We should be supporting one another not, whatever this is...

So, I joined a gym a little over a week ago with Todd and I am so proud of myself. We have gone almost everyday, going directly from work has been the key, we don't get home and get distracted first. I joined Planet Fitness and little did I know when I joined the gym with the philosophy of being the "average joe" type gym that there is a divisiveness among other gym goers.
I'm sure it is because I wasn't looking but suddenly I am noticing actual news articles critiquing Planet Fitness and several of the companies standards, beliefs, policies. Planet Fitness has certain rules that help everyone feel welcome, like you can't drop the barbells full of weight on the ground like you see during heavy lifting competitions. It is to reduce the anxiety and intimidation of some other gyms where you hear grunting and lifting and dropping etc. Not a bad rule, not sure it makes a different to me either way. Then there is the complaining about no grunting, okay, so I sometimes grunt myself when I exert in an exercise it happens, I think the real purpose of this one is again the heavy lifting competitor meat head grunting (oops, I will have to go back to that judgement of mine right there.)
Another rule that has come to media attention is the dress code. Planet Fitness clearly states in the contract and several places posted throughout the building that they don't allow certain attire, like string tank tops, which seems to be the most troublesome to some. Beautiful fit woman gets told to "cover up" and it is suddenly news. I'm not questioning her fitness, commitment to looking great etc, but it is a rule, posted several places it is not newsworthy and I believe it wouldn't be if this occurred in another gym.
Here is my point, or one of several points, lets see where this takes me. I believe it is so demoralizing to put people down for the gym they attend and these articles and comments are doing so. I truly believe that anyone trying to better their self should get an atta boy or girl no matter if you attend the best most expensive gym in town, the local fitness place or your own home gym. I have heard people I respect greatly make comments like "I hope these one month wonders get out of my gym soon so I have room again for my workout." Of course referring to the influx of people in January, or make fun if one doesn't know how to use the equipment. I think this is the crux of why Planet Fitness has the philosophy they do. Many of us aren't fitness experts and need help and compassion when we are figuring it out. Believe it or not going to a gym can be very intimidating, at least for me. Now, is that a me problem, yes absolutely, and Planet Fitness appreciates that about me and has given me a place where I can feel comfortable. They try to make it as welcoming as possible and let's just say affordable. I can't afford $50+ dollars a month for a gym, $20 is good and comfortable for my budget.
Another complaint I have heard is about the free food days and tootsie rolls Planet Fitness gives. I don't remember the exact rotation but they provide members once a month free pizza and on another day free bagels. I have not partaken in this yet but maybe will sometime. I love pizza and bagels. I am pretty sure that those who are against this have at some point eaten one or both of these food items. I know several actual nutritionists and the mantra for them is moderation. We can eat pizza and bagels and its okay. I plan on eating a bagel, I enjoy bagels. I occasionally have one and promptly before or after put it in my Weight Watchers food log with the points and move on with my day.
I feel so frustrated that we judge each other, I often kid that I am a no judgement zone and I really strive for this in my life. Now, I am not perfect, as evidenced by my use of meat head earlier in this blog; and by the fact that I think the girl in the ridiculous string sports bra that was told to cover up at Planet Fitness and then created a media event out of it can't possibly get any sort of actual support from it. I think you know what I mean, but to further my judgement of her she doesn't have much to support. There, it is out of my system. I try to be supportive and wish we all were a little more.
I think we need to be more supportive of any effort and of no effort. Honestly putting down where I have found motivation and look forward to going each day has hurt my heart. I try not to be sensitive in general but this one bothers me. Now, I am hearing the song Imagine in my head, yes a Beatles song, but nonetheless let's focus on the good and try to let go of the negative and judgement.

2014, the year of Jessica

I set resolutions every year, lose weight, exercise more, write more, complain less. All good resolutions and these will be the same added to this years list. My hope is to write daily, whether here, in my handwritten journal or my electronic journal. I think that blogging will be a fun way to get my writing going again. Perhaps it will be interesting enough to get followers also. Although I will shout out to my only follower, Dawn. Love you my friend. Let's see if I can keep this up this time.

Well where did that year go?

I'm chuckling at myself as I thought to look at my blog. That little 365 project didn't go very long. Although I will say I did take a picture a day for a long time, the blogging part failed quickly. I need to begin writing again, it seems to give me the release I need, a loyal friend always there to listen.

Day 5, My ode to Beth

It should come as no surprise to most who know me that I love my car. Yes, I’ve gone as far as naming my car. Beth, because she looks like a Beth, which makes my friend Tammy laugh every time. I’ve owned this car since 1997; I have been her only owner. I know my male friends may understand better, there is a synergy between car and driver. Beth and I have been through many winters and many close calls; I know how she is going to handle in pretty much any situation. I take care of her, maybe not as well as my husband would like but despite all of his polishing his truck is getting rust also, we do live in Michigan after all.

So the past few years have been rough on Beth. I’ll be honest, the first time I saw her on a tow truck I cried. Not the all out sob but a tear down my cheek as I quickly tried to wipe it away before my husband could mock me. My poor car has been through a lot, up to this point I have been able to convince my husband that repair has been better than replacing. This week as I was driving there was a sickening sound that I knew must be trouble. A broken front spring. She had also been leaking oil all winter, again. As I left Beth at Lentz I was not sure what the outcome would be. As I was pondering that and a bit melancholy Todd tells me that if we can’t afford to repair my car I would “have” to drive his father’s minivan, in fact we would likely buy it. I am trying to stifle my tears, he knows I hate driving minivans, I know he knows this. I tell him as strongly as I can that I will not drive or buy a minivan. I explained that I was grateful to have dad’s minivan to borrow when necessary but I would not buy it. I was so angry.

Well, 3 days later I am able to bring Beth home and so far she is running as good as new. I took a few pictures of her tonight, my first night with her back. As silly as this may sound to all of you I do love this car and I lament the day that I have to retire her and get a different one. I believe in the synergy between myself and this lovely car and will mourn her if I ever have to get rid of her.

Day 5

So I noticed a painting at Hobby Lobby almost a month ago and I fell in love with it. It was perfect, Northern Lights, mountains and water reflecting them. Much to my dismay it wasn't for sale but rather advertising a painting class using Bob Ross' techniques. Now, I've seen this guy back in the day on PBS with his happy clouds and just make a few brush strokes. I got to thinking maybe I could do this, the flyer said beginners could do it. Well I did some research, priced the items on the supply list and signed myself up. I was excited and nervous but I did it and I am thrilled with the results. A few hours and I have what I think is a great first painting. I'm so glad I did it, but I fear this may have created a monster, I am planning on doing the next class at Hobby Lobby.
The picture really does not do it justice but here it is none the less.

Wednesday, day 4 of the 365 project

My life is consumed with Sydney's soccer. Practice twice a week games on Saturday and sometimes Sunday. She is pretty good, of course all parents say that, but her coach says she is. With all my time around soccer balls, cleats, shin guards and soccer nets I thought this was a neat, almost artistic shot with just my little point and shoot camera.

Day 3 of the 365 project

Okay, this taking a picture everyday can be a chore. I'm at the end of the day Tuesday, a very busy day because my car is in the shop and I am using Todd's which means lots of extra time in a vehicle. I'm putting away dishes and I see my wine glass, I really love this wine glass. The blue is so beautiful, especially with merlot in it. So I thought why not get a picture of my favorite wine glass, wishing it actually had wine in it. As it turns out iced tea makes the glass look the same.