A new lifestyle.

So, you may or may not know that I am currently working at Camp Pennbrooke which is a weight loss camp for young women. If you know me at all, you know that all of my life I have struggled with my weight. Last August I weighed more then I had ever weighed before in my entire life. 220 pounds is not something to be proud of but that is what I was. I could blame it on so many reasons like the freshman fifteen or it was just muscle since I worked out all the time, but the truth was that I was addicted to food and I had a problem. I thought that because I was eating healthy food that it did not mater how much I would eat. Also, I have a small obsession with ice cream. Both of these issues are why I came to a point in my life when I realized that I needed to make a change. So as I started a new year of school I decided that I would change the way I lived and the way I ate and that is where my long hard journey began.

As the year went on I watched what I ate and made sure that I watch my portion sizes. Also, I exercised every day and stayed away from any and all fast food restaurants. Looking back it really was not as hard as I had thought it would be. I think that one of the keys to my success is that I had school, work and sports to keep me busy. I did not allow myself free time in which to think about food. Also, I found that taking a daily vitamin would help me get through the day since I was burning so many calories but not eating as many as I had in the past. As the pounds started to come off, I could feel myself being more and more active. I was even becoming more social then I had ever been I my entire life. Don't get me wrong, I am still very socially awkward, but I have become much more open with people. Another thing that I made sure to do was to allow myself to have unhealthy foods every so often. If I was going to change the way I ate forever, I was not going to give up ice cream or anything else for the rest of my life. After all, I was changing my life style not going on a diet. So now and again I would let myself have an iced coffee or ice cream if I wanted it.

As my second semester came to an end, I had lost just over thirty pounds and was feeling really great about myself. Then I got home for the summer and all my hard work came to a stop. I no longer had a full day of classes and work and there was a kitchen full of food right in front of me.
Although I had no problem working out everyday and trying to stay as active as possible, I started turning back to my old ways of eating for no reason at all. It was there so I would eat it. Also, I was hanging out with my old friends. They are all thin and beautiful and can eat whatever they want with no consequences. It would make me feel bad about myself and again I would turn to food for comfort. Needless to say, I did not really gain weight but I was no longer losing it. Also, I was starting to feel unhealthy and just gross. My body did not like what I was putting into it and I needed to get back on track as soon as possible. That is when I started work at Camp Pennbrooke.

Over the past few weeks I have been working here at camp and I am finally back on my path to a healthy lifestyle. While here I am working out most of the time, I am learning what to eat and how to eat that will keep me healthy for the rest of my life, and I am getting to know some really great people all at the same time. The girls I am working with are ages 13-16. It makes me feel great to know that as I help them improve their lives I am also improving my own. This camp is giving me knowledge that I didn't have before. It is helping me become a better person inside and out and I cannot wait to take what I am learning here and put it to use in the real world. Oh yeah, I have already lost another ten pounds while here. I am starting to love myself and learning to not hate the way I look. It has been a very long journey to be able to love myself for who I am and I will continue to work on it. For now I will continue on my path to a better life and try to enjoy it as much as I possibly can.

New York City

So Thursday April 7th I took a trip the the Big Apple! I do not think that city will ever stop amazing me. Of course this is coming from a small town country girl. I guess if you lived in the city it would be completely normal to be surrounded by such beautiful chaos. There is just something about the energy in the air that makes the hair on arms stand straight up.

The trip was for two of the classes I am currently taking, Art History II and Drawing. I like both of them; however, I am not a huge fan of either of my professors. The one is brilliant and knows everything and anything about art history and Italy, but he is so absentminded that I am surprised that he remembers to come to class every day. The other is just a strange strange man who likes young girls a little too much if you know what I mean. But needless to say I love both classes when they are productive.

So at 6:30am Thursday morning we pulled out of Susquehanna University and headed to NYC. We arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art around 10:30am When we got off the bus I was completely overwhelmed but once I got my barrings I headed inside the museum. I found some people that I knew from class and we headed off into the great adventure that is the Met. It is almost impossible to describe some of the artwork that it holds within its walls. They are simply breathtaking. I think I could have spent all day there and still not have been able to absorb all of it.

After a few hours we headed outside to the city. We walked past central park and towards time square. After a little ways we stopped to have lunch with someones mother. She was an amazing woman. She was one of those people you could talk to for hours and never get bored. Anyway, she bought us all lunch at TGI Fridays. Afterwards, we were off to Time Square! I had never been there before so I could not wait. I took so many pictures that the batteries in my camera died and I had to spend $8 on a pack of four. That is the only thing I bought all day, but it was totally worth it. During the day we went to many stores including M&M's, Apple, and FAO Schwarz. I did not even look at a price tag because I knew I could not afford anything. On our way back to the bus we went through Central park which is very beautiful. I wish I could see it later in the spring when everything is in bloom. Maybe someday.

