Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message Bible)

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My Dearest Shelley

Okay, I got busted at class today. ;o) Not once have I mentioned my OUTSTANDING AMAZING AWESOME instructor at the gym on this blog. What Was I Thinking?????
Even though she did tell everyone in class today that I was cheating her of blog space...she really does deserve a LOT of credit for my physical fit-ness. For the past 2+ years, I have been taking her classes religiously every Tuesday and Thursday. I have gotten SO attached to her and this class that I will literally do almost anything to get there. I have missed my kids school parties, hair appointments, breakfast dates--you name it--all because I can't STAND to miss even one single one of her classes. If we are taking a family trip somewhere--I will secretly try to plan it where we leave AFTER class on Thursday and come back no later than Monday night JUST so I can be at her class. Yes, folks---it is THAT bad.
So..you might be wondering WHY is she SO great?
Well, let me tell you:
She pushes me like NO ONE else does. Besides the fact that she has my dream body (TINY and petite with defined, cut muscles) she also has a personality that is like mine---HARD CORE! She's like a stick of dynamite--small and POWERFUL! When I'm exhausted and feeling like quitting--she hollers out (in the microphone) "Come on Jen..You can do it! Just a few more!" and when I've pushed myself too hard, my face is blood red and I am about to puke, she's watching and will tell me "take a break Jen." She never fails to say hi to me (and everyone else) by name when we walk in. She treats us all like we are special and she shows us that she really does care about us and what's going on in our lives--even outside of the gym. She's passed on numerous food/eating tips to me (like the Honey Crisp apples! YUM!) She even once returned Grant to me at Wal-Mart when I had lost him!! Ya, I was looking at shampoos I think and he had went across the isle to look at the bikes. Next thing I know here she comes walking up to me with him holding her hand. He'd gotten lost and couldn't find me! Thank GOD she was there!
On top of all of this wonderful stuff....I haven't even told you the best thing about her yet! She is a CHRISTIAN! YAY! So on top of being able to talk about my physical wellness with her, we also get a chance every now and then to gab about God and what He's doing in our lives! That is really the icing on the cake---er---I mean on the protien bar! (what am I thinking---we don't eat CAKE!! :o) he he he
So...there you have it. While P90X has helped me take my body to the next level...it has been Shelley who got me to the point where I could even THINK about doing something so extreme as P90X. And don't let her tiny-ness fool you---she is every bit as BAD to the BONE as Tony Horton. As a matter of fact...she IS the female version of Tony! (but WAY cuter!)
Anyway, Shelley, if you're reading this..I mean every word of it! You are such an inspiration and I hope we have lots more sweaty workouts together in the years to come!!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Ah my gosh, that is SO sweet of you to write this blog for her, how awesome is it to have that "someone" who makes you GO! I love it. She must be a little spitfire just like you! LOL Shelley must be absolutely flattered that you wrote this for her, and I am so happy she has pushed you and known when to back off. That's a sign of a REALLY good instructor.

Anonymous said...

This is a test. I am seeing if my blog will allow me to leave a comment without having a blog. If this works, Shelley you can do the same thing. Just type in the word verification there below (the weird letters into the blue box) and then click on "Name/URL" where it says Choose an Identiy (in orange) and you can type in your name. You can leave the URL space blank.
Love ya!
Jen

Anonymous said...

Oh My lil' Jen....You made my heart swell, my eyes swell with tears, but I promise I won't let my head swell. Because the funny thing is you all have no idea that I get more from you that I could ever give. The dedication, determination, the hardwork that you give in class INSPIRES me. I have the best job ever, not only do I workout with the most amazing people but i get to share smiles, laughs and sometimes even tears too. THANK YOU for the energy you bring every time you come to class, you are a true inspiration to me and so many others!!! Love ya , Jen!!!!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome testimony! I totally agree! I love Shelley's classes! She is awesome, and even though she kills me sometimes, I love her for it! Looking forward to tomorrow too!

KC said...

Ah, I was a Shelley too! I'm so jealous.....