Bittersweet Goodbyes

Last night I said goodbye to my job, my little apartment and everything I had come to love over the past year. I've got to admit- it was sad.

As I watched the Tampa skyline fade in the background I drove toward my new life. My life with David- and with Dixie and Jack and Kitty. I drove with hopes and doubts about my new ambitions bouncing around my mind.

I am exited to be following my heart and taking risks for me.. but I am still scared silly!

This week I will get caught up on life, start my marathon training, blog and look for part-time jobs I can do while I work on my NASM CPT course. It will be good.

Life is still so so sweet.

Keep Your Head High

David and me in 2006 shortly after we began dating.

The old saying when it rains it pours couldn't be more true. I sat here tonight feeling stuck in a hurricane.

Parts of my circumstances are from my own decisions but most have just surprised me. Next week I leave my comfy job, city, family and friends to move to a new city and new home. That brings quite an emotional toll. Meanwhile every expense under the sun seems to pop up right now. I am a bit shaky.

But this email forward really changed my thinking. Normally I skip over these but for some reason I chose to stop for this one. I am glad I did and hope you do, too.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me... It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words "In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time - time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

- Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

Sure, circumstances might cause me to lose all of my savings. My car might break down ten more times. I might feel a bit lonely in my new home. I might be scared and cry a little just because.

But life is life and life IS good. I will never regret being happy.

The struggles I am dealing with now really do not make me. It's like God is taking this whole situation, refocusing my thinking and reminding me I have to lean on Him. Okay- I'm listening!

Do any of these resonate with you? What motto has helped pull you through certain struggles?

Stop Editing

This afternoon I got the great news that I have tomorrow off for Good Friday. Yipppeee!!! In honor of my night and day to catch up on a few to-do's, cook, plan a career (!) and watch my Thursday night ABC, I am posting something I wrote more than a year ago for a school assignment.

We had to do write about the biggest lesson we've learned this far in life so far. I stumbled upon mine tonight and enjoyed the reminder it offers. I hope you enjoy :)

I've never had a normal life. But who really has?

At 7-years-old I was a drama queen. At age 8 I was a big sister and my parents divorced. At the ripe age of 9, I thought I was the world's best speller. By 11 I was sure I was going to be the best lawyer out-- I could argue any case. By age 12, I began to discover who I was. At 13, I would fall down the stairs once a week! I also began my interest in boys. Year 14 was perfect. One month before my 16th birthday, my entire life fell apart. You know those horrible stories that you see on Oprah and say to yourself, "I couldn't imagine that happening to me!"… Yep, that happened to my family. My 16th year I struggled with an eating disorder. Year 17 I got my driver's license and my Jeep-- the pair was my vindication. I cried A LOT. At 18 I learned a bit about love. At age 19 I actually began discovering who I am (and accepting it). At age 19 I also learned what I have found to be unarguable:

Don't edit anything.

If we take away all of the parts that are different, or the parts that hurt, what will we have left? What will we pass onto the future? We can say "Everything happens for a reason" and "Work hard" and "Have fun," but the ability to stop editing ourselves enhances each one of these values. We have different beliefs, experiences, values and goals-- but don't let that stop you from being who you are. Be quiet, outgoing, strong-willed. Heck, even be emotional and sentimental if that's what fits.

Life’s up’s and down’s-- they all make us into who we are as individuals. We are flawed and fantastic for that. None of us will ever have it all together, so let’s run with who we are right now. And maybe we can take a step back and have a laugh. It’s a journey, and I say we enjoy it.

Don't edit anything. Even the worst times of our lives are beautiful.

Do you agree with my philosophy? How have you found this true in your own experiences?

Upping the Cheese Factor

First off, thank you to everyone who commented on my last post about David's aunt and her recent news. I'll be sure to keep you updated.

In other news I decided today to throw a party this Friday! I had the funniest idea for a theme/game. Here's the email I sent to the invitees:

Let's bring back the good times by re-enacting our favorite (and cheesiest!) shots from old-time movies and TV shows. Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Saved by the Bell anyone? Play with dress-up props to snap your best shot in hopes to win. What you win I have no idea, but the fun is all in the journey, right?!

Where:
xxxxxxx (my mom's house!)

When:
2/20, 8pm-whenever!

What:
Photo shoot and a movie. Nosh on homemade pizza and snacks! Let me know if you can bring something to drink!

Why:
Who doesn't need a fun, free Friday night?!

Who:
Me. And you!

PS:
And don't forget you're leather jackets, leotards, wigs....! (and your sense of humor!)

So far I have the following scenes for us to recreate:

Of course I'll have a little 'treasure chest' set up with lots of costumes and props!

Anyone want to come over for a comfy fun Friday night? You're all invited!!

Let me know what other cheesy movies/TV shows we can reenact! Remember: we're all about the cheese level!

Re-Activating Your Lifestyle

I am great at maintaining- regardless of the specific number on the scale, my body will hold on tight without consideration of dieting, holidays or training programs.

So why has my weight jumped 4 pounds Christmas 2007 and 4 pounds Christmas 2008? "Did I really eat that much each Christmas?" I asked myself. After the gain I would try to lose the weight but the scale wouldn't budge. Like I said, I am great at maintaining. Up until Christmas 2007 I had always stayed within a specific 3 pound range.

