ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE! :)

Wow...so the last week was a complete whirlwind! But it was an amazing experience all around, one I will NEVER forget and one I can not wait to experience again :)

I'll start off with leaving for San Antonio last week: I got to see my Aunt Marydell, Uncle Chuck, and cousin Chuck! They treated me to Whataburger and Rudy's while I was in Texas...DELICIOUS!!! I can't thank them enough for everything they did for me :)

So the day of the swim test: I was SO nervous...it was already cold outside (37 degrees...CHILLY!) and there were 10 other girls in my group...some of who had already done a swim test before, some who already worked at the park...but I was still excited nonetheless! It all felt completely surreal, going backstage when the park was closed, so early in the morning; hearing the belugas and dolphins whistling as we walked past! I couldn't believe that I was standing in one of the same stadiums that I had always pictured myself in; I was standing on the other side of the stadium this time though, about to dive into the cold water :)
Of course we went in alphabetical order, so I was up first for all of the events! I was pretty happy about that though, because then I didn't psych myself out comparing my performance to the other girls.
So the 250 ft freestyle swim went all right; I'm not sure what my time was, but I sprinted my little heart out!
The underwater swim could have gone better, but I still did decently well! I made it to the wall, but I was about 10 feet away from the platform, but I made it to the wall still! Next time, I will make sure to find the second drain so I don't go off course. It was so hard to orient myself when I felt so blind without my contacts! It was absolutely incredible hearing the dolphins and belugas vocalizing; it felt like they were cheering me on!
The 6 ft platform dive could have been prettier; I will definitely be practicing that one more before the next time I swim test :)
I did REALLY well during the surface dive to retrieve the weight! It was easy diving to the bottom and clearing my ears, but when I got to the bottom I couldn't find the dive weight!!! Luckily, I didn't panic because I realized that my eyesight was terrible without my contacts, especially underwater haha so I used my instincts and felt my way around the bottom and I FINALLY found it! Got back to the surface and held it over my head like a trophy! ;)
After that came the "microphone" spiel which I did really well at too! I think it was my best performance during the entire swim test...even though it had nothing to do with swimming ;) hahaha
Last was the 5 minute water tread; which was surprisingly easier than I expected! I guess I never really realized how buoyant you are in the water and it was a nice surprise!
Then they announced that everyone passed the swim test part!!! I couldn't believe that I passed on my first try :) I was elated! Even though I didn't get the position, it was my childhood dream come true :) I can't wait until I can do it again and be more prepared than ever for my interview! That part didn't go so well...I was so nervous and still so cold that it was one of my worst interviews...I was babbling and talking in circles...I was so disappointed in myself! But the questions they asked I was not expecting at all, so now I know what to expect for next time :)

But as luck would have it...as I was heading back from the swim test, and I got the call from San Diego offering me the position with SAIC in Kings Bay as an assistant marine mammal trainer!!! I accepted and now I will have a full-time job after my internship!
...which unfortunately requires me going absolutely broke breaking my lease here and having to move into a new place...but I have my amazingly wonderful parents to thank for bailing me out...again...I can't wait until I can get back on my feet again.

After this year, things finally started turning around :)

2013 is going to be the year that I get back on my feet again: healthfully, financially, and responsibly...and socially!

I know this job isn't going to be easy, but I know that it is going to be an amazing experience and a chance for a fresh start. This has been one hell of a year, but it has made me stronger than I could have ever imagined and I know that is going to help me in the long run :) It definitely makes me appreciate the blessings that I have in my life and I couldn't be more thankful<3

Here's a sweet article about the base I'll be stationed at!

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-08-01/story/sea-lions-dolphins-enhance-security-kings-bay

THIS IS GOING TO BE ME SOON!!! :)

Level 14 and one week left!

Gonna make it a short post tonight.

Went to spinning, and it was only me, the instructor, and one other girl! It made me feel better about getting to indulge in some delicious foods :)

I wasn't able to go home because mom and dad are sick :( And I work tomorrow anyway, so at least I'll get my $0.99 Thanksgiving meal haha



Still keeping up with the training! One week to go :)

8 Days to go...

Wow...I can't believe it's coming up so fast! Now it's REALLY crunch time...

