Aaron and I finally joined a gym we think we will like. We had our first training session last Wednesday and let me tell you, it was an hour of pure hell...for Aaron anyway. His guy was killing him! Poor man was doing lunges upon lunges, bench presses, incline presses, mountain climbers...and those were only the ones I was able to make out while sweating my own biscuits off! My trainer was much more reasonable. That or she quickly realized I'm fairly out of shape and she didn't want to kill me right off the bat! None the less, I got my ass kicked as well. WHEW! We were sore for a solid 4 days after. We have our next training session this coming week and I already know my trainer and I will be going through the same circuit of cardio, mountain climbers (the death of me), and strength training exercises. I'm not enjoying it yet by any means and I have yet to feel endorphins, but I'm hanging in there.
On another note and completely off topic, we are getting a dog!! My family had a chocolate lab all of my high school and college years so I have been begging Aaron since we moved into our house last July. He finally caved and I couldn't be any happier! A co-worker of his mom's has a golden lab mix that just had puppies last week. I've done a bit of research and they seem to be the best of both breeds so as for having a companion when Aaron is gone I'm good there. I've also read that they are especially good with young children/kids so that's a huge plus for when we decide to start a family in a few years. Now we just need to decide whether or not we want a boy or girl....hmm!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Annual Brune Family Winter Vacation
This past week my husband and I traveled to Utah with his family (minus one of his older brothers) to ski and snowboard for the week. We have been taking a "winter" vacation for about 5-6 years now and what started out as a trip about 7 hours west to Snowshoe Mtn in West Virginia has grown to flying to resorts in Tahoe and now Utah. I'm not much of a skier. In fact, before going to Snowshoe with Aaron and his family, I had never skied in my life. I wouldn't say I'm a great skier, in fact I would be embellishing if I even said I was a decent skier, however I can manage to make it down the mountain in a respectable manner (read: without falling on my face or butt too many times!) This year, however I didn't ski. Last year, Tahoe was incredibly intimidating and my soon to be sister in law, Fionna and I gravitated towards the same run for the most of the week....our thought process: we're comfortable with this run, we no longer bite the dust on this run....make it down the mountain, ride the 6 minute lift back up the mountain; we can only do this so many times before going in for lunch and finally, the day!!! WHEW!
Anywho- Fionna and Chris (husband's brother) weren't able to come this year and there was no way I was going to attempt to hang with Aaron's sister and other family members; all of which have been skiing/boarding since they were tots! So- I resolved to sitting in the room all day catching up on reading, starting this blog and attempting (thinking) about writing a book. Well, I started the blog and read about 3 books- productive? I think so! Overall it was relaxing and fun- the highlight of this trip was hands down- getting into the OUTDOOR hot tub in 17 degree weather. I'll be doing that again!
As there wasn't much snow this year, my father in law plans to head back next year- I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Chris and Fionna will be able to join us!!
Anywho- Fionna and Chris (husband's brother) weren't able to come this year and there was no way I was going to attempt to hang with Aaron's sister and other family members; all of which have been skiing/boarding since they were tots! So- I resolved to sitting in the room all day catching up on reading, starting this blog and attempting (thinking) about writing a book. Well, I started the blog and read about 3 books- productive? I think so! Overall it was relaxing and fun- the highlight of this trip was hands down- getting into the OUTDOOR hot tub in 17 degree weather. I'll be doing that again!
As there wasn't much snow this year, my father in law plans to head back next year- I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Chris and Fionna will be able to join us!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
More 2012 Goals
After yesterday's post I started thinking. There are so many other things that I would like to pursue and accomplish this year.
I want to read more and watch less TV. I don't watch a ton of TV as it is (aside from my prized Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice), however, I often times find myself being sucked into reality tv...I've even been known to watch an episode (season) of Jersey Shore! GASP!! I really love to read anything I can get my hands on; magazines, fiction books, self help books etc. but I've noticed that lately I've been much more engrossed in watching tv at night and less likely to pick up a book. I plan to limit my tv watching to two shows a night. I will also attempt to cross off more books from my "must read" list. I'll keep you posted!
I want to write a book. It honestly sounds silly to me even typing it and I'll admit I did the whole type and erase thing a few times. I've always loved English and writing comp was my favorite class in high school. I even started "writing" something when I was much younger (read: middle school). Unfortunately, my parent's computer crashed and so did that story. I'm still trying to figure out if that was a blessing or a curse. Anyhow- I love to read, mostly romance fiction. I'm a huge Danielle Steele fan and pride myself in the fact that I have almost read every book she's ever published. I feel like Jo from Little Women when she says she has "at least ten stories in her head right now"! We'll see about this one.
