I Want to Be Exceptional

I want to be exceptional. Don't we all? Well there is a journey that needs to occur in order to get there. Otherwise we haven't paid our dues and don't deserve to be there. And can we actually claim that we get "it" unless we've had to jump some hurdles along the way or flubbed an opportunity? It's the big picture that counts. It's how we handle our losses that differentiate exceptional from ordinary.

One of my short term goals is to become a group fitness instructor. I really like exercise, working hard is my personal gift. I also like exercising with other people and encouraging them. Getting an extra squat jump out of someone ready to give up. Getting unfit people to move and enjoy their movements! From an employment perspective, the job doesn't pay much. However, there is a lot of job satisfaction. We can philosophize about the ratio of job unhappiness with compensation later. For now, it's about me. Because it's my blog.

I had my very first group fitness audition ever. I practiced and practiced. I showed up on time., made special shorts with a star on my booty so I'm easy to see. I showed up for the audition waaaaaaay more nervous than any time in my life. I have other stressors going on in my life and I thought that if I bombed that everything else would fall apart. It still might. I haven't ruled that out. But I digress (as usual). How did I do? I was asked to "practice and come back next week". Chris Silva, Women's Workout World Area Fitness Director was a class act. She, convincingly, told me what they were looking for and that I had great potential. So I didn't completely flop. I just need to clarify to her that I can indeed lead my own class. That's a huge responsibility and in my opinion a GREAT opportunity. If I nail this I can build the credibility I need to reach out to woman and men about fitness and self esteem in general. It's a natural fit for me. It's a journey.

The photos were taken right after my audition (I was sweaty) but it's real. That's a real smile on my face - and although I don't have the characteristic "gym body" I am strong and have great endurance.

I want to be exceptional. If I fail, I'll keep going. That's what real leaders do (even if I bitch about it). I know I can do it. So watch out for me. - perpetually the underdog. All 5'2 of me.

Growing isn't easy but it's definitely interesting and will have you on the edge of your seat. After all that positive talk, feel free to give me a hug when you see me. We all need bolstering. :-)

Free Clothes!

I workout at Women's Workout World. One day, a very casual and brief, announcement was made stating that they were going to film a commercial for the club. They asked if anyone was interested in being in it. One of the group fitness instructors encouraged me to sign up. So I did.

Realizing that marketing is expensive and my time is valuable, I thought it would be fun to try to get a clothing donation for the commercial shoot. I only had 3 days to get the clothing! Yikes. I called all the big names (Nike, Puma, Adidas, Oprah) explaining that I'm going to be in a commercial to be distributed throughout the Midwest and would they consider sending over a couple outfits: one for me and another for friend, to wear during the shoot. I figured their logos were so commonplace I wouldn't be asked to change clothing.

Let me remind you that my main job is that of Mom for two young kids - kids who don't allow me to talk on the phone! At least not without a whiny, screaming or sobbing interruption. Or my favorite "Mom! Wipe me!".

Getting this donation is a huge stroke of luck for me. And a rare occurrence, indeed. I've learned that my only gift in life is courage (I can also burp the alphabet after a swig of Dr. Pepper). I'm not talented, lucky (like Rob and Roxanne, or Rob's Grandpa Ryan). I'm not gorgeous, naturally thin or charming. I'm not a guy magnet or impressive at parties. But I've got guts. Can't buy that. So I'm learning to use my 'gift'. Trust me I wish there were days when I had a better gift; like being able to draw, speak another language, play an instrument, smoking legs, no cellulite, etc... but I digress. This is a positive post!

There is some sad disappointment in this story which I will spare you - but really just huge doses of humility from celebrity-hungry athletic apparel companies (Puma LA - you are snobby!).

The little guy always gets ignored -- but I'm used to this as a middle child - and a twin to boot.

The happy ending is that our friends over at Turbokick (for which I am a certified instructor) sent over two outfits immediately! They rock! Their workout shorts and capris are really good. Very comfortable, lasting and funky looking. Although not cheap. The tops were kinda tight but nice and lightweight. They feel like they will move with you and not against you. Very important. Oh, and they look good. I'm so proud of Turbowear for stepping up.

I didn't doll up for this photo, nor did I put on my shoes (which will NOT be Puma - uppity west-coasters). The shoot date got rescheduled at the last minute to January. I'll give you a full report after the shoot date (hopefully I'll be able to make it after all this hustling). Next time I'm planning the photo better (spray tan, put on make-up, do hair, do push ups right before the photo and will suck it in! - I'm sucking it in the entire time during the commercial - I've decided right now!).

So what do you all think of the socks? Do they take 10 years off of me - just out of sheer daring?