Different Path

As it turns out, the life of a salon receptionist is not for me.  As much as I loved greeting all the pretty ladies as they came in to be pampered, the chemicals did not agree with me.  It was a hard job to give up but the weekly, mind-numbing migranes just were not worth it.  Luckily, I happened to get offered both of the jobs I applied to so after working 2 jobs for 2 wks I settled on the retail job.  Having never worked retail, I never imagined how much I would enjoy playing dress up with beautiful woman all day.  Nor did I imagine how easily sales would come for me.  I am working part-time at White House Black Market in Biltmore Village and loving it.  It is a great company and I can see myself staying with them for years to come and hopefully climbing the ladder.  I am also really enjoying getting to know the fabulous woman I am working with and look forward to forging some good friendships with some classy ladies.

Diet and exercise were pushed to the back burner while I was working 2 jobs but now I'm back on track.  My new obsession is Spinning and I think I've found a new workout bud (Thanks, Tiff! eh hem...Rach, Katy, Kristen).  I've been planning for 4-5 work outs a wk and ending up with 2-3 so that tells me I need to aim for 6-7 and hopefully I'll end up with 5.  My idea is to diversify and the great classes at The Rush Hendersonville Rd are great and having an elliptical (found on craigslist for $150) in my bedroom is a great way to sneak in a quick effective workout w/out having to travel to the gym.  I'm hoping to get a Zumba class in this week also.  As long as I don't get bored, I'll stick with it.  Major plus for the wk was loosing 10lbs just from running around the store and not having so much down time for snacking. I'll take it!!!

So after a few frazzled weeks, I feel like I'm back on track.  How are you doing with personal challenges (whatever they may be)?  What do you do to find momentum when you hit a wall?  What do you do to add variety to your workouts or keep from getting bored on your way to meeting any goal? Have you ever tried Spinning or Zumba?  Did you enjoy it? Why or why not?

Counting down the days until summer.  Can't wait to take my new lil SUV out on Carolina Beach.

Back and better than ever

Its been a while and I've come a long way.  I've taken some time...more like been forced into taking time to examine my healthy, my lifestyle and my priorities.  I'm almost fully recovered from my back injuries and back in the gym.  I've adopted a new way of eating an whole new routine.  The car accident stirred up a lot of feeling and emotions, both good and bad.  I def think the purpose of the accident was to force me to step back from old habits and create a lifestyle to support a healthier me.

I've encorporated yoga, meditation, running, strength training, vitamins, supplements, acupuncture and chiropractic into my life while removing (well cutting down on sugar, grains, beans, soy, and dairy).  If that sounds like a full time job, it is.  Until this wk I have been unemployed and able to devote my full energy to creating my best self.  That being said the investment of my time and efforts has resulted in a healthier, clear headed, energetic self who is ready and willing to return to work and move forward with my life.  Tomorrow will be my first day on the job as the morning receptionist for a salon in n. asheville.  I'm looking forward to having some responsibility and accountability regarding something other than my personal health.  It will be fun to get dressed up every morning and great the clients as they come in for pampering.  The hours are great.  I'll be working 4 hrs a day 5 days a week so I will still have plenty of time for self care.  There is a possibility that I will take on another part time job in retail (mostly for the discount on chic clothing) but that is tbd.

My new ways have paid off in the form of 2lbs of weight lost last week.  that was very encouraging, as is the way I have been feeling.  I have lots of even keeled energy but am ready to sleep when bedtime comes because I've been staying so busy and getting the right amount of exercise.  While weight loss was not the goal it sure is a wonderful bonus and motivator, esp since I have an extra 30lbs I have been wanting to loose.  For now the idea is to include as much variety of exercise as possible and always start my day w/protein, as well as always staying hydrated.  I have also found that green tea speeds up my metabolism.  I've also replaced my evening dessert w/a cup of herbal tea to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Hope you all are taking care of yourselves and doing whatever it takes to live your best life now.  Here's to a great 2011!