Wednesday, January 17, 2007
hmm...
Current mood: amused
Category: Life
Guess who has to go to bed in 3 minutes because she is taking the PSATs tomorrow? ME!! AH! But, here's a life update.
Pray for me. I go in for an interview to become a teacher who teaches a PSAT Prep course in the Fort Worth ISD tomorrow, and part of my interview is taking the PSATs. I really need this job- it's pay is actually what I need- so I can go on ALL my mission trips and stay DEBT FREE.
Pray for my friend Talitha, too. She is also up for a job with T-Mobile and she REALLY needs their money. She needs a new job and a new apartment and a new car.
Let's see. My trip to Tennessee was AWESOME. I really almost didn't come home (but I knew my mom wouldn't ship my stuff to me... she'd throw it away!). I made some awesome new friends (Talisha and Steve and their kids) and some cool friends (Paul and Shaun and their dogs.) I fell in LOVE with my nephew William. I am Aunt Laura or "Tie Wara" and I have my own song. I rock. I got so drunk for the first time in my life that I passed out. And then threw up for several hours. Not planning to repeat this anytime in the next decade. I cooked for the first time (not while drunk.) I pretended I was a lesbian to keep a really ugly guy from asking me out. I wished I was a lesbian so I could spend the rest of my life playing house with Talitha. And then I came home to be iced in with my family. This has been a very long ice storm.
I am the artistic director of Disciples Running Around Madly Acting once again, though right now, it's just a webpage and some props. I have many, many plans for my ministry that involve a lot of business loans and business decisions that I will make when I return from China. I guess God is telling me that backpacking around the world needs to wait a few years- but I'm still called to be an international missionary. I'm just also called to run a theatre company based in Fort Worth Texas. Go figure- God's a little nuts sometimes. (I Corinthians 1:18.) We can and will gladly accept tax deductible donations, though. (hint hint...)
I leave for China on August 25. I am reapplying to return to Peru in March. (I've applied twice since I went last March and been denied both trips, so I'm not holding my breath. Guess I pissed off or annoyed the PTB- Powers That Be.) I do plan, if I get the teaching job AND can keep my HR Block job, to return to Romania for one week in mid-May. I just miss my friends and want to see the orphans. Missionary. Missionary Laura. I swear a tad too much and I don't mind drinking with friends (smirnof is definetly my drink of choice), and I love Jesus. I have decided that this is who I am and I like me. Not such a goody too shoes, not so uptight, and not in all out rebeliion. Oh my God, it took 24 years, but I did it. BALANCE!
That's about it. Been iced in for 4 days. Finally going to get out of here tomorrow. Sometime this weekend, when we're predicted to be iced in again, I will figure out how to get video from my digital camera onto my myspace page. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
6 blogs in one! moved, diagnosis, fitness report, Tennesee trip, Christmas, Brittney's engaged!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Life
Here is what could have been SIX blogs, but I combined, shortened, and now hope to entertain.
Blog One: I Moved to Fort Worth
Yep, I took the plunge, my parents rented a small moving truck, and we moved me out of Denton. I still technically have the apartment, but there's nothing there except soap and toliet paper. Everything except my beloved loft bed fit into my bedroom at my parents. My parents moved me a week before I planned to, so I didn't get to go through the "junk drawers" and the "I'm going to keep this special thing b/c" stuff to see what I'd be willing to part with. (All those emails from 11th grade I printed out could probably be thrown out- but I have to read them to see if there's anything I should keep!) So, anyways, I got everything out of boxes and as far as the middle of the room. I'm still working. There are two beds in MY bedroom b/c my mother insists on calling it the GUEST bedroom. We are batteling. She really doesn't want me here, even though she invited me to live with her. In short, it's going to be a LONG 8 months. Hmmm... who can I go visit on the weekends??? If anyone needs my new mailing address, I'll give it to you if you aren't a phycho stalker.
