Get In Shape Girl!

When I was about 9 (btw most of my formative experiences I remember happening at age 9 or 14)... anyway! My close cousin had a Barbie Work Out Video, totally jealous! So I convinced my mom to get me a work out kit. My little sister and I got the "Get In Shape Girl" video series. I crap you not! I should have realized at such a young age that this would just be the start of my work out adventure and most likely wouldn't lead to the most toned girl on the block, but oh well!

After eating what ever I wanted, when ever I wanted (also in hind sight a bad idea, in case you wondered) during grad school, some of my grad school mates and I decided to turn the tables and kick our butts into shape! Some joined a big diet plan to add to this. My self having done these big diet meal planning counting things thought to just make better decisions and make this more of a life change rather than short term change. So I am making more meals at home, cooking healthier food, buying more local produce, and working out about 45 mins to 1 hr at least 4 times a week.

The changes are huge! I still eat chocolate but don't seam so enjoy fries as much! I notice my face, tummy, and legs are thinning out and toning up! Best of all - I am doing to for me! Not a guy, my job, a friend, my family, for me! I like going now! Don't get me wrong I still mentally curse out my Monday flow yoga teacher for making us do sun salutations over and over! But I love how my body feels. I feel... sexier! Ack! Don't tell my preacher grandpa! But really - I feel alive and in control! It is so damn empowering! I actually like having my abs hurt so hard it feels like I have the stomach flu!

Source: fitbie.msn.com via Jaime on Pinterest

Most of all I love that this has changed my behaviors. I crave salads and veggies. I still crave shakes and monte cristo sandwiches from Disneyland, but now I eat it all in moderation. I plan to keep it up in 2012 and will share the results!

Adventures in Internet Dating

I have always been a step or two behind all my friends and peers. It has never bothered me, I was quite content to live my life and enjoy all that I was experiencing.
I met friends along the way, I went on dates, I went out dancing, I had friends try to set me up, and had other adventures of the heart.
I have had loves that ended and not well. I have had friends that might have been more but life led down a different path. Moreover, I wouldn't change any of it! All these experiences have made me who I am.

So now I am on a new adventure of the heart. I am trying out internet dating. It has been interesting thus far. I attempted to fill out my profile and show myself off and still be true to who I am. Then it is on to the matching questions. That was an experience! Then the ultimate, I uploaded my profile pictures.
Now I am getting messages and matches.
From all this I have learned many things:
1. Don't post pictures of your abs and then state you are looking for the one not a beauty queen. - If I wanted to look at the abs of a hot guy, I would Google Ryan Gosling!
2. Don't post group photos - if you must don't make all your photos group shots and also not just shots if you and some girl(s)
3. There are some creepers out there like Guys looking for big calves and hot toes and they are not afraid to search the web a message random ladies
4. Please don't give me a nickname, I don't even know your real name and now we are nicknaming? Ew, no!
5. Don't post a disclaimer about only looking for serious girls to contact you. You should assume that we are all serious about this thing.
6. Don't list that sex is one of those things you can't live without! You didn't put food or breathing on there but I am sure you need that too! Last I checked people like sex, most guys and most girls (shocking as most ladies are not quick to admit this fact)!

Tips to get me to read and maybe like your profile:
1. Have multiple pictures of your face in different lighting and settings
2. Be sarcastic but not too self deprecating
3. Be honest about what you like and what you are doing with your life
4. Don't spend 2 full paragraphs talking about dungeons and dragons, world of Warcraft, larping, or other über nerdy things. Maybe mention it but don't go on and on
5. Highlight your multiple interests
6. Fill in your profile

So there you have it, I am trying it and might sample some of the best of messages later!

Here's to the New Year

It has been more then six months since I fnished grad school. I am caught up on all the TV, celebrity gossip, my friends' lives, and now feel ready for new adventures.

Some of my grad school gals and I have started a 4 times a week work out regime to help burn off all the extra calories we consumed during long nights of writing. We have been doing this since late September. I am trying to maintain a healthier diet and be more active all around. It has been very exciting to notice the change in my body as I continue.

My best friend and I joined a community choir in September. I loved singing regularly again and meeting great people. We had several performances and it wasn't the most glamourous but it was quite fun!

I also have been trying to refashion my wardrobe and also take up cooking.

Additionally I have been hunting for advanced positions that would utilize my degree. The hunt has been been long but I have really gotten my resume down to the best version ever.

I have decided that 2012 is the year for me to make it happen. I am going to continue my search for adventure and fun. I am going to enjoy the world around me. I am going to advance friendships, visit new places, and try new foods.

All that said I am quite looking forward to this year and hope to have many adventures to share!