Fitness Professional

About 10 years ago (CRAZY!), I was touring colleges and starting to think about what it was that I wanted to do with my life; I had always had a passion for kinesiology and health/fitness.  However, someone along the line (actually I remember the moment vividly, it was at Winona) talked me out of pursuing Athletic Training because I wanted to participate in collegiate athletics and they insisted that I would have NO life and would NOT be able to do both.  After going through the experience of being a student-athlete, they were probably right.  So for a very short time, I thought I would enjoy going into Physical Education.  Well, the realization that throughout my college years and into my career I would have to stand in front of people and essentially give speeches on a daily basis, sunk in.  I was WAY too insecure about myself (mostly my weight/appearance) to pursue that path.  So I decided to pursue another passion I had always had, psychology. 

In my last semesters as a psychology major, I did not feel the call to continue my education in the graduate school path.  So I started to veer back to my health/fitness interests by taking Anatomy/Physiology, Physiological Psychology, and even taking a course through the La Crosse YMCA.  Little Abby factoid for you, although the certifications are not current, I was at one point a Certified Step Aerobics Instructor as well as a YMCA Cycling Instructor.  I think these first experiences through the YMCA were my inner self trying to break out of the shy and insecure outer layer.  I never taught any classes, but I found the education fun and was a great way to meet some people in the industry. 

After I graduated from UW La Crosse, I pursued a one year program at Northwestern Health Sciences University, in Massage Therapy.  I have been in the Massage Therapy field for about 4 years, and have enjoyed utilizing my passion for health and wellness, as well as my understanding of psychology and the effects that stress has on our bodies.  Throughout all of these journeys, I have experienced a roller coaster of personal experiences in health and fitness, as well as wellness.  From adolescent obesity, to college athletics, half marathon running highs, eating disorder lows, to bodybuilding joys and struggles, I have seen just about everything. 

Sorry, this is not the true intention for my post today; But all critical back story.  When I began working for Life Time Fitness, so began my relationship with one of my best friends, personal trainers and colleagues.  Jen Ahlberg.   She has served as a personal trainer, a life coach, a friend, a roommate, among a million other things for the last 3 years or so.  It is with her helpful guidance that I am now embarking on something that I have long been passionate about.  Personal Training.

Right before Thanksgiving this last year, I put in my resignation from the Life Spa Department Head, as I was going to focus on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – Certified Personal Trainer program.  Now before you have a heart attack as many of my Massage Clients did when I broke this news to them, I will still be offering Massage Services.  I just am adding yet another modality to my tool belt. 

This morning I successfully passed my NASM CPT exam!   I had not mentioned this change in career to many people, as I felt like I wanted to first pass my test, and prove myself essentially.   I will soon be taking my Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification as well.  I hope to use my knowledge and expertise from both my Massage Therapy training and experience and my new education to optimally help my clients with functional and structural issues.  And help our members at Life Time achieve their health and fitness goals, of course.

While working with a client with an ankle injury sometime mid December, I had a realization, that life is funny.  How, 10 years ago I was dissuaded from pursuing Athletic Training, but that I was now back on the track to essentially provide the same service.  I truly believe that we are all meant to do something special, and if you follow your heart and your passions, you’ll get to where you are intended.  I do not however look at all my experiences and think “Wow, well that was a waste of 7 years.  I should have just gone in the direction I wanted to initially.”  All the experiences I have had, all of the people I have met, all of the good and bad I have gone through, has enriched me.   God has a plan.

I couldn’t help but smile ear to ear (okay, fine…with a tear in my eye) when I read my mom’s email this morning:   “Go To Your Destiny”.  A phrase she has always said to me, implying no luck is involved; it is just working hard, making good choices, and following your heart.

Lastly, I have to say an ENORMOUS thank you to Peter...my fiance.  :)   My choice to resign from my current position, to study intensely for the last 9 weeks, and commit myself to a path has taken me away slightly from other things.  Peter has amazed me with how he has supported me and how he has stepped up in the little things.  Cooking, cleaning, laundry.  His support, both emotionally and logistically, has meant the world.

