I’d meant to post this on Friday, but was quite busy getting my bake-and-slideshow on for B-rad’s Dad’s 60th birthday soiree, which took place on Saturday (and I make a mean iMovie, if I do say so myself). The party was awesome and thankfully the weather held out all day so that everyone could have a great time. And a rainy Sunday just gave us all an excuse to hang out and revel in our cake-induced laziness.

But back to Friday. At 9 a.m., yours truly had an appointment with a personal trainer at the gym. Ah yes,the gym—that magical land of fitness and exercise that up until now, I have skillfully avoided like Amy Winehouse avoids rehab. Should I go? Yes. Did I want to? No, no, no.

And then, much to my own surprise, I decided it was time to get serious. So I headed to GoodLife for Women and became a member. Yes, Alicia McAuley is now a card-carrying member of a gym. (But fear not—as far as I know, this is not actually a sign of the apocalypse. However, if I spot any horsemen on the treadmill, I’ll let you all know ASAP.)

Friday morning I sat down with Magda, my trainer, and worked out my Personal Health Profile. Let me tell you, I was in for a shock. While I like to believe that I am comprised solely of “win” and “awesome,” it turns out that there is a significant amount of body fat in the mix. And when Magda held up a bright yellow hunk of something completely gross looking, I almost passed out when she told me just how much of it was lurking under my skin (and sadly, it’s not all located in my killer rack, as I have asserted in the past).

For about an hour, we talked about my goals, analyzed my fitness level (which wasn’t too bad, I’m happy to say) and worked out a long-term plan. It’s going to involve a significant amount of work, some major commitment, and a boatload of sweat… And while I know it’s definitely not going to be easy, I am certain that it’s going to be more than worth it when I try on The Dress for the first time. Weddings are a great motivator, no?

So, let’s talk actual weight vs. goal weight, shall we? Drum roll, please…

Current weight: 183 lbs (Srsly.)
Goal weight: 140 lbs
Time frame for reaching goal weight: One year.

All I need now is a major lifestyle change, and I’ll be good to go! (Heh… Just kidding. Baby steps.)

In addition to a little card with my name on it, the good people at GoodLife have gifted me with a new gym bag. But aside from water and runners, I have no idea what to put in it. And that brings me to my big Question of the Day: Gym-savvy ladies and gents, what are your gym bag “must haves”? Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated!

(*Yes, I went there. Bonus points if you can guess the musical reference! )