Eat the Frog Journey

3/28/22 First outdoor workout

8/27/23 Final Session

In January 2021 my friend Tonda started sharing with me information about a new gym her friends were opening. I knew I needed to loose the extra weight I gained during Covid. I was at my heaviest ever in my life. Tonda is one of the individuals who I have known since I moved here in 2018, and is one of the kindest individuals I have met, so if she knew Mike and Heidi they had to be good people too and I had to go see what this Eat the Frog was all about. 

January 2022 Signed Up

Saturday, January 22nd or 29th was the first open house at the gym and Tonda and I were going to meet there in the morning. The day came and Tonda needed to go early in the morning  and I was left to go on my own. I decided I would go there on my way to Trader Joe's and as I started driving there, I chickened out. I rationalized that I would go to Trader Joe's, then home to put my groceries away. If it was meant to be they would still be there when I was done. Clearly I was planning to clear my pantry clean it and put my 3 bags of groceries away all morning. The entire time at Trader Joe's, I kept debating why I should or shouldn't go and that my situation was not going to change if I did not go. On my way home I saw the tent, balloons, signs and thought it looks nice I should stop but hesitated and kept driving. As I got to to Rufe Snow I found myself turning around and parking. I sat in my car and thought you can't do this -you are so out of shape, this place is not for you - which then turned into that is why you need to check it out and see if it works. I was nervous as I walked up to the table, I was quickly greeted by Carrie and we talked - her friendliness, encouraging words and sharing with me that the gym would be available 24 hours a day sealed the deal and I handed over my credit card. Below are a few highlights of my time at Eat the Frog!

In the beginning 

There were delays in the opening but there were updates in our VIP group. Eventually the first fit camp outdoors started and I wanted to walk to my car after 5 minutes and give up. The inner struggle was real but I also couldn't figure out how to get to my car without being seen and realized that would be more embarrasing then enduring to the end. When the doors officially oppened, I once again was intimidated but walked through them. My first coached workout with Coach Kayla kicked my butt and I was embarrased, I thought I would solve that by jut attending virtual sessions and when I tried to unlock the door it did not work. I sent a text message not expecting a response but within seconds Robyn answered and helped me get in. In the beginning the only person judging me was myself, everyone there was supportive and kind.

50th workout 12/24/22

As I started working out I thought I would try every other day as my knees were aching. As time went by I eventually started working out 4 or 5 days a week I think 6 times a week with a couple of double days were done. I had a goal to reach my 50th workout by 11/14/22 just in time to leave for Thanksgiving in CA and share with my family that I was getting back to being healthy and physically active. However, my world was turned upside down when my nephew called me the morning of 11/2/23 to let me know his dad, my brother, had passed away. I booked a flight, stayed at work to organize my calendar, and finally headed home to pack in a daze. I realized I had a workout scheduled that night and sessions scheduled for the whole month. I knew I didn't have time to cancel all my sessions so I stopped by and let Martina know I would try to cancel all my sessions. She asked if I was ok and I shared with her about my brothers unexpected passing. Without hesitation she told me not to worry and she would take care of everything and gave me a hug. Carrie heard what was happening and she too gave me a hug and asked me to let them know if I needed anything. I went back home to CA and ended up being there all of November. I missed the workouts, the coaches, and all the other frogsquad members. When I returned in December, I came back with a sprained wrist and couldn't workout so I modified to just riding e a bike for each session. That is how I accomplished my first milestone of 50th workout on Christmas Eve morning. 