Stay tuned for many more exciting adventures as I begin my career as a Fitness Professional!

Photos and Props

I feel compelled to give a shout out to a long time friend, blogging cohort, and a pretty (literally and figuratively) bomb diggity mom.  Mrs. Depies, but as most of my world and those in it know her as, Palmer.  I love starting off my day reading her most recent blog post, and submerging my mind into her life for a few minutes.  As a mom of an adorable little girl & cute four legged friend, a wife to a solid dude Freddy, and with bun in the oven, she is quite inspirational.

I also think I am going to swipe her Friday blog theme, Photo Friday.  I frequently am capturing pictures on my phone, as Peter rolls his eyes and calls me paparazzi, but I do not feel like I do this enough.  Definetly not as much as I used to.  I enjoy capturing the little moments in life, so I would like to start sharing those.

So props to Nikki P, on just being a flat out incredible person, and cheers to the days of the one stop shop ;)

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Now, on to my own Photo Friday.  I have a bit of an issue.  I need to start expanding my subject base.  I might be a little biased and obsessed with my own furry four legged critter, as if you scroll through the gallery on my phone, he is all that appears.  I just can't help it, he's so darn cute and sweet.  That is when he isn't trying to access scraps in the garbage or eating a pound of butter and proceeding to throw it up, numerous times.

None the less, here is my little montage to Diesel.  The one who eagerly greets me at the door every day, leaping and doing triple sow-cows in the air.  I honestly get antsy  to see and love on him as I'm driving home as I'm down the block.

Last night, he was just snoozin'...like this...goof troop.

So seepy.  One morning I came out to the living room to see this sleepy mug.

One night he was standing behind the couch, creepin' on us.

Much to Peter's disgust, Diesel hops into bed in the morning to snuggle

He's a great spooner

My sleepy copilot on the way home from the Cabin.

Have a great Friday, and weekend everyone.  I promise to have a more diverse subject matter next week.  Maybe.

Changing the Subject

After a week of mourning our loss of Grandma Richardson, I'm ready to hit the road running and celebrate life to its fullest.  So I wanted to dive back into something, and I decided to root up a good Ted Talk to contemplate.

First, I need to give a shout out to my UWLaX lady friends.  I was unable to attend our annual Alumni Weekend this last weekend, ubber sad.  Although it is a fun weekend we all look forward to, I am at ease knowing that we are at the time in our lives that we get to see each other numerous times a year, as one by one, we all tie the knot.  Therefore I look forward to the next beautiful event that I can catch up with some of my favorite friends.

Hokay, my selected TED talk this morning was a quick 9 minute talk by Cameron Russell, a world renowned model.  I really appreciated her honesty, her impressive intellect, and her ability to admit her insecurities. I think that it could be very helpful for young women to understand that these beautiful, picture perfect, runway angels are actually incredibly insecure.  Crushing the thought that "If I was taller, skinnier, prettier," or whatever "ER"....I would be HAPPIER.  It's just not the case.  I\t is known that psychologically, with that mind set, "happiness" is something that is always just out of reach.  There is always something more that we want. I know that feeling from my own experience.  Even on the day of my bodybuilding competition, a time that I weighed the least I had since probably 6th grade, I still wasn't completely content with my physique.  It was a very enlightening lesson and take away from that whole experience.

I also appreciated her ability and willingness to be honest about modeling as a "career", or the fact that it really isn't.  With incredibly beautiful images, the modeling field is glamorized,  physically and conceptually.  I enjoyed seeing the comparison photos, of the finished product of a photo shoot she did, next to a real life photo of her in her 'normal life' that same day.  Often times the professional photo seemed to age her by a good 10 years and seemed to actually rob her of her childhood and innocence.  Yet we glamorize and place these images on a pedestal.    

