Crippled & Stressed.

The last few days I have been a mess.

Physically mostly, but also mentally.

I had my first ever Crossfit class on Monday.
Push ups, pull-ups, squats and lifts seem to be their main raisons d'êtres, and they're pretty well known for being all-in-all hardcore.
I decided I need to get my ass back in gear, so I signed up.
Pricey little program, this one aha, thank goodness for my fitness benefit at work =P.
Anyways, in saying that, I went on Monday and got my ass handed to me.


(Skip through to 30seconds in)

My quads were crying right up until Thursday and my triceps are still aching but I'm crazy excited to see what I'll be able to do in another month or so.
Torture, yes, but oh so worth it.
Monday is my next class.

Now I said I was a mess, and that was part of my explanation.
I also happen to have a weak neck that makes a scene every time I change up my routine.
Crossfit was a bit of a shock to the system (though also a way to help strengthen the neck issue) and 2 days later, after what I'm assuming was an uncomfortable sleep, I woke up with a crick.
A bad crick.
It's only gotten worse since.
I look like I'm wearing a neckbrace without actually putting one on aha.
Can't turn my head more than an inch or two in any direction.

I feel ya, Sitch

Muscle relaxants are wonderful things.
So are massage therapists.
I'm thinking (and hoping beyond hope) that I'll be good to go for tomorrow, I've been stretching all day.

STRESSED TO THE MAX
Why is tomorrow so important?
I get to face the very real, very official torture I've been dreading all month.
Tomorrow is the University of Toronto's French proficiency test.
I get to spend $90 on this test, that decides whether I even get a shot at acceptance.
They've broken it down into four components:

1. Oral
2. Written
3. Comprehension
4. Listening

If it was an average mark overall I'm sure I'd be fine, but I'm required to get 75% in each category and my writing has me freaking the eff out. 
So tonight I study.
And study.
And cry a little.
And then probably study some more.

Think of me tomorrow?
Off to the books I go!

Motto of the night.

One foot in front of the other...

Diane here.
Forcing myself to realize that my blogging spark has been snuffed out and I'm left to trying to rekindle, pitifully.

But today I bring you larger developments than just 'employed!'.
Who knew I was able to come up with more than a paragraph about more than one subject?!

Work is fine, I don't love it and I don't hate it.
What I do, is make sure to take full advantage of the large-scale company I work for.
I've officially been licensed to sell a specific insurance, meaning I can legally sell.
In saying that, my title will stay customer service, but merely because we're short on sales managers.
My employment objectives have changed however, and I'm taking a day-long course on sales next week, too.
If we exclude the month of training I went through before I was allowed on the floor, I've really only worked for the company for 2 months, so I'm pleased with my progress.
They're working on licensing me in other provinces as well =]

Now I have not read my own blog in a fair while, but I'm sure at some point or another I mentioned I was working downtown (Toronto) and that the commute was long, but bearable.
My opinion has changed.
As much as the train-ride itself is bearable, the schedule is extremely inconvenient.
I leave my house at 7am and don't arrive home until 12 hours later.
My daily productivity is all but cancelled out by public transit systems...
 (I still have time to do my laundry if necessary)

I'm making a stand for the sake of my social life, and sanity.
The plan is to move downtown for January 2012.
I already found a place, and a roommate, and now its all administrative, and money-oriented.
Thank God for paycheques. 

Future homee

Aside from the Big, Bad Job and the Big, Bad Move there is one more Big, Bad Life-Change in sight.
I've decided - as much as it may make Courtney cringe - to apply to teachers colleges.
I'm a little late to the game, so my applications are being tackled hard & fast, but here are the key facts that helped to make up my mind after so many years of deliberating*

• I speak French, so there is a job market for me as a teacher.
• I love kids
• I love teaching kids
• I love French
• I want other people to love French
• I love travel
• I want to travel forever and ever. 
• I know this is impractical, but I've decided a few months vacation should do the trick.

I think these are reasons I can always fall back on and be happy with.

Future Life

Now for the where: I've applied to Ottawa U, U of Toronto & Nipissing.
Ottawa is my top choice. It also happens to be this girl's top choice.
We've got all of our fingers and toes crossed in hopes that Ottawa is smart enough to take both of us together. If you wanna be a good sport you could totally do the same!

One day at a time.
One application question today, one licensing test tomorrow.
One lease to sign, and one french proficiency test to pass.
One foot in front of the other, until it all comes together.
I can totally pretend that I'm not overwhelmed....
At least I don't have to pretend that I'm not excited =P
x

*I've always said teaching was an option. I just didn't want to close any other doors first. I've tried other doors, and they're not for me. Teaching is right.