Why is setting goals so easy but sticking to them so damn hard? I've set many over the last few months but haven't been able to stick to them and I'm sure I'm not the only one who goes through this. I help people set goals everyday and I make sure they work hard to reach to them. Why can't I practice what I preach? I can say it's because I'm so busy, I don't have time, I'm too tired, I don't know where to start, etc but then the real me gets angry as these are simply one thing, excuses. Excuses hold you back from your real true goals, your desires and your passions. You see, I use to be in my top shape about 5 years ago but then something happened, life happened. One thing turns your world upside down and you lose focus. Once I recovered from that and got my life back on track emotionally is when things got insanely busy. I started having uncertainty in my office job, so I decided it was time to make a career change, which meant a year of Eastern College, which was an awesome choice and one i'll never regret. I was trying to spend time growing a new relationship on top of studying. Plus I was trying to work at the Rec Centre as well. Life was indeed busy for me at that time. When I had some down time I just wanted to veg in front of the tv and not be bothered by anyone or anything. Before I knew it the pounds were starting to creep back.
When you have no time to do anything the last thing most people, my self included, want to do is cook. Hence, it was easier to go out or grab some quick fix to satisfy my hunger. Needless to say, these choices weren't always the best ones, hell, most of the time they were the worst choices I could make for my body. But hey, that food did what I meant for it to do, filled the spot at a time when I was hungry. Looking back now I wish I could make different choices but sadly if given the chance I don't know if I'd be strong enough or smart enough (in the moment) to make the best choices this time either.
Seeing pictures of myself right now is really tough. I see the old me, the me before the new and improved me and it breaks my heart. It really does. I see those pictures and I see someone who is fat again, yes I used the "f" word. I see the person who feels a bit lost, but this time I also see someone who knows what they have to do to change what they are seeing, someone who knows how to turn those thoughts around, but also someone who has to dig REALLY DEEP to make those changes. All these things really hit home when looking at my wedding pictures. Yes, I was a pretty bride and my dress fit nicely and all the positives that go with being the bride but I also see someone who could look better, have less flab on the arms, less back fat, more of a defined face instead of having two chins, and of course a smaller waist size (it's true, wedding dresses fit about 2-3 sizes smaller then our regular clothes and that number all on it's own can be depressing). We are renewing our vows in 10 years on top of the rock pile and although I won't have the big dress, and the halabalu I do want to be able to pick any dress off the rack and go with it, knowing I look killer in it. And yes, I know a lot can happen in 10 years but it's a goal I will keep tucked away under my hat until then. Who knows, maybe I'll have my dress resized and be shaped to look exactly as I want it to.
So all that being said, I have some work to do, I know in my head it's a lot of work but I know once I get started on a regular routine I'll love it again. I really do love working out, getting stronger and seeing results makes me thrive on life. I know I'll have some pains along the way as I do have arthritis in my hips and knees which is something I never had to deal with when I lost my weight the first time. However, as I start losing more weight the easier the impacts will be on my joints so it's a win win for me. A killer body AND less pain, I like the sounds of both those things.
My long term goals are to be able to do my bike race next Aug without dying. The first time I did it I had a very tough time and had 5 paramedics working on me. I was almost delusional for lack of a better word. This time I'd like to make it to the summit/finish line but also be able to ride some of it and not walk it while pushing my bike. Pushing the bike sort of defeats the purpose. lol Also, my second goal is to run a half marathon. I know my body hurts after just 5k which at this point is a chore all on it's own (I used to run a whole 5k in about 27 mins and now it takes 45 mins and I have to split it between running and walking) but I feel with some training I can get back to where I was or close to it. I would like to do another 5k race in April, a 10k race in May, and maybe some in between and that and my bike race in Aug. Then I'd need to take a bit of a break and refocus on running again in Sept for the race in Oct. In my head that all sounds like a great plan. If I start now the training shouldn't be too intense and I can work into the running gradually, like I'm a brand new runner, which is how I feel right now.
