact. If I couldn't see you, you couldn't see me right? I am working hard at this. Being proud of who I am. It's something I continue to work on.

3. I get into fights with my parents and friends.
Oh my do I ever. I am strong willed, stubborn and opinionated. I will stand up for what I believe in. I will fight for what I want and what is right, but I have also learned that not every fight is a fights that I'm willing to "die on the battle field for" sometimes I need to just let it go, which is easier said than done.

4. Some nights I'd rather be by myself than out partying.
Isn't this the truth. I very much enjoy quiet evenings, to myself, alone in my room watching Netflix, reading a book or working on a craft. My daily life can be loud and busy and sometimes I just need to come home to a quiet space. 

5. I cry over the smallest things sometimes.
Yes. I am an emotional person. I wear my heart on my sleeve and things that shouldn't bother me do.

6. There are days that I get through with forced smiles and fake laughs.
There are days I would rather dig my eye out with a spoon instead of doing what I'm doing. Meetings that could have happened over an email, or meetings that don't have structure and conflict with my type A personality. Or now, when I know that I have put weight back on and continue to struggle to take it off again.

7. Sometimes I try to convince myself that things are okay when they're not.
Or vice versa. Things are ok and I am convinced they are not.

8. I'm not ugly but I'm not beautiful.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Healthy knows no size. Healthy is beautiful.

9. I don't look as good in real life as I do in pictures.
I've learned (thank you A) how to pose in pictures to make myself appear thinner. And pictures I don't like... I get rid of... ;) 

10. There are some nights that I cry myself to sleep.
I'm not where I thought I would be at this point in my life and when I have to much time to think, I get down. I try to stay constantly busy and not have down time, but there are some nights I wish things were different and I wonder what is going to happen next. I am happy with my jobs, my family and my friends. I wouldn't change what I'm doing and where I am at. I know it's part of the plan, but sometimes I just wonder- what is next?

11. I constantly think I'm not good enough.
All the time. I am always thinking I could be better, do more. I didn't try hard enough. There is always doubt and even though I have been told that "I am a star" {Reiki}, sometimes it's hard to believe it.

12. I'm imperfect, but I'm perfectly me.
'I'm not a perfect girl , my hair doesn't always stay in place. I spill a lot of things and I am pretty clumsy! But when I think about it & take a step back, I remember how amazing my life truly is & that maybe... I like being Imperfect"

Days 19, 20 & 21

Today is day twenty one of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

I slacked off the last few days. Not in everything I have been doing, but in writing my blog posts. I haven't been home, so I haven't been able to sit down at my laptop.

Friday was a long day of training. I sat through a suicide prevention training. It was a hard subject and sitting through it was painful, really. I can't stand sitting all day. My evening finished off with dinner and a wonderful walk by the river, before having a "sleepover" and catch up time with the niece. I can't believe everything that had happened since I saw her Sunday.... Oh high school.

Saturday was an early morning after not sleeping much. I had a FULL aqua class at 7 and then it was time to get ready for work in Augusta with our social media journalism interns. I am continuously amazed as how much knowledge they have and how well they come together and work from all over the state. I got to sneak in a quick nap before heading to the "Drag Me to Hell" show. It's always a great time when the GPF family gets together to do something outside of the gym. The best part of the evening was before the show and the conversation that happened. =D I'm so blessed.

This morning was church and getting ready for the Fall Festival at church. I came home and got ready for the Football game to fall asleep on the couch. Opps. Now I'm up, enjoying the game and getting ready to head to the gym to teach class and do my dreaded burpees.

Although this 21 day challenge didn't go {weight wise} the way I would have wanted it, I wouldn't change it. I have made daily measurable goals, stepped out of my comfort zone, and given the opportunity to reflect on the process. Life's an adventure, and I'm ready for the next one.

Day 18: Sunshine & Rain

Today is day eighteen of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 18: Find the sunshine in the rain. 

The weather today was a little dreary. Misting most of the morning. My morning started early,having a breakfast with a friend who was in town. Following that it was off the the Department of Corrections. Yes I had to report there is morning at 9am... for a meeting. We chatted about our trip to the Family Justice Center last month- This is such a great project and I am happy to be working on it. 

