Sergeant Tony's Blog

I’ve seen it at least a dozen times. It always makes me smile! Every time! The first few times I had tears in my eyes and just smiled from ear to ear with this big goofy grin on my big, handsome, noble, wonderful looking face!

And now, all these times later, I’m still smiling.

No one is telling a joke.

No one is falling down.

No one is singing off key.

No one’s “draws” are falling down and showing their underpanties.

No one is getting … uh … hit in the privates … with a bat, a ball, a stick, or an anything.

No one is getting a pie shoved in their face.

No, this video would never be considered for America’s Funniest Home Videos.

This is a video of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz, along with their closest friends … dancing down the aisle at their wedding to Chris Brown’s “Forever.” It’s probably likely that you’ve seen this. Jill and Kevin have been on the Today Show, People Magazine, and tons of other news outlets since their wedding. It’s a YouTube sensation!

And now they’ve reached the pinnacle … honorable mention in this newsletter!

It’s the joy!

That’s what makes me watch it over and over again … and makes me smile. It’s the joy! Those people are happy … they’re having fun … and they are full of joy! (And the song is pretty good too!)

I don’t know Jill and Kevin … but I wish I did! I like those two knuckleheads! They took an occasion that is so often sickeningly pretentious and full of itself, or so over the top, or so stilted and somber, or so liturgically sanitized and turned it into an occasion of great joy and gladness!

Now before I get hate mail, let me be clear, I don’t mean to put down anyone’s religious tradition or practice, or anyone’s interpretation of holy writ, dogma, creed or confession. And if “serious and somber and worshipful” are your canonical, ecclesiastical, or denominational approaches to a wedding, that’s perfectly fine! But the next time I’m invited to one … I sure hope it’s like Jill and Kevin’s! Fun, happy, … and full of joy! (Turns out that Jill and Kevin are just as married as Prince Charles and Lady Dianna were!)

But this isn’t about that.

This is about joy.

What brings you joy?

What makes you grin uncontrollably? Who are the “joy-agents” in your life? Who, just by their mere presence, brings joy into your life and the situation you’re in?

There are some people in my life who I just can’t get enough of! They are fun, well adjusted, and flood lights of joy and happiness! Some of them are YOU!

If you’re a grump, day in and day out, just know this, people are probably only tolerating you. If you’re a Negative Nellie, people don’t long for your company or hope you’ll call. If you’re a moody beotch, people aren’t looking for ways to spend more time with you. They’re trying to avoid you. If you’re a stuffed-shirt-blow-hard-know-it-all-jerk, more than likely you’re just being tolerated. And perhaps that’s ok with you. Maybe you don’t mind that. But I bet you do.

If you’re positive, happy, looking for the best, looking for the light, willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, tolerant, patient, and full of joy … you’ll attract the world to you.

Need proof?

I just watched Jill and Kevin’s wedding entrance … again! And I’m not alone. The count is approaching two million times that it’s been viewed! Two million times people have watched a five minute video of strangers dancing down an aisle … just because it’s so much FUN!! And when Jill comes down the aisle, you just can’t help yourself! You cheer for and root for this couple!!

Find a way to change your view of the world. It might require a relationship overhaul. It might mean a new career. It might mean a drastic change in your circumstances. It might mean sitting down and talking to a counselor. Or it might just mean readjusting your gaze … looking for the light instead of the darkness. Search for ways to spread more joy and happiness around you! Be a joy-agent! It’ll come back to you, a hundred fold!

And you know what … being healthy and fit play a HUGE role in that world view, that self image, and that sense of happiness and joy!

Thanks Jill and Kevin! You guys rock! May you live a life with as much joy as your wedding day has given to us!

“Because we only got one life … ”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8DCt3Lmi28

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MOUNT FUJI

Tomorrow morning at 0530 we’ll be climbing the mountain! See you at the parking garage on Zach Curlin, on the campus of the U of M. Bring your dumbbells, mat, water bottle and towel!

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ANNIVERSARY DISCOUNT!

Every August the initial enlistment fee is discounted in celebreation of our anniversary! If you have cheap friends or family, tell them that NOW would be the BEST time to join USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP!

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0645 and 0830 Class Info

8:30 Class Returns in September. The 0645 class WILL NOT go on hiatus at the end of August. I’ve heard you, 0645 Boot Campers … maybe we’ll keep the class?

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HALF MARATHON TRAINING

Half Marathon Training begins on Saturday, September 5 at 8 AM at Shelby Farms!

If you can run/jog/walk 3 miles in 36 minutes or less, you are a candidate! It’s easier than you think! Every year half of the members of this training group are new and have never run a half marathon!

Cost of the three month training is $75 for Boot Campers and $125 for “friends of Boot Camp” (non-boot campers).

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Don’t smoke.
Drink in moderation.
Eat sensibly and less.
Exercise often.
Don’t quit!
No excuses. Ever!
To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
Memphis, TN
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com