My Year of Saying Yes...

When I turned 50 this year I was approached by my co-workers to see if as I gift I would like to join them on a "Little Black Dress Challenge." What is that you ask? Well, it's a 6 week program where you follow an eating guide and you follow a workout at a gym. (we are doing our's thru Lab Athletics here in Bellingham)

With it being a big birthday and me deciding to say "yes" to things…and to having feeling healthy being part of my goals I said yes. Let me just tell you behind Door #2 was a glassybaby. So, I'm feeling like I have just won a challenge with the choice right there. That was a hard one! And let me also say that I expressed interest in the challenge when it was discussed at work…it's not something they suggested to me. They aren't "those kind of co-workers!' They are truly kind, let's do this thing together, let's cheer one another thru a challenge kind of friends. 

So, we go thru orientation and get all the papers and do the weigh in and the measurements. And I'm good with that. And we do all the meal prep and the no eating sugar, or bread of any kind and I'm good with all that. 

But, I am terrified of the gym. And I'm not exaggerating when I say terrified! If I could get out of gym class in school I did…any way I could. Using excuses, joking around, ANYTHING. I am no what you would call a sporty girl. When I was a kid you would find me either with my nose in a book or in a ballet class. 

So, when I say terrified I am talking top of the coaster on the way to the top drop in the stomach scared. But…I went to class. And did a bench press. And that was scary, but it was doable. And then there was another class. And I was scared, and there was running and a weight sled and I did that.  And there was another class On Friday and it was scary and yet, I did it. 

And though it's all been scary, it's been a bit thrilling. And though I am no way a gym rat I can say it's no longer as intimidating. I think it's been a great lesson to myself to push thru it. There is no limit to personal growth, and no shelf date to trying. 

Is there anything that scares you that you are considering trying? Do you have anyone that would be your cheerleader? 

Field Trip: Bellingham Anime Convention…or my Year of Yes

Recently I read My Year of Yes by Shonda Pierce and have had it rattling around in my mind. So, when the conversation at work turned to one of my co-worker Lexi Hall's passions, Anime and Comic Cons I was intrigued. Apparently enough to agree to take part in one, should it come up. 

Well, let's just say it came up! Knowing there is strength in numbers I asked my youngest daughter to join us. She has much more of a knowledge of all things Pokemon and things game related. Lexi, besides designing and building our costumes from scratch, also has her own YouTube station that you can check out here. She was the perfect leader in our first outing…yup, I said first outing. I would so do this again! Here she as Jolteon. 

When we arrived at the Convention we could barely take in all the action…and keep in mind this is a smaller show. We took a spin around the Artist Alley where there were many creatives selling prints, keychains, and other handmade items. We made our debut as Jolteon, Umbreon and Sylveon. 

(photo by Lexi Halls)

We were stopped several times for photos…either in our group, or with others, and it was such a rush! Being in costume made it so much easier to be uninhibited. And it's an incredibly accepting, encouraging group. 

(photo by Lexi Halls)

Some people would get incredibly excited to see their favorite character come to life. It's so much fun to see all the creativity. Lexi took part in the Masquerade, which is the costume judging. While she was taking part in the pre-juding Samantha and I took in a panel by Tiffany Grant, an anime voice actor. 

(photo by Lexi Halls)

So far I'd say this idea of saying Yes to opportunities that come up is working out pretty well for me. I think I will make it a year long thing as a celebration of sorts of my upcoming birthday. This was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of it!