It's a new day, it's a new dawn, it's a new life ... and I'm feelin' good

Well actually I'm feelin' sore.  And a little cranky.  But it's expected for there to be some discomfort when you drastically change your lifestyle.  Right?  RIGHT??  And what better way to work through that "pain" than to write about.  So, of course I'm going to follow in the footsteps of my friends (and my trainer) and finally start my own blog.

I have my mother to thank for putting me on this path.  I think it's pretty telling when your own mother approaches you with information about a personal trainer she's heard about.  It's even more telling when she says that she will commit to helping you (me) financially.  My mom has watched me struggle since I returned home to Texas.  First was the struggle with "I miss New York, I want to go back" issue.  Second was the struggle with missing my close circle of friends - close in proximity as well as close in heart - with whom I could hang out at a moment's notice.  The last struggle, I think, has been brought on by the first two.  My weight. 

Which brings me to here and now.  The struggle is no longer an internal one.  It's there for everyone to see - especially my mom.   Since moving home at the end of 2004 I have gained 60+ pounds.  I went from walking everywhere, eating wonderful food (maybe not always "healthy", but always fresh), and having a decent social life to driving 2 miles to go to work, grabbing fast food at lunch because it was convenient, and having no social life.  I've grown bored.  And it shows. (Is this what they call navel-gazing? I mean my navel is farther out these days which makes it easier, but not all that pleasant, to gaze upon.)

I started reading "Eat, Pray, Love" about a week ago (I know, I know - half the female population is reading it too or seeing the movie).  I'm not going to post my thoughts on the book or movie here.  What I am going to say is that while her struggles were different than my own, I can identify with Elizabeth Gilbert.  I feel like I lost my appetite for life.  I've been following a rut, once in a while bumping along the side, but never quite able to break out of it.  That is until my mom approached me about this trainer.  I truly believe that all things happen for a reason.  This happened at a time when I needed it most - not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.  From the first time I met Slyck, I felt I had not only met an instant new friend, but an amazing person.  I'm excited about this whole change in lifestyle and some of that is because of my guide on this path, but it's also because it's a new challenge, a new route, a whole new way of approaching everything in my life.  Her focus on being aware of what you eat is creeping into other areas - and it's only been 3 days!

So, today is my second workout with Slyck.  My third day of being on a new food plan (not a diet!).  And my first day of blogging.



(man I really hope I get better at this whole blogging thing.....)