Blog Two: A New Diagnosis of a Bad Heart
So, in previous blogs I mentioned, I think, reoccuring chest pain, once so severe they took me to the hospital. Well, after seeing some specialists, I now have a disagnosis: MVP. Micro something valve something. The valve(s) in my heart that make the blood flow one way is weakening and leaking blood, and so sometimes the blood flows backwards. It CAN be serious, or become serious, but for now, it's just a nusance pain that comes and goes. Any time i have dental work or a procedure or get an infection, I have to take extra strength antibiotics b/c my heart is very suseptible to infections. Worse case scenario: heart attack and die. Probable scenario: I have surgery to remove the bad valve which is replaced with an artificial one. Current scenario: Watch and wait and tell people about it so if I keel over while clutching my chest they don't start CPR prematurely. So, bad heart, bad intestines, perfect eye sight... go figure.
Blog three: Fitness Report.
All I can say is TA DA! Here's the important stuff straight from my trainer: I lost 16.5 pounds (and since then, I did loose the final 4 pounds to reach my goal of 20 pounds). I went from 33% body fat to 5.89% body fat (which we consider that test to be slightly off since I still kinda have boobs, so it's more like 12% body fat.) My resting heart rate and post-work out heart rate are still on the high end, but that is now explained with the above diagnosis. They did drop. I'm stronger, more flexibile, and basically more fit. I went from a score of a 20 to a score of a 49 in the fitness test. I'm smaller, especially in the legs and abs. My arms are more defined. I am very pleased. I also see that I'm not done. I'm done "loosing weight", but I want more muscle, to be stronger, to be healthier. With a bad heart and a bad gut and all my missions work, it's not good enough to be "healthier than most Americans." I need to be actually healthy. I have an after picture posted- a cool one of my abs on a good day. I'm to send the UNT Rec center before and after pics b/c my results were so dramatic. (A little inspiration for those resolution folks.) I HIGHLY recommend a personal trainer for education on how to work out, personal attention, and personal motivation. And I recommend Brandon. He's in my list of friends. He was so proud of himself for my accomplishments. And he should be. He stood there all those hours, watching me sweat, counting reps... somebody give that boy a medal!
Blog Four: Tennesse Trip
I wish I could spend New Year's with all of you, since this seems to be the year of the cool parties in Texas, but I will be visiting my best friend Talitha in Tennesee. We may take a road trip to go see my friend Phoebe perform on Broadway while I'm there (Dec. 29-Jan. 11), but we'll see about time and cost. I'm VERY excited. I will be out of my parents house and actually consuming alcohol with those old enough to do so- like a GROWN UP. Wow. I might even shave and put on makeup. That's when you know it's a big deal.
Blog Five: Christmas
Christmas was good. Quiet. Peaceful. This year, the reoccuring theme for me was a prayer for peace. I love lights and decorations and Christmas plays (even the sucky church ones), but it was all underscored by war and violence. I just felt a really cheesy need to pray for World Peace. I feel like I am now in a beauty pagent, and the philosopher in me says we are incapable of world peace, but that was my prayer. A day of peace. "For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord." "Peace, peace peace on earth and goodwill to all. Now is the time for love, now is the time for joy. So let us all sing together of peace, peace, peace on earth." Happy Birthday Jesus!
Blog Six: Brittney is Engaged.
Because my sister and her fiance Tom will probably read this, multiple opinions of age, readiness, and his worthiness will be withheld. However, I would like to announce to my myspace fan club that my little sister is engaged to a marine, Tom Causey. He deploys in February to Iraq, so they will get married whenever he returns and after she is at least halfway through with school, if not completly done.
So, that's my six blogs in one. Kudos to YOU if you read all of it. Hmm... now I shall go finish my sister's quilt/blanket that was suppose to be her Christmas gift, but uh, didn't make that deadline.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! God bless.
Peace...
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Post Graduation musings
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life
Well, I am a college graduate.
I hated graduation. I did not want to go, my parents forced me. And they didn't announce both of my majors (only theatre) and non of my honors (cum laude or whatever. I got to wear a silk white thing around my neck. Made me feel all special. Gloria said it symoblized that I had done my homework.)
