Once again, it takes my mother's phone call to remind me to post a few words on this thing. :) Thanks mom!
So what's been happening? As many of you who are close colleagues and Twitter followers already know, my long, fierce and drawn out fight with Rogers has come to a victorious close! It took numerous tweets, a long-winded blog entry and a bitter posting on a site called Groubal.com to finally get this resolved. Upon reviewing the tapes of the original phone call, they concluded that indeed their customer service rep failed to inform me of the implications of taking over a number - so they reversed over $500 in early contract cancellation fees. If you have complaints with large companies, I highly recommend you consider putting a petition about your plight on Groubal - I got a quick response directly from Rogers and before I knew it, my case had landed on the desk of the president. My hat goes off to the founder of Groubal - great idea!!
What else? I venture onto a new career path on December 1st. It's definitely been a tumultuous last half of the year for me, career-wise. I had originally taken a job that proved a poor fit. I have since been reminded: we spend more time at work than at home with our loved ones - we really need to choose an environment we are going to enjoy working in! I am super pumped for the challenge that lies ahead, and the new opportunities are bound to head my way.
My bestest friend ever has made the trek East from the West Coast to Calgary. Trying to comfort her with family-like dinners on Sundays, introducing her to some of Calgary's finest...and trying to help find her a job! Those following me on Twitter undoubtedly know - but please, if you hear of any entry-level, full-time office positions, let me know. Even something part-time or a temp position for the holiday season would be great!
The holiday season is nearly upon us - and for the first time since I've celebrated my first Christmas with Rob, I'm excited! After our last visit home, it seems our family and friends finally understand how hectic and stressful these trips can be for us, and have been far more accepting and accommodating. It should be a great Christmas, surrounded by family and friends! I think the recent snowfall has made me extra excited for the month ahead.
I hope this entry finds you all happy, in good health and getting ready for a fabulous holiday season!
Until next time,
Jody
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bitch, bitch, bitch
All right, it's been a while...gawd I gotta get better at doing this more often! And I'm gonna warn you now, I'm extremely upset with Rogers, so this is gonna be a bitch session. Cease reading if you don't care.
So I assumed a phone number recently that I have had for years. My employer assumed the number a while ago to simplify accounting, and when I left I was hoping to take the number with me. Seemed easy enough, I called Rogers asked if it could be done and they said: "no problem." Great, I'm thinking! I told them I didn't know what I was going to do for hardware (I had to leave the Blackberry with the employer) so to put me on their cheapest monthly plan. When asked about data, I responded, "No, I don't have a blackberry, so please just your cheapest plan." All set!
Long story short, Rob's on Telus, so it seemed logical to make the switch so that we could enjoy a discounted family plan. Got the number moved over, snagged a new blackberry...easy peasy!
....until the Rogers bill shows up. They're taking me to the cleaners for $600. I called to ask, and they're telling me there was a contract on the account. When asked why I wasn't informed, and how I can be expected to pay a bill I didn't sign up for (I didn't sign the contract, I wasn't even made aware it existed) I was told to visit the employer and ask him why he didn't notify me. WHAT?! YOU guys want the money from me, YOU guys are going to send me to collections...don't you think YOU guys should let people know these things in advance? I had no clue.
Shame on you Rogers. Train your customer service reps to inform your Clients of the ramifications of assuming a number. SHAME ON YOU.
Thanks Rogers, you guys suck.
So I assumed a phone number recently that I have had for years. My employer assumed the number a while ago to simplify accounting, and when I left I was hoping to take the number with me. Seemed easy enough, I called Rogers asked if it could be done and they said: "no problem." Great, I'm thinking! I told them I didn't know what I was going to do for hardware (I had to leave the Blackberry with the employer) so to put me on their cheapest monthly plan. When asked about data, I responded, "No, I don't have a blackberry, so please just your cheapest plan." All set!
Long story short, Rob's on Telus, so it seemed logical to make the switch so that we could enjoy a discounted family plan. Got the number moved over, snagged a new blackberry...easy peasy!
