Hi friends 
How are you?? Hope you’re having a wonderful day <3
Guess who’s here to be my roadtrip buddy??
the Madre!
Today, we’re embarking on a little adventure: moving me and the puppers from Orlando to Tucson.
The original plan was to stay in Orlando until the Pilot gets home.
Well, not quite the story anymore.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Orlando. I’m more thankful than I could ever begin to describe about the amazing friendships I’ve built here, the inspirational yoga and Dance Trance classes, and my crazy love for the Orlando lululemon family.
As you guys know, not everything in my life makes it on the blog, and ever since I got here, I’ve been really unhappy.
Let me start from the beginning….
Last time the Pilot was gone for a long span of time (he was home for ten days in a three month period, after being gone fairly often the year before that- I calculated that he was home about four months total out of this whole year), a little black cloud started to creep over me. I was having so much fun with my friends in Valdosta, working out, pouring my heart into teaching/training and the blog, but as soon as I got home at the end of the day, the loneliness would take over. Many nights were spent sobbing in bed, curled up with the puppies, debating on why/how I got myself into this lifestyle. 99% of the time, I’m proud to say I’ve been really strong, but sometimes the leaving, unknown, worry and stress can become too much, even for the toughest peeps.
Then, the Pilot came home, we took a beautiful vacation and had an incredible summer together before he had to leave again. I knew I wanted to get out of Valdosta after what happened during my last time alone, and we had a big debate about whether I should go to Orlando or Tucson. I chose Orlando since it was closer and would be easier to move to, and the family that lives there kept pleading me to come to Orlando -they said the dogs and I would be fine and we would have so much fun… something in my heart was still telling me to go to Tucson. I thought I’d be ok for this deployment since I’d have work, family here, and a lot of options in Orlando. It was the *easier* choice, so I rolled with it.
With fitness, friends and my crazy travel schedule (Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Valdosta to visit friends, Tucson)…
I managed to keep my mind off things, but started to become the brunt of some very negative energy. Without going into specific incidents, the constant negativity, jabs, treatment of my dogs and personal belongings, and sarcasm eventually brought the black cloud back. Of course, there are two sides to every story, but no one in a family should ever be treated this way, especially considering the circumstances that brought me to Orlando (the Pilot doing the war thang). I was polite and respectful despite the way I was treated, paid rent, made food for the family… efforts that were clearly wasted.
When I went to Tucson for Thanksgiving, I was the happiest I’ve been in a really long time. Despite how the warm hugs from family and friends lifted my spirits, all I wanted to do was sleep while I was there. I was 100% mentally and physically exhausted and for the first time in months, I could let my guards down, relax, and when I got back to Orlando, it was evident that I could no longer stay here.
Today, my madre and I are starting our drive with the puppies back to the desert where I belong. I’m getting my own place, am hoping to transfer my job and start teaching Dance Trance classes (!), and am going to surround myself with positivity and love until the Pilot gets back.
Sometimes, life throws you curveballs. Sometimes, you get stuck in not-so-good situations. Being a military wife has made me a much stronger person, loosened up my hardcore Type A personality, and taught me to embrace change with open arms, instead of fear. I’ve become more independent and now, I’m not afraid of taking a difficult situation into my own hands and changing it.
Here are the things and people I will miss most in Orlando:
-All of my Florida blog friends, especially: Katy, Jenny, Meghann, Ashley and Erin
-My lululemon friends who taught me that it’s not always about what you do, it’s who you are. They’re a huge reason why I stayed in Orlando for as long as I did- while I was at work, I forgot about everything else that was going on and they created such a beautiful, fun haven for me to be a part of
-The yoga community- especially the classes from Rob, Kristen and Kelly <3 Taking classes here took my passion for yoga to an entirely different level.
-Elisa, the owner of Dance Trance for flipping (booty shaking?) my world upside down and making me remember how much I love to dance
-Menchi’s frozen yogurt
-Café 118
-Milennia Mall and the legendary Prime and Premium Outlets
For all of the positive things in my life and blessings I am very thankful, and am extremely thankful for all of YOU. You guys don’t know this (or maybe you do), but having the blog has lifted me up on some tough days and brought so much happiness into my life. Thank you for chasing the black cloud away <3
Since my shenanigans will be limited for the next couple of days (“Hey guys! I was in a car all day- again! Here’s a pic of another hummus and veggie sandwich”), I have some other fun things in store for the bloggy. I’ll update with road trip stuff once a day and the other post will either be a workout video (I filmed a 5 minute cardio workout), a guest post or a reader’s request
I really don’t want you guys to feel bad for me. I’m blessed in very many ways and I’m excited to blog about what this new chapter will bring, especially when I have people around me cheering me on, instead of trying to tear me down.
