Celebrating Dirty Thirty

Well, it happened. I turned 30!

After an incredibly hard week at work, I started my birthday weekend off with Mrs. Fatass doing a 30 minute Zumba Sentao demo at 12:15. It went so well! We had done our first demo on Thursday night and I think each time we do it, it gets better and easier to do (in terms of teaching!)!  I went back to work, got as much done as possible and left at 4:45 to go get my eyebrows tamed before my dinner party.

We went out to a local place called Jac's for dinner. It was DELICIOUS! 

I had reserved the private dining room for the evening and as we were being walked to the room the hostess was giggling - people had been by already. Sue and a coworker, Ann had been by to drop off flowers for me. Sue's was festooned with the "It's My Fucking Birthday" button attached to the vase. I giggled like mad.

Dinner was so good. First there was spinach artichoke dip with pita bread and warm fresh bread with a sweet butter. My meal. Chicken breast, broccolini, and garlic mashed potatoes in a smoked Gouda cream sauce. My birthday cake? Caramel, banana fried cheesecake with vanilla ice cream and caramel and chocolate drizzle. Dead! 

Italian Wedding Cake Martini

Also a Glo-Toni and an Italian Wedding Cake martini. So awesome. So tasty. So tipsy.

Glo-Tini

The party moved to a local bar, O'Cools, where we had some more drinks, shared nachos and just hung out. I fell in love with the new chairs on the patio. They're perfect for Sentao. Sadly, they run like $500 for 14 of them. Ouch!

I came home and went to bed right around midnight. It was a very restful sleep.

Saturday, my birthday started off by being bombarded with texts, calls and Facebook messages from friends and family. I couldn't stop smiling. 

I hustled over to the studio to do 30 minutes of Zumba with Sarah and the crew there. I was welcomed by a giant birthday card, gifts from students, a board that they were fastening stars with positive messages on to. I cried a little. So much love! 

Those 30 minutes were full of joy and glee and a ton of sweat. I ran out to teach over at the YMCA. I was greeted by cards and a pretty pink tiara to wear. The tiara actually stayed on for 99.9% of class. Resilient thing!

Note the Tiara. And the pink socks to match.

60 minutes of more sweat to my favorite songs followed.  The smile couldn't have been removed from my face with a jackhammer!

Then came my spoiling myself. Lunch at El Tap with Marsh, Matt, Chip, Sarah and Maryana. Then off to Sacred Flame to get my new tattoo. A quick run to Raleigh followed where I bought my new, fancy iPad!

Here's the tattoo.  I posted from the iPad.

He's a good boy. I got the new iPad, with 64gig of storage in black and blue Smart Cover. I don't like the cover. I can't plug my headphones in flush against it. Fail.

We ate dinner at a great Irish pub in Raleigh where I nommed pub chips, Shepard's Pie with arugula salad and a brownie salad. So sinful!

I was up till almost 1am playing with my iPad. It's so nice!  I think the iPad's name is Gizmo.  Like from Gremlins.

Today was another day of crazy Zumba. Sentao demo, Zumbatomic and a 75 minute Zumba class. 3 hours total. I am so sore. I love it though!!! I know I couldn't have done all of that in one day when I was 25.  Maybe not even when I was 28! Progress!

I am very pleased with turning 30. I'm feeling healthy, strong, loved and like I'm finally finding my place in this world. 

Currently, I'm working on a new goals list. 30 things I want to accomplish in the next year. Personal, fitness, financial and general goals to give me a chance to really fill the coming year with all the best things. 

Simplicity is going to be the theme for the year. Keeping things low key and simple and close to the heart. Watch out 30, I'm coming for you!!! 

5K - Third time's a hot mess.

Saturday morning I got up at an ungodly early hour and went to Greenville, NC for a 5K with several of my Facebook training buddies.  Matt ran with me.  Marsh and Chip were there for moral support. 

The weather was super against us... it was hot, it was muggy and I was seriously afraid that I would not finish the race.  I made a promise to myself and my C25K team that I wouldn't give up!  We were all going to see this through.

Kristen and Krew before the race

This was me about to cross the finish line, just before I hit my last sprint to finish strong.

That smile?  Because of the rest of the team cheering me on from the corner!

Official time was 52:38. 

The Krew after the run.  Hot. Sweaty.  Ready for FOOD!

I was about 40 seconds slower than my previous best time but given the fact that 1 mile in I thought my hands were going to explode from swelling and the heat was threatening to make me a puddle on the ground I am damn proud of my time.  I KNOW the next time I run it will be a personal record! I know I can do it in less than 51 minutes... I think my goal will be 50 minutes or less.

The next 5k we're doing isn't until September so I have plenty of time to kick my butt in to gear and get some more speed in to my sprints and get more sprints in to my total time.

My ideal goal is to be able to run a 30 minute 5K.  When I can do that I want to try to tackle the 10K.  I don't think I'm ever going to be a marathon runner, but maybe I will.  I may get there!