No rest for the weary, I no sooner finished that meeting and it was off to make it in time for my next meeting(s). For once, the technology on my end was super and I was able to see everything that was happening. I can't say the same thing for the Portland Office- they kept coming in and out. I then had a grou of kids show up to take part in a discussion with a representative of the state. They voiced what was happening that was working well, or what they felt they could be done better. I found that they did a great job and from that meeting, although it wasn't "mine" I took away things to work with them on.

After taking a few kids home,it was off to class. Bokwa was great, again and then burpees with Lou. Those, not so great. They suck. BLAH. Then Zumba 30/30 where my new people from last week returned and brought a friend- yeah!

On the way home, I wasn't able to come down my road. I don't know what happened but there were fire trucks, rescues and police everywhere. I hope it wasn't an accident and if it was, I pray for them.

I'm hoping to call it an early evening as I am exhausted and have a long day tomorrow. I'm still smiling and definitely have found the sun shine through the rain.

Day 17: #nailedit

Today is day seventeen of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 17: Todays goal was to not blow an important meeting I had today.

After not sleeping all night {not joking, I saw 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00... then fell asleep until 6:00} it was up and at 'em. Off to Walmart to get supplies for work then to take a special delivery to a special friend. Only to realized I had forgotten all my workout clothes! Ahhh! So after the delivery I ran home to grab them then to the office to prep for this meeting.

I fully anticipated having the meeting with the visiting company with my boss and another coworker, only to be told last minuet that my boss wasn't coming and that it was pretty much me. {AHH, I was already stressed} BUT the meeting went AWESOME and I was asked to consult and present as part of their panel. {EKKK!}

Following the meeting it was time to get ready for class. My class at the Y continues to grow and I had several new people {which makes me excited}. This was followed by 70 burpees. It continues to get harder and harder, but again, my wonderful video gal did 5 in support of my after I was done. Then it was time to head off to board. I got to skype for a few mins with my little niece before I had to drive, but if things couldn't have been planned any better, I got a call from Margaret and following her call my cousin in California gave me a call.

After advisory board, dinner and an errand for work, I am finally settling down for the night. I am looking forward to crashing and crashing hard.

Sweaty Selfie Day 17- post zumba and burpees, and I forgot a hair tie... blah

Day 16: Me Day

Today is day sixteen of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 16: Take a "me day" I was going to sub for Auburn School Dept but I haven't really taken any time for me lately. The scale is going up. A and I both know that my body hates me and doesn't like the workouts I'm doing and even though i am trying to eat what I need to in order to continue to workout and loose I'm not. Its frustrating because I lost 7 pounds last time. But even though I have been upset about the number on the scale I have been so beyond happy with and about other things.

I stayed in bed for a while this morning and enjoyed just relaxing. It was nice not to have to be anywhere or do anything. Before long I was up. I decided that I would clean and do some laundry. Before long it was time to head out to Zumba Kids. That class is a lot of fun and continues to grow. I only wish that I didn't have to feel like I was rushing to get to my Tuesday night 5:30 class, but such is life. 5:30 was a BLAST as always and from there on out my night continued to go great.

In all the rushing and not having to do burpees... I forgot to take a sweatie selfie =D so here is an image of how I am ending my day... and remember... Love yourself!

Day 15: #gpfNdaClub

Today is day fifteen of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 15: Todays goal is to make everyone feel welcome at Zumba in da' club! 

I woke up this morning to say goodbye to Miranda. I'm so happy that she can get herself ready and out the door, as it was a long sleepless night {another story- stuff on my mind}. I let the puppies out, fed them and together we slept in the living room for a few more hours.

My morning consisted of some work emails and a conference call and then it was off to Augusta for a meeting. I was dreading it but overall it wasn't bad.
Rushing home I made it to the Y to teach my LARGEST 4pm class (10 people)! It was very exciting and I hope they all continue to come back.

Now for the part we have been waiting a long time. #GPF it back in 'da Club { #gpfNdaClub } I entered to be greeted by the owners and staff, who showed me how to use the sound system, and light. WOW! What a difference from our previous club experience! It was AMAZING! The energy, the atmosphere, everything! I can not wait to see it continue to grow. 

Have you wanted to try Zumba? This is the place to come and try it out! The lights are off and the party is on! No mirrors and no one can see what you are doing! Join us next week! Mondays at 7pm, $5 {cash} drop in ad Sapphire Nightclub and Event center, on Center Street in Auburn!

Post 4pm class. Waiting for the crowd at Sapphire Day 15 Sweatie Selfie =D

Day 14: Froze to the bones!

