"She's Expecting!"

She's Expecting? No, we are not having a baby! Figure I need to clarify that right of the bat just to dispel rumors that so easily get started. Expecting.........expecting what? When I thought of the title for today's post, the time frame of 9 months popped into my head. From that thought I began to examine and look at just what is possible within 9 months. Of course we all know that it takes 9 months for a baby to form to full term and be birthed. What else though in that time frame can be accomplished? 

As I did some homework on the subject I was surprised at some of the things that I found that I was unaware of. We know that with firm commitment and dedication, a person can lose a lot of weight in a 9 month time frame. Also, on the flip side of that or in conjunction with that, an individual can add a whole heap of solid new muscle to their frame as well.

(No this picture is not of me!!)

 I was a gym rat though for years and know very well what can be done as far as weight loss and muscle gains. At my most active daily gym regimen, I was weighing in at 248 lbs. I had large arms, chest and legs. Not overly large and freakish, but a good size that looked pleasing and afforded me the ability and strength to do just about any task or activity that I chose. Back in high school I was a scrawny 140 lbs soaking wet, so the addition of 100 pounds was a HUGE change for me. I didn't intend on gaining that size or muscle, the gym was just something that I enjoyed. Few people are aware of what I have been through physically since the early 1990's. I had been paralyzed in my neck and shoulder for 2 1/2 yrs right after high school and then in my mid 20's I lost my voice for almost 6 years. Not being able to talk and communicate, I had to find work that was more labor oriented. Over the next 10 years, heavy labor work and the gym really paid off for me. Sadly, I was not able to use my college degree which was in journalism and tv/film production being unable to speak. But, my back was as strong as a pack mule. 

I won't go into all of what I have dealt with since then in this post, but perhaps I will in another post. Anyway, I had to adapt to what I was dealing with and for me, then, labor jobs and getting big was all part of it. Back to what I first started talking about........what can be done in nine months. As I did further research I came across some things that I did not realize. I like to think that I am pretty well rounded and up to date on most everything. I got an education in my homework! Yes, we can lose or gain weight, have a baby, have a new house built or even restore an old car, but did you know that there are career training opportunities that you can get in that short time frame as well??  I took the traditional route during college. I finished my Jr. college degree in 2 years and then went on the the university level for another 2 years. No accelerated learning, CLEP tests or online education for me, just the basic "normal" path. However, in today's world and with the technology offered at our fingertips, did you know that you can get your LPN certificate or become a licensed Pharmacy Tech in 9 months to a year?? I had no clue! wow, what opportunities there are these days. 

Although I will not be pursuing those career opportunities I was excited to know that they are available in such a short amount of time. I DO think that more time could definitely be taken to have a much more competent individual though and obviously, on going education needs to be mandatory. When I look at my life, right now, at this moment in time, I am making myself come up with a nine month goal plan that will encompass several areas. Some of these areas are:

1. Improved finances

2. Improved health

3. More detailed short and long term goals

4. A more consistent daily routine

Granted these are a bit vague, but I haven't fine tuned them as of yet. These are just the ones that have jumped out at me while contemplating this post for today. Money isn't everything. I know folks who have more money than small countries who are not happy. I know people who are dirt poor, have no internet, no cell phones, drive old cars and they are among the happiest, most content people I know, but there is always room to improve your situation. Health isn't an issue for a lot of people either. For me though, it is a big deal. I have Tourette's Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, nerve damage in my arms, hands and legs, speech and vocal issues and horrible allergies. For me, health, yea, it is a very big deal. I can do some things to aid in my day to day living, but the majority of my progress and sustainability  is based on having great competent doctors and access to unique medications that provide help. Will I ever improve? Odds are that I may see some improvement in some areas but largely it will just be a daily acceptance and adapting to my issues. Okay, short and long term goals apply to everyone. If you don't have any, you need some!! These can encompass a job change, promotion, moving to a new home or new city, finding the right new car or even something like choosing to get married or have children. We all can improve on making these goals and making sure that we stick to them to see the best results. A more consistent daily routine. Now that is a tough one for me. I average 3 hours of sleep a night. I have been on that schedule for as long as I can remember. You might think, "well, with 21 hours a day to DO stuff, you must be very productive and have a lot of spare time." Not so much. I am as productive as my body will allow me to be. It isn't the fact that I don't try to get more sleep at night, it is just that that is all I actually end up with! My day starts with getting up early, around 445 a.m. most days to get my wife out the door to work and then get my son ready for school. As a stay at home Dad I have a ton of tasks to manage each day. I do all of the cooking, most of the cleaning, buying, maintenance of our house and cars and still try to find time for things like writing my music, and even this blog. Time is always a factor for me.

Getting back to the element of time, specifically my nine month time frame, I really need to make a concerted effort to pen down definite achievable goals. Day to day I manage a lot of things and I am good with that. In fact, I am good AT that, ask my wife and son! The long and short of this though is looking at what needs to happen. This can also be what you would like to happen. Without effort change never can really happen. It can, but not always in the way that you may choose. Remember that. As the coming 9 months pass by one day at a time, I will share with you more stories about me and what I've had to overcome and also some more of the things that I am determined to see happen in that time frame. For now, a wired little boy needs to be coaxed into his nighttime routine. So,enjoy the rest of your week, set some goals and I'll be seeing you soon as we work on them together in the coming 9 months!