I want to read more and watch less TV. I don't watch a ton of TV as it is (aside from my prized Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice), however, I often times find myself being sucked into reality tv...I've even been known to watch an episode (season) of Jersey Shore! GASP!! I really love to read anything I can get my hands on; magazines, fiction books, self help books etc. but I've noticed that lately I've been much more engrossed in watching tv at night and less likely to pick up a book. I plan to limit my tv watching to two shows a night. I will also attempt to cross off more books from my "must read" list. I'll keep you posted!
I want to write a book. It honestly sounds silly to me even typing it and I'll admit I did the whole type and erase thing a few times. I've always loved English and writing comp was my favorite class in high school. I even started "writing" something when I was much younger (read: middle school). Unfortunately, my parent's computer crashed and so did that story. I'm still trying to figure out if that was a blessing or a curse. Anyhow- I love to read, mostly romance fiction. I'm a huge Danielle Steele fan and pride myself in the fact that I have almost read every book she's ever published. I feel like Jo from Little Women when she says she has "at least ten stories in her head right now"! We'll see about this one.
Not my deal
At times I can be a complete control freak. Not so much of other people, but of my environment and what goes on around me. I like things the way I like them, and do not do well with change, or when my "routine" is disrupted. I'm a planner at heart and strive to always know what's going on before it actually goes on. I like to have a plan at all times- I feel more prepared that way and I feel comfortable knowing what to expect. Sometimes, when life doesn't go as planned I panic. I feel anxious, nervous and I dislike, more than anything, is the feeling of unpreparedness- whether it being physically unprepared or mentally and emotionally. This goes for other people's lives as well. I am known to hold other people's problems and shortcomings on my shoulders, I allow myself to become too involved, care too much and help too much and it's not healthy. I too often allow other people's problems to become my own and I constantly feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I'm tired of feeling this way, I am sick and tired of worrying about other people's feelings and the potential of inconveniencing others over myself. I have to learn to let things go and let the chips fall where they may.
Life will not end if I don't have a plan and just go with the flow. I will still be alive and well if everything on my to- do list doesn't get checked off today. Tomorrow is a new day and all that was not accomplished today will be there tomorrow. I am struggling everyday with allowing others to make their own mistakes and picking up the pieces on their own, afterwards. I am trying to learn how to back off and let others take the reigns. To sit back and watch instead of stand up and delegate. I'm trying at least and that counts for something....right?
Life will not end if I don't have a plan and just go with the flow. I will still be alive and well if everything on my to- do list doesn't get checked off today. Tomorrow is a new day and all that was not accomplished today will be there tomorrow. I am struggling everyday with allowing others to make their own mistakes and picking up the pieces on their own, afterwards. I am trying to learn how to back off and let others take the reigns. To sit back and watch instead of stand up and delegate. I'm trying at least and that counts for something....right?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A New Year and a Better Me
So much has happened changed this year that I decided to add blogging as one of my new years resolutions. I want to blog for several reasons; first and foremost, myself. Selfish huh? I want to be able to remember little tid bits of life, things that at the time don't seem so important and may not even warrant a picture or a second thought, but ultimately will continue to shape my life. The other reason is because I firmly believe writing can be self soothing and therapeutic- and we can all use a little of that these days.
Last, but certainly not least, there are things that I want to change and better about myself. Not only physically, but mentally, emotionally as well. I figure I will be much more likely to "stick" to these resolutions and betterment if it is written down for the world to see. Crazy? Probably, but none the less here I am. Welcome to my blog; writings, thoughts and random entries about my life. Hopefully, I'll learn more about life as I go along.
In light of the recent New Year, I have several resolutions that I will try very hard to stick to. They are small resolutions, ones that I whole heartidly believe I will achieve.
1. Love more, judge less.
I admit it, I can be slightly judgemental when I want to be. It's not something I'm proud of and definitely something that I want to work on. I will try hard to be more open to new things/ideas/ways of doing things and to be much less judgemental.
2. Relax, don't sweat the small stuff
This is a BIG one for me. I am a worry wart down to my core. I worry about almost everything and at times when I'm laying in bed at night I try to think of one thing that does not cause anxiety and I'll admit that most instances I fail. I worry about things I have no control over and things I cannot change. I worry about what the world will be like when my husband and I have kids, I worry about my parents, siblings...the list goes on and on. I would like to will worry less this year. I will count my blessings and thank God for what I do have and concentrate on the things I can change and leave those I can't change up to Him.