The short term goal I have is to lose 15 pounds between now and Christmas (and 75.2 between now and Aug). I don't think that's too unreasonable once I get on track. I have 10 weeks between now and the week of Christmas which boils down to 1.5 pounds a week. I can do that if I put my mind to it. I have done this before! I know some weeks will be better than others but I will allow for that. The first thing I have to do to make this possible is CUT OUT THE COKE!! That was the toughest thing I did the first time and it will be the hardest thing this time too. I also have to stop eating out multiple times a week. I have decided that once a week is good, a nice treat. Even when I did this the first time I was a firm believer that you need to keep having some treats along the way or you'd never stick to the new eating habits. By not having the treats every day they taste better and are more of a real treat instead of normal everyday food when you do have them. I have already cut down on eating in the evening. Because I have cut down on this, even on the weekends, when I do feel the need for a snack I have it. It just doesn't happen very often any more.
So there you have it. A trainers commitment to improving herself along with some of the goals I have set and some of the ways I WILL reach those goals. I am not nieve, I know it will take some time, lots of pains and some determination but I know I had these all before so I KNOW I WILL do it again!! -Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever -
Tuesday, 17 October 2017
Tuesday, 10 October 2017
September 30, 2017, A Beautiful day for a Wedding
Saturday September 30, 2017, our wedding, was absolutely perfect!! We couldn't have asked for anything better. Everyone says there are glitches on that day and I suppose there may have been a few but nothing that ruined our day by any means.
We arrived in the Valley on Friday to decorate, totally ready for a busy day and that didn't disappoint. We were almost an hour late arriving as it took much longer to load the car than we anticipated. Our decorator was already at the hall for some time once we finally arrived. We blamed it on traffic and they laughed it off and went about their business. That worked out well because as they were doing their stuff it gave us chance to figure out what was going where, sort of. lol Thank God for Celine and here boyfriend who came out to help us and took the reins and ran with it as soon as I had a bright idea. Soon after our arrival my maid of honour arrived and things got into full swing. The thing that took longest to decide is how the tables were going to be set up so everyone would have full viewing advantage of us the next day. I let Frank and Tracy decide that as I have NO creative juices at all and I can't envision what something is going to look like until it's well underway. Frank's father arrived with Miss Payton who was a fantastic help!! She may only be 5 but what a trooper!! Once the tables were set up she helped me set the tablecloth's and the runners too, often correcting me if things were a bit off centred. lol She also did a great job carrying our favours to the tables as well as our glass centre pieces. As for help, she was top notch! Decorating went on until shortly after 4 when we all came to the conclusion it was time to eat. We treated everyone to Swiss Chalet as we needed something to fill our tummies but something that wasn't going to break the bank too much. After eating we headed to the Community Centre so we could do some decorating and have our rehearsal. I guess that went as planned. I spent most of my time talking to the lady who was doing our music and doing a few run throughs. Our photographer was there too so he helped with lots of suggestions on what to do and where to stand etc. It worked great for him as he had an idea of where to stand for the best pics. Before leaving I asked Frank to come outside with me so we could have a few mins alone as I was feeling overwhelmed, overwhelmed in a good way though. This was finally happening, it all came together and things looked great. And I may have cried a bit, ok, a lot. lol We went back to the hall to see if anything was missed and to clean up the garbage/bags that were left behind. Frank and I sat at the head table while Celine took some pics of our last few hours as single. After that we (Frank and I) parted ways. Tracy booked her and I a night at the Pillow Case Inn and that is where I spent my last night as a single woman. Although I didn't sleep much I did enjoy the peace of mind knowing that everything was done.
