My Outdated "About Me"

A few weeks ago, I took a look at my "About Me" page and was shocked by how out of date it was. Tasks over here in blogland have fallen to the bottom of the to-do list, haven't they? I had written the original about three years ago and, well, a lot has changed in that seemingly short amount of time.

Below I've taken a look at the outdated information to see what's changed, provided a few updates, and documented some of those changes via the very posts on this blog. Let's take a look.

"Put simply, I'm a young professional (writing, editing, and publication design) striving to find a balance between my full-time job, side projects (Zumba and freelance), personal goals, friends, family, and sleeping!"

Is 30 still considered young? I think so, but I'm gonna nix that description because I don't feel new to the field and typically work in management positions. I also quit working a traditional full-time job shortly after originally writing this (I wrote about the decision to quit working full time here) and made the side projects mentioned my main sources of income.

"Sometimes I don't think my inadequate self will ever be able to accomplish everything I want to, but I'm learning to focus on the little things and rejoice in small victories. Some of my dreams? I want to start my own business." 

I started Annesali Communications shortly after this to encompass my freelance work and additional clientele after quitting my full-time job. (See my post "Introducing Annesali Communications".)

"I want to find the love of my life." 

Wow. Check. I think I met Jake two, maybe three months after writing this. My first and only slight mention of him on the blog while we were dating was in my October Instagram recap where I show flowers he gave me. But I did write up our proposal story!

We have now been married for a bit over two years. And he is definitely the love of my life. My best friend. The one I want to do anything and everything with. My biggest supporter. And I'm completely heads over heels for him.

"I want to have a family of my own." 

Jake and I were extremely blessed to welcome our son Emerson this past January. He is a happy, chunky little guy and the perfect addition to our lives. Emerson hasn't officially appeared on the blog, but I did share his and her reactions to finding out I was pregnant.

"I want to live free and embrace happiness."

Happiness intrigues me apparently. I can't seem to stop writing about it.

Happiness Comes in the Little Things—Dec. 2013
A Happy Happy Life + 2 Goals - May 2016

I think my post "3 Things I Love About Life Without a Full-time Job" reflects what I mean about wanting to live free. 

"When I'm not writing, editing, or designing, you might find me teaching a Zumba Fitness class. I also hope to soon earn my group fitness instructor certification and explore the fitness world more from the instructing side."

I have definitely dived more into the fitness instruction world. I did earn my group fitness certification through AFAA (find my tips here). I also certified in and have taught U-Jam Fitness (my certification experience) and Piyo, and added in multiple Zumba trainings including Gold (seniors), Kids, Sentao,  and Pro Skills. Next on my list is barre!

If you made it this far, thanks for joining me on this little flashback through the past few years. I'm writing up a new description of me and this blog, so hopefully that will debut soon.

My Life in Instagrams—August Edition

I wanted to do better at documenting my life via Instagrams this month, but alas, I did not do a good job. Or maybe my life just isn't very exciting or Instagram worthy. Haha. Oh well. I like this Life in Instagram series, so I shall keep on if for no other benefit than my own enjoyment. When I look back at my posts throughout the month, I always think "Oh yea!" for the things I forgot or "Wow that was THIS month?" for the things that seemed to happen so long ago.

August 2, 2013

I got notice that I passed my AFAA certification exam. I didn't receive my official notice of AFAA membership until August 15, but this notice gave my mind relief—I PASSED! And that was all that mattered. :)

 

August 3, 2013

I posted this frowny face made of fruit snacks on a bad, bad day. It started in the worst way possible. I haven't shared this yet, but that day I SLEPT THROUGH A CLASS I WAS SUBBING. Oh my gosh, it pains me to even type that. It was my worst nightmare come true. And, yes, I seriously stressed about that happening beforehand, so when I woke realizing what had happened, I floated around in a daze in complete unbelief. I SHOULD have been fine to wake in time for a 7 a.m. class. But no, I failed. I had to face the embarrassment of showing up 15 minutes late to a class I should have been 15 minutes early too. And I was subbing that day, so no one in the class knew me and THIS was the only impression of me they had. I showed up late, apologized, and got the class started with a sinking feeling inside the entire time. To make things worse, one of my contacts didn't make it in my eye properly that morning so the entire class was fuzzy. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise so I couldn't focus on annoyed faces. Sigh, I pray that never happens again. 

