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Jessica Geraldine

Gyms have never been my sanctuary. They're usually crowded with loads of hot, sweaty people- most of which I usually know coming from a small town. They're expensive as heck. And to be completely honest, I'm the polar opposite of appealing after I've been working out for 20 minutes. I'm sweaty, grumpy, and most of the time I look like a member of a rock band the way my hair frizzes out and my leftover eye makeup trails it's way down my face.

Anyway, my fear of gyms followed me to Chattanooga, making it hard for me to want to commit to a gym and make some progress towards a healthier me. After some more sighs of frustration and clicks of my mouse, I thought I had found a program that might work. It's called Scenic City Boot Camp (don't I sound tough already?!). It's a small class setting for an hour where basically they jump from one exercise to another- never the same combination of workouts, so you never know what to expect. What really sold me was the option to try out the program for FREE for two weeks. Say what? No strings, nothing. 

So, I entered my email in to sign up for the free two weeks, and got a phone call to set up my first class time. Huzzah! This is going to be great!



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At least that's what I thought till I pulled in last night. I parked my car and watched as a crowd of middle aged men and women ran around the large concrete building, looking exhausted. The less brave part of me was ready to throw the car in reverse and get the heck out of there. I mean, what if it's a class that already has a rhythm- I'll be completely out of place! What if everyone is stronger then me? I'll look so pathetic?

In my panic, I called one of my very best friends, hoping she'd talk me into it. Three rings passed and I got a voicemail. Drats. I sat there for another two minutes thinking it out, and then jumped out of the car to go in. It's a free class! Why wouldn't I just give it a shot?!

I'm SO happy I went in! The people working the facility were friendly and were eager to help me get signed in. I changed and headed into the classroom, where I quickly realized the room was filled with middle-aged mom's. I was the youngest there by probably 10 years. Either way, I walked onto the mat with a smile on my face and quickly introduced myself to another women sitting towards the back. She was incredibly friendly and welcoming and the two of us ended up sticking together for the rest of the class.

Anyway, today I'm pretty sore. A lot sore. But, I'll definitely be going back. At least to use up the rest of my free two weeks. Then we'll see from there.
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Alright. So, I'm leaning in. I'm getting connected and building my nest. Like a bird who's gone south for the winter, I'm here for the season, so might as well get comfortable. (Tired of my awful metaphors yet?).

Anyway, I've decided that this summer is going to be all about self-improvement. Hip hip, horay! I'll focus on my health and my spiritual walk. Starting with boot camp three times a week at a local facility and connecting with a great local church referred to me by a friend back home, this summer is really starting to look up. 

If you're following me on this adventure, please pray. Pray that God can and will use me. And pray that I'll continue to be connected to the vine, hearing and following His great plan.

I swear I'll post something funny tomorrow. And maybe a picture or two.
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You've never experienced a thunderstorm until you've experienced one in the Midwest or southeast. The storms today have been out of this world. From driving on flooded interstates to the deep boom of the thunder, it's been surprisingly beautiful to experience.

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I visited a little church in the area today. I was referred to it from a friend back in the northwest, and it was great. The pastor was a really welcoming dude and the sermon was easy to relate to. It was exactly what I needed. God always provides what we need, especially when we are faithful to his plan.

Even when things look dark and unpredictable, God is present and in control. I'll be trusting in that for now. One day, the reason for the storms will be made clear, and it will be excellent. As my home church always says, the story is good.
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After work yesterday and on my drive home, I took a little detour up the mountain. After driving all the way to the tip top, and discovering the top of the mountain is where the millionaires live, I found a hiking path. I parked the car and meandered through the path with my iPhone.

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There's a fox in that last pic. Perfect timing, right?!

Today, after sleeping in until 1pm, I went to visit a doctor about some hearing issues I've been having, and then grabbed some dinner. After not eating a thing all day, I spoiled myself a bit.



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Tomorrow is Sunday. And with Sunday comes my search for a summer church. Please be praying God has an awesome church family waiting for me- one I can help serve and will help me grow.
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First things first, look at this traffic!!!

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What the heck? Definitely not used to this. There's no such thing as a quick trip to Walmart here!