OMG....TODAY IS OUR WEDDING DAY!!! Breakfast was very light, one crape and some pop. Don't take my pop away from me, not now anyway. lol After a quick shower, small breakfast and Tracy doing her hair and makeup we were on our way to Eunice's. We had a slight wait as Frank was dropping something off for me and I didn't want to see him that day, until I walked down the isle. Things went as planned there, my make up/hair ladies arrived and made me beautiful, we had a small lunch (ham sandwich) and then I gave the girls a small thank you token for being my bridesmaids. Then it was time to get ready! I enjoyed every minute of transcending into a bride, a princess for the day. Art took lots of pictures and then one of the 2 photographers took over. Everything was perfect. Everyone left me alone to do my thing, Tracy made sure everything looked perfect and only allowed me to have a few melt downs. The one giggle I had was when I tried putting my shoes (sneakers) on as I was in my dress and it was next to impossible to bend enough to get my feet in the damn things. lol After a lot of grunting they were finally on. :) As I walked down the stairs both the photographer and Art were there to catch the special moment. There is no better feeling then what I felt on that day!! We continued to take lots of pics outside, exactly the way I wanted to, myself first, then me and Payton and then me and Tracy and then everyone all together. After the pics we were done it was off to get me married. Art drove me over to the Community Centre and kept me entertained the whole way. When we drove towards the back of the community centre where I was getting out I felt like royalty for a few mins as everyone stopped to look at me and see if they could catch a glance of my dress. We did a few pics on the steps outside and then we were ready to get started. As soon as the music started I lost it. The girls went in to Marry Me by Train and I LOVE that song but now it has even more meaning. Then the lady (Trisha) looked out and said it was my turn. OMG...I started crying and couldn't stop. lol Then I heard my song, Wedding String Quartet - Canon in D (Best Version) and Payton and Payton and I were off. I could see everyone stand for me and then it became real. As I turned the corner and seen Frank standing there in his tux, with his sports cap on AND HIS SUNGLASSES above the brim I completely lost it and never really regained myself through the whole ceremony. I knew the guys were wearing their hats as it was already planned. I casually mentioned to Frank that it would be cool if ONLY he wore his sunglasses as it's the way I met him and how I know him best. The hat and glasses is who he is so what better way to get married. I can't believe he remembered that I mentioned his glasses, such a small detail to most but it meant the most to me. The ceremony was beautiful, but I may be a bit biased. :) Payton walked me the whole way down the isle, although was a bit testy at the start. She liked the idea of seeing "Grampy dressed up like a penguin" though. I'm sure that is the only thing she will remember about the wedding. lol The rest of the day was pretty typical.
We went to Grand Pre to have pictures taken and they were perfect! A few of your standard posed pictures but then lots of random ones just showing both us and the party having fun. We didn't want all the pics to be staged and "perfect" we wanted to show we had fun and we sure did that. When we got back to the firehall I got to pick what fire truck I'd have my pics taken on and of course I chose the biggest, the ladder truck. The firefighter pulled it out for me and Frank helped me get on it. Not an easy task with so much dress. lol I was on top of the world. I was on/near a fire truck and not freaking out!! :) Then it was time to go inside.
Gary announced us as Mr and Mrs McKay and it felt awesome just hearing it!! We made our way to our seats and soon after supper arrived. It was SOOO good!!! After eating we did the Newly Wed game. We know each other pretty good I think. lol Then a few minutes later we had our first dance. I had no idea what it would be as this was Frank's responsibility. As soon as the song started I broke down, he picked "our song" Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. This song was PERFECT. It has meaning to us and we even referred to it in our vows. I am sure I hid my head in his shoulder for 1/2 the song as I was crying so much. Honestly, I don't remember looking up and seeing anyone else for the whole song. We both said it was like nobody else existed. We only focused on each other. You can see a lot in a person's eyes, even through all the tears. Lastly for the big events was the cake cutting. We made our way to the table and cut it like millions of others, I fed him the first bite and smooched some on his face. He had a great comeback though, he thew some at me and in true Frank style it went down my dress. What are the chances of that actually happening?? lol Everyone laughed and cheered at that! His aim was impeccable! We danced until about 10:30 when it was just family left. It was a busy day for us and we felt we were pretty much ready to tone things down and spend the rest of our special day alone.
