Fresh Start November!

October has been an extremely challenging month.

All kinds of issues have come up - trying to work around my son's school schedule while working retail, not knowing my work schedule each week until the very last minute (and it STILL being subject to change in the middle of the week), trying to fit everything in that needs to be done, and not being able to sleep from all of the stress, then trying to function each day on very little sleep.  And that's only part of the challenge.

Now that November is here, I've discovered that I gained a couple of pounds back...most likely because I turned to food to deal with stress and I've been so exhausted from insomnia that the workouts I have been able to fit into my schedule wound up being cut short - or not being at full speed as I would have liked.  There has been - and still is - a lot of prayer and tears while trying to figure it all out.  At least I finished the editing on my novel so I can look for a publisher, so something was accomplished during this time!

One thing I do know for sure...something has to give soon.  I refuse to let November go by with no weight loss (or a gain), making me feel even worse than I already do.  Seeing pictures of my self from the last couple of weeks only makes me more depressed...but also motivates me to do better. And I'm still catching up on this week's Biggest Loser - since I had to work and was unable to watch/recap.

So on this 1st day of November, I declare a fresh start.  I will find a way to get all of my workouts in, while being more careful about what I eat, even when I'm stressed.  (which is, by the way, pretty much 24/7!)  I will continue to pray that God leads me in the way I should go so there can be more of a balance in my life.  And I will keep the faith - and hope - alive that things are going to improve as long as I set better goals and carry on.

Please feel free to share your goals for the month with me, as we support each other on the journey of life.  Here's to a better, more successful November!

Faithful Balancing Act

I was just learning how to balance everything in my life - then I was thrown another ball to juggle.

I certainly wasn't perfect in coordinating my family and home, writing, fitness and health, and everything else. Who is?  We're all learning the fine art of balance.  And it is a constantly changing craft.

I had been looking for a part-time job to help with all of the bills, since the writing isn't covering it all quite yet.  Of course I'm making money freelancing, with more coming in than before but not enough for right now.  And the novel won't be making me any dollars until it's published and out there for everyone to read.  So we need other income in addition to that plus my husband's job.

I've applied to many places, but hadn't had any luck until recently.  In this economy, each position has so many applicants that chances aren't as good as before...but I prayed and trusted God to bring me to the right job for me, that would use my unique talents and abilities and work with my other activities.

It turns out that He was just lining up the perfect job for me.  I now work about 20 hours a week in a bookstore.  Now, what's more perfect for a writer than working in a bookstore?  I get to talk books with customers and help them find what they need.  Now I realize why no other job application worked out - God knows what He is doing!

The trick is learning to balance it all with the new job thrown into the mix.  The first couple of weeks were tiring, since I worked extra hours during training to get familiar with everything at the store.  It was worth it, to learn what needed to be learned...plus the additional money sure helps.  But now the schedule is evening out, and I'm finding  a way to get everything balanced again.  Retail hours mean the schedule changes somewhat each week, but I'm being creative at getting the writing, workouts, etc. done along the new job.  It's a challenge, but one that is making me stronger each day.

All I know is if I continue to trust God and let Him lead me, I will get to where I'm supposed to be.  I can do this with His help.  And I'm thankful each and every day for what He is doing in my life.

Balance?  It's getting there.  The main thing to remember:  if you don't put God and faith first, you will never achieve it.  Faith is the key to balance - and peace!

Dealing With Ankle Pain - Part Two

Well, you remember that ankle/Achilles pain I told you about a while back?  I did wind up having to have some physical therapy.  I mentioned it to my doctor and he sent me to his physical therapist - turns out he has the same problem.

My therapist tested my ankle and thankfully it wasn't anything serious...it was a minor strain and I only needed a few sessions.  Everything feels much better now, and I still do the exercises she gave me at home.  Some are with a Theraband, like the exercise pictured above.  The Theraband is already my friend, since I use one to do some Pilates moves at home as well.  Other exercises have me standing high up on the balls of my feet, then stretching the ankle and heel down from a step; plus I need to balance on the injured foot to strengthen it.

I'm glad I asked my doctor about it when I did, so I could take care of the problem before it became something worse.  God truly had an angel watching out for me.  I was able to keep spinning and walking all along, and now I can do my step aerobics and Zumba again.  Once my ankles are even stronger, I'll be able to start running, at least a little at a time.

In the long run, this injury is making me stronger - which I'm sure is what God intended!  I'll be able to do more, and my balance will be better.  And as I continue to lose weight it will only improve. 

Sometimes it's tough to find the bright side when you are injured...but if you are dealing with an issue of this type I ask you to do just that.  You will be less stressed and frustrated...and you just might learn something about yourself in the process!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - Still Looking For That Balance!

I still haven't found what I'm looking for...

Yes, thanks to my new job and U2 I have that song stuck in my head. And for good reason. You know that balance I talked about last week? I'm still looking for it. Now, I know it takes time to find it. You don't just switch from one type of schedule to a completely different one without some struggle. But when you're a writer who is determined to finish revising your manuscript and you have only a few hours left each week to get that done - along with housework, exercise, family time, prayer, etc. - you want that balance and you want it NOW.