Today is day fourteen of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 14: If todays goal was not to freeze at Dempsey... I would have failed... 15,000 steps today... that was my goal.

After a fantastic day/evening at the wedding and a semi short night of sleep it was up to cheer on the bikes at the Dempsey challenge. My hair stayed pretty good and I bundled up and headed to the back road to cheer them on. 

Patrick biked passed us and said thank you. We finished up cheering and then I headed to the official GPF cheer station. Mom, Carla and I froze as we stood their to cheer them on and waiting for our GPF bikers! Patrick passed us (again for mom and I) and now we waited for our stars!

Following the cheer station and a few errands it was home to get warm and take a nap. Feeling much refreshed I packed my bag to get ready to head to cover classes (do burpees) and spend the night with the #1 niece. 

Zumba, burpees and Bokwa. A great evening, although I am getting tired of burpees. I never thought I would wish for the day when I could {just} do 25 of them. 60. Blah. That means we have 40 more to go still before we hit our final number. You know you had two great classes when your mom says "I hope you're not going out anywhere public after class. Because it looks like you peed your pants." Ahhhhh AND we turned the room around! It was then off to an evening with the niece and puppies. I walked through the door and have spent the last hour smiling ear to ear as I am informed of everything that has been going on since our last auntie niece date. Its nights like these that I love and cherish. 

Just sitting here together as we both write blog post (you can see her new one at www.youthmovemaine.org next week- and also check out others that she has written among other talented youth) and listening to her talk. The good, the bad and everything in between. I hope we continue to have these moments forever. 200 more steps until I hit my 15,000 steps goal today.

Sweatie Selfie day 14, post Zumba and Burpees

Day 13:Wedding Bells

Today is day twelve of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 13: Goal- don't over do it at the wedding.
My morning started early. After going to be at 1am it was up at 6am to teach my Aqua Zumba class at 7 the home to shower and get ready for a day that has been a long time in the making. Hair started at 10am and by 2:15 we were loaded in the limo and heading to the church. The car ride was filled with selfies and laughs.

Limo Selfie

The wedding went beautiful and we even survived the cold temps and wind for pictures. We were off to the reception where I did good on my food intake and didn't drink anything. We danced the night away before cleaning up the hall. Lots of hands make light work and thank you to everyone that helped. The party wasn't ready to be done either, as a group of us headed to the newest place in town, Sapphire to check out the opening night at the club. I am excited that there is now a place to go and have some fun... oh and Zumba on Monday nights ;)
Now home reflecting on such a wonderful day. So much love and happiness and I am glad that I got to be a part of it. Tomorrow morning we cheer on the bikers for the Dempsey challenge. My plan, sleep light and go with my hair like this for Patrick Dempsey ;)

Sweatie Selfie and Aqua this AM with BEKKAH!

Day 12: Be Happy

Today is day twelve of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 12: What a day! Todays goal was to be happy. Today day started off with Zumba and Aqua Zumba- I love being able to take 2 classes and enjoy them. Then lunch at Bates - which brought us excitement, because it was Taco day {usually the best meal we have there}. Lunch conversations brought laughter, knowledge I could have dealt without and lots of red faces.

After lunch it was home to get ready for the rehearsal for tomorrows wedding. We got the church all decorated and practiced what we needed to do and off to dinner we went. There was a HOLE in my drink cup and my precious drink quickly began leaking all over the table. Then off to the hall to decorate. It looks BEAUTIFUL. Tomorrow is the day. Then everyone can breathe!

Day 12 Selfie (since someone *coughNickcough* didn't post my sweatie one...

Day 11: early to bed

Today is day eleven of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 11: In bed by 10pm. That means that I am settling down for the night with maybe a little Netflix but nothing else. I have been overtired lately so a nice relaxing night is in order.

I got up this morning and got ready. I was in a cranky mood already. I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Off to Portland I went where I sat on the floor outside of the office for almost an hour waiting for someone to get there, I don't have a key- although they said they were going to give me one today... I got there about a half hour for my meeting- which ended up starting late, but hey, what can you do? 

After 3 meetings in Portland it was back home to get my hair done. I always look forward to hair days, but usually its a Friday so having it done on a Thursday really threw me off. I got done just in time to rush across town and get the studio for BOKWA. 