Looking back at it a week and a bit later and seeing the pictures still reminds me of how perfect a day it was, and I wouldn't change a single thing. Frank and I are settling into married life quite nicely. It suits us! :)
We arrived in the Valley on Friday to decorate, totally ready for a busy day and that didn't disappoint. We were almost an hour late arriving as it took much longer to load the car than we anticipated. Our decorator was already at the hall for some time once we finally arrived. We blamed it on traffic and they laughed it off and went about their business. That worked out well because as they were doing their stuff it gave us chance to figure out what was going where, sort of. lol Thank God for Celine and here boyfriend who came out to help us and took the reins and ran with it as soon as I had a bright idea. Soon after our arrival my maid of honour arrived and things got into full swing. The thing that took longest to decide is how the tables were going to be set up so everyone would have full viewing advantage of us the next day. I let Frank and Tracy decide that as I have NO creative juices at all and I can't envision what something is going to look like until it's well underway. Frank's father arrived with Miss Payton who was a fantastic help!! She may only be 5 but what a trooper!! Once the tables were set up she helped me set the tablecloth's and the runners too, often correcting me if things were a bit off centred. lol She also did a great job carrying our favours to the tables as well as our glass centre pieces. As for help, she was top notch! Decorating went on until shortly after 4 when we all came to the conclusion it was time to eat. We treated everyone to Swiss Chalet as we needed something to fill our tummies but something that wasn't going to break the bank too much. After eating we headed to the Community Centre so we could do some decorating and have our rehearsal. I guess that went as planned. I spent most of my time talking to the lady who was doing our music and doing a few run throughs. Our photographer was there too so he helped with lots of suggestions on what to do and where to stand etc. It worked great for him as he had an idea of where to stand for the best pics. Before leaving I asked Frank to come outside with me so we could have a few mins alone as I was feeling overwhelmed, overwhelmed in a good way though. This was finally happening, it all came together and things looked great. And I may have cried a bit, ok, a lot. lol We went back to the hall to see if anything was missed and to clean up the garbage/bags that were left behind. Frank and I sat at the head table while Celine took some pics of our last few hours as single. After that we (Frank and I) parted ways. Tracy booked her and I a night at the Pillow Case Inn and that is where I spent my last night as a single woman. Although I didn't sleep much I did enjoy the peace of mind knowing that everything was done.
OMG....TODAY IS OUR WEDDING DAY!!! Breakfast was very light, one crape and some pop. Don't take my pop away from me, not now anyway. lol After a quick shower, small breakfast and Tracy doing her hair and makeup we were on our way to Eunice's. We had a slight wait as Frank was dropping something off for me and I didn't want to see him that day, until I walked down the isle. Things went as planned there, my make up/hair ladies arrived and made me beautiful, we had a small lunch (ham sandwich) and then I gave the girls a small thank you token for being my bridesmaids. Then it was time to get ready! I enjoyed every minute of transcending into a bride, a princess for the day. Art took lots of pictures and then one of the 2 photographers took over. Everything was perfect. Everyone left me alone to do my thing, Tracy made sure everything looked perfect and only allowed me to have a few melt downs. The one giggle I had was when I tried putting my shoes (sneakers) on as I was in my dress and it was next to impossible to bend enough to get my feet in the damn things. lol After a lot of grunting they were finally on. :) As I walked down the stairs both the photographer and Art were there to catch the special moment. There is no better feeling then what I felt on that day!! We continued to take lots of pics outside, exactly the way I wanted to, myself first, then me and Payton and then me and Tracy and then everyone all together. After the pics we were done it was off to get me married. Art drove me over to the Community Centre and kept me entertained the whole way. When we drove towards the back of the community centre where I was getting out I felt like royalty for a few mins as everyone stopped to look at me and see if they could catch a glance of my dress. We did a few pics on the steps outside and then we were ready to get started. As soon as the music started I lost it. The girls went in to Marry Me by Train and I LOVE that song but now it has even more meaning. Then the lady (Trisha) looked out and said it was my turn. OMG...I started crying and couldn't stop. lol Then I heard my song, Wedding String Quartet - Canon in D (Best Version) and Payton and Payton and I were off. I could see everyone stand for me and then it became real. As I turned the corner and seen Frank standing there in his tux, with his sports cap on AND HIS SUNGLASSES above the brim I completely lost it and never really regained myself through the whole ceremony. I knew the guys were wearing their hats as it was already planned. I casually mentioned to Frank that it would be cool if ONLY he wore his sunglasses as it's the way I met him and how I know him best. The hat and glasses is who he is so what better way to get married. I can't believe he remembered that I mentioned his glasses, such a small detail to most but it meant the most to me. The ceremony was beautiful, but I may be a bit biased. :) Payton walked me the whole way down the isle, although was a bit testy at the start. She liked the idea of seeing "Grampy dressed up like a penguin" though. I'm sure that is the only thing she will remember about the wedding. lol The rest of the day was pretty typical.
We went to Grand Pre to have pictures taken and they were perfect! A few of your standard posed pictures but then lots of random ones just showing both us and the party having fun. We didn't want all the pics to be staged and "perfect" we wanted to show we had fun and we sure did that. When we got back to the firehall I got to pick what fire truck I'd have my pics taken on and of course I chose the biggest, the ladder truck. The firefighter pulled it out for me and Frank helped me get on it. Not an easy task with so much dress. lol I was on top of the world. I was on/near a fire truck and not freaking out!! :) Then it was time to go inside.