I did manage to complete my first "advanced" spin class without dying! I think that's a good sign hahaha ;)

Tomorrow I'll be in the pool again for the masters swim class, and I didn't think about this...but the YMCA will be cutting their hours on Thursday and Friday because of Thanksgiving (*duh!*) so I'll have to re-evaluate my planned gym schedule...

Anyway, it's my weekend...again! Haha this week got switched around since I have to work on Thanksgiving and the week after; but it works out nicely :)

Tomorrow, Nicole and I are having a SeaWorld day! Then, I'll be heading home to spend early thanksgiving with my parents on Wednesday :)


I think this is going to be a great week ahead!

 

...let's hope I worked my ass off enough for this! haha ;)

9 days left...

Well, the buddy-run planned for yesterday didn't go, because I just took him out to play fetch and let him have fun instead of making him work :)
I did manage to squeeze in some regular exercises like squats, arm extensions, and stretches while watching ALIAS ;) Gosh I'd love to have Bradley Cooper and Michael Vartan fighting over me!

Anyway, the countdown continues...and it's only 9 days until my big day!
I didn't make it to spin class this morning, I wish I had though...the dreams I had going back to sleep were horrible :( So I'm going to the 7pm class tonight instead!

Tomorrow: Masters swim class at 6am
Weds: Practicing water tread and doing more general exercises
Thurs: Depending on the Y's schedule, I'll go to kickboxing at 5:30p or another spin class
Fri: Masters swim class at 6am
Sat: Running
Sun: Running
Mon: Spinning at 5:30a or 7:00p
Tues: Masters swim class at 6am, nap time, then travel time
Weds: THE BIG DAY!

11 Days Left...

Gonna make a short post tonight since I've gotta get some sleep...

But Buddy and I made our 5K jog this morning :) 3.1 miles in 30 minutes!
Gonna do it again tomorrow!!!

I can't believe the big day is only 11 days away now...I'm definitely getting more and more nervous, but I KNOW I can do this...I need to not only focus on my physical strength right now, but also my mental strength...I can't psyche myself out about this, I gotta psyche myself UP!!!

 

Gonna make my dreams come true :)

One way, or another!!!

Level 13!!!

That's the only thing I have to say for now :)

Hopefully I'll have a better, more in-depth update soon!


But I did make it to Level 13 today, so my next challenge is to level up by next Friday!
I also have a very important event on Wednesday, November 28th, so here's the game plan:

Friday (tomorrow): Master's swim class at 0600 and spinning at 0700
Saturday & Sunday: Buddy run for a total of 6 miles
Monday: Spinning at 0530
Tuesday: Swimming at 0600
Wednesday: Buddy run and possible fun swim in the canal as long as it's high tide:)
Thursday: Masters swim class at 0600
Friday: Masters swim class at 0600
Saturday & Sunday: Buddy run for a total of 4 miles
Monday: Spinning at 0530
Tuesday: Running or swimming depending on travel time.
Wednesday: The BIG day.


This is my time to shine.

The fact that I have this chance, just goes to show that I've come further than you ever thought I would.
And knowing that just gives me even more motivation and determination to show you that even though you tried to break me down all those years ago, you only made me stronger in my desire to prove you wrong :)

I know I'll get here someday soon<3

Here's to Being 23!

Fitocracy: I still have 600 points until Level 13, so I will make sure to level up by Friday.

Well, I'm finally 23! And I am going to make the rest of the year 2012 the best I can by BEING the best I can.
I'm making birthday resolutions! They're like new years resolutions, but a jump start to try and develop healthy habits during the holidays when temptation is at it's peak!

But I've decided that by the end of this year, I want to fit into my skinniest jeans again. I want to lose pounds AND inches and tone up so that way 2013 can kick off with a head start on healthier habits for the new year! I don't have to keep up with all of these by the end of the year, but I want them to carry over into 2013.

So here they are, my birthday resolutions:
1) I will not go out to eat more than one meal per week (to save calories AND money)
2) I will make my credit card debt go away (with lots of help from mom & dad...I love yall!)
3) I will get to my goal weight by losing 15 more pounds
4) I will choose 2 days/week that I will wake up early to do a morning workout before work
5) I will start my training for a triathlon sprint
6) I will make more time for myself and Buddy to unwind and relax after a long day or week
7) I will feel better than I ever have before and take at least 5 minutes every day to reflect and meditate
8) I will finish a rough draft of my CogSciLab paper to be able to submit it for publishing early in 2013!
9) I will finally land my dream job.

:)