Anniversary, Hurricanes, and Health: Overcoming Obstacles

Six Years Ago...

I remember it like it was yesterday.  This week six years ago was a crazy time here in southeast Texas.  People were stocking up on batteries and generators, others were waiting in long lines for ice, and the freeways were saturated with cars full of people leaving out of town.  As the reports of Hurricane Rita were coming in, families were trying to decide: should we stay or should we go?  

It was a particularly wild time for Sarah and I.  We were scheduled to be married the same day Rita was going to make landfall.  From our minister leaving town to government offices closing (keeping us from getting our marriage license), we were facing some tremendous obstacles for our wedding day.  Sarah and her family decided to leave the city and head northwest to Codwell.  I had another firefighter scheduled to cover for me during this day, but he ended up evacuating as well.  Therefore, I stayed here and worked at the station.

Life Is Sometimes Unpredictable

It does not take a hurricane for us to be reminded that life can be hectic and very unpredictable.  No one is exempt from a rocky economy, a loss of a friendship, or a bad medical report from the doctor.  We sometimes go through life so fast, just plowing our way fervently, that it takes these "unexpected" situations to make us slow down and realize what's important in life.  Even our  regular day to day "minor emergencies" can add up and steal much of our time.  These include such events as preparing for a presentation at work/school, some unexpected company, or maybe a homeowner's notice to paint the peeling paint around your garage doors (thank you HOA for this notice during a time when my wife can go into labor any day now...sorry does that sound bitter?)

With irregular lives, our health and fitness can sometimes take a back seat while we deal with the other pressing issues.  I am realist.  I know at times, it is unavoidable.  But, the problem lies when we get so much on our plate that we neglect ourselves and the result is our physical, emotional, and spiritual muscles get atrophied in the process.   

Why I Love Unconventional Training

My mission is to serve others in helping them reach their fitness potential so they can go out and fulfill their cause in life...what they were put on this earth to do.  If time is a problem, I hope to provide you with quick workouts you can use.  If you are a little short on money, I want to give you low budget options for training equipment (by the way, Ross Enamait's site is one of the best for this information).  Unconventional strength training focuses on utilizing those things that are around you to get strong and healthy: bodyweight, sandbags, rocks, trees, hills, kettlebells, dumbbells, etc.  You can literally get a working out in anytime, anywhere.

Love, Perseverance, and Creativity

Despite the obstacles we faced on our wedding day, we were married at Sarah's parent's home with some close friends and a faithful dog (Sarah's dog lied at her feet during the ceremony...it was super cool).  Our youth pastor was able to make it back in town and perform the ceremony, we scrounged up a marriage license, said "I do", then took off to Maui the next day.  Our families even made us a great meal and an awesome cake with ingredients they found a local convenient store (Thanks EZ One). 

If we are to get through life's ups and downs, and serve others with the mission God has put in our hearts, we must be at our best.  One of the supreme ways I have found is to stop waiting for everything to be perfect, and start getting stronger right where you are.

P.S. Happy Anniversary, Sarah...A hurricane couldn't keep me away.  I love you !!

Get Strong Anywhere,

C.J.