Gary announced us as Mr and Mrs McKay and it felt awesome just hearing it!! We made our way to our seats and soon after supper arrived. It was SOOO good!!! After eating we did the Newly Wed game. We know each other pretty good I think. lol Then a few minutes later we had our first dance. I had no idea what it would be as this was Frank's responsibility. As soon as the song started I broke down, he picked "our song" Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. This song was PERFECT. It has meaning to us and we even referred to it in our vows. I am sure I hid my head in his shoulder for 1/2 the song as I was crying so much. Honestly, I don't remember looking up and seeing anyone else for the whole song. We both said it was like nobody else existed. We only focused on each other. You can see a lot in a person's eyes, even through all the tears. Lastly for the big events was the cake cutting. We made our way to the table and cut it like millions of others, I fed him the first bite and smooched some on his face. He had a great comeback though, he thew some at me and in true Frank style it went down my dress. What are the chances of that actually happening?? lol Everyone laughed and cheered at that! His aim was impeccable! We danced until about 10:30 when it was just family left. It was a busy day for us and we felt we were pretty much ready to tone things down and spend the rest of our special day alone.
Looking back at it a week and a bit later and seeing the pictures still reminds me of how perfect a day it was, and I wouldn't change a single thing. Frank and I are settling into married life quite nicely. It suits us! :)
Friday, 25 August 2017
Planning a wedding...
I tell people I'm getting married in Sept, making it sound like it's so far away. Sometimes they chuckle and say next month? I say no, in Sept and then realize, holy crap...next Friday is Sept! Yep, it's not 289 days away anymore, more like 36. Holy crap, this is really happening! :) I think I am exactly where I should be in the scheme of planning. Guest list is pretty much finalized, dress is getting it's alterations done, the bridesmaids dresses are being taken care of, the cake is finalized except deciding on the decorations down the side, Frank's tuxes are on order, flowers are taken care of, reached out to the dj and things are good there. I've decided on sneakers as my footwear of choice. I just couldn't see me in heels plus i didn't find a pair that I fell in love with. The sneakers are dressy and fitting for me. Frank has his ring and mine will be going out to be sized next week or the week after (that only takes 10 business days but I will leave enough time for delays). The next thing we have to take care of are all the details like a seating chart, making sure everyone knows what they are to be doing the days leading up to and the day of the wedding. I think as much as I hate asking the bridal party or the groomsmen to help with anything they will need to come into play at this point. We will certainly need their help the day before the wedding as there will be plenty to do. We will be decorating two places so my thought is Tracy and the girls will be helping me and Frank with the hall and the boys will be setting up chairs at the other spot. Frank and I will then travel between the two places making sure the decorations are put up and the way we want them. The big thing at the firehall will be deciding on how we want the tables positioned in the room and setting up the centrepieces the way we want them and a few decorations here and there as we have hired a decorating company to handle the big decorations. I get chills when I picture how beautiful it will be.
Although planning the wedding has been fun and enjoyable for the most part, it has come with some stresses for sure. I'm trying to force myself to let go of some of the stresses or trust that they will work themselves out but it's been really tough. I have a hard time asking for help so at times I've felt incredibly bogged down with details, ideas, plans and advice. Sometimes it's been overwhelming and I just needed to walk away. As I said I hate asking for help and bothering my bridal party, even though they have assured me they will help me, especially my maid of honour (she's amazing!!). For any other brides or brides to be I strongly suggest you pick a wedding party that you know you can count on, and turn to them for help. You have enough on your plate and shouldn't need to worry about the small things. Tracy repeatedly tells me that's what she's there for but yet I keep plugging away by myself. lol A bride should delegate who's doing what early on so that they don't have to think about it any longer. Something I obviously didn't do. Also, ALWAYS save more money then you allow in your budget. Our budget went out the window causing some stress. We tried to do things as cheaply as possible while still making it look pretty but it's been really tough. It's those costs that you forget about like alterations, decorations here and there, all the last minute things that all add up. I was told that it always costs more than you think but I believed I could do it within our budget. Silly me!
