Zumba here, Zumba there, Zumba Zumba Everywhere!

So, I've contemplated being a Zumba Instructor for some time now and I finally made a decision last April to pursue it. I've always had alot of fun going to my instructors class and I felt that I've gotten to the point of lasting the whole class without collapsing (so to speak). I was good at it and it was definitely a dance outlet for me. No pressure to perform, I understood what I was doing. So, I thought if I'm going to go to the classes I might as well get paid for it. So, I got certified in May 2011. Immediately I began working at this community center. They needed someone really fast and I agreed with some hesitation. I hesitated for several reasons. Number 1, I was still teaching school and the schedule required me to book it right after school and make the 30 minute trip to the location. There were two weeks of school left and it gets pretty crazy at the end of the year. I agreed to teach Monday - Thursday. I in no way, shape, or form, wanted to teach on the weekends. Well, on my first day, the lady over it, said they reeeeeaaaallllyy needed someone for the Friday and Saturday class. I felt pressured and after I taught the first class I agreed to teach Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday instead. I shake my head at myself for not sticking to my first decision that she already approved. Each day I came into work I was put in a different location at the center. Most of the time the room was too small for the amount of people who came. She even scheduled me to teach OUTSIDE (in the summer heat!) several times. First she said that she liked being outside, then that turned into, "well the lady's can bring their kids if it's outside), then it was "we schedule an event so we have to move you" I was flexible but I wondered if the other instructors put up with this too or was it just me.

Another concern was being compensated. The lady told me that I would get paid from the very first day I started to work because they normally want instructor's to volunteer for 2 weeks before they get paid. But because this was an urgent replacement she agreed to pay me from when I started. Then she said that she did not say that, then after much conversation she remembered, apologized and put it in writing. I was told that I would not see the first check until late June early July. I understood and expected a check around that time. July was approaching and I asked if there was anything I needed to do to prepare for the upcoming pay period. They said that they haven't received my contract yet. I'm thinking, "What contract?" I wasn't aware of any contract. So, I receive this mystery contract on June 29 ( my first day was May 9) what was the hold up? I sign the contract that day and they sent it back so the administrators (located in another part of Houston) could also sign it. The contract did not return until July 8 (around that week). Then I received a copy and I'm ready to submit my invoice. WRONG! Now their saying that their missing my PO number. And the person who has it is on vacation.

I've been thinking about leaving this location for a while and on July 19 (this past Tuesday) something happened to confirm it. I walked in and signed in like I normally do, check to board to see where my class will be and I was called to the desk of their HR representative. Who, last week told me that she was going to submit my hours on Friday. Well, she told me that she still didn't have a PO Number. I asked her was was the procedure to resign. Do I need to give a formal letter or just tell you. She said I could just tell her. So I did. I told her that next week will be my last week. I told her that since I'm a teacher I really want to focus on my career and the distance from my job to this location is too far, especially being in that 5 o'clock traffic. This was completely true. I at least thought that I was going to get paid. Right? Also, the lady over my class tells me that she's going on vacation and the radio I use for class is hers and she's taking it with her. "WHAT! What am I going to use for 3 classes?" I don't have a radio and considering how I've never received any compensation I'm not going to buy a stereo for 3 more classes. I had to really ask her if she would leave to radio. She said ok, but I have to help her find another Zumba instructor. Honestly she is a Zumba instructor too so she has the same access to the website like I do. I would not feel comfortable recommending anyone to this location after what happened to me. Today is July 22, and I still haven't seen a check.

Wednesday. I came in with my husband and told them today will be my last day, not next week. After explaining this whole situation to my hubby we decided that enough is enough. They didn't have much to say about it. Then I checked the board and see that they scheduled my to be OUTSIDE again! I thought that we moved on from that situation. I told them no. It's not right to have us outside in this heat. It's dangerous and we're risking a member having a heat stroke. I said No. Something I don't say very ofter. The members understood because they have complained to management in the past about having class outside. no, No. NO! This isn't safe! What about sunblock? Who carries that around with them. I felt that I was loyal to this organization. I came when I was suppose to. If I had to be absent I provided my own substitute teacher. I spoke with them professionally and nothing changed. I finally got to speak with the supervisor of that center and she said that she'll make sure I get my check. We'll see...

Now I went from teaching 5 classes a week to 1. I teach one class at a chain fitness center and they gave me a proper orientation. I have a job number to clock in and out. Checks are every other week instead of once a month. I signed my contract. They gave me a employee handbook. It was such a different experience then the community center. I also subbed for another Zumba instructor at a country club and I filled out a W-2 and met the supervisor. Subbing at this location paid more that teaching my own class! But anyway I saw another side to contracting with other business' and it was way more professional.

