We joined a gym...

... and I am nervous. And a little scared.

So, I had to face it, this baby weight wasn't going anywhere. And quite frankly, I wasn't exactly thin before I got pregnant. I've tried a couple of diets & eating plans... lost some weight, but put it all back on once I stopped. I've tried getting exercise my own way... and repeatedly threw out my back.

FireMan's weight has also been creeping up, and with his family history of heart disease he was beginning to worry about it. And with his job, he does need to maintain a certain amount of physical fitness.

So, we talked about it. And talked about it. Forgot about it. Talked about it again. This conversation has been coming & going in our household for over a year.

So... it came up again. And we went back and forth. We can't afford it. We are on a budget, and a debt reduction plan, neither of which have any room for a gym membership.

But we also are beginning to realize that we have to do something, for our health. What's the point of having a little more money, of getting out of debt a little sooner, if we're not around, or if we're not able to enjoy it because of health problems?

So we went in, "just to talk to them". Agreed ahead of time what was the most we could pay monthly, because we knew they offered different memberships & training packages, and would try to upsell us on everything. Decided we would do a month-to-month plan, so if for any reason it didn't work out, we weren't out anything extra. This was especially important (I thought) since neither of us has ever belonged to a "real" gym before (I don't count Curves), and we didn't really know what we were getting into.

And then the sales manager pointed out how much money we would save if we paid in full. And FireMan decided that was better. Granted, it is a better deal. But there's no backing out now. We are paid in full... for eightteen months! Two memberships, including group fitness, plus daycare while we're there. For EIGHTTEEN months.
I'm not thrilled about that, but maybe it will end up being good. I mean, if we don't lose it, we'll lose it. And it's a pretty big chunk of money. As in, a good chunk of our tax refund that we were supposed to be using to pay off what little debt we've accumulated in the past year.

Saturday we both go in to meet with a personal trainer and get our initial fitness evaluation. We also need to decide if we want actual training sessions. I do. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do in a gym. And with my back condition, I really have no idea what I can & can't do / should or shouldn't do. I would at least like to have a trainer for the first couple of months maybe, just so I know... you know? But... I really don't want to pay the extra $$ for the training sessions. Like really don't. I guess we'll just have to talk it over & decide.

Part of me is really excited that this might actually be what I need to turn the page and get into a healthier (and thinner!) me. Part of me is really nervous, scared even. I'm not just fat, I am totally out of shape. I've always been on the big side, but before my accident I was at least strong. Had something to show for it. Now I'm just the weak fat girl.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I'll keep you updated on my (hopeful) progress!

Predominantly White Groups / Activities - some thoughts

Someone recently asked me why there weren't more people of color involved in the Tea Party movement.

You know what? I have no idea.

But it reminded me of something that happened during my college days. For two years I was in charge of recruiting for my college marching band. And on several instances I was approached by members of minority groups telling me that the band needed more "blacks", "minorities", or what have you. The conversation that ensued was always the same. It would go something like this:

Me: "do you play an instrument?"
Them: "I played ____ in high school"
Me: "well, then, why don't you join? We'd love to have you."
Them: "No way. There aren't enough (fill in minority group)s"
Me: "but if no (fill in minority group)s join, then how will there every be "enough"?
Them: {mumbles incoherently & ends conversation}In fact, after being coming friends with a member of one of the black sororities, and having her ask me the same question, I offered to do a recruiting presentation to her sorority sisters, but she declined.

I never understood this. There was nothing preventing them from joining. The band's only requirement was that you were able to play a band instrument. But they wouldn't join because there weren't enough minorities. But there will never be enough minorities if more minorities don't join. The logic just doesn't make sense.

So, I don't know why more people of color aren't involved in the Tea Party.

I also don't know why the people at the American Heart Association walk on Sunday were predominantly white, especially considering that blacks are statistically more likely to have heart disease.

I don't know why there aren't more people of color involved in the pet rescue I joined.

Or the water rescue I used to belong to.

Or volunteer at the zoo with me.

I don't know. I don't have the answer.

I don't think it's a matter of education. All of the groups / causes mentioned above are regularly on the news, on the internet, etc. So it's out there for anyone to see.

I can tell you this. I also don't think a group should feel obligated to extend a special invitation to any minority group. Any group at all.
If you want to join, then join. If you think it's a good cause, then do it. If you don't, then don't.

But please, don't refuse to join a group /  cause, then complain that there aren't enough (fill in minority)s involved. If you want more people like you to be involved, then become involved yourself!

Why I Volunteer with Animal Groups (as opposed to people groups)

... in a broad sense.

People Groups. LOL. That sounds funny.

I've thought about this a lot over the past few years. In my head, I know that there are many organizations out there that help people in need who could use more volunteers.

And I don't know why.

The only answer I've come up with is that working with animals, for me, is almost like a calling.

It is a passion. It helps my heart. It's part of who I am.

Since I was very little I had a knack with animals. Of all kinds. As a child adults were amazed at my knowledge of the animal world. My family members still call me with pet questions. I get animals. I understand them. People have told me that sometimes it seems like I can talk with them.

So that's it. That's all I've come up with.

Like I said, I know in my head that there are some organizations working with people who need my help, but for whatever reason God has placed animals in my heart. It's just part of who I am.