Frustration

Today was my last day working out with my trainer Dana here in Ann Arbor. Being that our time was at an end, we did measurements and such to check my progress. Almost all of my measurements are the same, except that my arms went down by 2 smthgs on the calipers. My weight went the opposite of down. I know that muscle weighs more than fat n all that jazz, but it's completely disheartening to look at the scale after doing all that work, only to see a number I've never seen before. I'm much stronger now, and I physically feel better; but somehow that doesn't keep me from wanting to hit something... or cry... or both. A few notable achievements, I can do 3 sets of 12 reps bicep curls with a 40pound bar; 2-3 sets of 12 chest fly with 2 25pound weights; and both of those are more than my trainer.

All I really know, is that I'm going to be happy starting a new job where my butt's not stuck in a chair 8hrs/day 5days/wk. The most walking I do at this current job is the 5min it takes to get to/from my car.

I'm just really really frustrated :-/

I love Christmas

Absolutely by far my favorite time of the year. First and foremost: Happy Birthday Jesus :-)
Also, I love to give things. I don't care so much about getting things (except cards, I love those... thanks Laura :-), but I just truly enjoy giving presents. I don't like it when it's stressful, but when it's from the heart and b/c you want to not HAVE to, it's the best. I love Christmas music. It starts Nov 1 (secret- I listen to it randomly throughout the year too, shh don't tell). I love singing Silent Night the right way, which would in fact be Stille Nacht.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my favorite girls from Bible study at ULC. Joanna and I went to pick out a Christmas tree :-) We found the perfect one and I was so proud of Terrence b/c he tucked all 9ft safely inside during the snowy trip to Dundee. You don't believe me? Take a look...

We didn't choose the one she's holding. We took the one in the back :)

Hatch closed and everything

Terrence and I do everything together. I love him... and he smells nice and fresh now.

Once we met Sara and Melanie at Sara's condo in Dundee, we spent all afternoon making/decorating cookies, stringing popcorn and cranberries, singing carols, and playing games. It was great fun. I'm going to miss those girls so much.

Me, Sara, and Melanie making cookies

Finished products

The Perfect Tree

Just Jen Travels To...

Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ!!
I'm so excited. I'm going to be working in an outpatient chemotherapy infusion center.
The bonus of course is that I'm going to be in Phoenix with Beth and Jason from Jan through March :)
Wahoo!

The rest of the story

Sorry for the long delay. Phoenix proved to be very busy (duh) and then I left my charger at home when moving to AA again, so I've been conserving battery.

So let's see, where'd I leave off...
The wedding was awesome :) Beth was beautiful and Jason didn't stop smiling. Our bridesmaids dresses looked great and the shoes went perfectly. I'd been wearing them all week to break them in. The only problem was that I didn't try standing still for an hour. Ouch. We were all very relieved when it was time to kneel! Overall it was a wonderful day. I'm so happy to have Beth as a sister.

I spent Thanksgiving in Chicago with Julie and Dave. It was nice not to be alone (since mom and dad stayed in AZ for their anniversary and the boys were with their respective wives). It was also awesome because Julie and I went Black Friday shopping at a new random Target near her appt. No one was there and I got 2 front page doorbusters even though it was already 9am :)

Now I'm back in Ann Arbor for a month. I'm staying with my friend Carrie and her boyfriend in her new condo. Carrie was a traveler in the office with me before she took a permanent position in the infusion center. It's been nice living with someone who understands what goes on in my day and we get along really well.

I have more news, but that deserves it's own note :)