Then it hit me.
Before Christmas 2007 I had balanced a desk job and school during the day with an intense waitressing job and social life at night. I was always moving. Christmas 2007 I quit waitressing. A lot less moving, 4 more pounds.
This past Christmas 2008 I graduated from college. No more parking 1 mile from classes and running around to catch the next. The farthest I have to walk now is from the parking lot to the front door. Hello an extra 4 pounds.
Sure I've trained and completed a half marathon and worked with a personal trainer as I was gaining weight... but it was the unintentional daily activity that really made the difference.

This more encouraging than saddening. Sure, I miss my (more) active lifestyle, but I am where I am and it's not changing yet. Hopefully one day I'll have a job away from the desk- but that is not today. And I'm not about ready to surrender to a sedentary lifestyle and welcome the pounds onto my frame.

So I'm going to do everything I can to add more movement into everyday tasks. I will finally walk to work when possible (it's only 1 mile!). I will park on the second level of Whole Food's parking garage and hike my way down to the store on the first level. I will take more stretch breaks at work.

...and I will use my new Gaiam Balance Ball Chair!

I've been apprehensive to spend so much money on a chair, but when I considered how much of my time is spent sitting in from of work's computer, I realized it is worth it.

How do you deal with a sedentary lifestyle?
Any little tricks you incorporate throughout your day? Please share them in comments!

Operation: Wonderland

I couldn't be more excited about my holiday trip this December!!

This trip is about 5 years in the making. Finances, work and school have kept me from doing this. Now, David and I are taking off the day after my graduation!

The plan:
Leave Sunday (12/14) from Tampa, Fl and drive up the East coast (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., Delaware..) to NYC! Along the trip we'll stop wherever we please, stay overnight when the occasion calls! We'll spend a few days exploring NYC (I was born in NY and haven't been back there in too long!)- Times Square, eating, ice skating in the city... and then head over to Boston! We're planning on getting back to Tampa Tuesday 12/23.. the day before Christmas Eve. I can't wait!

NYC is the main focus of the trip, but I'm really emphasizing the 'road trip' aspect of it. I want to explore something in each state. Let me know of any recommendations!

Also... readers, let me know if you want to meet up! I can come to you! ;)

___________________

As for my challenge:

I need to do better today. Weekends are tough because I spend three days away from my home and kitchen and at David's in Orlando. It's easy to forget that Monday morning I will need to fess up to my scale tight jeans. I need to keep my accountability even when away from my comfort zone.

I am about to head out on a run... maybe that'll help remind me!

___________________

Don't forget about the Smoothie King Giveaway! You still have time to enter. I am loving hearing all the positive things you girls love about yourselves. It's inspiring me!

Life at Sea

My mom and I just got back from our cruise in the Bahamas. We went to celebrate her birthday (August 31) and mine (September 26). We had a great time. The cruise ship was interesting, but the whole trip was priceless.

We found the Imperial Majesty cruise line through a promotional offer. We originally believed it to be a scam although we eventually jumped on board and paid all due fees. However, from the moment we arrived to the hotel the night before the cruise, the whole thing screamed dingy scam everywhere. Later on I discovered we're not the only ones angry about the scam.

We actually tried to get off the ship. It was so dirty, stunk so bad and there was so little to do... but we stayed on. Let's put it this way: When the lady at guest services in the Bahamas asked what ship we were on, she said, "Oh- the dingy!" Needless to say, we (and all of the "guests", really) made fun of the ship A LOT! We ended up meeting some really great people and having an awesome time.

Here's a recap in photographs.
Longest post EVER.

A little about the ship...

Towels spotted with brown and yellow... topped with a few hairs. (That screams clean!):
Artwork in our closet. Oops, I mean in our "room":
Don't worry- they had sculptures by the water coolers.
Our "hallway"! (Notice the "Dead End" sign- they were at the end of every hallway):
...tons of on-board entertainment:
See how enthused my mom was about the ship!:
Smoky karaoke (this was so much fun! We actually stayed here for hours)...
Olympic sized swimming pool (yes, this was the only pool):
...THE Grand Lounge:
When all else fails, there's drinking.
But thank God we splurged and upgraded to the window room (you had to stand on the bed in order to see out the "window"):
The cruise ship was small. Needless to say, there was some serious cruise ship envy at the port. See this picture below? That's it. That's the entire open section of the cruise ship.:
Styrofoam cups and coolers of water. Classy.:
At least they had an arcade!!!
Let me tell you- there were so many hotties on board!
This has got to be the funniest part. Most cruise ships will take pictures of the guests in front of their grand staircase on the formal night. What does our ship do? They bring in a screen with a photo of a real ship's staircase for people to pose in front of!!!!!:
We did make friends (from all over the world, too! England, Russia, Alabama, Cuba, Amsterdam..!):
In the Bahamas my mom and I rented a scooter to take around town:

We went to the gorgeous resort Atlantis. There we walked through their aquarium and hung out on the beach and in the pool!:
A Bahamian marketplace ("Hi pretty girl... Why don't I show you something nice... Make an offer.."):
I got a sunburn :( All over..:
It was a memorable experience with my mom.