It's September Already.....

I'm so happy to announce I've finally found a zumba class I can attend on a regular basis. I've been attending different classes around town when my schedule allows but nothing consistent until now. A fellow co-worker is a newly certified zumba instructor and is teaching classes at the school / church were I work. The classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday's at 5:30pm which works out perfect because I get off at 5:00pm. I don't have to leave to go some were else or go home wait a couple hours and get back out. I'm able to get my dance groove on (ps: this white girl can't dance) right after work. It's so much more fun when you know the instructor to, I don't feel so out of place if you know what I mean. We can all laugh and have a good time. It was a bit odd the first couple classes because several of my co-workers are attending, but I got over that for the most part.

~DAY 327~

Today was a Delayed opening day at work, which means we don't start classes till 9am. I still had to be there at 7:30am (my regular scheduled time) because we had a 8:00am staff meeting. Womp Womp Womp. When I got settled in my room I noticed this sitting on my counter (picture below). 

~DAY 328~

My fellow CW that I worked with last fall also opens at 7:30 with me and she stopped and got us breakfast. How sweet is she!!! Totally made my day, ok now if only every week can start on Tuesday, have a delayed opening on Wednesday that included Chick-fil-a breakfast then we will be doing good. "If only right"

Some how we got on the mustard subject on our morning walk. I made the comment how I only like mustard on sandwiches from Schlotzsky's and What-a-burger burgers. I asked K (the girl I work with) if she'd ever eaten there before. I mentioned I was bummed there wasn't one in the South. And that's when she was quick to correct me saying there was. Low and behold it really wasn't that far from were we work maybe 10-12 minutes, give or take. I of course had to make the trip on my lunch break, and it was well worth every bite. 

~DAY 329~

It was a bit sketchy and oddly placed with no drive through so I had to go inside. It was very old and out dated, it didn't look like your average What-a-burger. I don't know that I'll go back often by myself, its just not in the best part of town. But this trip was so worth it. I didn't feel guilty at all devouring every last bite because I knew I'd work it off at zumba later that evening. 

Today was the first home game of the season for the Gamecocks, college football is a big deal here. I was asked by one of the families from my last class to watch their two girls today while they went to the game. Sure not a problem hubbs has CQ so we didn't have any plans, it worked out perfect. Only one problem I wasn't able to sleep in on a Saturday because I had to be there at 9am NINE AM for a NOON kick off game. I wasn't joking when I said College football is a big deal, these people like live for it. I stopped off at Chick-fil-a for some breakfast on my way not thinking it would be busy because it never is on the weekends in the morning. WRONG, the drive through line was packed. I went in and behind me followed a mob of Gamecock fans, I was just glad I was ahead of them. 

The family left shortly after I got there around 9:15 with their coolers loaded down with food and beer. I guess its never to early to party on game day. They said they'd be back around 6:00pm, yup they were planning on having one heck of a party lol. The girls and I did lots of coloring, played out side for hours, had a Mani Pedi session, watched the game and baked & decorated cookies with glitter frosting. I think this was their favorite part of the day. It makes it fun when you have such sweet well mannered kiddos to hang out with. We had a blast, I'm glad I still get to see my little ones even though they've moved up to the next class. 

South Carolina ended up slaughtering East Carolina 48 to 10. Not to bad for the start of the season. 

side note: I am NOT nor will I ever be a USC Gamecock fan. 

On a more sad note, my favorite pair of comfy flip flops broke this evening. I knew they were on their last leg and I've been looking for a new pair to replace them. I just haven't found "that" perfect pair yet. Thankfully I was at home and just walking out to get the mail and not some were else. We've had lots of great times together as you can see they are pretty wore, I'm sad to see them go. :(  I guess tomorrow I've got my work cut out for me on finding a new pair. 

~DAY 330~

Its a Beautiful Saturday!!!

It was a absolutely beautiful day today, which was so nice after the rainy week we've had. The hubbs and I wouldn't be enjoying this lovely day together though so it did kinda put a damper on things. The hubbs was finally taking his Concealed Carry Weapon class that he'd been putting off for forever now. The class was crazy long from 11am - 8pm. This morning I had plans to attend a Zumba class that one of my parents was hosting at her home. She was recently certified to teach zumba and hosted a class at her home for all of her friends to attend. We were her guinea pigs to get her ready for her first "real" class next week. Let me just tell you this girl is a rock star, you never would have know it was her first time teaching. (that is unless she told you) I had a blast busting my booty with about 10 other lovely Southern ladies. 

I spent the afternoon cleaning the house and getting all of our laundry folded and put away. This is all normally done on Sundays which are our more mellow days but I figured I'd knock it all out today since I was home alone and that way I didn't have to worry with it tomorrow. It was so nice out that I opened all the windows in our house and turned up the tunes. Nothing better than a little music to keep your feet moving. Be time I was done the house was sparkling and smelly pretty. The pups enjoyed the warm sunshine as well by laying out in the backyard. I think Bailey could lay out there all day long if she could. We've been watching out Sunflowers grow, I didn't think they would really make it and boy was I wrong they are almost two feet tall now. I can't wait till they start to bloom flowers, the tops are pretty right now though. 