100th on 3/15/23

By this time my friend Rachel had joined and it was fun having a  friend be a part of the Frog Squad. Saturday mornings were fun not only because it was time to spend with Rachel but as a bonus we had Coach Kayla. I learned my friend Rachel was a beast at the gym. I mean I knew she was strong but this strenght was a new level. I sometimes rowed by the Olympian aka Bailey. It was what helpful because the rower sounded amazing and  when I wanted to slow down or not push myself, I remembered I wanted to be half as good as the Olympian! Then there was Superman 1 and 2 aka Markie Mark and Matt P. It was fun to watch them workout and push each other. I also learned I wanted to use rowers 2 or 4 because rower 3 was Hayden's rower. She never tole me, I just knew and I liked rower 4 the most. She reminded me of when I was young and starting life  as an adult. It took me a while to figure out Superman 2 was her dad and they were Rockin Robins family. I then met Landon and then Mason and quickly realized that if Keller ever has a family of the year I am nominating the Pitre family. I had a cheering squad. Dora, Tamara, Crystal, Myra and Chris. Chris was the one who challenged me to double up to reach my 100th milestone workout. Then there was the singing duo that also happened to be engaged - Joelle and Daniel. Low by Flo-Rida was playing and I was singing along in my head or maybe very softly, when suddenly I heard singing and though be quiet you are singing out loud only to realize it was not my voice and I looked around and we smiled at each other as we were singing. When Chris, one moved, AZ joined and they became part of my cheer squad - aka Jennifer and Bill. There was also Papa K aka Keith and his wife Lisa. It was fun to hear Keith tell us how Lisa forced him to do the rower, or keep working and not retire as he wanted. There are so many more people who as I worked out and saw their progress inspired me and others, we encouraged with kind words, fist bumps, high fives and also celebrated milestones occuring outside of those walls - becoming granparents or newlyweds. 

150th workout on July 1, 2023

In April I was finding my split time anywhere from 2:15 to 2:45 it may not seem like the best but it was progress from the 3:00 - 3:40 I started at. I also hit over 500 calories in one session. I was excited and looking forward to reach new personal records. While consistently reaching a  2:15 in a cardio workout and trying to get to 2:10 I felt some pain on my left knee - but I did see 2:09 for a few seconds. However, the pain on my knee progressed and slowed me down from reaching my next milestone  by mid May. During this time the coaches once again had to help me modify some things and at times I just found myself riding the bike. July 1, 2023 was the day I reached my 150th workout - I was the 18th person to reach it. Yes, I counted. I began to plan my workouts to 200 and hoped to reach it by mid August. Unfotunately, I only managed to get to 165 on Sunday, August 27th. I had planned to do the 9:30 Cardio class on Sunday but was waitlisted as #5; I did not think I would make it so I did the 8:10 session. When I was about to walk out Heidi asked me where I was going as I had a session. So I doubled up for the last time. That morning was bittersweet as I ended my sessions withthe coach that I started with the Singing Dancing Queen - Kayla. The first session had a bonus of seeing a Beautiful Mind - Tylyn (often tell myself 'It's a beautiful day for a beautiful mindset") and while doing the final session the coach with the mean voice - aka Amanda walked in to cheer us on. By the way did anyone ever hear her mean voice?

8/23 celebrating milestones

If you made it this far, you now know why Eat the Frog means so much to me, and why it was my happy place. I hope if you were part of the ETF journey you know you probably impacted someone there in a positive way. So wherever you may go just keep shining! I once told Coach Carrie during a session "There is nowhere I would rather be then here with y'all!" So it is only appropriate that I close with a quote from one of my favorite movies: "How lucky I am to have found something that saying goodbye to is so damned awful."

Reminiscing Today

 It has been a while since I blogged anything and I have had some great ideas but have not taken the time to write them here, but here I am so enjoy. 

This morning on my 8 mile commute to work, I saw a US Foodservice truck twice. I immediately went back to Rykoff Secton in La Mirada where I was on a two week temp assignment to create one personnel file with original documents out of several files. It was nothing too challenging and I was trying to figure out for the 4th, 5th or 8th time what I was going to declare as my major when I went back to college for the 4th, 5th or 8th time. 

That temp assignment turned into a year as I helped the VP of HR with a project and my interest in human resources grew. Once I decided that was my career path I remember calling CSU Fullerton to see if they had it as a major and they did. That VP of HR was also my boss for several years in three different companies. So grateful that Susan needed help, asked me a question, I was able to help her, and she helped me find my path.

2021 February Actually 2022 June 5

If I could fix the Title it would be 2021 February. as it is Sunday, June 5, 2022. I am surprised that I have not blogged in over a year but then I am not. Why well, I was so busy commuting and working long days from 7/2020 - 9/2021 that I had no energy for anything. My meal prep ended and I just slept, ate what I could buy (had to keep the economy going was my rationale for ordering take out) and drove to and from work. 

