Week 17: A 2011 PR

(of sorts).

I jogwalked 3 miles today! While I know that isn't mind-blowing or a huge accomplishment, it's the first time I've done so as a 29 year old. I got really into jogging last year (it definitely would feel like a stretch to call it running). During that stint of life, I often did 3 miles, and my PR was 4 miles (the time is irrelevant because it's very unimpressive). But I was really proud of getting up to 4 miles when I had, only months before that, been 99% inactive. Anyway, I did this work out frequently until it got hot (yep, I'm a wimp). I've tried to get myself going again when it got cooler in the fall, and then again after the snow left. I've managed to make the shorter (1 or 2 mile) version happen a couple of times, but am nowhere near where I was at this time last year. But, I'm making it a semi-mission to keep this going at least while it's spring-ish (and just in time for bathing suits!).

The last year of my life has been a huge journey for me. I've lost 35(ish) pounds over the course of the year and I'm amazed at how much my outlook on life has changed. I won't make this blog post about that, but suffice it to say, I'm really, really proud of myself. But during this last few months, I've very much struggled with the same 5 pounds- losing it and gaining it back pretty frequently. But today, I decided to push myself back up to the 3 mile mark when I've only been doing 1 or 2 miles (and have only infrequently done so). I recaptured that feeling of being able to do WHATEVER I put my mind to by just pushing myself a little harder today. It was extra helpful that I had ample time to do so after having an unexpected half day off work.

I realllllllllllly want to push myself to get into the next weight decade as I call them (if that doesn't make sense to anyone else in the world, it's when the middle number (the ten spot), goes down a notch. It's happened three times during my weight loss and it requires celebration.) by June 15. I have no doubt that if I can push myself like I did today, I'll get there.

As much as I say, and often think, that I hate jogging, it feels really good when it's over (and sometimes, even, during).

Week 16: Back in Business

This week I had a supercool opportunity (that will last 3 more weeks) to teach my co-workers DANCE! For those of you who don't know, I taught dance for 5 years, grew up taking dance lessons and it's just been a giant influence in my life.

For the past 5 yearsish, I haven't found a studio at which to teach. Granted, I haven't looked that hard, either. I really, REALLY loved the studio I used to teach at and just don't feel like anything else could compare to it. But this opportunity has been a great way to get back in to teaching without a ton of pressure. I'm teaching adults who just want a bit of a work out and to have fun. I can help them accomplish both of those!

The first week went very well and I have no doubt that next week will be lots of fun as well. I am a bit sore (hello, it's been five years since I've taught!), but other than that, felt like I could jump right back in to teaching.

The theme of the evening was "80's Dance Night" and I taught a lesson in jazz dancing. We ended the night by learning a routine to Prince's "Kiss." The ladies totally worked it. We decided to continue this theme and routine for next week's class as well. Wednesday evenings have become much more exciting!

Week 15: Best (Work) Week Ever

I posted last week about the major project one of my co-workers and I had been planning. This week, we executed said project. I'm so proud to say it was a raging success.

We had two group of incarcerated boys participate in a day-long rhythm and movement project. We had all sorts of activities for them throughout the day, culminating in a final performance for court staff.

To say each day went well would be a giant understatement. We were warned early on about several of the boys and their likely behavioral problems, fights, etc. The boys were so in to this project that we didn't experience anything unmanageable. Sure, they were teenage boys and needed a bit of redirection at times, but I couldn't have asked for this to go any better. Staff of the juvenile detention center reported to us that following this project, they had the lowest number of behavioral incidents maybe ever and at least in a long time. WOW.

One of the things that my co-worker and I discussed after the project's completion was that our jobs are about dealing with the crimes these kids commit. Interestingly, I didn't have a clue why most of the boys were incarcerated. It was so neat to me that those things just didn't come up throughout the day- they were totally focused on the project at hand and it was as if we could all see past the crimes in their history. I want to find a way to work this in to my every day job.

We are so thankful for the boys that participated to make this project successful and so many co-workers that helped out by helping us supervise, bringing in needed items, and coming to watch the final performance. Hopefully we can do something similar to this soon. It has been way to positive to be a one-time thing.

Week 14: Combining Passions

This week, we wrapped up planning on a major project for work that is a little different than what I usually spend my 40 (+) hours doing. Our life skills trainer and I have combined our years of experience, education and passion for performing arts and troubled teens to create a workshop that we will be putting on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week for juveniles in our detention center (a.k.a. "juvie"). Our workshop is called "Heart Beats" and we will be encouraging the youth to express themselves through rhythm and movement. For those of you who don't know, I taught dance classes for 5 years and studied for years before that. I miss it all terribly, so this has been a great opportunity for me. I'm so excited to put on this workshop and hope that the clients will benefit from it.