Lesson learned: Don't let other people pressure you into doing something. Even if it's something you like doing, get all the information upfront first. In writing. Don't think that this may be your only opportunity in that area. Also, it's okay to say NO. Sometimes people really are just looking out for themselves and if you say no, they'll just find somebody else, and there's no need for you to fear that. It's ok! Let them find somebody else!

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God."

I need to do better in this area. I will not allow myself to feel so rushed into making a decision that I don't even pray about it first and seek God's wisdom. I'm not even sure if I want to teach Zumba during the school year, and that's OK. My first instinct was to find another opening at a gym near my house and school but on my way there I decided that there's no need to rush. I don't have to work this thing out right now. And I didn't go in. I had to say No to myself. As weird as that sounds, I did. I've always had some type of job. And when I wasn't working my "job" was looking for the next job. Thank God I don't have to have that mentality anymore because He has blessed me with a great job already. Thank you Lord for your provisions and for a sound mind!

Proverbs 3: 5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean NOT unto your understanding. In ALL your way acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path."

There it is. These are the scriptures that I will be meditating on. Admission-If I studied the scriptures as much as I studied those routines... I'm glad I'm not at that location anymore but better than that I'm glad that I have more time now to get into God's word. This reminds me of what my pastor said this past Sunday. He basically said that if you were offered $1000.00 for each hour your studied God's Word you would increase your studying to get that reward. But God offers us a greater reward than $1000.00 and we still don't study His word as much as we should. God's reward is greater than any reward man can offer me. Thank you God!

One Year Vegan-versary!!!

July 9, 2011 marked my first year adopting to a vegan diet. A vegan diet means that you don't consume anything thing that came from an animal. Eggs, dairy, honey, and especially meat. Although this is exactly what the diet consist of, I adjusted the "rules" to suit what I would actually have success in.

Let me back up, and explain why I wanted to do this. Ok, since my senior year in high school through my college years I struggled a lot with my weight. Up and down, up and down, up and down. Very frustrating. I had a lot of stress going on and, looking back, I was an emotional eater. Food was my sedative. If everything was going wrong I knew that a hamburger or ice-cream, pizza or whatever would taste alot better that how I was feeling. But the relief was temporary. It was a cycle of feeling sad, good, then guilty. I've tried different "diets" and of course, those will disappoint you even more. Anything that tells you that you can lose weight, "feel great" and not have to change a thing IS LYING TO YOU! and taking your money! tisk tisk tisk. Trust me, if you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days your probably gain twice as much the minute you stop there "program" or taking their magic pills.

I have come to realize that I was placing my trust in everything and everybody else but God. I realize that my lack of self control when it came to food was an outward expression of my disobedience to Christ. Instead of turning and trusting that Christ will help me, I turned my back to Him and trusted in the Fast food industry and junk food. (anything quick and microwavable or free was my target) That dollar menu is where I placed my faith. It sounds silly but it's true. I've always believed that Satan's job was to steal, kill, and destroy Christians. But I never thought that food would be used as a tool to destroy me. I looked around at our society and how everything is in excess. Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure. What do all of these illness have in common? We have too much. Really? "Would you like to Biggie Size that? Would you like JUMBO fries with that?" You know how it is. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves "Why is this food so cheap?" BECAUSE IT'S NOT GOOD FOR YOU!
Ok, enough about that.

So, I decided with the help of a friend of mine, to walk away from the noisy fast food industry. Not just that, but actually eat food that was in its original condition. I don't have anything against eating meat, but I am against that way it's prepared and how tempting it is to just get the cheap stuff so I left it all together. If you feel that you can never give up meat, that's fine, more power to you, but I advise that you get the organic meat and poultry. It's so much healthier and not pumped with hormones and the animals are raised in a cleaner environment. Rent the movie "Food Inc." it's awesome!

I learned so many recipes and learned alot about the benefits of a vegan diet. I personally feel sooooo much healthier. I used to feel so heavy and tired. Out of breath walking up only 3 flights of stairs. Always sleepy and not motivated to do anything. I thank God for the self-discipline and control not to be a slave to food. I feel free. Occasionally if there is a special treat I want, I don't feel guilty about eating it, because I'm living in the freedom God has given me.

This past year I have lost 44.5 pounds!!!!!! I work out consistently, which is a miracle within itself. I love to dance and Zumba has worked for me very well. I recently became a Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor! Dance has also been in my life but with my weight issues it was very hard to accomplish want I wanted in that field. Zumba gives me a dance outlet and a fitness workout! Zumba will be a whole other blog topic :)

So with all that being said, "HAPPY 1 Year VEGAN-Versary!!!" Here's to good health!