As Promised

Good morning!!! Ready for the rest of my announcement? I apologize for the cliff hanger, but I really had a lot more to say, and I figured the recap after my first day would be much more interesting. I'll make my breakfast post quick...

Breakfast was cinnamon apple oats with sliced almonds, ground flaxseed meal, and brown sugar.

Measurements:

1 medium/large apple (chopped)
1/2 cup dry oats
1 tbsp sliced almonds
1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup water (milk would have been better-- could have been creamier!)


Iced coffee and an Adora to go...

Quick FYI: I don't always post when I eat an Adora disk, but I have one every other day or so.


(added suspense...)


Jimmy Fund Walk

The big walk is a week from this Saturday! I'm walking 26.2 miles, which, if you're curious, takes about 8-9 hours. If you're feeling generous, please consider donating to my team.


Barney Butter Giveaway

I've received many GREAT entries so far! It's going to be a tough decision for Mal and me to pick the winners!

Jen at Office Supple Art: The Blog sent me a fun Barney Butter entry-- just wanted to share! :)


Announcement: Part II

Ok, so here it is...

After a lot of thinking, soul searching, and considering a ton of valuable advice from a number of key players, I've decided to switch careers and become a personal trainer! (Quite a few of you guessed it yesterday!) Honestly, I am surprised that I didn't think of making this career change sooner!

Eventually, I'd like personal training to become my full-time career, which, with no experience or alternative source of income, means I need to fast track it! I have laid out a plan for myself to make this career change as seamless as possible-- there are many steps involved! Just last week (step #1), I was hired as a Fitness Specialist at the greatest healthclub in Boston, and my first shift was last night.

From what I understand, a Fitness Specialist works as part of the Healthworks fitness team and assists members in achieving their fitness goals by providing complimentary strength and cardio orientations, which includes explaining training guidelines, proper use of the machines, and how to log workouts. My new position also requires some "grunt work," like cleaning the machines and organizing equipment, but it's all part of the job! You can't just start at the top, right?

In addition to my role as a Fitness Specialist, I will be studying my butt off in preparation for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification test to become a personal trainer. (I'm cramming 4 months of study into 3 months!) Once (and if!) I receive my NASM certification, I hope to start training my first clients in January 2009. (I will continue to work at my full-time job until I am able to build a client base.) I have no idea how I will juggle a full-time job, part-time job at Healthworks (12-15 hours/week), and a blog, but I'm going to take it one day at a time... and try to not panic! I just need to keep reminding myself that all of my hard work will be worth it in the end!

So, guys, get ready to hear about my journey to become a personal trainer! Let's hope the road isn't too bumpy!

Question of the Day

Have you made a career change and/or seriously considered a career change? Details, please! :)




9/11. Never forget.

UFood

Our grocery supply at home is completely tapped. I'm usually quite clever with creating homemade lunches and snacks, but when you have nothing to work with, it's time to give up and eat out! :) My friend and I made plans to have lunch at KnowFat this afternoon, but after our 10 minute walk over, we discovered that KnowFat no longer exists (in this location), and was replaced by a new take-out place, called UFood. The motto on UFood's sign was "feel great. eat smart," so we figured we'd give it a try. It did not disappoint!

At UFood, I ordered the Tomato Fresca sandwich, which was made with fresh tomatoes and feta seasoned with herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and cracked black pepper on a toasted baguette. I was pleasantly surprised by this sandwich. It was equally delicious and filling... and not too expensive ($5.25). The bread was soft and thick, and the tomatoes and feta were fresh and flavorful. All in all, a great take-out lunch! I'm sure I'll be back!


It was a big sandwich! I also drank water from my Sigg for a free and healthy beverage.


Even after eating a good-sized lunch, I feel like "Snacky Snackerson." I stopped by the School's cafe for some fruit to snack on (good: apple) and somehow ended up with a cinnamon chip muffin (hello, sugar craving!) I just started nibbling on the top of my muffin, but I know it won't hold me over until dinner around 9:00 tonight (bad snack planning). Moving forward... Better snack planning: Eating my apple around 4:45 pm and a Kardea bar (lemon-ginger flavor) around 8:00 pm.


Announcement: Part I

So, guys, it's finally time for me to fess up. I feel like I have been sneaking around on you! I've mentioned some studying here and there, and my posts haven't been quite as regular as they usually are...

Well, after much thought, I've decided to make a semi-drastic change in my life, specifically with my career. While I mostly enjoy working for a university, I do not like sitting behind a desk all day long. Most days, I sit on my bee-hind for long stretches of time without moving at all, which gets old day in and day out.

After considering what I do not like about my current job, I began to think about what I like to do with my time. Some of my favorite things are blogging on Carrots N Cake, sharing my knowledge and ideas about healthy living, and helping others strive to be their best. Then, I thought, how can I make what I enjoy into a career? The answer was a lot easier than I expected! Well, the decision was easy, but the road to get there is a different story!

Tonight, I begin my journey to a new career. I'm a little nervous about the big career switch, but I am mostly excited! There's a lot more to say and explain about my new plans, but I will fill you in tomorrow morning! I'm such a tease, aren't I?! :)