AMAZING class. I just get happier and happier every week {SHINING EYES}. Then a little down time while we wait for Zumba. As class is getting ready to start, two faces I haven't seen in a while came up over the stairs and I let out a BIG screech! Ms. Morgan and her momma came, and brought a friend who brought a friend {in fact in the middle of class I was asked if they could prepay for some Thursday classes- why YES you can- talk about the boost I needed today}. Now back to Ms. Morgan and her momma. They drive a half an hour to get to classes with us, not only that but they joined the dance team last year. Morgan even got confident enough to lead songs when we did Zumba in da' Club- {they are excited to be going back to the club next week}. I got hugs galore from Ms. Morgan and she told me how much she missed me. I wish at her age I would have gotten active and been so confident. 

I could have stayed and talked FOREVER with them after classes, but I like to meet my daily goals... so... I had to head home. Supper a quick shower and now settling in for the night. 

Day 11: Sweatie Selfie with Ms. Morgan!

Day 10: Supported Burpees

Today is day ten of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 10 goal: Eat more. You heard me. My goal for today was to eat more. With the amount of workouts I have been doing I should be loosing weight- not gaining... which means, I am not fueling my body to keep it going the way it needs to.

Morning started off great. Breakfast was exactly what I needed to eat and then it was off. I got to spend the day at the TD bank health fair. It was a great time. We got to talk to a lot of people and invite them to come try out classes with us. We thought that we were going to be fed lunch so I didn't pack one. Nope no lunch and the cafeteria had vending machines. I chose to wait until I got home. Which meant I ate changed and headed over to class.

My class went great and 2 of my aqua ladies even ventured up to the 3rd floor to give land a try. {This made my heart SO happy}. Following class it was time for my 50 burpees. Most of my class stayed and cheered me on {thanks ladies it was hard! Every day it gets harder and harder. I will be counting on your support next week as well.} I even had my videographer do 5 after in support of me. 

To meet my "eat more" goal I packed a small snack to hold me over until I could get home to eat dinner and it was off to choir practice. Something about singing to God just fills me with so much joy. I am sad I will be missing the next few weeks of practice. Now home where I have had dinner and will be settling in for the evening. Tomorrow is a Portland day for me for work, so I need to think carefully about my goal, what it will be and how I will accomplish it.

Day 10 post class and post burpee sweatie selfie

Day 9: A family affair

Today is day nine of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 9: Don't hit my snooze. 6am. My phone goes off and automatically I reach to hit the snooze but before I do, I remember NO that was todays goal. NO SNOOZE. Up and at them to get out to my friends house for 7am. After a little visiting it was time to work, {yes, before my workday even really began}.

By 9:15 it was out the door to head to my first meeting of the day. I began working on some stuff that needed to get done. Waiting and waiting for the person I was meeting with to show. Text messages and emails sent and nothing. I couldn't wait around- I had to get to my next meeting- which he was supposed to be at. Together we were supposed to be pitching a proposal. I was going to have to go in solo {and because of past history I was anxious about this meeting}. The meeting went AWESOME and even ended with a part timeish job offer... which I don't think I'm going to take, I mean I already have enough on my plate, right?

After a phone meeting {we have decided that my work phone isn't really working... thankfully we are supposed to be getting new ones soon} and a few emails it was off to Zumba kids at a local elementary school. My class there continues to grow every week and the kids are having fun and doing a great job. I walk them to their busses and then its a race to get across the river to GPF for my terrific Tuesday night class! Tonight, I had 2 sets of sisters in my class. We are always saying that GPF is a family, and its so nice to bring members of our own families to class together.... a family that works out together stays together? So story time....
I started taking zumba close to over 4 and a half years ago. When I was "hooked" and was going multiple times a week, my mom wanted to come with me, and, confession, I wouldn't let her come with me. {GASP} Zumba was my thing. I had finally found something that I liked and I enjoyed and I wasn't ready to share. So she started going to other classes. Eventually I let her come to class with me but she wasn't allowed to stand next to me. Now, if she isn't at class it seems strange. I even look forward to when my dads work schedule lets him come back. So if you are working out and working hard. Make sure you share the love. The best complement you can give an instructor is to let others know how much you enjoyed class and invite them to come with you. The more the merrier.

Following a great 30/30 class we awaited the arrival of some of our 30 day burpee challenge friends before we conquered 45 burpees. HOLY MOLY. I remember when we thought 25 was rough. We hit 25 and it seems so easy, ok maybe not SO easy but a little easier... how are we ever going to make it to 100?!?!?!?! Then it was time for a little more toning and kickboxing.

