I guess life itself is epic?

Welcome along guys

Been a while since my last blog.
I've been thinking that there is nothing worth blogging about when all seems so boring and unadventurous, but actually I've been finding life a little challenging recently, especially over the festive period.

This is not a sob story, and I dont want sympathy, I just want you all to know what I think sometimes. I know those who read my tweets will know about my honesty and I want that to remain.

Because of the festive season people lost their will to train, became busy with parties and gatherings and shopping. Too busy to come to keep fit and healthy.
As disappointed as I am about this, I realise that my life is based around exercise and training and I shouldn't judge by my own standards.
The only issue for me is that this is now my living, and not my hobby so it's hard to keep smiling at times.

Being my own boss, paying for a mortgage and general day to day living has been super hard work. There was a time when I was on £30k a year, gone are those days. You seem to live to your means eh?
I dont think I could have survived the last few months without the help of my Mum and another very dear friend.
Not to fear - 2012 I will make my millions!!!!! (yep, too much Only Fools and Horses this year too)

I was really looking forward to Christmas Eve, this was the highlight for me, playing and singing in the pub, The Bay Horse and the finest pub in Totnes.

With having to spend 6 hours transposing music for the occasion it had to be worth it.
2 rehearsals at Bob's pad and we were pretty much ready to go.

I had a couple of practice sessions at home on my own and dug out some more sheet music. You know, I had completely forgotten how much I adore playing.
I used to play with a band back in Surrey and was even known as 'Deb the flute' in one pub in Reigate.
Forgot how much it makes your jaw ache though! (stop it!!!!)

And then we played, and I smiled, and then we laughed and should have been playing, and I really felt like me again. The real me.
This was a part of me that hadn't recovered from the experience I like to call, 'The ex boyfriend' we say we dont change but bloody hell I couldn't have changed much more than I did.
So, I have rediscovered my lovely instrument and in the New Year I will back in at the Bay for random Thursday night music to continue playing. This will make me complete.

Did my usual Christmas Eve, vanished off homewards to be on my own and await Father Christmas...... just kidding! haha

Christmas morning, out with the dogs, through the woods, into the river, gave them an epic walk to run off their super doggy enthusiasm for life and back to get ready for the pub.
To be fair, seemed as though I hadn't long left the pub before returning again. Haha
Nice drink with everyone, down to see the lovely Amy at the Steam Packet and then home for a massive nap before Downton.

I know it seems sad, those of you with families you celebrating, lots of food and festivites, but I live down here on my own so had to make the best of it.

I'm not one for invading other peoples gatherings, I know I turned down a few dinners, but its one of those things I'm just like that. A little proud I guess you could say.

I've been invited out for drinks tonight, but because I have no money I wont go. I know, I'm odd, but I wont change!

Anyway, my life is a little weird at the moment, I always feel sad at this time of year without Dad around and so I go into hibernation.
Come spring all will be well!

I hope that you all had a great Christmas and that you stay focused and positive for the coming year ahead.

In the meanwhile, I will try and find something a little more interesting than my life to blog about! haha

See ya soon :)

A Change for the better

Well hello and welcome back, I'm sorry it's been a while since my last Blog but I haven't really had any epic adventures as I have been working so hard, I then figured that actually, this was the biggest and most Epic adventure of the year so far, even bigger than the 103! So it must be blogged.
I will try and keep it brief and not bore you too much, but a lot has happened!

Timeline - July, made redundant! August, planning, signing on and more planning! September...........

27th September 2011 I became fully self-employed with my own business, 'Fighting Fit Devon' teaching Kickboxing, Boxercise etc and eventually, BounceFit of which I'll talk about a little later.
I launched the Newton Abbot Kickboxing club on this day, students from Totnes came over to support me and a few people came along to try out.
From those few on the first day one has remained and become as star - Ryan Sharples.
From day 1 Ryan showed natural ability, dedication and above all - No Fear!

For 3 weeks I built up adult numbers, with Isla returning to join me again as she was an Ipplepen student. There were still no Juniors though.
Then 3 weeks in Cai turned up with his Dad, Steve and said that they would both like to try classes.
For 2 weeks Cai had 1-1 tuition with me until he finally brought along his cousin, Beth. I now had 3 adults and 2 Juniors. Everything has to start somewhere although I am impatient to build up numbers. I want instant success but I will have to be patient.

Whilst the Kickboxing was going on I also started at Peak Physique in Torquay a couple of hours a week. The plan is to get more women into the gym there so they thought they would let me try and set up some classes there.
I've just launched the BLT class there (Bums, Legs amd Tums) I hope we get a few in this week for it.

As well as that I have been working away, tweeting @fightingfitdvn, updating Facebook groups and pages trying to build up the business!

I sold my motorbike :( to pay for the Van signwriting and it was the best choice. With Michelle's logo design on it, it's the best kind of advertising I could have had. I do now though have to control any road rage issues as they will know who I am!
I'm all sweetness and light when driving now and I let out a lot of people so they can read the van and know who I am.

Boxercise continued in Totnes, numbers are still low, although 12 last week.
I changed the Boxercise day in Marldon to a Wednesday in the little hall and still have the hardcore few who always turn up. It's a great group and we have since been joined by 2 more new Boxers.
Saturday Boxercise continues although still relatively small but great friendly fun sessions.

Then I finally did it - my dreams really became the reality at the launch of BounceFit!

For years I have wanted to do a SpaceHopper fitness class but I was held back with Insurance and also I had no room for 15 hoppers. My van can just cope with them and the rest of the equipment and so far the classes have gone well.
I have one more this year and then hope to do regular classes next year. I just need to spread the word around.

Starting your own business is very stressful, if anyone says different then they are lying!
To add to this I am also doing a qualification at the same time - passing my gym Instructors this week too.
I have to work very very hard to keep paying the bills and food, I will get there and I will make a success of it because I want it so badly.
I have wonderful support from my Mum and my friends and it will be possible for Fighting Fit Devon to be the business I envisage in a matter of months.

The fruition for me was yesterday, just 9 weeks from starting 6 of my students graded in Harberton Parish Hall. 5 white belts and a yellow stripe.
They came away with 2 distinctions, 2 credits and 2 passes. I couldn't be more happy. This is when you get to see the results of your hard work.

I'm looking forwards now, staying positive and most of all, taking this opportunity that I've been given with both it's horns and bouncing on to success.