Monday, December 22, 2008

Merry Christmas to Me

My firm had its Christmas dinner two weeks ago, and I was surprised (since I'm an independent contractor) and grateful to receive a generous bonus. After some thought I decided to use a little less than half of it to buy 12 sessions with a personal trainer. I've wanted to workout with a trainer for years but could never justify the splurge, so this bonus made me feel a little better about spending the money. Plus I'm not familiar with a lot of the machines in my new gym and want to learn, and since I returned to lawyer land I've gained about 7 pounds. I guess sitting on my butt all day in an office where people routinely bring in homemade cheesecake, pies, and whatnot is not conducive to healthy living. I've tried to make some changes and already do a lot of the practical things--like moving around a lot, taking the stairs, eating 5 times a day, and all of that--plus I work out consistently. So I figured it was time to switch things up, learn some new exercises, and have some push me harder than I push myself (and help keep me accountable with my eating choices which is my biggest struggle). I had my second session today, and it went well; although the trainer is going to have to step it up to really push me, which I think he realized. I think he's used to working out with people who don't already exercise fairly strenuously.

This isn't exactly the best time to be losing weight given all of the holiday goodies, but if I don't get a handle on this now I'm going to have to buy new clothes in another 5 pounds--which I refuse to do. I already can't cutely wear my favorite jeans :(

In related news, I love growing older. My life gets better with each year as I gain wisdom, understanding, patience, and understand/more fully accept Christ's love and grace. I feel like my life is much more joy-filled and drama-free. BUT I don't like this having to think about weight and eating and whatnot. Darn metabolism! I guess there are always tradeoffs....

In other news, Oliver and I had a "talk" on Saturday; I'll share the details later. I'll see him tomorrow for lunch before he flies home, so I'll let you know what I end up doing re: the gift. Thanks so much for all of your input. I love reading your thougths.

p.s. I'm grateful for a relaxed day. I decided not to work after all and enjoyed a leisurely lunch, stroll through some stores, and workout (I also made the mistake of going in the general vicinity of the mall and will NEVER put my shopping off to the week of Christmas again...miserable.)

10 comments:

Scotty said...

My life gets better with each year

I liked that :)

Aaron said...

A talk?

TC said...

I both love and hate Scotty & Aaron right now. I love 'em both because they took my two thoughts from this post. I hate them (hate is obviously too strong of a word but hopefully you know what I mean) because they took my two thoughts from this post :)

Ally said...

TC: Ha. It's funny how the same things catch people's attention.

Aaron: Yes "a talk." Friday night he reserved time with me on Saturday (it was a busy day) to talk to me about a few things he had on his mind about us.

Scotty: Me too:)

brandyismagic said...

"In related news, I love growing older"- darn I love that line!! It's such a good way to see things, I mean, you can't change the fact that you, or me or ANYONE is growing older, so I appreciate those who find ways to enjoy it. Good for you!

Also? I'm interested in this 'talk'.

Oh! And I dig the idea of getting healthy, or more healthy, or even just thinking about such things before the holidays are over. I find it helps me a lot more to think about all of this sort of thing before January 1st when my mind is already depressed that the holidays are over.

Ally said...

Brandy: Excatly! January already can seem so anti-climatic (and COLD). And as for older, even if I could change the fact that I'm getting older, I wouldn't. Yeah, I may look older, but I think the wisdom is well worth it.

Jennifer Owens said...

First of all, if you can work out and lose weight during the holidays - girlfriend, you can do ANYTHING! (o:

And second, you are such a tease!!! I want to hear more about this talk. Thanks for keeping us hanging!

ella said...

Cliffhanger!

Anonymous said...

I used to work out with a trainer on a regular basis. I did it for a year. It's a lot of fun and work (and very expensive), but it's well worth it. I lost a lot of weight during the year. If I could afford it, I'd work out with a trainer all the time. Enjoy!

icadle said...

Ahh, growing older does seem to be going pretty well. I'm dealing with the reduced metabolism myself. I found seeing a nutritionist to be very helpful. This new "diet" has forced me to become much more creative in the kitchen and as result we are starting to eat for that is both better for you and better tasting, full of fresh flava.