I spent the evening with another one of my kiddos while we parents went out for a bit. Little Ms. L is such a doll and I absolutely love her. I caught myself this evening while I was playing with her thinking "wow I / we could really do this whole parent thing". It's so rewarding seeing her grow and learn different things from me as her teacher I can only imagine how it is for her mom and dad. We read a few books played with her new riding car and cuddled with her Golden (their doogie) before calling it a night aka bed time for L. When her parents came home I chatted with them for a bit before heading home myself. It was another lovely evening getting to know the G family better. I have enjoyed getting to know the parents in my class (more so the ones I babysit for) so much. Its neat to hear their story and were they came from and what they do. In the Army / Military life you see a similar pattern a lot but with these families they are all different. 

The hubbs was kind enough to wait up till I got home so we could go to bed together. 

I absolutely love that man, he's so good to me!!!!! 

~DAY 219~

White Girl Got Moves

DAY 114

Yea Right, NOT this white girl. 

I had every intention on blogging about the fantastic time I had at the zumbathon today, & the world record that was trying to be broken. But it didn't turn out to fabulous & the record wasn't broken. I got there early, much to my surprise so did everyone else. I registered picked up my shirt & got in line to go down to the floor were the shindig was being taken place. Couldn't find my co-worker so I ended up spending the entire time by myself. I seriously wanted to walk about half an hour into it, but I stuck it out till after the timed part & then I BAILED!!!! Really it sucked!!!!!

The rest of the day was spent at home being lazy and relaxing with the hubbs. He went to the range this morning and did a bit of shooting while I was gone, I would have much rather been with him. While he was cleaning his guns I decided to do a bit of baking. I've been putting Pinterest to use by making / baking some of the things I pin. On today's agenda was a Lemon Loaf, a first for me. 

It turned out so yummy and looked pretty to, Hey that's always a plus right. I took my time measured everything out, checked it twice. This had to be perfect because there was just to much time that went into it not to be. The recipe made two so I made a half cake pan for one and a loaf for the other. I ended up freezing one and we chowed into the 2nd one right after dinner. 

Speaking of dinner, remember last night when I told you we were having pizza for dinner tonight. Yea well we did and it was yummy, BBQ Chicken Pizza a Southern Living recipe with a twist. We both really enjoyed it and thankfully I have enough ingredients left to make it again later in the week if we wanted. Add in a glass of wine with that and it was the perfect ending to a very chill day. 

Hump Day!!!

DAY 111

These past couple days have been beautiful here in the South. Well the weather anyhow, the city is still crap. I love driving to work and watching such a beautiful sunrise. Makes me miss Hawaii and its beauty that much more. I never though I could miss one place so much. But not a day goes by that I don't wish we were back there soaking up the sun. It's seriously heaven on earth. Sure I had "my" days were it was ruff but not one time did I ever utter the words I hate this place.

Enjoying a yummy homemade smoothie, headed back to work from a quick trip home to play with my pups. Everyone needs alittle ALOHA in their life. I don't know were that saying came from that people are nicer in the South....I've yet to really see it.

 I went to zumba this evening and the hour went by so fast, and it seemed like I hardly broke a sweat. Maybe J took it easy on us because he knows we are going to need all the energy we have for Saturdays Zumbathon. Everyone is hoping we break the world record by having 2000 plus people doing zumba at one time in one location. They are expecting such a large turn out they changed venues. I'm super excited I can't wait, I'm hoping to get a few pictures of everyone there but we shall see. So its well after 8pm and sadly the hubbs still isn't home from D school :( I guess I'm going to break down and eat dinner alone. Crock pot chicken and rice thank you Pinterest, two of my favorite foods.

Taking Control

DAY 90 

I'm taking control, its been almost a year now that I have really been working out faithfully. Devoting time, being excited about going to the gym and running has become a daily part of my life. I don't even think twice about my gym or run days. Its as if I have been doing it for years even though its only been about a year. Wednesday nights are Zumba nights with a co-worker at her church right up the highway. Thankfully its only about 5 miles from our home so that makes it nice. The zumba classes on post are Thursday nights & Saturday morning, so I haven't attended them yet. I take a spin class on Thursday nights which I don't want to give up and here the past month or so we have been going to the range on Saturday mornings. I am planing on trying out the Saturday class soon though, maybe once the hubbs starts school & he isn't here those mornings I'll go. But for now the next 3 Saturday mornings are booked.
This evening after Zumba I signed up for a 5k Memorial walk that is being held on Jan. 21 at the church were we have class. It was free & early enough to still be able to enjoy the day & do whatever else we decide to do.

The following Saturday (the 28th) T (my co-worker) & I are going to attend the 3rd annual Health Fair that is also taking place at her church. Sponsored by our Zumba instructor & founder of MBS Fitness, James himself. They are going to offer health screenings, zumba, boxing, advice on living a healthier life style and so much more. I'm really looking forward to this event and learning more ways to better my health and expand my workout routines.