....until the Rogers bill shows up. They're taking me to the cleaners for $600. I called to ask, and they're telling me there was a contract on the account. When asked why I wasn't informed, and how I can be expected to pay a bill I didn't sign up for (I didn't sign the contract, I wasn't even made aware it existed) I was told to visit the employer and ask him why he didn't notify me. WHAT?! YOU guys want the money from me, YOU guys are going to send me to collections...don't you think YOU guys should let people know these things in advance? I had no clue.
Shame on you Rogers. Train your customer service reps to inform your Clients of the ramifications of assuming a number. SHAME ON YOU.
Thanks Rogers, you guys suck.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Oivay!
My apologies for taking so long to put keyboard to screen and write a new entry...life as Jody has been a bit crazy as of late.
As you may recall, I resigned from my position of four and a half years at the tail end of August. In search of new challenges, fresh lessons and space to grow I decided to move from a place I had worked for since I moved to the city. The 3 weeks leading up to my last day were normal work days, nothing out of the ordinary. It was the last day that I will not forget any time soon.
See, the thing is that while I knew it was going to be a difficult day, I had not prepared myself for how emotional I would be. My comrades at the office had become my family. When we first moved to Calgary they were amongst the only people I knew - and they all embraced us with open arms and warm hearts. Beyond this though, because it was such a big part of my life, my job became a good chunk of my identity in this town. I spoke about my work often, taking pride in it and in the people I was so lucky to surround myself with everyday.
So now, as I step out to embrace new challenge I am facing hurdles I did not foresee. All of a sudden I must find out who I am beyond my work - develop that identity that for so long had taken on the focus of my job.
And while this change is exciting - exhilarating almost, it is also scary. I am intimidated by it in a way. As much as part of me would like to turn around and flee back to what was, the rest of me is yearning for what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Jody
As you may recall, I resigned from my position of four and a half years at the tail end of August. In search of new challenges, fresh lessons and space to grow I decided to move from a place I had worked for since I moved to the city. The 3 weeks leading up to my last day were normal work days, nothing out of the ordinary. It was the last day that I will not forget any time soon.
See, the thing is that while I knew it was going to be a difficult day, I had not prepared myself for how emotional I would be. My comrades at the office had become my family. When we first moved to Calgary they were amongst the only people I knew - and they all embraced us with open arms and warm hearts. Beyond this though, because it was such a big part of my life, my job became a good chunk of my identity in this town. I spoke about my work often, taking pride in it and in the people I was so lucky to surround myself with everyday.
So now, as I step out to embrace new challenge I am facing hurdles I did not foresee. All of a sudden I must find out who I am beyond my work - develop that identity that for so long had taken on the focus of my job.
And while this change is exciting - exhilarating almost, it is also scary. I am intimidated by it in a way. As much as part of me would like to turn around and flee back to what was, the rest of me is yearning for what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Jody
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Trials & Tribulations
What a tumultuous month for me! I have had quite a month, and I blame that on the lack of blog posts! Thank goodness for my mother who emailed me requesting “some reading material.”
Where to start? Well, you may remember a few of my earlier posts outlining my thirst for some big changes. I have been participating in what I will label my “Mid-20s Life Crisis” which I’ve also lamented about in this blog. I’ve been desperately trying to establish balance in my life, discover who I am, and most recently what I want to do when I grow up.
While traversing through this terrain, it became very apparent to me that I needed some space to grow, some new horizons to set my gaze on and to confront some new challenges. Sleepless nights, endless conversations with loved ones and internal battles ensued…and the result was me deciding it was time for a career change: a bittersweet conclusion to say the least.
I have been blessed in my current job to work with some of Calgary’s best! My boss was a high energy, super successful businessman who provided the most unique and amazing environment to work in. He had an uncanny ability to attract good people: which was lucky for me, because I got to work with some pretty amazing women! Since moving to Calgary almost 4.5 years ago, these people had become my confidants, my support and most of all my friends (I often fondly refer to them as my Calgary family!). For those of you who have moved away from family, you know how difficult saying goodbye can be – last week was an emotional time for me.
Needless to say, I am enthusiastic and excited for the challenges that lie ahead of me. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up…but I’m hoping this move gets me closer!