As I made my way out of the gym and climbed into my car I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am. How much I ENJOY and LOVE being at the gym. How its my home away from home and how blessed I am to have those people as part of my FAMILY. 
Get Fit * Feel Good * Have Fun!! 

Girl Power Fitness...we're not a gym, we're a community, FAMILY

Come join us!

Sweatie Selfie Day 9 with the 2 sets of sisters <3

Day 8: day off

Today is day eight of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 8: Prepare meals for the rest of my work week.

It was a very productive day for a "day off". I got up and got busy. 
Laundry, GPF business stuff, cleaning, knitting, oh and yes a little bit of cooking. No naps for me today. GPF might have been closed for the holiday, but the YMCA wasn't so it was off to class for me. I did my burpees right there {I even got a few of the ladies to do a few} and cried a little, knowing that I wasn't going to be teaching aqua. 
I'm now settling in for an uneventful evening, which feels very strange.
This is going to be a short post... as it was a "short day" even if it was productive and I'm looking forward to putting my feet up.

Sweatie Selfie Day 8

Day 7: Apples to Apples

Today is day seven of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 7: I will NOT eat any apple dumplings that we make at Youth Group today.
Sunday- Funday- my day to sleep in {even if its only until 8} and I wake up at 7:57. Don't you hate it when you wake up just before your alarm is supposed to go off? I feel like I get robbed of a few precious moments of sleep. Before long I am out the door to pick up lil' Meg and head to church. It was youth group Sunday so after singing in the  choir it was out to work with the middle school and high schoolers. I had 5 kids today and we made {and they ate} apple dumplings and played apples to apples. They SMELT SO GOOD, and the kids said they were... My car still smells like them - since lil Meg took a few left overs home... I probably gained 5 pounds just from smelling them...
After church, upon returning home I had decided that I would be productive... which ended up with me waking up 2 hours later... opps. The productiveness did happen after that. I got a lot of paperwork/ advertising/ PR stuff for GPF and caught a little bit of the Patriots Football game before it was off to get my double does of Vitamin A. Zumba and Bokwa were JUST what I needed - I could have probably done without the 35 burpees in between but hey... you gotta do what you gotta do... and its more fun to do it with friends.
My evening ended with a call from California and catching up with my cousin. Its always a good time when we can catch up even if its only for a few minuets. I love hearing about her little one and catching her up on my life.
Tomorrow is a day off- but I'm bound and determined that I will make the most of my "free time." My mind is ALWAYS going and I already have 20 or so things on my to do list for tomorrow. I like to be busy and stay busy. It's when I am my happiest, because it doesn't give me time to think. Sometimes... thinking can be dangerous...

Day 7... minus Jenn... who was MIA...

Day 6: Remember why

Today is day six of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 6: Start (or possibly finish) the 3 hat order for my aunt.

My alarm went off at 6:00am and my original thought was 'why is my alarm going off so early on a Saturday? Until I looked at my alram and saw it labeled "Aqua Zumba" {score? It was only Saturday} Up and at it to get to the Y for 7am class. I had a great turnout again and it was a great way to start my day. Following aqua I headed over to Tabata and Zumba with A, {see sweetie selfie below} even if I did burpees on my day off! 

The only thing that annoyed me was my frustration with myself. After a lot of hard work this week the scale didn't move in the direction I wanted it to, and made me feel horrible. In Tabata I struggled with some push-ups and the words 'I can't' came out of my mouth. I haven't said those words in forever when working out- they don't belong in my dictionary, and the second they came out I felt tears in the corners of my eyes. I am not one to give up. I don't quit. After being helped with a modification my brain was quickly giving myself a pep talk. 

Don't quit. Keep going. You are working so hard. You are more than just the number on the scale. You chose your health. You chose happiness. You chose to take your life back. You're doing it for yourself. You're doing it because you like it. You like the feeling of pure exhaustion. You like pushing yourself. One day you will be able to do it and will look back on this and see how far you have come. You can do it. Just a little bit longer. Push a little bit harder. Love Yourself.

By the end of taking two classes {see yesterdays post about why this is so important} It was off for the remainder of the days plans. No rest for the weary (and I was defiantly feeling weary this morning) as I rushed to pick up someone needing a ride to my IORG meeting, home to shower and off to the meeting. Everything at the meeting went fine and after dropping off 3 people, it was home to tackle my goal.