August 9, 2013

I teach several fitness classes a week (sometimes a day), so I sometimes have a hard time getting to other people's classes. I made time to do that this month. I attended several yoga, PIYO, U-Jam, and sculpt classes. I love getting that variety into my workout regime and participating in classes as a student. Love it. 

August 10, 2013

I got CPR certified, which was the last step required to finalize my AFAA membership. Wahoo!

August 16, 2013

My brother, who also lives in Provo attending BYU, stayed at my place for about a week while he was between apartments. My apartment is not large so having an extra person stay—plus all his stuff—was quite overwhelming to the space. It was fun to see him every day and hanging out a little more, but I was happy to have my space back too. :)

August 17, 2013

I also posted about this (Part 1, Part 2), but I completed my U-Jam certification. I still need to send in a video and get notice that I pass and can teach the format, but I think things are going well. And I'm getting more and more excitement about the style. 

My Life in Instagrams—July Edition

It's August. I know most people are mourning the near end of summer, but it just makes me think about fall. And thinking about fall makes me smile. Sweaters, boots, scarfs, blankets, brisk air...I love it all. But let's not jump too far ahead. For now, let's take a look at my July life, as told through Instagrams.

July 3, 2013

I finally posted my review of this book (The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl) that I first read back in 2009. I even mentioned that I would post that review when I did my challenge to post every day for a month in September 2009. But it is done. And that book is amazing. I love, love, love it. 

I'm blown away by the GEMS I'm finding as I review and type my notes from #workinggirlLove it! #blogging #careers #inspiration by @kariannesali

 July 4, 2013

I celebrated the Fourth of July by attending Provo's Stadium of Fire featuring Kelly Clarkson, Carly Rae Jepsen, and all kinds of other fun. 

Stadium of Fire 2013 #july4th #usa#theplacesmyfeethavebeen #callmemaybe

 July 7, 2013

Utah has actually had a pretty rainy and cloudy month. I, of course, have loved it. I even broke out my favorite sweater one night. And took pictures of my feet by rain puddles.

Sunday rainy puddles. Love it! #iloverain#puddles #rain

 July 13, 2013

I attended the AFAA certification workshop I've been studying for. I was assigned this number for my practical test (individual and group demonstrations). Check out the first of my AFAA preparation posts here. And update...I passed! 

Done and done. #nowiwait 4 weeks for my results #whew #gladthatsover #afaa#fitnessinstructor

 July 17, 2013
This is a few small item, but I'm seriously still bummed that I broke my favorite sunglasses. And yes, the frame is broken as well and the lens popping out. There is no way to fix these. I've tried.

Still sad about my favorite sunglasses breaking.#cantletthemgo

July 19, 2013
My brother and I get together every so often to catch up. This occasion featured a shared snow cone.

Siblings and #snowcones! #siblinghour#letsgettheupdates

July 20, 2013
My hair is long. It's about time for me to chop it off. So I'll just go through my normal routine and think about doing something to it for a few months. And then share the updates. Examples: "hair dilemma," "back to blonde," or "Hair DYE night."

Just when I'm ready to chop it off, I change my mind. Ack! It will be gone eventually so I'll just document the long hair for now.#whatshouldidowithmyhair #chopitoff#hairhairhair #hairdecisions

July 22, 2013
I had a meeting that I had to dress up for. Then I had some problems with that I planned to wear and had to throw something together last minute. My heels are worn through, and I could not wear them for long distances. So I had to walk barefoot over HOT blacktop. Ow, ow, ow.