At the end of the day I was exhausted but pleased at the same time. Over all it was a wonderful experience.

Spring 2011

This semester seems to be flying by. I hardly remember what classes I had last semester and it is almost summer. The last time I wrote, my life was going very well. I could say that it has been just as great since then but that would not be entirely true. The good news is that Spring is here and the warm weather is on its way. Also, outdoor track has started and classes are going fairly well. I seem to have more time then I know what to do with since I am currently not working on a theater production other then at work. I know that there is school work that I could be getting done but really who ever gets homework done early? Especially this close to summer. Anyway, I am choosing to not be an over achiever. Another thing that has been going well in my life is job hunting. I have just sent out an application for a summer job in New Jersey. It is working at a weight loss camp for young girls. It would be a great opportunity to help young women learn how to live healthier more active lives. Also they have a theater that I would have a chance to work in as well as many other fun activities. I really hope to get a chance to work there; however, that means that I will only get to be at home until late June. The rest of the summer I would spend in New Jersey until I leave for London in August. I really think that it would be worth it though. Being healthy is something I am very passionate about so I think this would be the perfect summer job for me this year. Another crazy but amazing thing that happened to me since my last blog was that I got to work on the Off Broadway Production of CATS. It was so different then the last show I worked since I did wardrobe rather then properties or being an electrician. I cleaned, painted, polished, and glued shoes. This was so gross! Anyone who knows me knows that I hate feet. So for me this was hard but it was my job so I had to do it. I think I washed my hands five times after I was done though. Then I sowed some leg and arm warmers. That was also a very interesting job since it looked like they were only patchwork. There was really no way I could mess them up. Thank goodness since I am bad at sowing. After our lunch break we got a list that we were to ware around our necks. This list was our life until the play was over. It told us specifically where we were to be and what we were to be doing at exactly the time we were to be doing it. I was so nervous at first that I was going to mess up. Trust me you would have been too. My list was four pages long and it was small print. Plus, you have to read it in the dark with a flashlight during the play while trying to stay out of everyone Else's way. However, once I figured it out it really was not that bad. I got everything done when I was supposed to and that included touching someones sweaty armpit pads. GROSS! Trust me, I washed my hands a lot after that. Yuck. The funny thing is that I still have no idea what that play is about. But does anyone really? The best part I think for me though is how nice all the actors and actresses were, I have never met a nicer cast. Sweaty armpit guy even shook my hand and thanked me for working with him. I was so surprised I think I said, "It's my job but your very welcome!" Then, after the show was over, we stayed and worked the load out. We finished loading everything onto the last truck around 1:10am. It was late, but it was worth it. Things that have not been going so well are weather and track. It snowed last week. Spring started last Sunday. It should not be snowing in the spring. Are first track meet was very cold. A lot of my teammates threw very well in the weather; however, I did not do so well. I really do not throw well at all when it is that cold. I would say we have a few more meets for me to get better but it is supposed to be cold and wet this weekend as well, so who knows what will happen. I am hoping for the best though.

This Semester

My life is actually going very well. It has had its ups and downs. Tiers have been shed, but I have also laughed a lot more then a have in a long time. The direction I am heading in is definitely a good one. I have made some new friends that I will never forget. I also still stay in touch with most of my high school friends which helps to sooth my heart when I have to be away from home.

My classes are moving along. Some of them are a lot of work but I am getting through them. Hot L Baltimore opened last night and went fairly well. it is nice to put on a resume, but it has made me realize that I do not want to pursue management.

I found out that I am going to London next year for an entire semester. I am really excited for the experience. There are many classes that are going to be very beneficial to me that I really am happy to have a chance to take. I have also had a summer internship opportunity open up for me near home so I hope that comes through.

Track and field is going well. I think once the play is over I will have more focus, but until then I will just do the best that I can.

Well there is what is happening in my life. Short and Sweet.

In a Nut Shell

As I sit here and watch the new episode of Psych, I will attempt to put into words all the major events of the last few months. Where to start? Hmm,well, I guess I will go back to The Full Monty. For anyone who does not know, The Full Monty is a musical about a group of men who were laid off after the Steele Mill at which they worked was closed down. Unable to find jobs the men decide to try stripping in order to make some money. The play is about the struggles men and women face when it comes to body image and other personal issues. For this play I was a Staff Carpenter and Scenic Charge Artist. The rest of the crew and I spent many hours building and painting and hanging lights. There were a few moments when many of us thought the show would never come together in time. However, in the end the show when brilliantly. Well, almost. There were a few lights and hazers that decided that they wanted to stop working in the middle of the show, but other then that brilliant.

