A Moving Story

James and I moved into our new apartment this weekend, and needless to say, it was hard work! I took off from work on Friday, so I had three whole days to focus on the move. James worked from 8am-2pm on Friday. I moved our entire kitchen and packed a bunch of other stuff by myself during that time. I thoroughly enjoyed working by myself, but I definitely over-extended myself. By the time James came to help, I was ready to crash.

I forgot to mention that as soon as I walked into the apartment, I was hit with this strong sour smell. I opened the windows and prayed that it would go away while I worked and waited for James to come figure out what we needed to do. We found out that the landlord had shampooed the carpets the night before and neglected to open the windows to let it air dry. Gross. Not a good start at all. He offered us a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process. We did all we could to air out the place. James says he notices the smell faintly now, but I don't smell it at all anymore. That's even when I'm away for an extended period of time. Crisis averted...sort of.

Friday night, James' sister, brother-in-law and nephews came to help us. Ok, Oliver (1 year old) and Logan (4 months old) did not help us move, but they did keep us entertained! I was so thankful Matt was there to help James move the heavy stuff (couch, recliner, washer and dryer). Tina and I played with the boys and did small things to help out like going on a dinner run. We always enjoy spending time with Tina and her family, so we were very grateful that they came to help.

On Saturday, James was up at like 7:30am eager to get moving (pardon the pun-hehe). I, on the other hand, was ready for a chiropractor and a massage therapist. He was in the zone. At this point, I was internally freaking out because of how "out-of-control" things were getting. I personally like to take things slow so I can get "this" in order before bringing in "that." Not James. It was "let's get everything out of Grove and into the new apartment as fast as possible." Tension started to rise and I wondered if we'd make it to the end of the day. God brought us an angel at just the right moment. My dear Becca Lou dropped by for a surprise visit! She brought us fruit (which was perfect for a hot day), she helped us move, and she made us laugh. Thank you, B, for coming at just the right time and helping us in more ways than you know!

James' "fast and furious" method proved way more effective than my slow and orderly pace. By Saturday evening, we had just about everything in place and were ready to relax for the night. We settled in with pizza and Stargate: the perfect end to a busy day...for us anyway!

Yesterday James and I had every intention of going to church, but we literally struggled to get out of bed. I had to take a pain pill just to make it through the first part of the day. We were so achy and sore. Nothing better than actually feeling your hard work. haha. We rested for the majority of the day and it was nice! In the afternoon, we made a couple trips to storage and took what we could back to the apartment. After realizing how much stuff we do not use/need, I have decided to host a yard sale in a couple weeks. I've helped other people with yard sales, but I've not had one myself before. I'm excited about it. Hopefully, we can make some room and a quick buck in the process.

That, my friends, concludes the recap of our weekend. Now you should all come to visit so you can see how our hard work paid off! The guest room is ready for you!

Fitness Plan: Week One

Day One: Cardio/Strength Training
Stationary Bike/ 32 minutes/5.50 miles

Day Two: Cardio
Elliptical/36 minutes/2.50 miles

Day Three: Cardio/Strength Training
Run/Jog/Walk/34 minutes/2.50 miles

Days Four and Five: Cardio/Strength Training
Hours and hours of moving from one apartment to another...that counts as a work-out, right?!

My 6 Week Fitness Plan

You are hereby invited to join me on a 6 week fitness journey. I visited a physical trainer on Monday, and she created a 6 week fitness plan for me. God gave me this one body to use for His glory, and I intend on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep it strong and fit.

New Goal/Fitness Plan

• Cardio (biking, elliptical, jogging, and walking): four days a week for a minimum of 30-45 minutes.
• Resistance/Strength Training: two days a week for 30-45 minutes.  

Erin, my personal trainer, gave me an index card to take into the gym so that I will have a strength training game plan. My card contains the following:

Super-set System

1. Squats-3 sets of 10 reps

2. Push-ups-3 sets of 10 reps

----------One Minute Rest----------

3. Lunges-3 sets of 10 reps

4. Bicep Curls-3 sets of 10 reps

----------One Minute Rest----------

5. Calf Raises-3 sets of 10 reps

6. Chair Dips-3 sets of 10 reps

----------One Minute Rest----------

7. Crunches on Ball-3 sets of 10 reps

8. Superman-3 sets of 5 reps

I had never heard of the super-set system before. Instead of doing three sets of the first exercise in a row, you alternate between the two. For example, I do a set of squats, then a set of push-ups, squats, push-ups, squats, push-ups and rest. Then I go to the next two: lunges, bicep curls, lunges, bicep curls, lunges, biceps curls and rest. The first three groups contain an upper body and a lower body exercise. The final group has one ab exercise and one back exercise. The super-set system gives me a full body work-out.