I'm also having a tough time excepting that everything won't be PERFECT on our day and that there will be bumps to smooth out. I want our day to be perfect, screw the bumps! lol No time for that crap! I think I'll tell Frank's side of the party to be there 2 hours early as it's quite obvious that time is not important to them. Maybe Frank also needs a watch as a wedding gift. lol I've told him if he isn't there when those doors open for me I'm not waiting around. No second chances. lol Seriously, time is an important factor for me. Tracy knows this is of top importance for me and has assured me that she will do everything in her power to keep us right on the clock. That is the only thing I really stressed to her that is important to me! I say that now but God knows what will happen to throw the time off. I said at least if my car breaks down I can walk from the location where I'll be getting ready to where the ceremony will take place. Hell, I'll have sneakers on so I could even run! Hey, 5k run in my wedding dress...hmmm...could be on to something there. lol
I have had that "oh my God moment" though. It came to me when I was over at David's Bridal getting my dress alterations done. I'm standing there as she's pulling, tugging, and lifting the gown every way known to man and as I looked in the mirror, there I was, standing in a wedding gown, MY WEDDING GOWN. I guess up to this point, it was a pretty dress that came off the rack. But at that very moment it really hit me, this is MY PRETTY DRESS, this dress is now being fitted for ME, it was going to be PERFECT, FOR ME and nobody else!!! I'm 42 years old and up until a year and a half ago getting married was never an option for me. I was going to be a Carter for life. Now here I am, having this amazing dress altered for me, ME!!!! I had all I could do not to cry. Ok, I had tears but I purposely didn't blink, hey, if they didn't run down my cheeks then nobody knew I was crying. I think that moment was even more profound for me then trying on the dress. In my head the dress was still just a pretty dress off the rack (even though I knew it was the one for me as soon as I put it on). Now it was different, it's MY DRESS!
I can hardly wait until I put my dress on, on my wedding day, with the veil, the flowers, the make up and pretty hair and the jewels. I can't wait for it all to come together. I can't wait to open my eyes the morning of the wedding, I can't wait to have some quite time with my maid of honour before things get insanely crazy busy getting me ready. I'd like to hear the song I'm Going to the Chapel too at some point. lol I can't wait for the photos before the wedding when it's truly all about me. I can't wait for Payton to take my hand as she leads me down the isle to her grampy (that may not work out as planned but she's pretty excited about it right now...lol), I can't wait until the door opens and I take the most important walk of my life, to the person I plan to spend the rest of my life with.
Although planning the wedding has been fun and enjoyable for the most part, it has come with some stresses for sure. I'm trying to force myself to let go of some of the stresses or trust that they will work themselves out but it's been really tough. I have a hard time asking for help so at times I've felt incredibly bogged down with details, ideas, plans and advice. Sometimes it's been overwhelming and I just needed to walk away. As I said I hate asking for help and bothering my bridal party, even though they have assured me they will help me, especially my maid of honour (she's amazing!!). For any other brides or brides to be I strongly suggest you pick a wedding party that you know you can count on, and turn to them for help. You have enough on your plate and shouldn't need to worry about the small things. Tracy repeatedly tells me that's what she's there for but yet I keep plugging away by myself. lol A bride should delegate who's doing what early on so that they don't have to think about it any longer. Something I obviously didn't do. Also, ALWAYS save more money then you allow in your budget. Our budget went out the window causing some stress. We tried to do things as cheaply as possible while still making it look pretty but it's been really tough. It's those costs that you forget about like alterations, decorations here and there, all the last minute things that all add up. I was told that it always costs more than you think but I believed I could do it within our budget. Silly me!
