New Beginnings

It turns out this is a start-up week for me. New Work-Out Plan, Good Dog Training, Pre-Marital Counseling.....

I: Back in January, being very excited to no longer be in school full time and working full time, T got motivated about getting back into shape. Specifically for our February Snowboarding trip, which I will blog about later - promise! He picked up The Body Sculpting Bible for Men from B&N and quickly devoured it. He raved about the book and suggested numerous times I pick the woman's version. I finally went on Amazon to do some research. Turns out not only to they have The Body Sculpting Bible for Women but they have The Body Sculpting Bible for Brides. So I bought them both :) I need a change of pace from Strictly Strength anyways. Or course I'm starting out with the book for brides. They have a 4 week, 8 week, and 12 week program. I started the 12 week lifting plan this week. Yesterday was upper body, and to tell you the truth I wasn't that impressed with how fatigued I felt during the workout. Haha - then I woke up this morning - I definitely have some sore muscles :) Today was the lower body workout. I'm not sure the last time I did a workout that was only legs - it's been years. Maybe that's why I don't remember any being this difficult!! I'm not holding my breath on being able to walk in the morning. Needless to say I'm excited to see how this routine effects my body :)

II: Last night we began Good Dog Training. Really I think it should be named Good Owner Training because most of Gris' behavioral issues are a result our actions. Already after one night I feel like we've gotten our $60 worth. The instructor is very knowledgeable and genuinely excited about helping us have a better experience with our dogs. She's made herself available via phone and email for any questions throughout the class - and I'm guessing she'll be open to help for the long haul! Rather then creating dominance over the dog - they now teach leadership - hopefully Gris will know he's NOT the leader soon! This week we'll be working on getting Grisman's attention (eye contact), teaching him to sit using a hand motion - not command, and teaching him to come when called. I think Gris will enjoy training because it involves lots of treats!! Maybe I'm idealistic - but I'm already super excited about having a trained, well-behaved Grisman!! (Which hopefully won't be nullified when he visits Grandpa!)

III: Last night was also our first official pre-marital counseling session with a couple from NLCF. The first four meetings include 2 other couples and the last few will be 1v1 with a mentor couple. So far it's good. We'll have reading and assignments from multiple books including Preparing for Marriage and Fit to be Tied. Thankfully they skip over the corny stuff and only ask us to read the beneficial things :) I'm looking forward to the things we'll learn about marriage and each other. Part of this week's assignment involves sending a questionnaire to our parents - that should be fun to read! I'm also looking forward to our unofficial counseling sessions with M & N and anyone else who wants to shower us with wisdom! :)

IV: Hopefully this week of new beginnings will be capped off with the entrance of my niecephew into the world on Friday!! She/He's not due until March 2nd - but I'm a number person - and 23 is significant - so I'm hoping that's the birthday!!