Anyway, the gal I'm living with is a real sweetheart and has been including me in all kinds of things she's been doing. Her younger sister is graduating from high school this weekend, so she has oodles and oodles of family in town. She invited me along to enjoy some burgers and a walk along the river. Although it meant missing the season finale of my favorite show (and secret obsession! No, I will not say what show it is), I said yes and went along.

Her family is a hoot! Sometimes I can't quite keep up with what they're saying because of their accents and because they talk so fast, but I just smile and nod when I'm lost. Or laugh. I laugh when I'm nervous.

Anyway, we enjoyed some Five Guys burgers and then walked along the Tennessee river where the Riverbend festival is every year and even passed by the aquarium. I was so thankful they invited me along and showed me a bit of downtown. They're some real kind folks over here.

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Also, I ripped a hole in my pants today at work. Second day of work. Seriously, Jessica? Ugugugugug.



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Look at this. Look at it! It's called a Roo cup! When I walked through the front door of the house I'm staying at, the first thing my new roomie asked me was if I had a Roo cup yet. Because I'm a paranoid loon, my first thought was "Roo cup? Like roofies? Uh..." But no. No date rape drugs involved in this cup of bliss. Basically you buy the cup for seven bucks and then get 25 cent refills on the cup. All summer long. All. Summer. Long. Guys!! And it's not just refills on the billions of kinds of soda they've got here, but on icees, too!! Has your brain exploded yet? It gets better. There is a kangaroo gas station on practically every street here in Chattanooga. Basically how the west thinks of Starbucks, think of kangaroo gas stations. Except not as clean. And no free wifi. Or cute baristo's (refer to previous post). 

Anyway, that's all I've got for today. Had my first day of work and it went well. Still work, but with less people around and more fun accents to listen to. Also my own personal bathroom. That's cool.
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Huzzah! The over 2,000 mile road trip has been completed and there were no casualties, except for the two inch thick layer of bug remains covering the front of my car. I'm here, my roommate is real (Craigslist comes through!) and the house is so adorable! Of course, my room looks like the room of a 13 year old girl, but it'll do. There's a bed. I'm not complaining.

One thing that is just so great about this area is how incredibly GREEN it is!! It may just be the contrast between Wyoming's desert landscape and here, but I feel like I'm back in Hawaii again- or maybe a jungle. Jungle in Hawaii? Anyway, Chattanooga is a really big city, but it doesn't feel like it at all because of all the greenery and tall, tall trees. It is just gorgeous. 

I was hoping to take some pictures with my real camera and upload them, but I just haven't been able to get out and shoot yet.

Right now I'm camped out at a Starbucks. My grand plan was to drive by my local work office to make sure I could find it (check!) and then hang out at Starbucks for a while with a skinny vanilla latte and catch up on my Hulu (still in the process of getting access to the Internet back at the house. Will update on that progress later). Anyway, I ordered my drink to the very friendly southern baristo and then meandered outside to sit in the gorgeous Chattanooga sunshine. I sat down, unpacked my computer and booted up. I was cut short when I realized I only had about 10 minutes battery life left, so I packed up again and headed inside to a table. But now, I'm sitting here and there isn't an outlet in sight. Do Starbucks in Tennessee offer electricity? I'm so confused. And, honestly, I'm too embarrassed to get up again and search. So, my shows may just have to wait a day or two.

Instead, I went through my phone and edited a few more shots. And wrote this post. Still productive, yeah?

Here's some pictures:



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The pictures with all the peanuts is from a place the gramps and I went to eat at last night. They have a thing of peanuts on each table and when you break the shell to eat the peanut, you then throw the shell on the ground. Just slide it off the table to the floor. What? Part of me was afraid my grandmother was going to pop up behind me and slap my hand for making such a mess. 

Weird experience. But amazing food.

That's all for now. I think I'll just go home and watch some more Family Feud. Livin the dream.
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About me

About Me

I smile big and laugh with my whole belly.

I like boat rides on the water, pretty mountains, and red wine.

I have photographed weddings, senior photos, parties, families, and much, much more - and it remains to be a fun hobby I get to explore and improve on every day.

This blog is to document my travels, organize my portfolio of photography work, and chronicle a small amount of my thoughts.

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