Until next time,
Jody
Where to start? Well, you may remember a few of my earlier posts outlining my thirst for some big changes. I have been participating in what I will label my “Mid-20s Life Crisis” which I’ve also lamented about in this blog. I’ve been desperately trying to establish balance in my life, discover who I am, and most recently what I want to do when I grow up.
While traversing through this terrain, it became very apparent to me that I needed some space to grow, some new horizons to set my gaze on and to confront some new challenges. Sleepless nights, endless conversations with loved ones and internal battles ensued…and the result was me deciding it was time for a career change: a bittersweet conclusion to say the least.
I have been blessed in my current job to work with some of Calgary’s best! My boss was a high energy, super successful businessman who provided the most unique and amazing environment to work in. He had an uncanny ability to attract good people: which was lucky for me, because I got to work with some pretty amazing women! Since moving to Calgary almost 4.5 years ago, these people had become my confidants, my support and most of all my friends (I often fondly refer to them as my Calgary family!). For those of you who have moved away from family, you know how difficult saying goodbye can be – last week was an emotional time for me.
Needless to say, I am enthusiastic and excited for the challenges that lie ahead of me. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up…but I’m hoping this move gets me closer!
Until next time,
Jody
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Trip Home...
So, after a week in Vancouver visiting family and friends (a trip as you may know, is an extremely stressful one to plan!), I must say we had the best trip back home yet! We were able to create a schedule to accomodate our close family and friends and spent a good deal of time with our loved ones. Everybody's expectations were set - which made for an almost flawless visit!
On another note, the road trip home is always a long one: exhausted from a week full of visiting here there and everywhere, and dreading returning home - cause well, it means our vacation is drawing to an end. Well, this trip was even longer! Between Revelstoke and Golden an SUV rolled only 2 cars in front of us. We did not see what had happend, only the cloud of dust that followed and the crushed remnants of a late model SUV sitting in the middle of the highway. Ever think life is too short? See something like that and you'll be reminded. The RCMP response time was impressive, followed shortly thereafter by ambulance and fire & rescue. Unsure if the rescued driver will make it, or what kind of shape he was in when they took him away - but I'm praying he is doing ok.
On a lighter note, that stalled our trip by about 2 hours. Having departed late from Vancouver after the wedding festivities the night before, and being pretty shaken up by the accident, we opted to stop for the night rather than battle the treacherous Rogers Pass. Right where we were stopped for that 2 hours was a giant billboard for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: wanting a comfortable bed, some TLC and a clean place to sleep we opted to venture up the mountain instead of battling the crowds in Golden. What a treat that gamble proved! Although it was almost 10pm and the lodges up there do not staff their front desk 24 hrs, we walked into a cozy BnB. They were not able to accomodate us, but a staff member from the larger lodge was in the BnB pub having a pint! As luck would have it, he was a jovial fellow and opened up his front desk to get us a room in the Glacier Lodge (they also had a reasonable rate of $144 for a king suite). Super clean, comfortable resort setting nestled in the heart of the Rockies! We then headed back to the pub to buy everybody a pint for their fabulous service! The pub was called "Local Hero Pub" and served up some basic but delicious pub-grub. We had such a great time we will probably be heading back next month! Check them out at http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/
Well, back to routine tomorrow!
Look out YYC - I'm baaacccckkkkk!
Jody
On another note, the road trip home is always a long one: exhausted from a week full of visiting here there and everywhere, and dreading returning home - cause well, it means our vacation is drawing to an end. Well, this trip was even longer! Between Revelstoke and Golden an SUV rolled only 2 cars in front of us. We did not see what had happend, only the cloud of dust that followed and the crushed remnants of a late model SUV sitting in the middle of the highway. Ever think life is too short? See something like that and you'll be reminded. The RCMP response time was impressive, followed shortly thereafter by ambulance and fire & rescue. Unsure if the rescued driver will make it, or what kind of shape he was in when they took him away - but I'm praying he is doing ok.
On a lighter note, that stalled our trip by about 2 hours. Having departed late from Vancouver after the wedding festivities the night before, and being pretty shaken up by the accident, we opted to stop for the night rather than battle the treacherous Rogers Pass. Right where we were stopped for that 2 hours was a giant billboard for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: wanting a comfortable bed, some TLC and a clean place to sleep we opted to venture up the mountain instead of battling the crowds in Golden. What a treat that gamble proved! Although it was almost 10pm and the lodges up there do not staff their front desk 24 hrs, we walked into a cozy BnB. They were not able to accomodate us, but a staff member from the larger lodge was in the BnB pub having a pint! As luck would have it, he was a jovial fellow and opened up his front desk to get us a room in the Glacier Lodge (they also had a reasonable rate of $144 for a king suite). Super clean, comfortable resort setting nestled in the heart of the Rockies! We then headed back to the pub to buy everybody a pint for their fabulous service! The pub was called "Local Hero Pub" and served up some basic but delicious pub-grub. We had such a great time we will probably be heading back next month! Check them out at http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/
Well, back to routine tomorrow!
Look out YYC - I'm baaacccckkkkk!
Jody
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dining Out in YVR: The Fish House
As many of you have realized, I LOVE food. Rob and I have become foodies of sorts, and we love the experience of good food, the creativity of it and the wonder of a good chef.
My folks took us out to the Fish House which (as you can probably ascertain from the name of the restaurant) is a seafood restaurant located off of the beach in the heart of Stanley Park. Location-wise, it certainly doesn't get much more unique that that! Despite being a party of 6, the restaurant staff were able to accomodate us on the patio which was a lovely treat.
I had done my homework beforehand and knew about the chef, Karen Barnaby. I was able to ask the server what working with a female chef was like, and as soon as I showed a knowledge of the chef our server was super enthused to be serving us. He spent some extra time chatting with us about wine selections and the food - what a treat!
For an appy Rob and I had a couple of oysters - a lovely treat on a summer evening! I was a tad disappointed that they were not served with a chef's special sauce - just your run of the mill horseradish and cocktail sauce. My mom munched on a tomato-bocaccini salad that looked marvelous, and according to her tasted just as good. My sister ordered shrimp spring rolls which I was able to sample - they were deep fried spring rolls, not much to write home about.
For the main course Rob and I shared the Seafood Cornucopia: a beautiful medley of crab legs, lobster tails and sablefish (which we requested in place of the salmon) - unreal meal! My sister and my gramma shared the chicken, which was reportedly done perfectly. And my folks had the sticky chili sablefish which apparently is the signature dish, and unbelievably delicious!
At the recommendation of our server, Rob and I shared the Okanagan Buttermilk Pie - a dish I would never have picked out on my own. I am soo glad our server recommended it - it was unlike anything we've had before and was simply YUM! To finish off the night, our server brought us some complimentary truffles, which were such a delight.
The wine for the night was a chardonnay from the Okanagan: Joie. Again, suggested by our excellent server, it wasn't too sweet nor too dry - a perfect summer treat!
For menues and more info visit http://www.fishhousestanleypark.com/
Last night, a friend took us to a local joint on Commercial called Timbre Restaurant (http://www.timbrerestaurant.com/). This was a super small pub/bistro with a charming ambiance. The architecture included exposed timbre beams, while the walls featured a smattering of eye catching art.
The food was pub-inspired with a bistro flare. For appies we indulged in a tomatoe bruschetta which featured goat cheese (an unusual twist) and we also shared some scallops & prawns done in a garlic butter with a bit of spice - both were very good.
For dinner, I am not one to say no to anything with truffle oil (decadent, I know!) so I feasted on a Wild Mushroom Ravioli which was bathed in a light cream sauce and drizzled with truffle oil - it was a great pick! Rob had the Oyster Po Boy, which in my opinion had too much tartar sauce (that's all you could taste). The fries were done in a house blend of spices including tumeric which proved unique and tasty!
Unfortunately, Rob and I both fell ill not too long after dinner - we suspect it was the Po Boy as our friends were fine. That aside, it was a great time with a friend I hadn't seen in far too long - and the food was tasty!
Tonight, we're off to Las Margaritas - I'll be sure to let you know how that goes!
Until next time,
Jody
My folks took us out to the Fish House which (as you can probably ascertain from the name of the restaurant) is a seafood restaurant located off of the beach in the heart of Stanley Park. Location-wise, it certainly doesn't get much more unique that that! Despite being a party of 6, the restaurant staff were able to accomodate us on the patio which was a lovely treat.
I had done my homework beforehand and knew about the chef, Karen Barnaby. I was able to ask the server what working with a female chef was like, and as soon as I showed a knowledge of the chef our server was super enthused to be serving us. He spent some extra time chatting with us about wine selections and the food - what a treat!
For an appy Rob and I had a couple of oysters - a lovely treat on a summer evening! I was a tad disappointed that they were not served with a chef's special sauce - just your run of the mill horseradish and cocktail sauce. My mom munched on a tomato-bocaccini salad that looked marvelous, and according to her tasted just as good. My sister ordered shrimp spring rolls which I was able to sample - they were deep fried spring rolls, not much to write home about.
For the main course Rob and I shared the Seafood Cornucopia: a beautiful medley of crab legs, lobster tails and sablefish (which we requested in place of the salmon) - unreal meal! My sister and my gramma shared the chicken, which was reportedly done perfectly. And my folks had the sticky chili sablefish which apparently is the signature dish, and unbelievably delicious!
At the recommendation of our server, Rob and I shared the Okanagan Buttermilk Pie - a dish I would never have picked out on my own. I am soo glad our server recommended it - it was unlike anything we've had before and was simply YUM! To finish off the night, our server brought us some complimentary truffles, which were such a delight.
The wine for the night was a chardonnay from the Okanagan: Joie. Again, suggested by our excellent server, it wasn't too sweet nor too dry - a perfect summer treat!
For menues and more info visit http://www.fishhousestanleypark.com/
Last night, a friend took us to a local joint on Commercial called Timbre Restaurant (http://www.timbrerestaurant.com/). This was a super small pub/bistro with a charming ambiance. The architecture included exposed timbre beams, while the walls featured a smattering of eye catching art.
The food was pub-inspired with a bistro flare. For appies we indulged in a tomatoe bruschetta which featured goat cheese (an unusual twist) and we also shared some scallops & prawns done in a garlic butter with a bit of spice - both were very good.
For dinner, I am not one to say no to anything with truffle oil (decadent, I know!) so I feasted on a Wild Mushroom Ravioli which was bathed in a light cream sauce and drizzled with truffle oil - it was a great pick! Rob had the Oyster Po Boy, which in my opinion had too much tartar sauce (that's all you could taste). The fries were done in a house blend of spices including tumeric which proved unique and tasty!
Unfortunately, Rob and I both fell ill not too long after dinner - we suspect it was the Po Boy as our friends were fine. That aside, it was a great time with a friend I hadn't seen in far too long - and the food was tasty!
Tonight, we're off to Las Margaritas - I'll be sure to let you know how that goes!
Until next time,
Jody
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sharing Some LOCAL Inspiration
All of this excitement around trying to make myself and my health a priority once again, has gotten me pumped to surround myself with upbeat, positive and active individuals!
How often to we look for people to admire, to be role models in the big blue yonder? So often we look at celebrities and reality specials for solutions on our struggles – of the weight loss variety in particular. How often do we see an episode of “Last 10lb Bootcamp” or “Losing it” – or even a Weight Watchers commercial and search for inspiration there. I’ve got an idea for you: why not look in your own backyard? So many people…normal folks…without personal chefs…without 3 workouts a day for 3 months….people like you and me are doing amazing things in our own city everyday! Ever think to get inspiration, to get advice, to find support there?
Well, I’ve found an amazing amount of inspiration from a ton of people in Calgary – the wild and wonderful world of Twitter is mostly to blame. SO, why not share some of these, so we can all lean on each-other for support!