The Saturday after that would be the first Saturday in February the 4th & there's ANOTHER Zumbathon going on!!!!! They are hoping to break the World Record AGAIN for the most people doing zumba. The goal is to get 2100 people or more to attend the event at the Storm Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center. The plan is to get SC heart healthy, who doesn't want a healthy heart or want to help support people getting their life back on track. I'm really excited about this and can't wait to dance my booty off with T. I've been doing a bit of research online and there are quite a few Zumbathons coming up over the next few months that I'm thinking of attending.

The year is off to a great start and I plan to do whatever I have to do to continue it that way. This past year has really changed me & I'm more focused on my health & fitness then I have been in a while. It's awesome to be so pumped about it and wanting to continue making a change in my life. It got me through the last part of our deployment so I know that it will help get me through our time here at Jackson. If nothing else comes from being stationed here, I've become more fit, healthy and added years on to my life. (so I guess something good has come of us being stationed here.) Although I haven't yet given up hope on SC I know it just takes time to find the beauty in something, its out there we just have to dig and find it. I know we were sent here for a reason (other than because the Army said so) I'm just still trying to figure that out. 

I'm really pumped about the next 3 Saturdays, its giving me something to look forward to while the hubbs is busy with Drill School & studying. (he starts a few days into the new week)

A Very Lazy Day!!

DAY 69

We didn't have any plans today which was nice.

It was nice just to sit around and be lazy if we wanted to. We made breakfast this morning and then took the pups on a walk around post. Then came home and continued on our lazy streak, it was nice let me tell you lol. A bit later my love asked if I wanted to go to Target....WHAT ??? Are you serious mister I don't like crowds wants to go to Target, WHY YES I'D LOVE TO!!!! WOOHOO, one of my favorite stores to shop at a double plus because I have the gift card from work. I picked up a new shirt and this fabulous movie that I hadn't seen yet but have been hearing rave reviews on. We finished our outing with lunch at Applebee's neither of us had been there in YEARS & I have to say it was really good. (spouse, I splurged a bit & it did push me over the calorie count a bit but its ok lol)

We got home and curled up on the couch together to watch our new movie. There was many times I wanted to punch those ladies through the TV but then I remembered that it was just a movie. It was a GREAT movie and I'm glad I finally had the chance to see it.

Later that evening I went to Zumba & danced the night away, ok not really the night but maybe a hours worth. It was a great work out, not the same as Hawaii with out my spouse but I'm making due. After zumba the hubbs and I went to look at Christmas lights around the area, I love getting out and being able to enjoy this time together it's simply perfect!!!!

Zumba

Tonight was my 2nd night at Zumba and let me tell you it was a workout. I have always wanted to try it but being the quiet shy girl that I am and super nervous going places were I don't know anyone. Last week my friend S was finally able to get me out of my shell and I attended a class at a local church here. I didn't catch on to each and every move that they were doing but I wasn't the only one still trying to learn. I wasn't completely on beat with the music and moves that the instructors were teaching but neither was everyone else. Still super nervous and very self conscious I managed to finish my first class, about a hour long I would say and I was pumped and ready for another hour. I really did have loads of fun just as everyone says it is. I was still nervous but it was a small group of people and so I think that helped a little.
S has a friend who is one of the instructors and I mentioned that she needed to give us private lessons because boy was she rocking it out. Some of the dances that she was doing I just stood there for a moment with my mouth open thinking "really I'm suppose to catch on to that".

Tonight was night two and when we got there they had already started, we were a tad late but it didn't stop us N and I jumped right in and started busting it out the best we could. Looking at each other laughing every so often because we were trying to figure out what was going on. We still had a blast with it. I was able to pick up on some of the dances quicker this week after doing them last Wed. So that made things nice and I didn't feel so out of place. There were quite a few more people there this time then last but everyone seemed to be in their own little world dancing and working out the best they could. At first I was super nervous again and didn't wanna make a fool of myself. But that quickly change and I tried my best not to let the other people in the room get to me and freak me out. I always feel like I'm being watched were ever I go (not like spied on) but just in general with everything I do. Or being judge for say and so this situation was no different, I think that is why I have a hard time putting myself out there. One because of failure and two simply because I don't wanna be the talk of the group / town or room. So to avoid that all together I simply remove myself from any environment that would allow that to happen.

I hope within the next week or so I can bring myself to attend the Zumba class that is offered on post. What could I loose..... I mean the class is free and I found out I don't have to sign up or register or anything like that. So even if I got there and didn't feel comfortable I could walk out and not feel like I wasted my money. (although I'm sure with as much as I enjoyed the first two classes that wouldn't happen.) Only time will tell, I have got to put my fears aside and put myself out there more. I have nothing to loose but time and unmade memories.

SO HERE'S TO TRYING NEW THINGS &

BEING MORE OPEN TO CHANGE!!!!