Blacktop is HOT! But I can only walk so far in worn out heels. #owowow #neverstandstill#movefast #theplacesmyfeethavebeen#byucampus #noparking

July 22, 2013
I finished teaching at the Lindon Community Center. It was time for me to move on, but I've loved that location. So crazy.

Packing up my fans from the Lindon Community Center. Tonight was my #lastclass there. My trunk is officially a #zumba storage space.#zumbatoning #zumbainstructor

July 30, 2013
I officially announced my business, Annesali Communications and introduced the website (annesali.com). I'm excited to move forward on it and have lots of ideas for posts and such.

Tonight I updated my business site and reviewed post topics I brainstormed last week.#annesali #mybusinessrocks #letsdothis

My Life in Instagrams—June Edition

Can you believe it's July? I know it's cliche but it's crazy how time flies. I am excited about life though and looking forward to the holiday this week.

Today I'm sharing with you the second round of "My Life in Instagrams," this time giving a little pictural update on my life through June. If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably already seen a few these, but maybe you'll enjoy a little more info about them. Enjoy.

June 1, 2013

If you know me but at all, you know I'm a slight Taylor Swift fan. OK, slight might be downplaying it a bit. OK, fine, I love her. I had awesome tickets (in the pit) for her Red concert in Salt Lake City. She may have touched my hand. I may have not washed it for a week. (I jest...promise.)

Artistic shot at #taylorswift concert. #nofilter #red #theplacesmyfeethavebeen #redslc #slcred @yepitrhymes by @kariannesali

June 6, 2013

I got certified to teach Zumbatomic (more easily known as Zumba kids) when I attended the Zumba Instructor conference in Los Angeles in February. Since I started teaching Zumba and Zumba Toning at the Provo Recreation Center, I've also had the opportunity to start teaching this fun kids class! So I added two more classes to my schedule (I currently have 8 scheduled classes a week and sub at least 2-3 as well.) I teach the 4-7 year olds and love it!

Time to start crackin! I teach my first class next Tuesday. #zumbatomic #zumbakids #zumba #instructor#kidfitness #healthyliving by @kariannesali 

June 14, 2013

This one has two parts. 1) My little brother is back from serving a two-year mission for the LDS Church (Mormons) in San Fransisco and is attending school again at Brigham Young University in Provo. It's fun to have a sibling close by again. Plus we got to kick off the outdoor summer concert season together at the  Refinement Tour featuring The Voice contestants with Utah connections: Ryan Innes, Amy Whitcomb, Midas Whale (who preformed 8 inches from our seats and includes Jon Peter Lewis from American Idol and whose solo record I love), and also the band Fictionist (not associated with The Voice). 

 

Yea, we're cool...but more than ready for this concert to start. Seriously. We're 40 minutes past the start time. by @kariannesali 

June 21, 2013

Oh yea, I quit my job. No biggie. I have a huge portfolio of samples of projects from this position. If you are interested in checking out my work, feel free. 

  

Cleaning out files and organizing. Three years. Crazy. #lastday #taketheleap by @kariannesali 

June 22, 2013

I am studying, studying, and studying. I will be taking my Group Exercise certification through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America in July. This is the next step in becoming a better instructor and also expanding what classes I'm able and qualified to teach. I hope to add more pump and sculpt classes eventually. Plus having a national certification can really make you more marketable and help you stand out from the dozens of dozens of instructors in this area. :) 

 

Studying outside is the best. Yes I'm finally studying. #afaa #fitnessinstructor #sunshine by @kariannesali 

June 29, 2013

And my nerdy self has been mourning the demise of Google Reader. Not that any of you who visit are surprised after my several posts on the subject this past week. Hey, it's been a big part of my life people. Don't judge me. 

 

Aw every time, I get a tad nostalgic. Check out www.writedreamsweat.com for what to do for life after Google Reader. #googlereader #reader #feedly #bloglovin #bloggers #howto by @kariannesali