To be honest, although I wouldn't be UNHAPPY if I had won the genetic jackpot and had the physical stature of Cameron and her cohorts, I often have a negative perception of models.  Perhaps its some bitterness or jealousy, but its also a stereotype that they aren't articulate or intelligent.  This is something that I also took away from the short video.  As she said, perception is very powerful, and has the ability to impact our lives.  As Cameron proceeded to make a wardrobe change, for me, the perception of her intelligence also changed; and even more so as the talk proceeded.  I completely agree, image is powerful, but image is also superficial.  Whether you are judging a models cognitive abilities, or a homeless persons situation or decisions, its inappropriate to do so.  Image is superficial.  Regardless of context.  These aren't new concepts by any means, but it was a refreshing perspective and subject matter after a heavy week.

Take away, keep your heart and mind open.  Allow your preconceived notions open to be destroyed.  It is actually quite refreshing to do so.  Have a great week everyone, and love yourself.  :)

Cameron Russel: Looks aren't everything...believe me, I'm a model.

Grandma Richardson...

Sureal.  Its the only way I can describe my thoughts right now.  With our recent engagement, honesly my head has been in the clouds and life has seriously been so cheery and obnoxiously beautiful.  So today when I heard Pete's serious voice (which if you know Pete, doesn't come out ever), say, "I have bad news...", I honestly prepared myself for a sarcastic remark.  Never did I think that he would proceed to say, "Grandma Richardson passed away today."  Millions of thoughts flooded my mind, but at the same time I was stunned and speechless. 

 

She had just emailed us a few days ago, with thoughful words of congratulations on our engagment and joy that although they already considered me part of the family, that it was truly official now.  We were hoping to stop by this week, upon her request, to show them the ring and share our story and some of our tentative plans. 

 

There are no words to describe Grandma Richardson's depth of love for her friends and family, and there are so many people missing her right now.  Grandma Richardson, and therefore all the Richardson's, love SO BIG, and so OPENLY.  That is one solace in all of this for me.  That there is no words left unsaid or doubt that we were all blessed to have such an amazing woman in our lives.  Even if that did mean that at every family gathering kleenex would be close at hand because everyone wore their heart, love, and appreciation on their sleeves.

 

I can picture her so vividly, standing up at a family gathering this Fall, with tears in her eyes as she expressed her gratitude and love for her family.  The classic story of how she was an only child, and how because of that she grew up knowing she wanted to have a BIG family.  She expressed her fufillment in having just that, a big and supportive family.  Last night as we all sat around the Richardson household, reminicing, crying, and laughing, that BIG family was there once again.  As it always is.  I am so incredibly grateful that, from day one, Grandma Richardson, as well as the rest of the family, welcomed me with open arms; and that I was able to come to know Grandma R. 

 

Peter was fortunate to recieve his Afgan from Grandma Richardson this year for Christmas.  A gift that, at the time was so meaningful, but now that she is no longer with us, is such a blessing.  Additionally for Christmas, Aunt Kathy gave everyone a framed picture of Grandma Richardson's hands, with a brief story and explaination of the beautifuly crafted gifts she creates for her loved ones.  I have been mentally clinging to this picture over the last 24 hours; SUCH a cool keepsake. 

 

 

The next few days will undoubtably be heavy as we say our goodbyes and lay her to rest, but I have no doubt that the Richardson family will lean on one another, as Shirley taught us, and grow closer from this experience. 

Fever

That's right, I have diagnosed myself with a mean case of Pinnner Fever.  I enjoyed casually browsing Pinterest prior to our engagment...but now that I have the reality of a wedding in our future I might be a bit obsessed.  Plus, the reality of Miss Maggie's wedding and being her maid of honor, there's REALLY a lot to take in and oogle and be giddy over.

Pete and I are by no means ready to release any specific information about our wedding, but we do know that it will be after May 2014, as we are excited to focus on Maggie and Angels big day, as well as a handful of other friends and family members who will be exchanging vows between now and then.