I worked for a nutritional supplement company in Allen, TX. It is family owned and it was quite interesting. In the beginning, I did feel like I had made a bad choice in leaving the hospital in Carrolton. However, I got my groove and I enjoyed it and the owners and employees made it worth it. 

However, an opportunity to apply for a position 7 miles from my home came up and I did apply on the last day. I interviewed and I wanted it. I was offered the job but I would have had to leave when by boss was on vacation and I couldn't see myself doing that and declined. Then in September I resigned and gave a five week notice. I started looking and was getting discouraged finding my replacement and my future job. When out of nowhere I was called with a job offer from my current employer. God is good. I accepted and well I have no regrets. I miss the people at my old job but I don't miss the commute. I now have a 15 - 20 minute commute to and from work. I only fill my gas tank on payday Thursday and usually my tank is half full. 

I will update my blog with some more posts but that is a quick update on what is happening with me. Oh yeah and somoeone else has the same blog name - booo.

Future Topics:

• Moved
• Seminary
• Water Tower
• Thanksgiving in CA
• Christmas Capital of Texas 2021
• Axe Throwing
• New Kids On The Block

2021 January

So this was such a bleak start to the year. I was not excited as I had nothing to look forward to, no trips, no plans, just a lot of work at work and nothing else. However, I knew I had to dig myself out of the sadness I was feeling. I wanted to be positive and hopeful in my posts in IG so that I could maybe have that hope and happiness. 

I do not want to get political but I just couldn't fly out to CA and see my family and it has been 2.5 years since I have seen my family with the exception of my niece Laura. I hadn't stopped living but life is a lot different then what we have ever known before. 

I have to let you know that I did not become a millionaire because I forgot to buy my winning ticket for the mega million. However, I did start following Maria Shriver on IG as I found her posts inspiring. Also I reflected on great memories of things I have done in my life and have gratitude for them. For example, I love Tommy Lasorda even though he is a Dodger man, and one memory I treasure about him is when my brother Ken and I went to the PBR and saw him as he was sitting in our section but much closer to the bulls!

So here you go January was not that exciting - I was sad for what or who I was missing but also grateful. 

Hello 2021

I have had different adventures this year and thought I can't wait to blog about it! Then I didn't. So what did it take for me to finally get here? Having a nasty cold and being home with a cold and sick of being home but also enjoying the chill time. So here is a recap of the year and I will blog in detail for each month what I can remember. 

January - I was mainly reflecting how I couldn't believe we still had all these COVID restrictions and wondering was life going to get to normal anytime soon. Nothing too exciting that month. Oh wait I was excited about the release of the collagen from my health and wellness side gig. 

February - As if COVID was not enough we suddenly had a snow storm in Keller, TX. The weather is crazy in TX and we knew we had a cold front coming up and I better just blog about it than write about it here. 

March - Another birthday and mask mandate was a birthday gift for me that year. I also received my 2nd COVID shot. Oh and I moved....and really injured my knee, or did I? 

April - Nothing too exciting other than baseball season started and guess who was lucky enough to go to an Angels game!!! I also had a moment of gratitude and feeling like a successful grown up. 

May - I will think of what adventure happened that month in between the four posts I have to do. 

June - JOY through social media!!!

So here we go!!!

This year has been a waste -

A few weeks ago someone said this to me and after a few seconds I responded - you know let me tell you why I do not want to think of it as a wasted year. I have learned a lot of what I can and can't do and reflected on what matters. I surprised the individual and myself for just speaking up. So now you get to read why I said that. 

I remember March 24, was the last night Tarrant County went under stay at home orders. I was and still am so grateful for my friends Rachel and Darcy for ensuring I had a fun birthday celebration. 

I also remember ordering some Angels masks online in early April and receiving a notice that they would not be available until mid July. I did not believe we would need masks in July since this couldn't really last that long so I promptly called and cancelled my order. Who knew we would still be wearing masks - nine months later. 