After 4 days of no knitting it felt great to be at it again. I am so glad that I had given my hands a rest.  

Best part of this was skyping my with my niece for over an hour. I can't believe that she is walking around. She grabbed the iPad ad, because walking is still new, took to crawling and pushing the iPad around on the floor. I requested measurements of her head so that a new hat could be made for this year and her father took measurements {he didn't use a tape measure per-say...} I told them that she would be next on the list... so of course... day 6 goal- completed, because 'lil duckies new hat needed to be completed. OMG I thought I was in love with the 3 I made for my aunts nieces... just wait until I can reveal what my nieces hat looks like!

Now the question is... do I start a new project... or enjoy Netflix for the remainder of the evening...

Sweetie Selfie Day 5

Day 5: T-G-I-F

Today is day five of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 5: Goal- don't sample the cookies when baking them for bake sale tomorrow.

Day 5 started with me hitting the snooze... for an hour. I am EXHAUSTED. after 7 short 9 minuet naps- it was off to the studio. Friday morning class is another one of my favorites {I know I say this a lot but it is}. These ladies are there to have fun and boy do we have fun. They make me smile with their joking around and their tell it like it is attitude. On Friday mornings, I can go, have fun and enjoy myself... {ok now is when I will take the time to write about why its so important to take someones class when you are an instructor}

For the past month I have been teaching 9 classes a week {yes 9} and taking 2-5 classes on top of that {crazy- maybe} and I'm kinda excited to be going down to 7 a week {even though I'm loosing two of my aqua classes}. I take classes for my sanity. For a chance to be a student. To see someone else's moves and talents. To "get my workout" in without having to think. You see when you are an instructor {at least a dance fitness instructor} you are constantly thinking {even if you have done the song 100 times} what move comes next, is everyone having a good time, is their form correct, what song is next, is the music to loud, too soft, that new song- is it going to work the way I think its going to, am I going to remember all the moves and transitions? Oh and don't forget to smile- even if you are exhausted. Taking a class is a chance for me to stand to the side. To be one of the gang. It is such a wonderful experience and I encourage anyone who does teach fitness classes to take a class from time to time.

I ended up teaching aqua today- no complaints - it's one of my favorites to teach and take. Then off to lunch with the girls {missed you A}. 
It was a rainy day and I had to make a decision... bake cookies OR nap... 2 hours later I started baking cookies. I didn't sample any {I hope they are ok} and opted to get my burpees done for today {I'm so glad that tomorrow is a day of rest from burpees} I am looking forward to it.

It's a Friday evening and because of the exciting life I lead, I am home, in my sweats and getting ready to have a quiet evening of Netflix. After a very busy week I am content to be snuggling in for the night.

Sweetie Selfie Day 5 Post Zumba with A, and Aqua at Bates

Day 4: Smile until your cheeks hurt

Today is day four of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 4: Todays goal was to get a mile walk in at lunch. This morning I looked at a few houses before heading into work. I've definitely figured out what I like and what I don't like. I wont be making any purchases today- since the one in which I liked the layout isn't an option.
Meetings ran my day {I got some REALLY good encouragement and feedback from my boss} and I didn't even get to take a lunch break. I was feeling discouraged and was determined to get in a walk before class. But sometimes things don't go as planed and by the time I got out of work for the day it was time to get over to class. Before class, I needed to try on my bridesmaid dress (thank you Marg for getting it for me). STRESSED doesn't even start to explain how I felt about it. Nearly everyone has had issues with them, including me- the first one wouldn't unzip- yes unzip. I couldn't get it to unzip to try it on. This one unzipped, fir and I even have a little room. I'm not complaining.

Class time. Bokwa. AHHH! I don't think I could of smiled anymore! Everyone rocked it and I had so much fun. Then... Burpees... Blah. 30... but we did it in 3:30 so I was happy. Tomorrow is 35 and it is going to be hard. Then it was Zumba 30/30 time. It was great and I was defiantly feeling the week of workouts (this was the 8th class I taught, but 10 class total done since Monday). I'm not a quitter so after class- it was out to walk my mile to reach my goal. Thank you Jenn and Carla for joining me- and Jenn for the jacket to wear. I need to keep a sweat shirt in my car- it is getting colder!

I came home to see my cousin and his family hear. Little Carter man was asleep. I made some dinner and came back in the living room. He opened his eyes as he was adjusting in my mothers arms, saw me and was wide awake. I spent the next hour snuggling and playing with me. {OMG I LOVE HIM} He even helped me write some of this post. {See photos below!} Which made me smile ear to ear. Something about a baby and unconditional love <3.

Tomorrow is a day off.. and guess what I will be doing... =D  Yeah I will be at class(es). {I do promise to write about taking classes} I work out, because I can. When I get tired, or I am short on time, have meeting after meeting, paperwork up to my eyeballs, or I want to quit... I think about how lucky I am to be healthy enough to workout daily. I am grateful for my health and my ability to become stronger. I know it's not going to all come off in one day. I may look in the mirror and not always like what I see.  HEALTHY is BEAUTIFUL!

Little Carter Man {almost 8 months old} helping cousin blog <3

Challenge Day 3: Come on Spring!

Today is day three of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 3: Goal - Don't let my UP vibrate.  An UP is a fitness bracelet (similar to a Fit Bit). I have it set up go off every 45 minutes if I am inactive. That can be a challenge when I have meetings and paperwork - but today I was subbing to an ed tech. I hoped that I would be moving around from class to class- but I didn't. It was a lot of sitting and one on one time. Great I thought- but I made it through the school day without any issues.

Side notes and cute stories from the day: (I subbed at my mothers school):

• Your name is Ms Skilling? [Yes] You look like the Mrs. Skilling that teaches first grade. [She's my mom] NO WAY!
• [at recess little girl comes running over to me] Guess what? [What?] When I was coming down the slide I closed by eyebrows! [You mean your eyes?] No, my eyebrows! [How did you do that?] Like this! (she then closes her eyes scrunches up her face. 

I then headed to the Y to practice a few songs in the pool. It always feels good to get in the pool and test drive some choreography. {Oh and I LOVE taking Aqua- I'm sure I will write about it on Friday}.

From the basement to the third floor where I taught Zumba Toning- that class continues to grow and makes me happy to see new faces as well as my regular crew. From the third floor back to the basement to the pool for my last weekday aqua class until March, {HURRY UP ~ COME ON SPRING!} It was a splashing success [MAXED OUT AGAIN}- I am happy to still have Saturday mornings. 
I have to brag a little right here. I am required at the Y to have a lifeguard on duty- besides myself. Since May, I have had Rachel on Mondays and Grace on Wednesdays. These girls are great! When they weren't lifeguarding they were in the pool taking the class. They would dance along and bring their moms and friends to class as well (they tell me they are going to join me on land starting next week). I am going to miss them and hope that they might drag themselves out of bed on Saturdays sometimes to see me.

After jumping in the pool and then a quick shower it was off to choir for practice. {Make me a servant all of my days. I won't take credit, I'll give you the praise! And may the prayer of my heart always say: make me a servant today!} One of the goals I made for myself this year was to keep singing. Something about it just gives me a "rush" of joy.

Then shopping and food prep... and as I am writing this... I have realized... I have 20 burpees to do... I made it most of the day keeping moving... until choir- its 90 mins long so my bracelet did go off from sitting- but I'm ok with that... although I thought about doing some jumping jacks part way through... maybe I should have done my burpees then...

My AMAZING Lifeguards and Me 

(oh and my wrist full of fit bits- Thanks A for wearing mine on Fridays- 

I'm passing on another one of your gifts) 

oh and the life ring was moms idea...

Challenge Day 2: Eating according to what I plan

Today is day two of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 2: My goal was to eat the food I prepared and packed. Today was my "day off" from work. My job working for Youth Move Maine has recently moved from 30 hours to 40 hours. I don't and can't get overtime, so when I work over my hours, I have to take comp time. Sometimes I have to work long days, or split days or even weekends {I don't mind - I really am LOVING it}, and having comp time has allowed me to sign up to sub in the schools. Its a chance for me to still do something that I love {Teaching} with out all the lesson planning and grading, plus I get to pick my assignment, and make some money on my day off.

So today I subbed and it was a great day. I have been at this school before and worked with these kids and have made some connections there. After lunch {I ate my chicken and jell-o that I had packed} for our recess time we took a walk {Score- added steps for today!} The end of the school day came and I got ready for "my other job". 