With that said, I did find a blog that I LOVED and really connected with.  I'll include the link for your viewing pleasure, but will include the list of the APW philosophy; A Practical Wedding Philosophy.   (Yellow Font points are especially my favorites)

APW Philosophy

• Weddings can be laid-back AND fun. No really.
• Your wedding should be about celebration and joy, not about a bunch of made-up “shoulds.”
• A wedding is serious vows, followed by a party to kick-off your marriage… and it’s your marriage that’s important.
• Your wedding day is not just your day. It’s the day of everyone who loves you. That said, it is your wedding, so plan accordingly.
• Your wedding guests are grownups. So stop worrying if they need to be driven to the venue, and start worrying about feeding them on time.
• Your wedding is not an imposition.
• What people are going to remember about your wedding is how happy you were and how much you loved each other, not the centerpieces or the d*mned favors. Also, you don’t need favors.
• Your wedding doesn’t have to be blog-worthy. And if you’re feeling like it should be, maybe it’s time to lay off the blogs a little.
• You feel how you feel during wedding planning and on your wedding day, and you should do your best to honor that (even if it’s not what you expected).
• How you spend your money is more important than how much you spend. So put your wedding dollars into businesses that reflect your values, and stop judging yourself.
• If you realize you don’t want your relationship to have a forever home, call off your wedding. It’s easier to call off a wedding than a marriage, and when you say yes to what is right for you, there is so much joy to follow.
• You can get married at home, you can elope, you can have a picnic wedding, you can have a wedding in a social hall, you can have a church wedding, you can have a hotel wedding, you can have a huge wedding, you can have a tiny wedding, you can have whatever kind of wedding feels right to you and your partner… and do it with integrity and honesty and respect.
• If you end up married, to each other, by the end of the day? Then it was was a success (even if you hated your wedding).
• And the best part? Married life is what you make it. Being a wife doesn’t mean being a martyr or being a mom. You can beself-full, and sassy, and brave. Adventure on, ladies, and reclaim the word wife!

Good stuff maynard.  Although I have enjoyed all of the weddings that I have attended and participated in, I have always envisioned my own wedding to be very different.  I don't want my wedding to be about the shoulds, not about the obligitory aspects, not about the tiny details that will never be remembered, not about spending an entire lives savings (or putting yourself into debt).  Its about the promise to each other, promising and vowing your love for your partner, and in front of God, truly becoming a partner in life.  And taking some pretty pictures of the two of you to remember it by. :)

Since there is over 500 days until Maggie & Angels wedding, I hope to be able to cure my Pinner Fever a little bit, but for now I just can't help myself.  :)

Shenanigans

Peter and I both worked much of the past holiday season, and since late summer we had planned on taking an extended weekend after the holidays.  Wednesday January 3rd, after a hectic, but fun New Years filled with work, a 5K, and last minute packing, Pete and I headed north to Pinewood.  We joyfully arrived late, and settled in, as Barb & Clint greeted us.  Grandma was feeling under the weather so she was already in bed.

Thursday morning we continued to get settled in and plan our day out on the trails.  Pete, Barb, Clint and I fired up the sleds and took of; by the end of the day we put on almost 100 miles.  As we were starting to loop back towards the cabin, Peter was in the lead.  A little back story, Peter rides pretty aggressively and as a result, his sled is often needing repairs.  Peter led us down in to a swamp, although all 4 of us came out the other side unscathed, at the top of the following hill, he hit a log, bending part of his ski.  We were able to ride to the next tavern and reassess.  The decision was that Barb and Pete would stay put while Clint and I rode back to Pinewood.  Clint picked up the trailer and headed back to the Wolfhound Tavern to pick them and the broken sled up.  Conveniently, for Pete and Barb, it was happy hour.  And when Clint picked them up, they were indeed spirited.

Peter and Clint pulled parts from the part sled to fix Peter's sled that night.  While Grandma, Barb, and I watched a movie.  Later that evening Maggie and Colton arrived to Pinewood.  After putting on roughly 100 miles, I was pretty beat, and was more than ready to retire.  Sleeping at Pinewood is amazing, our room is dark and the setting is peaceful.  Needless to say, I slept amazing and was the last to wake up Friday morning.  Clint was in charge of breakfast, making is world famous omelets.  After breakfast and a few pots of coffee between the 6 of us, Peter and I were going to head out on a ride around the lakes, and planned on meeting up with Barb and Clint elsewhere.