I'm also having a tough time excepting that everything won't be PERFECT on our day and that there will be bumps to smooth out. I want our day to be perfect, screw the bumps! lol No time for that crap! I think I'll tell Frank's side of the party to be there 2 hours early as it's quite obvious that time is not important to them. Maybe Frank also needs a watch as a wedding gift. lol I've told him if he isn't there when those doors open for me I'm not waiting around. No second chances. lol Seriously, time is an important factor for me. Tracy knows this is of top importance for me and has assured me that she will do everything in her power to keep us right on the clock. That is the only thing I really stressed to her that is important to me! I say that now but God knows what will happen to throw the time off. I said at least if my car breaks down I can walk from the location where I'll be getting ready to where the ceremony will take place. Hell, I'll have sneakers on so I could even run! Hey, 5k run in my wedding dress...hmmm...could be on to something there. lol
I have had that "oh my God moment" though. It came to me when I was over at David's Bridal getting my dress alterations done. I'm standing there as she's pulling, tugging, and lifting the gown every way known to man and as I looked in the mirror, there I was, standing in a wedding gown, MY WEDDING GOWN. I guess up to this point, it was a pretty dress that came off the rack. But at that very moment it really hit me, this is MY PRETTY DRESS, this dress is now being fitted for ME, it was going to be PERFECT, FOR ME and nobody else!!! I'm 42 years old and up until a year and a half ago getting married was never an option for me. I was going to be a Carter for life. Now here I am, having this amazing dress altered for me, ME!!!! I had all I could do not to cry. Ok, I had tears but I purposely didn't blink, hey, if they didn't run down my cheeks then nobody knew I was crying. I think that moment was even more profound for me then trying on the dress. In my head the dress was still just a pretty dress off the rack (even though I knew it was the one for me as soon as I put it on). Now it was different, it's MY DRESS!
I can hardly wait until I put my dress on, on my wedding day, with the veil, the flowers, the make up and pretty hair and the jewels. I can't wait for it all to come together. I can't wait to open my eyes the morning of the wedding, I can't wait to have some quite time with my maid of honour before things get insanely crazy busy getting me ready. I'd like to hear the song I'm Going to the Chapel too at some point. lol I can't wait for the photos before the wedding when it's truly all about me. I can't wait for Payton to take my hand as she leads me down the isle to her grampy (that may not work out as planned but she's pretty excited about it right now...lol), I can't wait until the door opens and I take the most important walk of my life, to the person I plan to spend the rest of my life with.
Thursday, 5 January 2017
2016 in review
Well, what a year it has been!! I was one of the few people who were sad to see it go. I feel like I accomplished so much throughout 2016. Among the top were I finished college and graduated with a diploma in Health Wellness and Recreation. It was very tough to balance school, work and general life but somehow I managed to pull through. If there were ever any courses of interest at Eastern College I would go there again in a heart beat. I got to share my graduation with the people who mean the most to me. I think little Payton was the most excited though. lol She was quite upset when my seating changed and she could no longer see me, from what I've been told. lol As I left the ceremony she was standing in the isle waiting for me so I picked her up and carried her out of the gym and she was super excited about that. :)
I also started my own business this year, Dump The Junk Fitness. I have 3 solid clients who have been with me on a consistent basis and a few who did their package and moved on. I love what I do. Not only do I get to meet lots of new people but I get to work with them a few hours a week, I get to see them get closer to their goals, I get to help them realize what they want is possible. It's great when a client says I had jeans I wanted to wear for a long time and now I can fit in them. For me it's rewarding to share in that excitement. I also had a client who had never run before. She signed up for a race as a goal and a few months after she ran her very first 5k race. I got to be on the race route and see her. She was working hard and I was so proud of her. I hope she realized her successes.
For myself, I ran a race in October and although I didn't finish in the time frame I wanted to I had a big eye opener for myself about half way through the race. I have arthritis in my hips (and on one side it's pretty much bone on bone) and knees and I never thought I'd be doing another running race for that reason. Training was too painful. However, my dr put me on some medication (finally I broke down and admitted that I needed it) and it has taken a lot of the pain away and for the most part the pain I have is manageable for now. Here I was, doing another road race and I was on top of the world. All of a sudden my finish time didn't matter so much anymore. I enjoyed the last km of the race because you know what, I was doing it and regardless of the time I WOULD finish, but really I was DOING another race, hell ya!! I have a goal of running more races in 2017 and possibly working up to a half marathon by Oct but we'll see how it goes. Sadly I wasn't able to sign up for the Rock Pile bike race last year but rest assured I will be doing it this year!!
In July I started doing bootcamps at a fit club over in Dartmouth. I was super excited for the opportunity. A few months later, in Sept, I was offered at job at the fit club. I've been here for 5 months and I really like it. One more step in my career/passion. Someday I hope to open my own studio but until then I will take in all I can get as there is always something new to learn. I am still battling against myself to get my ACSM certification but damn it, I'll get it even if it kills me (and it just may do that, lol). I am looking into other options at this point just so I can have the PT title after my name.