Tucson is full of many new and exciting adventures, some of which are already underway. Can’t wait to share the ride with you
Enjoy your day and I’ll see ya later from the road <3
xoxo
Gina
Lesson of the story: Always follow your heart, even if it isn’t the "*easiest* choice
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
Gina, you are so amazing and I hope you know that. You’re inspirational and strong and honest. Something about your posts always makes me feel better and like I can take on the world. Have fun in Tucson and have a safe and easy move. I love you (hope that’s not too creepy) and can’t wait to read more of your posts.
not creepy at all- very appreciated <3
thank you
Bless your heart. When I was first married, my husband traveled with work and was gone every other week for Sun-Friday. I was so miserable. I cannot imagine how you must feel. You put on such a happy, positive face for the blog, which is so uplifting, but I hope you can see from this post that your readers are more than supportive about your unhappy days, also. Glad you are doing what is best for you!
<3
Hi Gina, I’ve always very much enjoyed your blog since I’ve found you(about 3months ago). I have never comment but felt you needed the love
. First off im super surprised that you and I haven’t crossed paths. My husband is a PJ and we were stationed at Moody until last year when he PCS. We more than likely crossed paths a million times but never met. 
Wish we had, we have so much in common…..food, fitness, etc….. Anyway, I wanted you to know that you an awesome person and wife. Its not an easy task to be a military wife. Our men are always gone and sometimes we don’t even know if they will return home. Keep your head up, he’ll be home soon. I know many girls in T town that will embrace you with open arms and would love to hang out with you. Just let me know if you ever need a workout buddy etc and I will definitely put a few calls in for you. Maybe one day we will b stationed in the same place & we can hang. Hugs all will work out.
I totally commend you for taking control of the situation and your happiness! You are an amazingly strong person with your hubby being gone so much and Ithink you are making the best choice by going home and surrounding yourself with those who love you! I wish you nothing but the best – have a safe trip!!
It is terrible that you had to go through this. You are truly inspiring that you took such a negative situation, made a tough decision and are taking the actions to make it better. Life isnt always great and we sometimes have the ability to control it but those choices are not easy so we sometimes dont make them. You are incredibly strong! Thank you for being you.
Not like you need to be told, but you are definitely making the right decision, although I’m sure it was a hard one.
Tucson holds great things for you. I know, because you deserve it. <3
I read this post today at work on a little breakie and cried at my computer. My man has been on tour in the Middle East since July. I’ve been fine- well fine-ish, or at least I pretended to be – even to myself. Until I read your post I don’t think I had admitted to myself how hard it is on me with him gone, the worrying, the loneliness, having to do everything on my own… crying at night, not sleeping, endless evenings. I hadn’t acknowledged the dark cloud that I’ve been living in. I try to be positive, I try to focus on the good things, try to make everything else in my life perfect – I try to be the perfect momma to my golden retriever pup, try to eat perfectly clean, try to exercise like a mad woman, and in doing all these things I find people admiring me, telling me how great they think it is that I can do all these things, that I’m fine alone…..but really I’m just trying to hold on – white knuckling it – until he gets back. I do all these things in part because I like them, but in part because I can’t bear it somedays and filling my days with things makes everything easier. Reading your post made me breathe a sigh of relief, admit to myself that I AM having a hard time, and that’s ok, because my man fighting a war is HARD. On him, and on me. So, thank you sincerely for your post. Hugs to you, and I’m looking forward to reading about how life brightens for you with your family around.
hugs to YOU
it’s not easy… it’s probably one of the hardest things ever
thinking about you. hang in there, take care of yourself, do things that make you happy and know that i’m here if you ever need someone to listen or vent to
Jena & Gina,
I know exactly how you feel and it is crazy how hard it can be sometimes. I just do things to make the time go by faster, so that the time he comes home seems closer. The people around you think you are doing amazing and can’t believe how well you are holding up, but inside you feel like you’re trying to survive. Thank you for writing this, both of you. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone even though we all feel that way sometimes. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
all the best, gina!
i really admire you for doing what feels “right” in your heart. and so interesting that tucson felt “right,” initially. thanks for the lesson in following our vibes!
wishing you much happiness as you settle in back at “home.”
i really admire your positive outlook and strength. have a safe, fun trip!