Next was the Bloomsburg fair. It was similar to many small town fairs with farm animals and food that is capable of giving you a heart attack just by looking at it. My favorite part was the giant horses named Fred and Charlie. Their heads were like five or six human heads put together. Then there were the baby chicks and rabbits. So cute. Oh and you cannot forget the people. It is like Walmart's best all in one area. Over all it was kind of fun.

I think the next event was my dads birthday. My brother surprised him with skydiving. They looked very funny in their little suits and cone hats. They both had a blast, and I do not think we will ever hear the end of it.

I went up to Potter County for a weekend. That is where our hunting cabin is located. My grandfather and parents where up there for bear season. Yes I know that it is ironic. Baers hunting bears. Haha. Sorry it was funnier in my head. I took a lot of pictures while there. It was nice to get away and relax.

Then was the first part of the seventh Harry Potter movie. It was one of the best I think, so far. It was closer to the book then some of the others. I think that is why I liked it so much. I am excited for the last one.

Thanksgiving break was . For the third year in a row I ran in the Turkey Trot and the went to our family reunion/Thanksgiving lunch. The Baer family were being themselves like always. I few of them chose to dress up for the Turkey Trot. There were two Pilgrims, two Indians, and one Turkey. It was quit funny to see a bunch of people chasing a giant Turkey through town.

The Saturday after, my parents and I went to an anniversary dinner in Duboys for family friends of ours. It was a nice place but the service was not the best. After dinner was over I went to play laser tag. Yes it does still exist. Who knew. It was a blast. I wish we had a place with laser tag back home.

On Sunday after we got back I packed up and was ready to head back to school. Until I went out to my car of course. Apparently the valve stem in one of my tires was leaking air. So basically I had a flat tire. I could not get it fixed until Monday so I could not get back to school in time for my classes. Then Monday was the first day of hunting season in PA so there were a total of three guys working at the only car shop the was capable to fix my tire. Once I finally got it fixed I headed back to school.

On Tuesday I went to Williamsport for a Union call. We were loading in Mama Mia at a local theater. On Wednesday we loaded it out. It was a very interesting experience. I was on the electrics crew. I just have to say that that was a lot of cables. I mean a lot. Then this morning We left at 3am to do a load in for the same show in York. For this call I got to be on the properties crew. It was I lot of fun. I got to meet some really cool people. I am so tired though. it has been a lot of work in one week. Not to mention all the work for some of my classes. Especially since it is the last few weeks of classes. I am definitely ready for break.

Well that was my last few months in a nut shell. I hope I can write more often but I do not know if that will happen. At least not untill this semester is over.

Venting!

Sweet Jesus! I cannot stand Spanish. Let me rephrase that. I suck at Spanish! No... I suck at learning any language! What is it about languages that makes them so hard for me to learn. I feel like the dumbest person in the world when I am in my Spanish class. I never no the right answer. Well, lets be honest, I never even know what we are supposed to be doing. When you are teaching someone Spanish, why would you teach them in Spanish. Why would they be expected to know what you are saying when they are just learning basic words and phrases. I am just really struggling with it and I do not like not knowing the answer to something. It really pisses me off that I have to take three semesters of a language that I will never be able to truly comprehend; therefore, will never be able to use in my lifetime! Oh and the best part is that if I do not get at least a C in this class then I have to take it again. At least when I took Latin it helped me with word recognition and spelling. With Spanish I get nothing.

A New Day and a New Start!

So today was my second day of Spanish as you all know. Good news! It went well. Great in fact! Well, as great as a second day of Spanish can be. I actually felt like I was supposed to be there. Also, I answered a few questions during class, and I understood a little more of what she was saying. Then, I went to Theater Seminar. It went well too. I spook a good bit and was able to comprehend where people were coming from, and how that influenced their responses. On top of all of that I even learned a lot today. Which, if I am being perfectly honest, I love to do. I like getting a new perspective on an issue. It just always fasinates me that people can be studying the same subject but view it in so many ways.

The rest of the day I will be spending in the theater for the stage craft class. It should be fun. We are showing the class how to use tools in the shop. (Not that they do not already know how to use them.) Also, I met a few new people yesterday. They are in the theater but we were never truely introduced until these past few days. That is all for now.