Frank and I didn't do a lot of prep for the wedding but now that it's coming up in 8 short months I guess we better get the planning started. I am trying to lose weight before I start seriously looking for a dress. It seems the thought of picking out a dress is exciting and scary to me. I think the weight thing is playing on me but once I pick out a dress then it's actually happening. I don't think I've really let it sink in yet. I AM GETTING MARRIED!! We think we have a location picked out, we just need to go see it and finalize the details.
So, it is with some sadness that I said goodbye to 2016 as it was overall an exciting year for me. Looking forward I see lots of exciting opportunities ahead for 2017. I will be getting my certification, I'll be competing in the Mount Washington Bike Race again (signup is Feb 1), hopefully taking on more of my own clients, and most importantly I'll be getting married. I am super excited to see what else is in store for me.
My goals for 2017
get married
stop procrastinating with everything
lose weight (about 65 pounds)
complete my bike race up Mount Washington
grow my business
blog more often and post more videos
train more
get my PT certification along with others (possibly something dealing with life coaching, nutrition and weight loss specialities)
start doing some weight loss talks to the public
take more time for myself
don't stress over things so much
I also started my own business this year, Dump The Junk Fitness. I have 3 solid clients who have been with me on a consistent basis and a few who did their package and moved on. I love what I do. Not only do I get to meet lots of new people but I get to work with them a few hours a week, I get to see them get closer to their goals, I get to help them realize what they want is possible. It's great when a client says I had jeans I wanted to wear for a long time and now I can fit in them. For me it's rewarding to share in that excitement. I also had a client who had never run before. She signed up for a race as a goal and a few months after she ran her very first 5k race. I got to be on the race route and see her. She was working hard and I was so proud of her. I hope she realized her successes.
For myself, I ran a race in October and although I didn't finish in the time frame I wanted to I had a big eye opener for myself about half way through the race. I have arthritis in my hips (and on one side it's pretty much bone on bone) and knees and I never thought I'd be doing another running race for that reason. Training was too painful. However, my dr put me on some medication (finally I broke down and admitted that I needed it) and it has taken a lot of the pain away and for the most part the pain I have is manageable for now. Here I was, doing another road race and I was on top of the world. All of a sudden my finish time didn't matter so much anymore. I enjoyed the last km of the race because you know what, I was doing it and regardless of the time I WOULD finish, but really I was DOING another race, hell ya!! I have a goal of running more races in 2017 and possibly working up to a half marathon by Oct but we'll see how it goes. Sadly I wasn't able to sign up for the Rock Pile bike race last year but rest assured I will be doing it this year!!
In July I started doing bootcamps at a fit club over in Dartmouth. I was super excited for the opportunity. A few months later, in Sept, I was offered at job at the fit club. I've been here for 5 months and I really like it. One more step in my career/passion. Someday I hope to open my own studio but until then I will take in all I can get as there is always something new to learn. I am still battling against myself to get my ACSM certification but damn it, I'll get it even if it kills me (and it just may do that, lol). I am looking into other options at this point just so I can have the PT title after my name.
Frank and I didn't do a lot of prep for the wedding but now that it's coming up in 8 short months I guess we better get the planning started. I am trying to lose weight before I start seriously looking for a dress. It seems the thought of picking out a dress is exciting and scary to me. I think the weight thing is playing on me but once I pick out a dress then it's actually happening. I don't think I've really let it sink in yet. I AM GETTING MARRIED!! We think we have a location picked out, we just need to go see it and finalize the details.
So, it is with some sadness that I said goodbye to 2016 as it was overall an exciting year for me. Looking forward I see lots of exciting opportunities ahead for 2017. I will be getting my certification, I'll be competing in the Mount Washington Bike Race again (signup is Feb 1), hopefully taking on more of my own clients, and most importantly I'll be getting married. I am super excited to see what else is in store for me.
My goals for 2017
get married
stop procrastinating with everything
lose weight (about 65 pounds)
complete my bike race up Mount Washington
grow my business
blog more often and post more videos
train more
get my PT certification along with others (possibly something dealing with life coaching, nutrition and weight loss specialities)
start doing some weight loss talks to the public
take more time for myself
don't stress over things so much
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