Crossfit - I hate to love it!

One of the more "trendy" workouts right now is Crossfit, and I was excited to try it when I moved to Montgomery. I previously had a trainer in Troy, Kris Ansley (anyone there, check him out. He was great!), and lifted weights with him. That in itself was a completely new experience. I had to train my body to move in ways that I didnt feel was natural, and that took some time to get used to. After a couple months of it, I really started to love it and the effect it had on my body. I knew moving to Montgomery was going to be a struggle. I discovered that I performed much better in a gym environment where someone was pushing me and relying on me to show up. And quite honestly, if I was going to spend the money then I was going to show up and work hard. It was a kind of motivation, a slightly costly one, but motivation none-the-less.

In Montgomery, I tried to continue my workouts similar to how Kris and I did them, but on my own. That didn't turn our very well! I had no motivation and no one to hold me accountable. By the end of the day, my intentions of going to the gym went down the drain! I eventually joined a Crossfit gym in Millbrook, River Region Crossfit, www.riverregioncrossfit.com. (Check them out if you are in the Millbrook or Montgomery area!) I loved it! It took me back to the gym in Troy, but with an intense twist to it, adding in quick circuit training as well. (Kris always tried to get me to do circuits, but I hated them so I talked my way out of it... Sorry, you were right!) I wasn't able to get as involved as I wanted to, though; because I traveled a lot for work. But I thought "Hey, I've been lifting weights for a while now...I'll be totally fine!"

That's where my dilemma begins. So... I move to Nashville, decide to continue my Crossfit training, and I joined a gym in Murfreesboro near my work.

www.crossfitrampage.com 

I told them I had already done the On Ramp class and had participated for about 2 months back home, so they let me skip the intro and get right into the mix of things...

And I SUCK!

I am the slowest, weakest person in the class! I get so discouraged and hard on myself trying to keep up. These people don't mess around! In their defense, they had 2 ridiculously hard work outs in honor of a birthday and 9/11, so it's hard to base my performace on that. BUT I still sucked!

All together I really do love it! I am excited to continue and see myself get better, but I really hate the wait. Isn't that the hardest part of working out in general. We tend to expect to do 50 sit-ups and see results immediately. But I will press on with my training, work hard, and hope for the best! Check out a local Crossfit gym near you; you will love it!

Finally in Nashville

Moving day finally came! After a month of traveling for work and trying to pack, Chase and I went into beast mode and loaded the truck in an hour an a half! I was so impressed : )

We headed on up to Birmingham to spend the night with the Montgomery's and enjoy some time with them and the Kelly's. It was a wonderful night with friends, with Jamie and Skot stopping by as well. We happily got up early the next morning and hit the road! Chase picked up his wonderful rommate, Kirk, and my dad followed behind from Montgomery.

I was dreading this move; living on the second floor and having to hoist everything up, but with the four of us, we unloaded EVERYTHING in a little over an hour! Ran some errands, took showers, and hit the town to watch the football games downtown. War Eagle! I treated the boys to wings and beer, and we even hit up a local bar after. Fun night to end the moving trip for sure!

As of now, I am just trying to adjust living on my own. A new city is scary, and foreign. I can't travel anywhere without my GPS and have to ask about everything. I will eventually learn my bearings. I can't complain at all though, Tennessee is beautiful! I truly feel like I am going to love it here, especially after I make some friends and have visits from those at home I love.

The view from where I live is nothing to complain about! And with fall setting in...it is wonderful!!

Even the drive to work is exciting. Downtown has yet to be explored much, but it is still early : )

And did I mention Nashville is beautiful? God blessed me with an amazing sunset. I am so lucky!

"I pulled into Nashville, TN. But you wouldn't even come around to see me"

That's right! I'm moving to Nashville!

I have been so blessed with the opportunity to continue my career in Tennessee. Our firm has an office outside of Nashville and has presented me with the option of moving. After thinking, talking, and praying about the decision... I have decided it is the best decision for me! What a great city and state to move into. There are so many advantages for this move, both career and life.I still get to work for a company that I love working for. The people I work with are great, and the atmosphere in the Tennessee office is just the same! I also get to work in an industry I have enjoyed since my internship 2 years ago. Outside of work, Tennessee is beautiful! Great hiking, backpacking, and camping is in my backyard. No more driving 6 hours to enjoy the outdoors! Although, now it will be a 6 hour drive to see the ones I love: Sorry mom and dad!

I guess as Ben Harper says, I'll have to "steal  my kisses" while I'm in Alabama! Nashville, here I come!

Bring in the new year!

What an exciting end to 2011! Graduation wad awesome, great time with family, an amazing Christmas, and a great new years trip! I am so thankful for everything God had given me.
Pictures and stories to come!

Moving On...

This week is going to be a busy but exciting one! Graduation is on Friday and on to Montgomery I go to start my career (finally!), after a weekend of celebrating at the beach of course!

I cannot believe this time has flown so fast. I feel like I have made a life in little ol' Troy Alabama and am somewhat sad to leave. I have made some of the best friends here and made so many memories.

Moving on to the next chapter, moving on from my friends, and literally moving. Overwhelming how blessed I am. God is so good!

New Obsession!!

I finally got my camera! My amazing parents bought me a Nikon for graduation and I haven't put it down since! I don't plan on doing anything professional with it, but it is such an awesome thing to have. Expect many more pictures : )

Can't Seem to Have one Without the Other

So the past month has been pretty hectic and I am glad to have it over. It has been full of packing, studying, successes, and failures. Tears and laughter...
As I have probably mentioned before, I am currently taking the CPA exam. I have passed 2 of the 4 parts and sat for the Audit section on November 30. I was praying that I would pass it and have 3 parts under my belt before I started work in January... but lo and behold, I made a 74. A 74!! Seriously, failed by 1 point. What a huge blow to one's confidence. I felt so discouraged and seemingly hopeless!
After talking to my roommate some, my mom, my best friend Matthew, and Chase, I took some time to talk to God. I put this burden in His hands and prayed for the weight to be lifted off my shoulders. I know that while I wanted/expected the results to be in my favor at this time to work with my "plan," that God's timing is perfect. I also know that while I lay this worry to His hands, that it is also my responsibility to continue to push forward and not to give up. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," words so simple and used so often, but also such an amazing reminder that we don't have to go through anything alone. And for that, I am grateful.

So, two hours after I received my failing 74, I had to take a final. My last final for graduate school to be exact...the last exam I will EVER take in school. While I should be excited about this, the CPA exam clouded my joy. But after taking a day to let defeat settle in, I can now rejoice in the fact that I am DONE! Exams are over and the only thing I have left to do is walk across that stage next Friday and receive my degree. I hope that while I struggle to get my CPA that my parents are still proud of me. 5 1/2 years of hard work to get my bachelors and now my masters degree. It seems a little surreal that it is over.

Can't seem to have one without the other. I guess with every failure also comes a success. With every tear also comes a smile. With every broken heart comes love worth more.
Story of my life... but what a great story at times!