Measurements, Success and TAKE THAT!

So, I'm a bad Sam and forgot to take pictures this weekend but those are coming.  Measurements, however, I completed.

Measurement	08/21/11	11/21/11	02/21/11	05/21/11	3Q Change
Weight	340	329	310	301.4	38.6
Wrist	6.75	6.33	6.25	6.25	-0.5
Upper Arm	16.75	16	15	14.75	-2
Chest	50	48.75	48	46	-4
Ribcage	43	42	41.5	40	-3
Waist	48.5	45	44	43.5	-5
Hips	68	64	61.5	60	-8
Upper Thigh	34	33	31	31	-3
Calf	17.5	17.75	15.5	15.75	-1.75
Ankle	10	9.75	9.25	9.5	-0.5

What's that?  Almost 39 pounds and 27.75 inches lost in 9 months?  HELLS TO THE YEAH!

Also? My body fat percentage? Decreased 3.8% since January. 

On top of all of that, I had my Peak Health appointment today and, according to her scale, I was 299 today and was allowed to do the bike test to determine my cardiovascular health.

She had to write down FAIR because of my total weight but she was SHOCKED at how little that bike impacted my blood pressure and pulse.  She said the % change would have me in the EXCELLENT category at a healthy weight.

This annoys me and delights me at the same time.  I mean, really, why is my cardiovascular health level dependent on my weight? 

My blood pressure was 118/80. My pulse was 80.  Neither showed any measurable increase during my bike test.  Obviously, I am taking care of my heart and doing all of the things I'm supposed to do and I handle the basic stress test perfectly then, obviously, my heart is freaking healthy. 

Just another reason to hate being this fat.  I am tired of doctors making me feel like my efforts aren't enough.  I know I'm not thin but, damnit, I am doing everything possible to be healthy and being told I'm in FAIR shape only makes me feel even worse about everything I'm doing.

However - HA! Talk about progress since much of that was since January.  In January I was 324 per the Peak Health scale.  I'm kicking butt and taking names this year!

Zumbathon - Success

Yesterday was the big day - Sarah and I hosted a Zumbathon here in Wilson and it was successful beyond our wildest dreams.

Here's the story.  At the start of the school year one of our Zumba students, Maryanna, approached Sarah about helping her with her senior project.  She wanted to do something with Zumba in the community.  Initially they were going to do something with the local children's after school center.  That didn't work out. Then a plan was born!

Sarah and I had been talking about doing a Zumbathon for a family with a son who suffers from hemophilia and it just seemed everything

Yesterday we had 12 amazing instructors and just over 120 residents of Wilson and the surrounding areas get together to raise money for the Davis family. 

Let's review the day, shall we?

We started off with temptation - breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  This biscuit stared at me, tempting me to eat it.  I was good though.  I only dreamed of getting it's tastiness in my tummy.

Then it was off to Fike High School to get everything set up for the Zumbathon.  Everything started to fall right in to place and before we knew it the stage was set up, the music was pumping and Sarah and I were up on the stage.

We were all higher than high on the energy of the crowd. It was fantastic fun and for such a good cause.

Action shots below.

120 people!!

Shake it!

Mrs. Fatass and I!

Maryanna teaches her first solo routine ever!

Heather rocks out to "Shackles (Praise You!)"

Jesus gets us shakin!

Keith salsas to a remix of "Yellow Submarine."

Mrs. Fatass gets the crowd pumped.

Me shakin' it with Heather.

After everything was broken down and money counted, we went out to dinner and watched Carolina whoop Duke.  Fantastic day was fantastic!

I am so blessed to have Zumba in my life.  It's given me friends, a new "family", a connection to the community and a creative outlet.  Yesterday just proved to me that things come to you when you need them most.  Thank you to my Zumba family for giving me new purpose in life.

This week could not POSSIBLY get better...

This week has been sufficiently insane and I couldn't love it more. Here's the skinny on what's been going on this week.

Monday: Work was incredibly busy, fulfilling and made me kind of high on the rush of deadlines.  I had a fantastic class at my senior center location.  A new student showed up who wound up being an old friend from my previous job! We had lost touch when she left about a year before I was laid off.  It was really exciting to see her and catch up a bit! This class planted the seeds of fun for Tuesday!

Tuesday: Run, run, run! Work was a whirlwild of getting ready for this meeting next Monday in Winston.  My eyes were about to BLEED from staring at PowerPoint all day.  Zumba double class fun ensued after work.  After class on Tuesday someone commented that she wished we did Shake Senora at the start of class rather than at the end.  I asked why and she said it helped to make her feel more comfortable.  It's a silly dance and makes you face your class mates so I can see her thought process.

So we tried it! It really did change the energy of the class.  Normally the first 2-3 songs are warm up.  I tossed Shake in as the end of warm up.  It's silly but it's still a good cardio song so it fit in the flow.  It was really cool everyone was off to the races with laughing and joking and just giving it their all.  It worked out well in both classes and tonight I'm going to try it with Big and Chunky or Drop it Low which are two of our other fun songs.

