P90X

Yeah, that workout program on the infomercial that looks like only an insane person would try? Yeah, H and I are in day 2 of it. And. I. Am. So. Tired. Yesterday, we worked our chest and back and our abs. Today, we did plyometrics (cardio with a LOT of squats and jumping). H and I are doing it together and are pretty sore. But I am amazed that, even as hard as it is, I am able to make it through the whole routine. I am not able to do all of the exercises, or for the whole length that they do it, but I get close and I do my best.

You know the day after, when you're sore from top to bottom? And every time you move, you feel a whole new muscle that you didn't even know you had? And you wince when you move it? I LOVE that feeling. It lets me know that, not only did I work it, I did it right. I think of the pain as the muscle getting whipped into shape. I crave it. But it's also a relief to start the next workout and feel some of that soreness melt away.

So, we have taken our "before" pictures and will take more after 30 day, then 60, then 90. If I do it right, I should be sporting some nice abs by the 90th day. That would be nice since I haven't seen an ab since I was a teenager...maybe not even then. But they sure were a lot closer to the surface back then. I won't dare post my "before" picture for the world to see until I have an awesome "after" picture to put right beside it. So, I will keep you updated on my progress, but the visual will have to wait a while.

And if you are interested in this kick-butt program, check out our friend, and P90X coach, Michelle's facebook page. You can also see her in the new infomercial on Beachbody's youtube videos. She's featured in the video at about 1:50 into it. And don't pass out when you hear her say that she has given birth to 7 kids. It's true. She's an awesome woman.

Watch, learn, enjoy.

Finding a Bliss.

It seems like most of my post are quick updates, sprinkled with a post with some substance here and there. But, in my defense, I've never had a full-time job before...outside of the house...that paid money, and not just hugs and kisses (not that I'm complaining). And while there are MANY bloggers out there that are mommies/employees/everything else and can still manage to blog on a regular basis, this is all still a little new to me.

I am still working for the school district as a secretary in the human resources department. And I am still really enjoying the work and LOVE my coworkers. They are such sweethearts. I work with 5 women that are all very considerate and thoughtful...and hilarious. I've never worked in a place where I am auditing a file one minute and the next, I have to catch my breath from laughing so hard at something my coworker said. It's fun to go to work each day. I am surrounded by awesome people.

The most surprising thing I've found, though, is that I believe that I have found something that I am really good at AND I enjoy. And I wouldn't have thought I would have this much fulfillment doing office work. No offense to all those that work in an office. But I remember watching my mom work in an office and I kinda thought, "Man, this is boring." But I like it a lot. And I have heard a few times from others at work that I am doing a good job. And that makes me feel even better.

Now, there are some things that I would like to change (a little higher pay, more permanent position, etc), but, for now, I am enjoying it and learning as much as I can. This has also led me to decide to apply for Personnel when I apply for the Air Force. So, I will leave this on a contented note, and hope that all of you find something that you really enjoy.

Funniest pic ever!

Need Some Help.

Reading my some of my posts that ramble on and on, you may not know that I actually have an English degree, can write intelligibly (I have college papers covering literary theory to prove it), and have a life goal to write a book. Well, I am working on that goal and am going to need the help of all you lovely people.

I want to do some research into how people decide what career they would like to go into, what they do to get there, and what happens once they are doing it. So, here are some questions that would help me out if you want to answer and contribute to my research. Thanks in advance.

1. What did you want to be when you were little?

2. Did you end up doing it?

3. Were your natural talents/skills/abilities a deciding factor in your choice?

4. What did you do to prepare for your career? School? Training? Internship? Anything else?

5. How do you like it so far?

6. What are the positives and negatives of your career?

7. Is there anything you would have done differently in preparing for your career? More training? Earlier experience? Less focus on unnecessary schooling? Etc...

You can answer these as a comment or you can email me at rjp.arch@yahoo.com. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.