Lockdowns - no, not fair but nothing in life is fair. Unfortunately, individuals are not maintaining social distance, wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings. So am I surprised about the lockdowns - NO, I know about the financial and economic impact but I also see the impact to society and the medical care system. 

Stay at Home Orders - I get these for the above orders. What I do not understand is the curfew times. The best answer for this that I can relate it to is the bars and clubs. The later they are open the longer individuals drink the more carefree they are about wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and there are larger crowds.

Mask or no mask - I will tell you this prior to this pandemic I was not a fan of masks unless you were sick in a hospital or working at a hospital. Now while I still do not enjoy wearing a mask I do and guess what I have rash, acne around my ears, nose, and chin. I wear a clean mask but wear it all day at work for 9 hours or so and it sucks! Even more so when I am in my office alone and I am half wearing it, you never know when someone is going to walk in. Sometimes I do half wear hanging and other times I do go without because I am alone.

Vacations - my spring trip to CA was cancelled, my trip to Houston to see the Angels play and celebrate my friends wedding - cancelled, a possible trip to Vegas in May - cancelled, trip to Salt Lake which I have been looking forward to since August 2019 - cancelled, trip to Vegas in September to see Kelly Clarkson - cancelled, trip to Palm Desert for Thanksgiving - cancelled, so in case you missed it, all trips CANCELLED. I

Social - my social life is non existent. It mostly involves watching tv, movies, live streams, Alabama football games, LPimms and Marco Polo videos with two friends. Occasionally I will go spend time with a small group of friends. 

So now that I have been so negative let me tell you some positives.

Strength - I have that or at least I like to think I do. I have my weak mental days and I get down but seeing videos from my friend Melissa and Cindy help me so much. As well as seeing my niece Laura on twitchtv make cocktails and share her knowledge. 

I'm good company - I have learned that I am comfortable being alone. I may not like the length of time I spend alone when I am not at work but I can be by myself as I have had to do that most of 2020. 

Faith - while sometimes my faith isn't so strong and bright I have it and I believe things will get better after all this and for that I am very grateful.

Hope - I have hope that I will see my friends in CA, AZ, UT and wherever else they are in the future. I also know I will see my family too!!!

So all in all yeah this pandemic kind of shook things up a bit, it was challenging but we have somehow made it and it wasn't wasted because if you are like me you hopefully learned a little bit about yourself. 

Friends

Let me tell you a story and what friendships mean to me and why I value them so much. Some of my good friends have given me strength and support through some of the ugliest times of my life and some of the most exciting. They have kept me from feeling lonely as well as feel grounded. Which is why some of my friends are some of my most treasured possessions in my life. Now i know that sounds bad to call them possession but I cant' think of the right word but I guess I would not trade a good friend for a million dollars....am I really saying that? 

Some of the strongest, long lasting friendships are the ones who tell you the truth or shake you back to reality when nobody else will. Friends who cannot be honest with us, in my opinion are not true friends and eventually the friendship will fade. So the friends who stick with us through the thick and thin of being brutally honest, or supportive are the ones that I tend to value and consider a true friend.

Friends who leave you in difficult times, or can't handle conflict, are probably not true friends. Why? Because a strong friendship, or any strong relationship, requires commitment and  faithfulness. Basically unconditional love. Don't get me wrong; arguments, misunderstandings and distance will occur in any relationship. However, a faithful friend will keep showing up and work through whatever is impacting your life, or even your friendship.

Sadly, friendships like any relationship, can be a source of pain as much as it can be joy. Friendships make us vulnerable to betrayal and disappointment. Which of course leads to the end of the friendship, which you have to mourn. Boy have I mourned some. But you know I have to be honest. I sometimes mourn that individual when something occurs that reminds me of them and I think oh man I should call X and then you realize you haven't talked in days, months or years. Once I have that moment of sadness, I try to focus on how their friendship was probably just for a season and I have gratitude for that season.

In short I am grateful for the friendships I have or have had. Please don't be offended if there is no picture of us on this post - I just did a quick selection. 

And most important - if you are fortunate to be friends with your family members and you love spending time with them - than that it is the BEST!!!