Erin warned me that if I exercise in the wrong position, I will waste my time or even injure myself. She trained me to know how to breathe and focus on the targeted muscle in each specific exercise. She said that it's important to "get my game face on" when working out so that I make the best use of my time and get the best possible results. Her other guidelines included taking a break two days a week (doesn't have to be consecutive) and skipping at least one day in between strength training. I trust that her advice will help me to reach a new stage in my work out experience.

Last night, I completed both the super-set system and 32 minutes/5.5 miles of cardio on the stationary bike. James helped me to maintain the correct form in each strength training exercise and the correct breathing during each. I can't thank God enough for giving me such a loving and supportive husband!

One day down, six weeks to go!

The Newest ITS Guy

James got a job this week! Today is his first day as a part-time student worker at Information Technology Services (ITS) on campus. He'll learn more about what his job will entail today, but for now we know he'll be installing and maintaining classroom software. The work will be similar to what he did at Cole's before we moved here. This is a great opportunity for him!

Moving

James and I found out today that we will be able to move into our new apartment on Friday, June 4! I'll be sending out the new address soon. We've got a great deal of work ahead of us, but it'll be such a relief to both of us to move out of Grove Apartments. We'll be able to use our own washer, dryer and refrigerator. We'll have a dishwasher. Since we'll have two floors in our new apartment, we won't live under loud neighbors anymore. We are so excited! 

Lexie's Night In with Alton Brown

James packed up his gear and left me yesterday. Not for good of course, he'll be back Sunday evening when the Marines release him from drill.

I typically get down and out when he goes out-of-town. The longer we're married though, the shorter that feeling lasts. Once that lingering "I miss him already" feeling subsides, I am content to be left to my own devices.

Take last night for example. I got off from work, went to the Rec. Center and spent nearly an hour on the treadmill (mostly walking), called my mom and chatted for a bit, made myself dinner (Venison Shepherd's Pie), and then spent the rest of the evening watching Alton Brown and Chef Duff on the Food Network. Since obtaining cable when we moved to Martin, the Food Network has become one of my guilty pleasures. James does not enjoy it like I do (maybe not even at all), so I try not to subject him to it when we're watching TV together. On nights like last night (and probably tonight) though, I watch as many Good Eats, Ace of Cakes, and Food Network Challenges as I can!

New Record!

I've reached a new running record! Last night I ran 3.1 miles (5k) in 30 minutes! (And 8 seconds ... but who's counting?) I ran at 6.0 mph or higher the whole time too. This is a big deal considering a chiropractor told me two years ago that I've never be a runner. By the grace of God, I have been able to accomplish something I never thought possible! Never let anyone tell you it can't be done!

Time to get involved!

Although October is months away, registration for the Komen Memphis-Midsouth Race for the Cure®  is now open! For the past two years, I've been the L. Crew team captain. L. Crew was created and named in memory of Lucy Jane Barnett, my great-grandmother who lost her battle to breast cancer before I ever had the chance to meet her. This year L. Crew will also walk in honor of my best friend Becca's Aunt Linda, who was just diagnosed last week. The Race for the Cure gives me, my family, my friends, and millions of other people a way to fight back. Click here to visit my personal page and pledge your support. You can also click the link to register for the race. 

Two years ago, my mom, aunt, and I walked together, and last year my mom, sister, and I walked while James ran in the race. I plan on walking (not running) with my family again this year, and it would be great to have you join our team! 

Look what showed up in campus mail this week!

Am I the only one who has ever gotten excited over a name plate?   : )

Blessing Explosion!

I cannot thank God enough for how He has worked in my life and James' in just a matter of days.

• On Sunday, April 11, James and I both began to sense that we might make New Harmony Baptist our new church home. We love our Sunday school class! The church is an hour away, but it's also in Paris where James' family lives.
• On Monday, April 12, The University of Tennessee at Martin's Department of Engineering extended the full-time, permanent Program Resource Specialist position to me. I'm basically a secretary, but the title sure makes it sound good!
• Also on Monday,The University of Tennessee at Martin unconditionally accepted me into the Master's of Business Administration program. I registered for classes today, and I'll start this summer!
• On Friday, April 16, James and I toured an apartment directly behind the one we live in now, and we made the decision to take the apartment. We'll move in on June 15. The new place will have a washer, dryer and dishwasher, and the Marine housing allowance will still cover the monthly rent! (We'll be a little tighter financially, but that's where I'm pray pray praying God will continue to help me budget and to help me be the best steward I can with the money He gives us.)
• On Saturday, April 17, I participated in the Brian Brown Memorial 5k during which I jogged the entire race and even won 2nd place in the 22-26 age bracket for women. This was the first time I've ever jogged more than 2 miles. (5k = 3.1 miles)
• On Monday, April 19, I am only 4 pounds away from my goal weight! I have lost over 13 pounds so far! 

I am definitely not trying to brag or draw attention to my accomplishments when making this list. I am simply counting my blessings. It's because of God that any of this is possible.

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

~ 1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT