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

Are you happy?

Happiness, gladness or joy is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness


Sometimes life is overwhelming.

Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, or even weeks in the month.

I constantly feel like I am always on the move. That I always have something to do and somewheres to be.

The other day, while talking to a friend on the way to work, she asked me; "Megan, are you happy." I thought about it. All of a sudden this feeling of emotion come over me; this feeling of happiness.

Things that I was dreading, all of a sudden weren't so bad and I couldn't stop smiling.

The feeling continued throughout the day. I went to work, came home, went and taught both of my classes and I couldn't get the smile off my face. It's like a switch was flipped. I had been tired. I had felt like I was dragging and then all of a sudden I couldn't stop feeling this burst of energy.

Somewhere in the craziness of working 40 hours a week and teaching 9 classes on top of it, I forgot that I needed to be happy and have fun. You know that advice from Ben and Jerry- if its not fun why do it. I hope over the course of the next few weeks that I can continue to have fun and remember to be happy.

Life is what you make of it. Always has and always will be.

Soaring to NEW HEIGHTS

I did it! I went to Cedar Point and I rode the fastest and tallest rides. Rides that went hundreds of feet off the ground and even up to 120mph. It was the coolest and most thrill seeking adventure I have ever been on in my life… and… I fit in all the rides.
But lets start from the begging of the trip. We left for our adventure at 1pm on Tuesday. We began driving and didn't have a plan of how far we were going to go, if we were going to go all the way or if we would stop along the road. We drove about 7 hours when we decided we would pull over for the night and get a good nights rest and finish out the first leg of our trip. We checked into a hotel got in our suits and enjoyed a few hours in the hot tub and pool with some beverages and fresh hot cookies. We turned in for the night and woke up and got on the road by 630am. 7 hours later we pulled into Hanna and Johns house, not before stopping so that A could get us our first ever white castle burgers. Upon arriving at Hanna's I got some loving from lil ducky.

Lil Ducky and Auntie Megan

My 'sister', Hanna, and I

It was a short visit and at 3:00am we were up and on the road for the next destination, Cedar Point.

The first ride we stepped up to I had that scared knot in my stomach. Was this going to be a repeat of times before. Where I waited in line and then had the embarrassment of not fitting on. It pained me. I didn't back out or chicken out of any ride- in fact I faced my fear of heights many times. We had a great two days there including more time in pools and hot tubs.

It was the BEST time ever. After two fun filled days we were off again. This time heading to West Virginia. We toured A's old stomping grounds and met her family. It was so much fun and I loved hearing all the stories. We even stopped into the Elks Lodge and had a drink. By dinner time we were heading out again and on our way home. We drove for a few hours before pulling off and getting a room for the night. We enjoyed dinner next door to the hotel and of course had a great time in the pool and hot tub. The next morning we were on the road again after breakfast and on the last leg home. This leg was the only time we hit bad traffic- well construction. We pulled into our starting point at 1030pm and said good night. My heart was sad that it was over, but overjoyed that it had happened. I can't wait until the next road trip, because no matter what you do, when you are with A, you are always sure to have an adventure.