One of my favorite Twitter discoveries has been Champagne Fitness. I’ve written about Terri a few times. This blonde bombshell realized the power of locals connecting, and created an outdoor bootcamp in honor of her Twitter followers. Filled mostly with “tweoples” this has been a great way to connect with locals who are all striving to add a bit more fitness in their lives. Follow her at www.twitter.com/calgaryfitness or check out her website at http://www.champagnefitness.com/ – she’s got a Fall bootcamp coming up if you missed out on the summer ass kicking!
What happens when two “fitness fanatics” connect? Find out at http://www.nourishretreats.com/ – a fabulous idea that came to Terri and her business partner Kim McNeil (follow her at www.twitter.com/KimMcNeilYoga). This is an exciting business that fuses fitness, food and travel – ummm yes! (www.twitter.com/NourishRetreats)
Besides discovering excellent, enthusiastic and qualified professionals Twitter has proven to be a great vehichle for connecting with other folks who are battling the bulge, or simply getting out and kicking butt! Need workout inspiration? I recommend following some of these awesome Calgarians:
Here’s a list of those I get to workout with twice a week now at Champagne Fitness’ Bootcamp! Be sure to follow these fine folks as they venture through their various workout challenges, and the aches n pains we experience at Bootcamp: www.twitter.com/acdngirl www.twitter.com/MediaMindJen www.twitter.com/sarahdawley www.twitter.com/hydec www.twitter.com/YogiCrystal (who will be joining us soon!)
www.twitter.com/britzel www.twitter.com/Diegirl I was so fortunate as to connect with these 2 girls on twitter, and then meet them at Bootcamp. Both have impressive stories! Most recently, they have both started to run, and are currently training for a half marathon in Las Vegas…now that’s motivation!
www.twitter.com/Kait_Dee - Kait has had quite the weight-loss journey and is now super buff! She’s super fun to follow: she’s witty and generally great fun to have on your feed! Lookin for a fun read? Check out her blog at http://www.nomocameltoe.com/ (yes, even the title “No Mo Camel Toe” is a testament to this girl’s great sense of humor!)
Oh, and not to be forgotten are those of the male persuasion – cause it’s not just the ladies out there putting in the good fight! www.twitter.com/ThankASoldier Dave has lost 118lbs to date and is well on his way to reaching his personal goals. Of his success and triumphs, Dave writes:
“A year and a half ago I met MCpl Jody Mitic a Canadian soldier who lost both his lower legs when he stepped on a IED. This motivated me to get going as I was in an accident when I was 18 and due to that have only half a muscle in my leg. I started simply with walking, and working out a few times a week: Jody would motivate me to get going – soon, I started to lose a bit of weight. In December of 2009 I challenged myself to quit drinking and this was when I really started to see it fall off! In only one year and a half I have now lost a total of 110lbs and have a goal of 40 more. II walk 7km 3 to 5 times a week, hit the gym now four days a week, drink a lot of water and treat myself to a good junky meal once a week as a treat.”
Now if that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is!
Bike enthusiast, Bruce (and bootcamp participant), is another great follow (www.twitter.com/BruceDruery)! Bruce shares his experiences on his bike (including a recent fab trip to Maui) and often tweets about his training: whether it be running or swimming, Bruce is an active Calgarian that’s always on the go!
Also not to be forgotten is Dan, as he trudges through his challenge of following a doctor directed, calorie reduced diet: www.twitter.com/dantric or check out his blog at http://dantric.wordpress.com/
This is just a small smattering of normal people doing amazing things here in Calgary! So when you’re looking for inspiration, or even just for a little support: don’t forget to check out what’s happening in your own backyard…you might be pleasantly surprised!
Have you been inspired? Or maybe found support online? Gotten some awesome advice? Or a great referral? I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time,
Jody
How often to we look for people to admire, to be role models in the big blue yonder? So often we look at celebrities and reality specials for solutions on our struggles – of the weight loss variety in particular. How often do we see an episode of “Last 10lb Bootcamp” or “Losing it” – or even a Weight Watchers commercial and search for inspiration there. I’ve got an idea for you: why not look in your own backyard? So many people…normal folks…without personal chefs…without 3 workouts a day for 3 months….people like you and me are doing amazing things in our own city everyday! Ever think to get inspiration, to get advice, to find support there?
Well, I’ve found an amazing amount of inspiration from a ton of people in Calgary – the wild and wonderful world of Twitter is mostly to blame. SO, why not share some of these, so we can all lean on each-other for support!
One of my favorite Twitter discoveries has been Champagne Fitness. I’ve written about Terri a few times. This blonde bombshell realized the power of locals connecting, and created an outdoor bootcamp in honor of her Twitter followers. Filled mostly with “tweoples” this has been a great way to connect with locals who are all striving to add a bit more fitness in their lives. Follow her at www.twitter.com/calgaryfitness or check out her website at http://www.champagnefitness.com/ – she’s got a Fall bootcamp coming up if you missed out on the summer ass kicking!
What happens when two “fitness fanatics” connect? Find out at http://www.nourishretreats.com/ – a fabulous idea that came to Terri and her business partner Kim McNeil (follow her at www.twitter.com/KimMcNeilYoga). This is an exciting business that fuses fitness, food and travel – ummm yes! (www.twitter.com/NourishRetreats)
Besides discovering excellent, enthusiastic and qualified professionals Twitter has proven to be a great vehichle for connecting with other folks who are battling the bulge, or simply getting out and kicking butt! Need workout inspiration? I recommend following some of these awesome Calgarians:
Here’s a list of those I get to workout with twice a week now at Champagne Fitness’ Bootcamp! Be sure to follow these fine folks as they venture through their various workout challenges, and the aches n pains we experience at Bootcamp: www.twitter.com/acdngirl www.twitter.com/MediaMindJen www.twitter.com/sarahdawley www.twitter.com/hydec www.twitter.com/YogiCrystal (who will be joining us soon!)
www.twitter.com/britzel www.twitter.com/Diegirl I was so fortunate as to connect with these 2 girls on twitter, and then meet them at Bootcamp. Both have impressive stories! Most recently, they have both started to run, and are currently training for a half marathon in Las Vegas…now that’s motivation!
www.twitter.com/Kait_Dee - Kait has had quite the weight-loss journey and is now super buff! She’s super fun to follow: she’s witty and generally great fun to have on your feed! Lookin for a fun read? Check out her blog at http://www.nomocameltoe.com/ (yes, even the title “No Mo Camel Toe” is a testament to this girl’s great sense of humor!)
Oh, and not to be forgotten are those of the male persuasion – cause it’s not just the ladies out there putting in the good fight! www.twitter.com/ThankASoldier Dave has lost 118lbs to date and is well on his way to reaching his personal goals. Of his success and triumphs, Dave writes:
“A year and a half ago I met MCpl Jody Mitic a Canadian soldier who lost both his lower legs when he stepped on a IED. This motivated me to get going as I was in an accident when I was 18 and due to that have only half a muscle in my leg. I started simply with walking, and working out a few times a week: Jody would motivate me to get going – soon, I started to lose a bit of weight. In December of 2009 I challenged myself to quit drinking and this was when I really started to see it fall off! In only one year and a half I have now lost a total of 110lbs and have a goal of 40 more. II walk 7km 3 to 5 times a week, hit the gym now four days a week, drink a lot of water and treat myself to a good junky meal once a week as a treat.”
Now if that’s not inspirational, I don’t know what is!
Bike enthusiast, Bruce (and bootcamp participant), is another great follow (www.twitter.com/BruceDruery)! Bruce shares his experiences on his bike (including a recent fab trip to Maui) and often tweets about his training: whether it be running or swimming, Bruce is an active Calgarian that’s always on the go!
Also not to be forgotten is Dan, as he trudges through his challenge of following a doctor directed, calorie reduced diet: www.twitter.com/dantric or check out his blog at http://dantric.wordpress.com/
This is just a small smattering of normal people doing amazing things here in Calgary! So when you’re looking for inspiration, or even just for a little support: don’t forget to check out what’s happening in your own backyard…you might be pleasantly surprised!
Have you been inspired? Or maybe found support online? Gotten some awesome advice? Or a great referral? I’d love to hear your stories!
Until next time,
Jody
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