I can’t politely comment on how you were treated; unreal.I just know you made the right move. Yay for mamas!! Be safe. My prayers are with you all.
thank you friend <3
hope to see you in january when i’m there for jeni’s shower! i’ll keep you updated
xoxo
I admire you! I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. I wish you good luck on your new adventure! I’m sure things will be great in Tucson with your family! <3
You are beautiful, strong, inspiring, and empowered. It’s so amazing that you can accept a feeling of unhappiness and actually take action to translate it into a situation that suits you better and will make you happier! I think I can speak for all of your readers when I say we are so glad you are not accepting anything but being the happiest you can be. I’m sure one day when you’re with the Pilot and your (future) kiddies, you will look back on all of this with a smile- proud that you got through it all with grace, but also with honesty to your true feelings. Life is too short to be anything but happy.
i couldn’t agree more
thank you!
Wishing you all the best, Gina! <3 <3 <3
wait your own family was treating you poorly?!?!?! that’s awful! It seemed like you had a good relationship with your aunts and cousins there…..what changed?I wish you all the best in your new situation! You deserve to have a happy holiday surrounded by people who love and care and are considerate to you and your pups (<- how cud anyone mistreat those cute little things
)
Safe travels!! Good for you for doing FOR YOU. (makes more sense when said aloud)
If you’re still in the market for things to help bide the time in the car (besides flashing truckers, naturally), I think you would love the “Dinner party download,” an iTunes podcast produced by some folks from NPR. It is hilarious. It has a joke, a history lesson, a cocktail, a guest of honor, a foodie newsbit, and a song for each episode. I highly recommend it!
that suonds amazing!
Good luck with your cross country trip! It’s hard to make those decisions especially when family is involved. Give the pilot a big thank you also! You guys rock!
I thought I was imagining it but you did seem slightly different after the move.
I know, I’ve mentioned it on here and Twitter before but I’ve been there. A couple of years ago I moved to be with the then Boyfriend (now Husband) in the Rockies. I love my job here. I love my hubby. And I love the puppy we acquired here.
But at nights – when I don’t feel like doing much – I realize I’ve lost myself. I continue to fight to find myself away. Thankfully I’m getting there.
And just to add a glimmer of hope in the horizon, we’re looking at transferring. It won’t happen overnight but we’ll get there.
Point is, in the end you have to do what’s right for you. And go where you are happy. Because if your heart isn’t soaring than what good is it.
Happy travels amiga!
thank you <3
thinking of you and let me know if you ever need to vent
Aww, sweetie, this makes me sad yet happy. I’m sad that you went through a really rough patch when your husband’s out there serving. My husband in the Air Force is on a long TDY right now and any sort of negativity really brings me down. Do what makes you happy & flee that negativity.
I’ve read this twice and each time it really spoke to me. I’m glad you’re making the right decision for you! Sometimes in life you have to go through these types of situations and it only makes you appreciate your life more once you’ve made it through. I hope from here on out, you can stay in positive situations until the pilot comes home.
You are in my thoughts friend…always!!!
Safe travels. And I know this chapter of your life will be filled with happiness!!!!
xoxo
Thank you for sharing your story and best of luck with your travels and new home! I am looking forward to the next chapter
I’m sorry to hear about this bad experience, it sounds as though you’ve done the very best and then some that you could. Safe travels to a happier place.
Hugs from your new blend missing you in Orlando
and I know for sure you would be happier in Tuscon 
best of luck dear and hope to meet up again!
Gina i just thought you should know what a difference you and your blog makes in many peoples lives..i look forward to getting out of bed so i can read it and you inspire me so much. You deserve to be happy and good on you for walking away from the negative energy …you are a wonderful person
Gina, I am so sorry for all that you have gone through. I wish you all the happiness in Tuscon.
Ever since i found your bog, i visit daily and am always inspired by your energy and outlook. