Haiti Trip Take 2: Part 2

I had a mission: teach women to sew. 

 It had been unclear what was going to happen before we arrived. I was told there would be four women ready to sew, although we had been told earlier that it was going to be six. There were three. We thought we were going to be making garments, but ended up focusing on making small bags. We thought we had a manager that was going to be there, but she was in the US when we arrived in Haiti. Things were not lining up the way we assumed they would.

It was our first day in Kenscoff, Haiti. We had organized all the sewing supplies the day before and the room was ready to go. Then the news came: there was a miscommunication and some shuffling around, but there were only three women coming the next day. Not only so, but the manager of the sewing program was in the US and we would only get one day to train with her at the end of the week. We had worked hard raising money, collecting donations, and preparing to help set up this program; this was discouraging to all of us. We decided to invite some girls from another orphanage down the road and teach them to sew!

The next morning was exciting! The first woman to come through the door was Adeline. She is a beautiful woman with a contagious smile. She greeted each of us with kisses on each cheek. Side note: How I love this greeting! It's so personal and warm. It makes me miss Kambiz--those of you who knew him, know what I mean. Adeline is a single mother to five children and is in the sewing program to provide for them. There were two others who came, although only one of them remains in the program, and her name is Denise. What a wonderful lady! She is married with three children.

This is Denise in the skirt she made!

The older girls from the orphanage came and we taught them to sew a skirt that fit their bodies. It was absolutely awesome! They loved it. Honestly, the first day was crazy with all the high school girls, in addition to the women who were there to earn a living, but it was exactly what was supposed to happen that day and it was good.

I can't tell you the emotional exhaustion that comes from teaching sewing to women, especially in a foreign language. I tried to twist the same Creole phrase in order to communicate a multitude of things. I think I sounded like an idiot. But I tried. Next time, I will try harder. I am continuing to learn Creole, so I can communicate more clearly and to show the women and other Haitians I meet that they are important enough for me to learn their language.

By the end of the week, the women had made several types of small bags, a skirt, and headbands. They were thrilled, it seemed, with their new skill. Currently, they are working on a few things and so far have made over 150 small zipper pouches and over 50 headbands. They are working on an ipad/journal bag that is pretty awesome. We will be selling the items IN THE US, so I will let you know when and how asap. Their debut appearance, however, will be in Scottsdale, Arizona, at Chances for Children's biggest fundraiser, Night of Hope. I will be there, and I'm thrilled to stand with Philona, our manager and show what they have done.

We are still ironing out the details of what the sewing program will look like. We want to make their sewing skills count, helping them come up with some items that are can easily be replicated, marketed, and sold. More details to come.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. One way you can support the women is to pray for them. Their names are Denise, Philona, and Adeline. They are each wonderful and I am overjoyed that I get to work with them.

If you want to read more about my trip, please click HERE for a story about a girl in a remote village.

Team of women I couldn't have done this without! Nicole, Alison, Emily, Robin, and me.

My Birthday Wish: Dress Sweatpants

My husband thinks I'm disgusting. Let me tell you why and what my birthday wish is.

My part-time job is teaching group exercise classes. On days I don't teach, I try to work out (although I've been slacking a bit of late.) I am often that person wearing yoga pants, running tights or something else completely inappropriate all day long because I actually do workout AND . . .

wait for it . . .

I rarely shower right after I workout. I mean, I DO shower, but later.

So there it is. I am disgusting. The fact is that my sweat dries, I wear deodorant, and I have more pressing things to do. If I shower, I have to dry my hair and fix it, which takes FOREVER when you have errands to run, kids to pick up, make dinner, and naps to take a house to clean.

Which brings me to my birthday wish: Dress Sweatpants.

These are what I call "Dress Sweatpants."

Let me explain. My dad was a farmer. He wore overalls everyday, except Sunday mornings to church when he usually wore dress pants or corduroys with a collared shirt. On Sunday nights, we went to Sunday Night Church--which Jen Hatmaker refers to as SNC in her amazing book For the Love. Go read it right now; you will laugh til you cry and be encouraged at the same time! Anyway, my dad would wear what we referred to as his "Dress Overalls." These were the overalls that he could wear to work, but they were reserved for going places like restaurants, social gatherings, and SNC. Dress overalls were completely appropriate to wear in public because they were clean and looked nice, yet they were comfortable for my dad to wear.

This is why I want these sweatpants. They are comfy. They reflect what I do, yet I wouldn't have the constant dilemma of underwear (or no underwear) lines and the possibility of stinky, dried sweat from the pants in which I wore to work out. I could just slip these babies on after a workout and feel like a new woman without having to dry my hair!

But my husband's question remains: why in the world would I need to pay $43 ON SALE for SWEATS?! Somehow, the Nike swoosh makes all things sleeker, cooler, and public appropriate. Wearing Champion sweatpants gives off the vibe that I may actually be one of those moms who watches TV and eats bon-bons all day, which isn't AT ALL the case. I really prefer Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate PB Cups.

All this to say . . . I may be slightly disgusting, but I'm working on that. If I put on clean Dress Sweatpants, I will be taking a step in the right direction. And that is why I want them for my birthday. The end.

Poverty: Haiti Trip Take 2, Part 1

Nothing can prepare the average American for the level of poverty that she will encounter in some parts of Haiti.

After a long dusty drive in the L'Artinbone Region, our group cautiously exited the vans. The region had been in severe drought so the ground was dry and heat seemed to seep from all sides. Because I had been to L'Artinbone in February, the shock of poverty wasn't as severe, but nonetheless sobering.

As I stepped into the church filled with kids of all ages, my body responded quickly to the sweltering heat, causing my clothes to cling to my sticky, sweaty skin.  Make-shift benches held big kids, holding babies and toddlers. My Creole is atrocious--which may actually be an generous description, considering I had only completed 8 out of 30 Pimsler's Creole lessons. Nevertheless, I smiled big and went around the room offering High 5's, kisses, and hugs with a robust, "Bon jou!"

Some children responded with shy smiles and High 5's, others greeted me with "Bon jou," while others shouted out, "Blan!! Blan!" ("White! White!") Looking around the room, there were signs of malnutrition, but thankfully, many of the children were looking healthier after faithfully coming to the feeding program that had started a year ago, in the Spring.

I began attempting conversation with some mothers who were huddled in the corner of the room. They seemed happy to "chat," and were animatedly trying to communicate something with me. One of them rubbed her belly and thought she was trying to communicate that she was pregnant. After a few minutes of several of them rubbing their bellies, I finally realized they wanted something to eat. Hungry. They were hungry. Of course. The feeding programs target the children, but parents leave without anything. I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is.

The kids ate their meal, a fortified rice dish, then we all went outside to play with them. I had a gang of kids around me, including one sweet girl who began tugging on my hand, clearly wanting me to come somewhere with her. I didn't know where she was leading me and frankly, I was a little nervous about how far we were going to go. She led me to her home.

 Girl holding my hand led me to her home.

It was a very small house (size of a very small room) made of dirt clay and rice stocks. Her father was sitting in a chair just outside the house under a tiny piece of shade that one could theoretically describe as the covered patio. There was enough space for me to join him on the patio and shake his hand. My favorite part, though was that girl wanted to show me her house. It was hers. It was her father. It was her home. I felt privileged to be invited in her home. It reminded me of a blog post my sister-in-law just shared about how our kids simply love their parents--despite the haves and have nots, or the successes and failures. (You can read her blog post HERE.)

As an American devastating physical poverty brings me to my knees. But poverty is not just physical. Poverty can be found lurking in so many places. Mother Teresa said, "Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty." It was in L'Artibonite that I saw some of the worst kind of physical poverty. But that girl showed me that she wasn't poor in every way. And that is the glimmer of hope that I can take away from L'Artibonite.

Thankfully, there is hope that the people of L'Artibonite can climb out of physical poverty. A water filtration system that can service many people in the community is set to be built in the next couple of months. In addition, Chances for Children (C4C) hopes to build a school by the end of 2016. These are baby steps and nothing seems to happen quickly. But I am thankful that there is progress--and it truly will be life-changing progress.

I want to thank those who have supported Justin & I on our trips to Haiti. I assure you that our heart have only grown larger for Haiti and that your investment, both financially and prayerfully, is being multiplied as we continue to work alongside C4C to help them achieve their goals.

If you want to take action, and help more, check out C4C's webpage HERE.

Putting a Bandaid On

  I wanted to share this experience from Haiti. As I get ready to go again in less than 2 weeks, I think about these people, who are just like you and I. They crave love, acceptance, forgiveness, hope, and comfort. They desire close relationships and value their families.  Remembering that we are created equal, in the image of God--Imago Dei--is essential in how we approach these beautiful people.  They may be the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, but their lives, hopes, and dreams matter. 

Our view as we begin our trek.

Boys from the village met us and wanted to help carry our things.

The sun slowly made its ascent as we worked our way up to Massikot. It was a rugged 3 hour hike up a mountain.  While the land was barren in so many ways, there was still beauty as the sun rays shone over the valleys behind us. We traveled with donkeys which were laden with “Manna Packs,” bags of dry rice/soybean fortified blend. We occasionally passed a dwelling, saw a few locals, heard babies crying, saw smoldering fire.  When a local woman would pass by, often with a basket on her head, she would look so serious until she sang her greeting with a wide smile, “Bonjou!”  

When we finally reached Massikot, we began immediately. The feeding program had begun in December. Kids who had been registered for the program in November had been receiving meals twice per week. “What do they eat the rest of the week?” I asked Krista, volunteer coordinator for the Artisan program. “They use clay and make them into ‘cookies’, dry them in the sun, and feed them to their children to fill their bellies.” My mind still is uncomprehending.

We began to work immediately, getting children’s names, ages, and pictures.  Getting the system organized is a huge task in itself. Children had been filing into the mercifully cool church building hours before the meal, sitting patiently on benches. Older kids—elementary age—held their baby siblings and shushed the younger toddlers. It was a scene not familiar to me in the U.S.  A few parents stood in the back or outside the building.  I wondered how they felt about us coming in? Humbled? Humiliated? Thankful? Relieved? Hopeful?

The kids were so happy eating!

While we were methodically working through the process, local women were in the outdoor “kitchen” cooking food.  When we were done, they came in and served the kids.  It was amazing how the kids’ energy level rose after eating!  We went outside, where the kids sang, and we taught them The Wave! 

Going home, many kids without shoes.

Before leaving, a young child (not wearing shoes, like so many), had scraped his toe. Thankfully, I had brought a little 1^st Aid Kit from the Dollar Tree. I cleaned the scratch and wrapped the little toe with the help of Renee, who traveled with me from Eugene.  Soon, another small child was screaming after scraping his foot. I cleaned it off and applied a band aid. This was becoming a cool thing. Before I knew it, a mom came to me, showing me a very deep wound on the top of her foot.  It was not “fresh.” I imagine it was several days old. I cleaned her foot with an antibacterial wipe and found a large band aid in that little cheesy first aid kit.  I carefully laid it over the wound, wishing I had brought Neosporin.  Friends, it was in that moment that I realized that we were literally putting band aids on the problems.  It was a sobering thought.  And at the same time, we are bringing them Jesus, and he is bigger and better than anything else I can offer.

Seeing the kids in the 3 different feeding programs is heartbreaking—distended bellies, orange hair—signs of malnutrition, parasites, and bacterial infections.  Yet, it is amazing to see that the program is REAL, it’s happening, and kids are getting fed, even if only twice a week. I am excited that I get to go back to one of the programs in a couple of weeks.  I look forward to seeing how this program is making a difference.

In addition to going to the feeding program, I will be with a team of women, teaching ladies how to sew.  I'm still raising support for my trip. If you are interested in helping, please make a check to "UFC" with my name in the memo-Jessica Ubel Haiti Trip.  You can mail it to 25 W. 25th, Eugene, OR 97408.

For more information on the feeding programs and how you can help Chances For Children, here is their website. http://www.chances4children.org/ They are an amazing organization.  

Finally, here is a list of sewing items we need, preferably before Sunday 8/9, but we can accept items though Sunday 8/16.  Thank you!

The cooked meal is ready!

Fabric--need nice, clean, fashionable fabric to create clothing, purses, and bags.  Please nothing smaller than a "fat quarter" (18" x 22").  Larger pieces, at least 1/2 yard and bigger would be great for skirts, bags, and dresses.

Scissors--mini scissors, dressmaker's scissors, and regular scissors, new or in good condition.

Straight Pins

Needles--hand sewing

Needles--universal sewing needles

Thread

Sharpies

Fabric Pens (for marking patterns, not permanent)

Pencils/Pens

Seam rippers

See-Through Rulers

Sharpies

Scotch Tape

Drawstring (cord)

Elastic (3/4"-1")

8" x 10" batting pieces or larger

Interfacing (light fusible & medium sew-in)

12" zippers

Sew-in Snaps

Extra bobbins or other parts for BROTHER sewing machines (Walmart carries some of these products.)

Will also take some ribbon, rick-rack, bias tape, and other decorative trim.

 

Back to Haiti Again!

Before three lovely children entered our lives, Justin and I had the distinct privilege to travel on two mission trips to Guatemala together.  It’s been 10 years since that last trip! But God has been moving in our hearts and lives (as always!) and we both feel that now is the time for us to serve in another country together.  

Justin began traveling to Haiti in 2011, first to install a water treatment system in a community center.  It was one year after Haiti’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed 220,00 people, injured 300,000+ and displaced 1.5 million. The extent of the damage in Haiti was evident as they drove through large tent villages on roads that can best be described as “rough.”

Since then, Justin has traveled to Haiti four more times; once with a local missionary and three times with an organization that we and our church have since build a partnership.  Chances for Children, a distinctly Christian organization, has a mission to help solve the orphan problem one child, one family, one community at a time. While Chances for Children runs an orphanage where kids are found forever families, they believe that the answer to Haiti's orphan epidemic is not just adoptions.  They have invested in Haiti through education, providing students with tuition scholarships; orphan care, providing orphans with nutritious meals, education, and homes; and strengthening communities. This is accomplished by funding the construction of schools, providing child sponsorship for orphans, creating a fresh water supply, strengthening faith through a community church, providing medical care at a local clinic, and implementing vocational training, artisan craft programs and community based agricultural projects.

Last February, I had a unique opportunity to travel to Haiti with a friend and several of Chances for Children’s staff to visit their three feeding program sites, two of which are in remote villages where the people are literally starving.  God opened her eyes to the vast need for redemption in this impoverished land, which was key in knitting her heart with Justin’s ever-growing heart for Haiti.

This August, Justin will be leading a team from University Fellowship Church. The majority of the team will be working to finish a building that is intended to house the toddlers in C4C’s orphanage.  There is a fairly long laundry list of projects that need to be completed, but the hope is to move the toddlers at the end of our time there. 

A smaller part of that team will be led by me. Five women will be teaching a small number of women to sew. The women will be part of an ongoing artisan sewing program. The ultimate goal is to learn to make scrubs to sell in the States.  This trip will just be “Part 1,” learning to work with a sewing machine and doing small projects.  We are still seeking the right vendor for the proper fabric that is needed from which we can make scrubs. The artisan program is KEY in helping keep families together.  The women who have applied to be part of the program are women who may otherwise have to give up their children for lack of resources to feed and take care of their own.  We hope to keep children where they belong: in their first families!

We would love to partner with you in this venture.  We bring nothing to Haiti that was not first given to us by God’s grace, so we humbly go. It is truly a privilege to let God use us in this way. We desperately desire that our hearts are open to the Lord, that we go as servants, and that we follow God’s leading. Would you be willing to pray with us? 

In addition, perhaps you are able to financially support us.  The trip costs approximately $1600 per person. We believe that this is a small amount to pay for what we hope to do and for who we hope to help.  If you feel like this is a good eternal investment and you are able to give at this time, you can make a tax-deductible gift in our names to University Fellowship Church (with Jessica & Justin Haiti in the memo line) and send it to PO Box 12083, Eugene OR, 97440.

Finally, we are taking sewing supplies. If you are interested in donating, please contact me.

Thank you so much!

Blessings!

Justin & Jessica Ubel

Specific Prayer Needs:

1.       Ubel kids as they stay at home. Prayer safe, healthy, & energetic children & grandparents!

2.       Safety and health of the team

3.       Spiritual readiness

4.       Haitian artisan women learning to sew—relationships with them

I'm Headed to HAITI...

. . . in 2 weeks.

So yeah, I got a text yesterday morning from my friend Renee' asking if I wanted to go to Haiti on February 17th.  I said yes.  At that point, I wasn't sure if it was going to become a reality, or if it was more of a hypothetical question.  As it turns out, it's for real!

The truth is I was supposed to go to Haiti in November, then the trip got pushed to February, and now that trip has been pushed to summertime.  I will be (co)leading a team to teach a group of women to sew in the Artisan Program that Chances For Children oversees.  Because the site of the artisan program also has a medical clinic, there has been a deficit in the amount of electricity we would need to run sewing machines.  Thankfully, they have found a solution to the problem and we WILL get to go sometime after April!

In the meantime, why am I going?  Truthfully, "leading" a team of women to Haiti scares me to death, particularly because I have never been to Haiti.  Only 5 of us will be one this trip!  This opportunity will not include any sewing, but I will be able to scope out the current Artisan Program.  I think this will give me a clearer idea of what to expect when we roll out the sewing machines and t-shirts! 

In addition, and (really) the primary reason for the trip is to visit to 2 sites where feeding programs have been launched.  One is a brand new site in Massikot.  We get to hike up a mountain to get there!  (Anybody up for Pisgah or Spencer's Butte for a practice run on Saturday!?)  Besides the feeding program, an Artisan Program has also been launched at this site, so there will training for artisans while we are there.

At the feeding program sites, we will be serving the children, taking bios and weight/measurements, and in L'Artibonnet (don't ask me how to say it!), we'll be taking photos for sponsorship.

Have I mentioned that I feel SO PRIVILEGED to be a part of this trip!!!??

Justin is very supportive and is very excited that I get to go!  However, he was planning on going on my first trip with me and is very disappointed that he doesn't get to experience my reaction to Haitian driving.  Thanks, love.

So yeah.  Tickets are bought and I'm going.  I have a lot to get in order, including immunizations, help for Justin with kiddos, packing list, and fundraising.  If you are up for financially supporting my trip, even a little, I would be most grateful.  You can write checks to UFC for a tax-deductable donation, or your can contact me for more information.  If you would like to prayfully support my trip, I would be most grateful!!!

Haiti!  Here I come!

Stay

Meal Planning for 1/10-1/24

One of the best ways to make my life feel less stressful is to plan.  Organizing and planning are not my favorite things, but the truth is, things go better when I practice these things to a certain level.  So . . . here is my meal planning for the next 2 weeks.  Notice many of the recipes are Paleo.  I'm not 100% Paleo, but cutting back on "stuff."  So yeah.  Truth:  I may make bread on some of those nights. 

Suppers
Sunday:  Eggplant Pizzas
Monday: Grilled Veggies& Chicken w/Tomato vinaigrette (Paleo recipe) 
Tuesday:  Mom's makin' Dinner!
Wednesday:  Small Group--fajitas BRING dessert
Thursday:  Thai Curry (Paleo recipe) *Don't forget to take dinner to Robertsons!!*
Friday:  Justin bball game Meatball Stew (Paleo recipe)
Saturday:  Crockpot Apple Pork Tenderloin (Paleo recipe) w/sweet potatoes
Sunday:  Yumm Bowls
Monday:  Meatloaf balls (Paleo)
Tuesday:  Mom's makin' Dinner
Wednesday:  Small Group
Thursday:   Beef Brisket*Don't forget to take dinner to Hartsfields!!*

Choosing the right gym: Healthy Habits 2015

People are running in droves to sign up for a gym membership, hoping that they will be able to meet their 2015 resolutions.  Okay, maybe not.  Maybe they are just walking.  Or driving, perhaps.  Regardless, I know that January is the busiest time for the membership sales folks at the gyms.

THIS IS A GOOD THING!!!

The question is . . . 

How do you pick the right gym?!

Most of us have many options, and figuring out the best one can be a chore.  Reading reviews, talking to friends, paying attention to the New Year's deal . . . all good things.  Before you decide, though, consider these things:

1.  Location.  Is it convenient to your home, work, school, or anywhere you go?  If not, it may not be the best place even if it is the best place.  You know what I mean?  If it's hard for you to get out of the house, it will be even harder if you have to drive across town.  Make it easier on yourself and choose a gym that is convenient.

2.  What do you want to do?  If it is swimming, check out the pools.  Some are too warm, some too cold.  Find what you like.  If you like classes, make sure the schedule lines up with the things you enjoy.  If you want good cardio and weight machines, make sure there is good, updated equipment.  If you wan to play tennis, check out the courts.

3.  Who's going to use it?  How much does it cost to add your spouse?  Your kids?  Do you have a family?  I'm unashamedly a "Y" girl.  I love the Y and all it stands for.  I love that I can bring my family and that my kids can swim, play ball, go to kids fitness classes . . .What if you want to work out, but you have kids?  Do they have a childcare available?  How much is it?  Does it add a significant cost to your plan?  Do you feel comfortable leaving your children there?

4.  Price.  I'm all for staying in the budget.  That being said, do not let this be your primary driving factor.  If you can find what you want at the cheapest gym in town, go for it!  In most cases, you will get what you pay for, although there are exceptions.  Watch for hidden costs.  Is there a joining fee?  What is the month-to-month?  Is there a long commitment for the lesser price?  What does it cost if you break a long contract?  Don't get caught in something that will cost you more in the end.  It may be worth paying MORE month to month at a gym you're not sure you're going to use, so you can switch or cancel at any time.  Also, you can chose a get-in, get-out kind of gym if that's what you want.  If you are wanting a social community, a place to connect or be involved, a place for your family, consider the extra cost to get a family membership at a place like the Y.  There are other gyms out there that have excellent community as well.  Get the free 1 week passes and discover what you like.


5.  Atmosphere & Cleanliness.  Is it the kind of place you want to be?  Are the people friendly?  Does it feel like a meat market?  Do you like separate men's & women's workout areas?  Is it clean?  Keep in mind it's a gym and it may smell like it, but do you see people keeping the areas picked up, safe, and nice?

6.  Where do you want your money going?  Does this matter to you?  Do you want to support gyms like the Y that are non-profit and give back to the community?  Do you want to support a locally owned gym?  Is it important to you that it is a chain that has certain feel and that you can visit other locations when you travel?