Throw into the mix that I caught whatever bug is going around at work. Since I'm new I have to go in, so I must get some rest when I get home. The job itself is going pretty well so far, and I know that once I'm past being sick I can start to find my rhythm. (Rhythm is any form is important to this music & dance girl!) It's just a little frustrating.

I did see a tiny bit of progress on the scale today. I lost .4 pound, which is more than last week and pretty good for being sick all weekend. I'll take it...and I'll move on to the new week determined to make it better.

As for my frustration, I'm trying not to let it get to me. I'm on my knees often, asking God to help me find the balance I need so I can get everything done and be a healthier person in every way. Sometimes it's hard not to worry, but I know I have to let go and let God so I don't lose my mind.

And I'm off now to do some more revisions!

Biggest Loser 13 Challenge - Balancing Act

I changed my weigh-in day to Sunday now, so I can blog the same day about the results and the way my week has gone pertaining to losing this weight. With the new job, it's difficult to step on the scale Tuesday morning and find time to blog it since I get home from work and spin just in time for Biggest Loser. And that blog has to get done right after the show so I can get some sleep and get to work the next day. So Sundays it is.

This morning. I found no change in my numbers...I stayed exactly the same. I suppose this is a good thing considering the major changes in my schedule - eating, sleeping, writing, everything - has been rearranged to fit the new work hours. So I'm learning how to balance it all and still get everything done.

I'm thankful that I have a Monday through Friday job with normal hours, instead of retail or some other shiftwork. I'm also grateful that God sent me this job to help pay the bills since my freelancing isn't yet at the point that it could be my full time job and we really need the money. Things are going pretty well there, and the people I work with are really nice and very helpful.

I also know that I'm not the only person in the world who has to work all day and then figure out how to get everything else done, so I know we all struggle with this. I will figure how how to balance it all, including my writing since that is my life's passion and purpose. I need to get the revision on my novel done so I can get it out there.

Of course I will have an adjustment period. I've freelanced from home for five years so I got set in my ways. (When I had other jobs during this time, they were part-time so it wasn't as hard to adjust.) If I had trouble sleeping the night before, I could always go back to bed for a couple of hours after my son left for school before starting my day. Now I have to jump in the shower right after he gets on the bus and leave soon after for work. There is no room for insomnia, which only causes me more anxiety knowing I have to get enough sleep at a certain time. That anxiety makes me sleep even less, and I have no chance to make up for it until the weekend, when I'm trying to get all of the other stuff done.

This is a big change for me, and sometimes I get frustrated. One of the keys is making sure I don't just grab anything to eat so I don't fall back into old habits. I need to make a plan so everything can fall into place as much as possible. I know that with a lot of prayer I will get there...but for now I'm taking it a day at a time!

Biggest Loser Season 12 Premiere: What Do You Think of the New Trainers?

Tuesday night's season premiere of Biggest Loser ushered in a new era...one without well-loved trainer Jillian Michaels. Bob Harper is still there (thank God!) and he chose to lead the black team in honor of his former partner in crime. Bob is even more fierce than before while revealing his heart, making for the perfect balance in a trainer.

Two new trainers join Bob this season, Dolvett Quince and Anna Kournikova. Dolvett is taking on the red team while Anna leads the blue.

In the first challenge, the three teams were broken into age groups and competed for the right to choose their trainer. Of course the winning team chose Bob. He's proven himself from Season 1 until now and his track record speaks for itself. And with Bob, you know (for the most part) what you're going to get.

The second place team chose Dolvett, who is an experienced trainer in his own right. His long list of happy, fit clients includes some guy named Justin Bieber. (All of the young girls know Justin's in great shape for sure, while I show my age by still proclaiming my devotion to David Cassidy.) As I watched the first episode, Dolvett impressed me. Actually, I was much more than impressed. I became an immediate fan of his training style, which includes his way of showing tough love along with the compassion necessary for working with broken, obese contestants. Plus, I certainly agree with all of my female friends that he's extremely easy on the eyes!

The third place team didn't really have a choice. They became Anna's team. I was skeptical from the very first announcement of her as a trainer. Yes, she's an incredible tennis player, and she's definitely in top shape. But I didn't think she had what it took to really get the best out of all of the contestants in her charge. As the show began, I mentioned that I hope she proves me wrong...and discovered that most people are as skeptical as I am. The first show didn't do anything to change my mind yet. Anna is very sweet - possibly a little TOO sweet. I love her compassion, especially when she ran out to meet her team before they got to the finish line. She was also immediately thrown in the deep end since one of her team members found out her dad passed away just as she was getting settled on the ranch. Anna handled that well.

The problem is in the gym. Anna is not tough enough on her team. Even when she attempts to sound angry or push them it comes out much too nice. I'm not saying she has to be mean to everyone. What she does need is to find that balance that Bob and Dolvett have - the balance between compassion and rousing people into their consciousness so they do their best. Results will not happen without the tough love. Everyone needs a major kick in the butt as a wake-up call to reclaim their health.

The results on the scale proved the point. Bob's team won with a considerable lead over Dolvett's team. And Dolvett's team crushed Anna's. The difference was significant, showing which methods actually get the job done.

I still hope Anna proves me wrong...as the weeks go on it's possible that she will find her rhythm and learn to be a tough motivator while still keeping the compassion. What do you think of the new trainers? Drop me a line and tell me what you think!