3. Take better care of myself
I recently married my high school sweetheart of over 10 years last month. It really was a dream come true. During this time, many pictures were taken and hell if it wasn't a wake up call. Girlfriend needs to get herself together! Over the past few years I know I've gained a few extra pounds here and there and yes, my clothes have been feeling a little snugger than usual but holy crap, I weighed myself last week for the first time in a WHILE and whew! I have work to do. I have let myself go so to speak- eaten carelessly and abundantly, unconsciously decided it's pointless to get dressed in anything other than jeans and even put make up on, EVER, anymore. I want and need to take better care of myself. I need to shed these extra lbs and start feeling better about myself. I recently downloaded the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone and so far so good. I typically always have my phone with me and it literally takes minutes to search and add in my meals and snacks. I have also joined a gym and have committed 2-3 days a week in there. The days that I am not in the gym I hope to work out at home either to Jillian Michael's 30 days shred or on my treadmill.
4. Show my husband how much I love and appreciate him, everyday.
This will be, by far, the easiest resolution. My husband, Aaron is one in a million...no really. He is the most caring, loving and generous person I have ever met. Not only does he support us financially while I finish (ed) up my Master's degree, he manages to make me feel loved and special every single day. He is my rock, encouragement when I need it, he helps me to see things more clearly and supports me, unconditionally. Aaron has a very unique job, one that I won't divulge completely on the Internet for security reasons, but he works; a lot!! He is gone for months at a time sometimes and during these times he is working 12 hour shifts at the very least. He is a hard worker and his level of integrity constantly impresses me.
So, these are my resolutions this year. Nothing too difficult and I am bound and determined to accomplish each and every one of them. I'll be back with an update and hopefully more interesting entries as my life of a newlywed transpires!
Last, but certainly not least, there are things that I want to change and better about myself. Not only physically, but mentally, emotionally as well. I figure I will be much more likely to "stick" to these resolutions and betterment if it is written down for the world to see. Crazy? Probably, but none the less here I am. Welcome to my blog; writings, thoughts and random entries about my life. Hopefully, I'll learn more about life as I go along.
In light of the recent New Year, I have several resolutions that I will try very hard to stick to. They are small resolutions, ones that I whole heartidly believe I will achieve.
1. Love more, judge less.
I admit it, I can be slightly judgemental when I want to be. It's not something I'm proud of and definitely something that I want to work on. I will try hard to be more open to new things/ideas/ways of doing things and to be much less judgemental.
2. Relax, don't sweat the small stuff
This is a BIG one for me. I am a worry wart down to my core. I worry about almost everything and at times when I'm laying in bed at night I try to think of one thing that does not cause anxiety and I'll admit that most instances I fail. I worry about things I have no control over and things I cannot change. I worry about what the world will be like when my husband and I have kids, I worry about my parents, siblings...the list goes on and on. I
3. Take better care of myself
I recently married my high school sweetheart of over 10 years last month. It really was a dream come true. During this time, many pictures were taken and hell if it wasn't a wake up call. Girlfriend needs to get herself together! Over the past few years I know I've gained a few extra pounds here and there and yes, my clothes have been feeling a little snugger than usual but holy crap, I weighed myself last week for the first time in a WHILE and whew! I have work to do. I have let myself go so to speak- eaten carelessly and abundantly, unconsciously decided it's pointless to get dressed in anything other than jeans and even put make up on, EVER, anymore. I want and need to take better care of myself. I need to shed these extra lbs and start feeling better about myself. I recently downloaded the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone and so far so good. I typically always have my phone with me and it literally takes minutes to search and add in my meals and snacks. I have also joined a gym and have committed 2-3 days a week in there. The days that I am not in the gym I hope to work out at home either to Jillian Michael's 30 days shred or on my treadmill.
4. Show my husband how much I love and appreciate him, everyday.
This will be, by far, the easiest resolution. My husband, Aaron is one in a million...no really. He is the most caring, loving and generous person I have ever met. Not only does he support us financially while I finish (ed) up my Master's degree, he manages to make me feel loved and special every single day. He is my rock, encouragement when I need it, he helps me to see things more clearly and supports me, unconditionally. Aaron has a very unique job, one that I won't divulge completely on the Internet for security reasons, but he works; a lot!! He is gone for months at a time sometimes and during these times he is working 12 hour shifts at the very least. He is a hard worker and his level of integrity constantly impresses me.
So, these are my resolutions this year. Nothing too difficult and I am bound and determined to accomplish each and every one of them. I'll be back with an update and hopefully more interesting entries as my life of a newlywed transpires!
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