I was so... BLESSED that I had people other than my family actually come to the ceremony. And I felt REALLY bad that they actually came. It should be illegal to have graduation at 9 in the morning. But, there were my friends, excited for me and wishing me well. My family (nor I) didn't expect anyone to come, so we had no lunch plans, no party, nothing. So, my friends came, hugged me, took a few pics (i left my camera in the car, so I don't have but one or 2 pictures of the whole thing. I should have had one backstage where all the fun was and when everyone looked good and excited.). They gave me VERY generous gifts, and then they left. I felt terrible. I should have planned a party, or prayed for better weather. (I woke up at 5:45 to curl my hair and do my makeup and get ready, and the horrid wind blew them all out before anyone took my picture. Which the wind also knixed hanging out in the parking lot and talking b/c the wind was beating us to death.)
I was so excited that people came to see me, but then it was all ackward silences and small talk b/c I didn't know what to say or do. Contrary to popular theory, I hate having all the attention on me. I just wanted out of there and into my comfort zone, but that comfort zone was a dirty smelly apartment with no food and no where to sit full of moving boxes. So, we had short conversations and then they left. I think I'll have a really big party in May when I get back from Romania. That's the traditional graduation party time, anyway, and I'll have something I WANT to talk about.
So, then I went home and finished packing up my apartment. Then, my family was just starving (I really just wanted a nap) so we went to Olive Garden. Then, Fort Worth for cake and a nap and then to the TRANS SIBERIEN ORCHESTRA!!!!
TSO rocked my face off. To be cool, I didn't go with friends. I went with my family. But I looked HOT! I had on this sexy red dress that showed off my body and pretty hair and makeup. I had fun pretending I wasn't there with my family. But then, during the show, I sat next to my dad and we had some special father/daughter moments during some of the songs. One storyline is of a girl who runs away and the father says a prayer for her, then -my favorite song- is about the girl is lost and can't get home, so an angel touches a bartender's heart and he gives her the money to come home, and then the last song of the set is She's coming home, all about answered prayers and a father's love. Been there, done that. Had a moment with my daddy. I enjoy nights out with my dad. It was my mom I was ready to strap to the roof of the car.But that's an issue for another blog.
So, for the musings. "How does it feel?" That's what the lady at the graduation reception asked me. Then again later, my mom asked me. Then the waitress at Olive Garden. Then the usher at the TSO concert (b/c my mom told her.) I just shrugged. I had no answer.
Now I can answer. I feel like it's over. College has been hell on earth. I enjoy learning. I don't enjoy memorizing. I don't enjoy tests or homework that don't aid in the learning process. I hate college students who cheat and do the bare minimum and get the same grade as I do. I hated college. I didn't want to go, but my parents made me. I didn't want UNT, but it's all we could afford. I didn't want to stay, but I had to finish. Then I got sick and the church I was working at implouded, and it went downhill from there. What does graduation feel like? Being released from a prison. It feels like I can be Laura again. It feels like I can get out of Denton, this bottomless lifesucking pit, and get on with my dreams and my goals and my calling from God. IT IS FINISHED is what I wanted to write on my hat, but I didn't have any fabric markers.
I've since writen all over my little black hat. It was quit theraputic.
So, I graduated debt free and with secure employment. That's good. (That's practically the American dream.) I feel good about that. I learned. I made friends, well, only a few and most in my last semester, but I plan to keep in touch and try to make more. I looked HOT in my graduation outfit (no, not the robe. I looked like a moldy refridgerator in that.), so I'm proud at all the excersizing and dieting paid off. And I'm looking forward to my future.
Look out world, Laura L. Watson is on her way!!!
Actually, for the next 6 months, Laura will be living with her parents, as all cool graduates do. Then, traveling and preparing to move to China.
Someone call me. Let's go out! I am probably the only graduate who didn't go drinking after graduating college. I need this right of passage to make the journey complete. Any takers?
And I guess that's about it as far as graduating is concerned. I did it. It's over. I'm glad people came. I am glad it's over. On with life!
Monday, December 04, 2006
The TV has left the apartment
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
The TV has left the apartment... extreme sadness wells up inside me... as does the realization I now have nothing to do EXCEPT my homework and study...
I miss my TV...
I miss all my TV friends...
I miss Peter Petrelli (Heroes).... I miss Detective Stabler (SVU).... I miss House.... I miss Dr. Brennan (Bones)... I miss Lex (Smallville).... I miss the demon (Supernatural)... I miss Dr. Kovach (E.R.)... I miss Colonel Carter (Stargate)... I miss Bree Van De Camp (Desperate Housewives)... and I miss whatever God awful movie was slotted for noon today on cable that I would have totally dedicated two hours of my life to enjoying!!!!
I miss my television!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is this withdrawl....
I sold my TV/DVD/VCR for $300 during my moving sale.
Other stuff still remains. Come give me money and aswage the boredom. Seriously. I'll give you some really nice stuff for cash.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
fat clothes- AWAY!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Life
Guess who gave away her fat clothes? That would be... ME!
Yep, all the plus sizes (10, 11, 12) pants, oversized t-shirts, and large sweaters have left the apartment. I even got to buy a new pair of workout pants tonight (thank you impulse buying at Wal-Mart) that are a size SIX and a new pair of jeans size SEVEN!
Still got some work to do... Anyways, I can do my entire workout without passing out. I have lost 15 pounds. I can swim an 1100 (50 continuous butterfly) in 40 minutes.
Hopefully, as I add new, more fashionable and form flattering clothes to my closet, people will begin to notice the change... And I do plan to post before and after pictures on my page. There may be a bikini involved...
The ultimate goals remain: To loose between 20 and 30 pounds (5-15 more to go), to swim a continuous 2500 (500 of each of the major strokes) and a 100 of butterfly in under 1.5 hours, and to fit into my prom dress from high school- along with a few other clothing items from that time of my life. I can also say I have more stamina (finally, I can get through the day without a nap) and I'm healthier over all. Like I said, still got some work to do in toning and getting stronger- and then it'll be time to train in hand to hand combat and getting ready to backpack around the world for Jesus!
But, first things first. Must look good for graduation...
Sunday, November 05, 2006
adventures in driving
Current mood: drained
Category: Life
Adventures in driving...
As many of you know, I make the trip between Fort Worth and Denton at least twice a week, sometimes more. (I also drive to Dallas once a week or so for the radio station 89.7 Power FM.) Anyways. Hardly ever a big deal.
Well, tonight was a hardly ever kind of night.
First of all, I got to watch two accidents unfold on I-35. The first one was just a four car fenderbender at I-35 and 820 that had the right lane closed. Then, the other one shut down I-35 seeing as how a semi truck was hanging off the bridge of I-35 over onto 820. As my fellow drivers and I were navigating through this maze of closed streets, the very nice young lady in the camero behind me thought the four car fender bender was more interesting than my bumper.
So she hit my bumper.
Now, I think my bumper holds some interest to her. She will forever remember her first accident.
No major damage. Just a scrape. We exchanged info and then proceeded on our way.
About 15 minutes later, after I pulled into a Race Track to check my trunk and fill up with gas, it just opened up and poored. (At this point, I was taking 377 home since it would be quicker.) I love thunderstorms. I even like driving in the rain.
Did anyone else know that 377 is low- as in flash flood low?
Yep. I never even saw the water. I ran straight into it and stopped moving. So, I backed up, went back to the race track, and hung out for about 30 minutes until I saw someone else drive through in something besides a very big pick up truck.
Then, I continued on my way, back home, to now work on my Buffy the Vampire Slayer midterm in Effort Shape (not even kidding. I get to do Buffy for a grade.)
I LOVE thunderstorms. But I so much more love them while sitting at home, wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate. Not so much while driving.
Does tonight's adventure allow me a trip to Braum's- diet be damned? What do you think?
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Is it worth it?
Current mood: expectant
Category: expectant Life
From my journal. A few names have been edited to protect... my fragile heart...??? Whatever. Things in parenthesis ( ) are thoughts I added while typing this to clarify, or because I wanted. It's my blog! I can do what I want.
Angel Friend,
I keep asking myself if it's all really worth it. I'm not sure "it" means just one thing. (It-the worthy part or it-the sacrifice part.) In my mind, when I ask Dr. Richard Ross, "it's" True Love Waits, Purity, sexual abstinence. And I cry everytime I think about it. Because in my mind, my eyes well up with tears and I search his eyes for the truth. All he can do is hug me. (And cry too.) Sometimes he says yes. Usually, it's silence.
Other times I'm asking one of the faithful in Hebrew Ch. 11. Was it all really worth it? Was following God worth all it costs?
Tonight, I asked Buffy. Was it worth it, helping people, being a hero, "saving the world. a lot?"
No one answers me. Not even God.
I am 24 years old. I am so lonely (for a relationship) it physically hurts. I will never have sex. I will never know true love. Is obedience to God's call on my life really worth all this?
I have a dream of being a great writer, a great director, a great actress, an olympic figure skater, a singer. Is it worth all my dreams to go follow God to the middle of no where and die for my faith?
I want to be a hero. I want to save the world. I want that-like Buffy's- on my tombstone, I think. That, or simply "She lived." or both. Make it a big one. Is saving the world or changing lives really worth all the pain- the sacrifice? Will I even be a hero? Will I make any difference? Will I be remembered? Will I ever fly? Will any of these tears, this pain, ever be worth it? How? When? Why? Why me? Am I sacrificing for nothing?
Dr. Richard Ross listened to teenagers and is literally saving the world.
Those in Hebrew Ch. 11 heard the word of God. God spoke to them. God performed miracles around, through, and/or in them. They came out on top.
Buffy saved the world. A lot. She's a hero. She lost everything, even her own life, and she won in the end.
Will I do any of these things? Will it all ever be worth it? Is there really a call on my life as big and as grand as I seem to think it is? Will I be a hero, the Rose, remembered?
Is it really worth it? Is obedience to God really worth all it takes? Is my reward really as big and as wonderful as I imagine? Will it ever get easier?
I know in my soul that the answer is yes. It's worth it. But my mind wonders how. What is "it"? What will it all be for? I long to trust God. But the older I get, the harder it is to remember what He showed me. The longer it takes to "see" His big wonderful plan, the harder it is to be faithful, to keep going, to hold on.
I really like "Bob". But I won't hurt him the way I did "Fred" (back in high school) just for the attention. I really want D+R+A+M+A to go to Broadway. But I can't miss out on "saving the world" for a few minutes of applause. I really want to stay in America and change the world from here. (Air conditioning, good food, running water, family, friends, television.) But I know I have to go do it face to face, in person, one at a time.
Yes. It's all going to be worth it. I am ready to take my step of faith. I am ready to graduate. I am ready to go. I am ready to fly.
I don't know if I will ever make any difference. I don't know if I'll ever be a hero. I don't know if I will every fly.
But I know God. And He says, "It's worth it."
I think I just needed a good cry. (And boy, did I.) I know everything I am giving up- every last thing (I am painfully aware.) I don't know what I am giving it all up for. But I believe. I believe it's worth it. I believe.
I think I have been in the Garden of Gethsemane for a very long time now. I see there is a cross for me to carry. But I also see the empty tomb. And I think Jesus saw all that and got His answer too. It was worth it for Him. It will be worth it to me. For the glory of God... and honestly, I'd like a little glory too, but I know it will all happen when I give ALL glory up to God. He's not doing it for me. He's doing it for Him. For those He loves. (which is me...)
So, yes, homework. I should do that.
PS I also spent a lot of time listening (and watching) the Buffy video on my profile, Halleluah. I am such a nerd, I know. But, it touches my soul. And this was a writing from and about my soul.
Currently Listening :
Christmas Eve and Other Stories
By Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Saturday, October 14, 2006
my stalker
Current mood: cautious
Normally, I post 2 blogs a month- if that. But, some interesting stuff has been happening lately I thought I would make everyone aware of.
So, last Wednesday, I came home to discover my blinds spread open. (Not raised, parted.) I thought that was weird, but blamed it on the fact I'd left my air conditioning blasting and this must have caused the blinds to twist and such. I also noticed my papers that lay on the chest under my window to be all scattered. Again, air conditioning.
On Friday of that week, I went to the back of my apartment (which I don't do everyday) and discovered my window screen had been pryed off and, sure enough, my window lock had been broken. Someone had been in my apartment, but nothing was stolen. (No, not even my underwear.) I called the cops, they came out and filled a report, and that was the grand total of it. Without a suspect, there's nothing they can do. I do have an extra creepy neighbor I told them about who sits outside my apartment- not his, mine- drinking until all hours of the morning and often knocks, wondering if he can come in and "talk." (Nope, no men in my apartment. This is my normal rule, but with this guy, it was like a 3 alarm fire in my head- "DON'T LET HIM IN. DANGER. DANGER.") So, I suspect him, but no proof.
At 2:30am on Friday the 13th, I had just gotten home from preview night of the play Three Sisters at UNT. I was watching some TV I had recorded (Supernatural) when I heard someone scrape up against my door. That's normal. I live in the corner apartment and people are always misjudging the turn with their groceries and stuff (or they're drunk. I live next door to 3 bars and a liquor store.) Next thing I know, they are shaking the door knob and then trying to kick in my door. Repeatedly kicking. Thank God for old-school architecture. My door is steel with fake wood covering it. I was off that couch in seconds dialing 911, slipping on my tennis shoes, and taking off the new locks and wood I had bracing the window, preparing to run. For reasons unknown, this person stopped trying to get in and ran away. The cops were there in less than 3 minutes. They chased someone through the apartment complex, but it turned out to be a stumbling drunk who swore it wasn't him. I don't think it was him either. He didn't have the coordination to walk, much less kick.
I now own pepper spray and a pair of slip on tennis shoes that I keep next to my bed. I have an extra cell phone that stays charging in case I run out the window again. The cops are making regular drive bys to watch the complex. And the apartment complex is issuing a warning to all my neighbors.
People keep asking if I want to stay with them or if I'm gonna move. The simple answer is No. I don't run. I don't let bad guys win. The Sunday after the shooting at my church, I went to church. And every Sunday and Wednesday there after for 3 years straight. Perfect attendance. I'm not leaving. I'm not moving. I won't be stupid, I'll keep my guard up, big strong (nice looking) gentlemen are welcome to walk me home, and I'll take another self defense class. It' my home, and I'm not leaving. At least, not until my lease expires in January.
Thanks to all of those who called wishing me well the other night and have posted concerns since. I appreciate the concern and welcome your prayers. You really know who your friends are at 2:30am.
Everyone (or maybe just a few) are more than welcome to come hang out with me anytime. I'd enjoy the company.
Monday, October 09, 2006
I suck at acting!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
I suck at acting! But, this is kind of a good thing. Here's the story: My last semester in college (pause for the happy dance...), I am taking not one but two classes that are performance based. I thought, no problem. I've had tons of training. I have no talent, but training will get me through. Plus, confidence and a good work ethic...
Uh, right. I suck. I didn't learn my lines, I still struggle at times with them- bad me, bad not just for myself but because it is someone else's grade resting on me. I don't know where my training went. I'm too self involved. I have no self confidence (more on this issue later). But, really, this is all okay. There is a bright side.
At least I will be graduating with no illusions of grandure. Or the ability to spell. But, I will graduate where I started- afraid to act, and with good reason. I will stay focused on writing, where I know I have talent and have been congratulated and celebrated and recieved good reviews from the critics at the Fort Worth Star Telegram for, etc. (Yes, that was me bragging nonchalantly...nanana.) I'm not an actress. And that's okay. I'm a writer. This is my place in the theatre. I have total power... I tell the story...waaayyy better than acting. Anyday.
Nine weeks to graduation. Passing everything thus far... military history is iffy, but I can pull it up. I'm actually reading the books. Bonus.
The LIT Theatre Training program is going fabulous! These kids are learning in 5th and 6th grade what I learned in college. A corrective makeup. How to research, design, and then construct their costume. (Emphasis on research and design since our budget was limited, though they all sewed something and they all made their own t-shirt with sponge letters and fabric paint.) They have all helped write the first play and will all work on the 2nd and 3rd. They are learning- and their parents stand in awe! They also stand exhausted because these kids are putting in 8+ hour days on Sundays to do this training, then choir, then the JAMs aka performances, plus church. They are amazing, and I am proud to be a part of it.
So, back to my confidence. I have been having serious self esteem issues lately. Not pretty enough, not cool enough, not thin enough, and I've been overcompensating in these areas with awkward flirting and talking to people I don't normally talk to- and it being weird. So, leave me comments about how wonderful I am. Help a girl out.
'night.
11:53 PM -
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Health/fitness/weightloss update
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Life
Hello all! Just to let you know where I stand as far as my new fitness program that will probably result in weightloss though the goal is overall health.
I have lost 8 pounds, have increased my swimming up to 700yards in under 25 minutes, and my clothes are looser and I have more indurance. I have not increased any of my weights, but every week we add new weights, new machines, new exersizes. I really feel it most days! My UC health is also better, staying slim (not swollen) and I'm eating better.
Over all, except for the effect constant disgusting sweating has on my skin, I'm doing great!
The goals are still clear in my mind: to loose between 20 and 25 pounds, to swim 500 yards of each stroke (a 2500) in under 45 minutes, to loose the fat in my face and butt, to run a continuous mile, and to be well above average in all the areas my trainer tested me in the first day (hand strength, resting heart rate, etc.) As my reward, I will look great in my graduation photos and in the new dress I plan to buy for the theatre banquet. (DO we have a fall theatre banquet? I don't know. If not, I'll return in the spring in a new and fabulous dress.)
I highly recommend a personal trainer- I haven't missed a single work out day and it shows! Not to mention, he pushes me until I can barely stand and then says see you next time! Highly motivating, I won't quit while he's watching kind of thing.
For all of those on this journey with me- YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
And thank you to all of those of you who remembered my birthday- you rock!!! 24... a lot like 23... closer to being truly old... still feel old... I will graduate before my next birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh,and I got a digital camera for my birthday. ROck on awesomeness. For graduation, money will do just fine, thank you. I need nothing else.
10:04 AM
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Just an update... better than homework
Current mood: content
Category: Life
Well, Brittney is home. She's slowly healing and working on getting VA benefits. She just spent 3 luxurious days with me- on my couch watching tv while I went to class and babysat and various things. (I'm a terrible host.)
I am working out consistently. I haven't lost any weight yet, but I sure have been sore! Something will result. I swim Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and work out with weights with my personal trainer Brandon on Tuesdays and work out alone on Thursdays. Then I eat like a pig on Saturdays and Sundays. Well, not really. I just do homework on the weekends- it's the only time I have! (Tuesday night is ice cream night.)
My life is divided into two catagories- school and LIT Drama. Guess which I enjoy more?! I stuck to my guns about developing a theatre training program (not just a cute performance group), and after a lot of letters home to parents, meetings with the powers that be, etc, I got my way! Not as much time as I wanted, but I totally think an hour and a half on Sundays will be fine. I look forward to opening their minds to the world of theatre... and showing the church that it can be good and powerful. (Leaders in Training is what LIT stands for- my life is an acronym- and it's the preteen program at my church. Very, very cool stuff they do, and this year, they added drama to the training the students can recieve.)
School, school, school. I don't understand a lot of what is going on, and I'm there for 8 or 9 hours at a time. Plus hours in the different shops. But, I am determined not to fail a single class so as to graduate this December. Either way, I'm never coming back. Who knows, I might learn something, too.
Guess that's it. Not doing 100 different things. Not really stressed about anything. Still trying to get my health up to 100%, but working out is helping a lot. And doing nothing but school, LIT, and watching the scale. This is my life.