My tuesdays consist of teaching Zumba® Kids at a local elementary school. I have 10 kids a week and they rotate the kids until all kids have done it. Its a 45 minute gig and I make a little extra money. Today as we got ready to finish the class one girl points to my arms and asks: "Did you have surgery?" points at my other arm and asks "two surgeries?"  I responded yes I did and said I would tell them about it after class. I then explained why I had surgery. A great lesson in hard work and they "got it".

Then I RUSH across the bridge to get to GPF for my Tuesday night class. It's a 30/30 class split between Zumba® and Zumba® Toning. It's a great mix and allows me to not get bored with just Zumba® or just Toning. The ladies are great. I love their energy and the passion to make the commitment to show up every week.

Burpees - BLAH- but I signed up for a Burpee challenge for the month of October. Today is day 5, which means 20 Burpees. After class a few of us who are doing it gathered our energy to get out 20 not only done- but recorded to post to the group as evidence - not looking forward to day 30 of 100. If that wasn't enough we then prepared ourselves for Cardio Kickboxing / Toning {again- I promise I will blog about WHY it is SO important to TAKE classes in the future} An hour I'm exhausted - happy- sweaty - and ready to head home. 

Todays goal- accomplished. It was hard- and I definetly didn't pack enough food for the LONG day. Tomorrow will be better, and I got almost 20,000 steps in today. 

Sweaty Selfie Day 2: Boss Lady {Adriane} and me. 

The one who taught me to LOVE MYSELF {LYB}

Challenge Day 1: Making a Difference

Today is day one of a 21 day challenge that I am taking part of with GPF. I have decided that as part of this challenge I am going to blog about my goals and how my day turned out.

Day 1: my goal was to get 15,000 steps in today. I knew that my day was going to consist of a lot of sitting. Emails, paperwork, designing. I even got up early to make sure I had enough time to knit a hat {I'm having fun doing it and it actually is very relaxing.} I would check my steps after class tonight- thinking that I was going to have to go do a few laps around the block. My UP bracelet is set to go off every 45 mins that I am not moving {it vibrates on my wrist and I feel like a dog with a shock collar as I jump}  and it went off several times today. I was dreading checking it tonight. 

I strongly dislike paperwork/ email catch up days.

My Monday workout schedule consisted of 3 classes today. 2 classes in which I taught and then one that I took {thanks for the Butt Kicking A- I am beginning to like step- I really have a hard time admitting that- but thats a different story for another day- about why I "don't like it"}

My first class was my 4pm Zumba class at the Y. It's a small class but over the last few weeks I have grown to really enjoy it. I had been getting burnt out teaching 9 classes a week and fitting in my classes that I enjoy taking {I need to take someones class(es) for my own sanity- again another story for another day} but I have a new group of people that are coming that bring new energy and excitement and that gets me excited. PLUS its OCTOBER- which means I pull out my Halloween music for the month- LOVE having the change up.

Next was Aqua- Have I mentioned how much I LOVE teaching {and taking Aqua Zumba ~ cause I do!!!} I am sad that this was the last Monday Aqua class until March- swim team is back and even though I am continuously having the max I am allowed in the pool {we keep saying- once we have the new pool we wont have to worry- two more years}- they get first dibs of the pool. Not fair I say- but hey I understand. I got there and was approached by one of the ladies. I have to tell you the story because, it made me tear up and feel so AMAZING.

I have to tell you something. I went shopping the other day and I walked passed a mirror. I'm trying to loose weight and I don't think good about myself. I'm trying to loose weight and I have lost some, but I looked in the mirror and I could hear you in my head saying: "Love yourself, Love yourself" and I decided I was going to. You dont know how much that means to me. (to see full story about "Love Yourself, Love Yourself please view: Unconditional Love

I started tearing up. I know that feeling. The feeling of not loving myself. Even now there are days when I have to remind myself that Loving Myself has to come first and be first.

I can't say it enough, but Adriane- thank you for those words. Those words that are easier said then believed. Sometimes it feels like we say them and the get lost in the air. But knowing that someone listened to them, as I listened to them from you, made my heart explode with love and pride. Thank you for allowing me to pass on those wise words of wisdom to the people in my classes.

So I am taking Monday as a WIN. I got to teach classes, take a class and most importantly I made a difference in someones life, as someone made in mine- and there is nothing like having the feeling that YOU made a difference.

Oh... and I met my goal... almost 19,500 steps today.

Sweaty Selfie - Day 1