Wednesday: This day shall be known as the day of incredible awesome.  First off - my month end weigh in.  Down to 328.  Huzzah! Progressive weight loss! The scale keeps moving downward in a slow, but mostly steady, pattern. This starts my day off on a happy note.

I had an awesome meeting with the team for the Monday meeting in Winston.  The PowerPoint was well received and the edits were minimal.  Then I had a good talk with my boss about some other job related stuff and I'm really excited for things yet to come.

After work one of the temps on my team said something that just made my heart break that we're losing most of them at the start of the new year.  I love working with all of them and I really wish we could hire them all on permanently.

Then dinner with Marshall and his folks for his birthday.  My beloved turned 32 yesterday and we had a tasty meal out at Ruby Tuesday.  Nice and calming.

Later in the evening I taught at the YMCA and class was incredible.  Firstly, it was my first 20+ student class at the Y on my own.  Very cool.  Secondly, using Shake Senora at the start helped to bring in new folks and let them just have fun and not feel so nervous.  Thirdly, I got an amazing compliment after class.  One of the new students caught me after class and told me she loved class, said it was a fun and joyful class, she loved it and she would be back. She also honked and told me I rocked as I walked to my car. 

At this point the outside was suffering from a sudden dust storm.. because that's the only excuse for my eyes getting so watery.  I rarely get compliments so three big ones in a day is like hitting the lottery for me.  I felt so loved, so appreciated and so grateful.

After class the lovely Miss Sarah surprised me with a very thoughtful gift - a "Christmas bonus" of sorts - for all the help I give her.  It was completely unexpected and incredibly sweet. She is so awesome and never fails to remind me how much she appreciates my help.

Then we met Marshall and Matt for a birthday drink at the local bar.  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.


Thursday:  Already a great day.  Lots of good news all around. Marshall should be finishing up this thesis defense shortly so hopefully more awesome to come!

Measurements

In order to make myself feel less crazy - I'm focusing on my measurements per quarter.


So, here we go: My first quarter measurements.

Measurement	08/21/11	11/21/11	1Q Change
Weight	340	329	11
Wrist	6.75	6.33	0.42
Upper Arm	16.75	16	0.75
Chest	50	48.75	1.25
Ribcage	43	42	1
Waist	48.5	45	3.5
Hips	68	64	4
Upper Thigh	34	33	1
Calf	17.5	17.75	-0.25
Ankle	10	9.75	0.25

That's a total of 11 pounds and 11.9 inches across my body lost in the last 4 months.  My calves are getting bigger only because they are solid rock at this point.  They'll slim down eventually.... I hope.

In perspective in the last month I've lost an average house cat worth of weight.  No more carrying Napoleon around with me!.

Simply awesome

Since Thursday everything has just been flowing beautifully.

Last night I had the honor of joining several Zumba instructors from the Rocky Mount are for their Zumbathon to benefit Operation Purple and Soldiers' Angels. It was a fantastic event and they raised over $700 for the two organizations with donations still coming in from those who couldn't be there.

I got to teach two routines.  I did Whenever, Whereever which I choreographed and End of Time which I learned from one of the NC Jammers.  It was the first time I'd participated in an event like that as an instructor and I was nervous but the folks seemed to love both routines and I had a great time just dancing with new people and learning from other, more experienced, instructors.  I happen to know there are pics of me teaching... when I get them I'll share them if they're not too embarrassing!

After that I got to go out to dinner with Marsh, Matt and one of my Zumba buddies and her husband.  It was fabulous! It was great to just sit and chat and share delicious, delicious Mexican food!

THEN! When I got home I had an email that made me squeal like a school girl! I PASSED the Hip Hop Hustle certification - written and practical.  I PASSED! I can't tell you how absolutely happy that news made me.

I'm about to order the AFAA study book so I can get my Group X instructor certification next February.  Knowing that I passed the HHH course gave me the push to just go for it.  My confidence is really starting to build.  Each little hurdle makes me want to hop over a bigger one.

This morning I had a great Zumba class at the YMCA and what happened after just made my heart happy.  One of the students, an older lady, came up to me and told me how much fun she had.  She told me she was just getting back in to working out after having surgery to remove skin cancer from several spots.  She said she felt like Zumba was something that would help her get fit and she wouldn't be bored or dread going.  She specifically asked what my schedule was and said she hoped to see me in class soon.

It's the moments like that which make me feel fulfilled in my role as a Zumba instructor.  I love knowing that people can come in to my class - first time or not - and find the joy in what we're doing.  I love that they come in, sweat, laugh and leave with a smile on their face (even if they want to hit me for trying to kill their legs!)

Tonight is my birthday celebration! Katie and I are going to see Paranormal Activity 3 followed by dinner and drinks in Greenville and then dancing at the gay bar.  I love The Mining Company! Great atmosphere and grope free dancing?  Yes, please!