7.  Who's there?  Do you have friends with whom you can attend classes or meet up for a workout?  Do you have certain instructor from whom you enjoy taking classes?  Do you feel comfortable when you walk in the door?  When you look around, do you see people with whom you could possibly be friends?  If you feel uncomfortable, check out a different place.  It's okay!  Find a place you want to be!

8.  Amenities.  What are you going to want?  Personal training?  Weight loss advice?  Sauna?  Hot tub?  Steam room?  Tanning?  Child care?  Food?  Towels?  Lockers?  Showers?  Little things can make a big difference.

I hope you find the right place for you and good luck meeting your goals!

Don't Be a Statistic!!! Healthy Habits for 2015

As I glanced at the Sunday morning newspaper on this fine 4th day of January, the sale ads are enticing us to buy the newest and best exercise equipment and gear, along with the trendiest in exercise fashion. 

Many people--maybe you, and yes, even me--have resolved to some new healthy habits.  in fact, according this blog at Details, 46% of Americans make a resolution, 66% of whom make fitness resolutions, and 1 in 3 give up by the end of January.

Okay, I agree that statistics aren't always accurate, but if working in gyms for the past 15 years have told me anything, it's that most people with the best of intentions fizzle out by March.  How do YOU keep from being a statistic?

The General Surgeon recommends 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week, which is like 30 minutes 5 days a week.  Also, it is recommended to add in strength training 2x's a week. 

1.  Be committed.  Everyone is busy.  Fitting in time to workout is a struggle, and it's an easy thing to dismiss if you are feeling a time crunch.  Make a reasonable goal and stick with it!  Going to the gym 7 days a week is NOT a good goal if you have been averaging 0 days a week. 

2.  Be accountable.  Tell someone or a group of someones your goal.  Best case:  get a workout partner.  Even if you don't do the same exercises, knowing someone is counting on you to show up at the same time will help.  Also, if you do get a workout partner, unless you are meeting to walk/run together, make a deal not to tell the other if you aren't going to be there.  If one of you needs to skip, the other will most likely ditch the workout too.  But if sticking to your goal is what is most important to you, get to that workout independently, which will help you in the long run anyway!

3.  Be open.  Do you know what you like?  Try classes, swimming, walking/running, cycling, hiking, aqua fitness, different cardio or weight machines.  Find something that you ENJOY.  Or something you can imagine enjoying.  :)  Exercise is HARD work.  It's not always fun.  I recently went to a class that I hated.  It was so hard, but at the same time, I knew it was exactly what I needed to meet my fitness goals.  It won't be the class I choose to keep going to every time, but I'm glad I experienced it. 

4.  Buy a new outfit.  Okay, I know, I know.  Sounds totally vain, and maybe it is.  The truth is, sometimes, it's hard to go to a gym when you're not feeling good about yourself.  Having workout clothes that are comfortable and that you feel good in is a confidence booster.  Make a goal, and when you reach it, maybe buy a new piece?

5.  Running is popular, but it isn't for everyone.  I WANT to be a runner.  But I hate it.  I go through very short phases of running, but it's hard for me to stick with.  If you really want to run, go for it!  But if you don't like it, don't quit exercising.  Find something you want to do!

6.  Decide the right medium for you.  Do you need a gym?  Are you disciplined enough to do and enjoy home workouts?  Do you like to run, walk, hike, bike outdoors?  Don't feel like you HAVE to join a gym to get what you need.  Personally, I like it, but I know lots of people who enjoy getting their exercise other ways. 

7.  Personal Training.  If you are serious about meeting your goals, consider hiring a trainer.  Do training with a friend, which makes it more affordable.  This can at least give you a jump start. 

8.  Download helpful apps.  There are a ton of good apps.  I like http://www.myfitnesspal.com, but there are a variety of good apps that can help you track your fitness and diet.  

I know this may not be rocket science or anything new, but hopefully it's a great place to start.  Tomorrow I'm going to blog about how to find the right gym for you.