It was a sunny, warm morning, which can be tough on the sleds since they thrive in cold weather.  Once we had looped around both lakes and were starting to head back towards Pinewood, Peter stalled in the middle of West Fox, and put the hood of his sled up, and began tinkering with it.  Since he had injured his sled the night before, I thought to myself, "oh boy, now what did he do?!"  After spinning around the shoreline, I rode over to him.  I asked, "Is it sick?"  Peter mumbled, yea, signaled for me to shut off my sled and come over.  I walked around to him and his sled, only to receive a great big bear hug, and hear Peter say, "my sled isn't sick...".  He proceeded to get down on one knee, in the middle of frozen West Fox lake; where we have spent many fond memories, both in the summer sun, beautiful fall, and frosty winter.  He pulled out a little gray box, opened it up and asked if I would marry him.

Slighly misty eyed I exclaimed ABSOLUTELY, and hugged him so tight.  As we embraced on the sparkly snow, with a new sparkly gem on my hand, I heard the roar of a sled approaching us.  I laughed as I figured Peter would be embarassed that we were in the middle of the lake and some stranger was about to witness us.  Low and behold, I looked up and it was Maggie.  With camerat in tow.  She had left the house moments after we did, and took off on snowmobile, and hid in a bay of West Fox.  Peter said he could see her from a mile away and feared her cover would be blown, but I was completely oblivious.  To all of it.

Maggie ran over and hugged us both, and continued to take a few more pictures. I'm SO incredibly thankful that Peter arranged for her to capture this special moment, and that she was there to share in our excitement. I have always loved the beauty of winter, and when I met Peter, I knew snowmobiling would be a part of our relationship.  I have loved being able to explore the north woods, the snow covered trees and sparkling snow, but more importantly to share in a passion of Peters. So I could not have picked a better time and a more beautiful place for him to propose.

After a few minutes and few pictures, we rode back to the cabin as there were a few people there that were anticipating some exciting news.  Which is why I titled this post Shenanigans.  Everyone knew.  And by everyone, I mean, his family, grandparents on both sides, my parents, as well as some friends.  Everyone except me.  They all did a fantastic job keeping quiet, and I never suspected a thing.

I enjoyed hearing all the back story of Peter picking our and picking up the ring (back in late October), him arranging a meeting with my Mom to ask permission, and then a meeting that same evening with my Dad to also ask permission to marry me.  About his fear that he had blown cover many times, and that his plan would be interrupted.  Little did I know he had more surprises up his sleeve.

After sharing the news with family and friends, we jumped on the sleds and headed out to the trails to seek out a celebratory drink.  We rode to a few locations, enjoying the day and talking about the months that lead up to that day; and how it tortured them all to keep this enormous secret.  We all agreed that we wouldn't be keeping any secrets for a long time.

Peter and I had originally planned on taking a trip to Walker, MN to use a Bed & Breakfast gift card that had been given to us by my sister and brother in law for Christmas two years ago.  It was great to get away and enjoy some down time on an exciting day.  The Bed & Breakfast experience will have to be a post on its own.  We definetely enjoyed it.  Thank you to Steph and Jon for the gift certificate!

Saturday morning we enjoyed breakfast at Embracing Pines B&B, and eagarly headed back to Pinewood.  Where yet another surprise was waiting. My Mom and Step Dad.  They had arrived late Friday night, and were there to celebrate with us for the remainder of the weekend.  We did a little more sledding and celebrating.  And Maggie and Barb put together a DELICOUS spread for everyone Saturday night.  And showered us with more love and congratulations.

Pete and I are so happy and excited for our future and we thank everyone for the love and support you have all showered us with upon our Engagement.  We look forward to sharing more details to come.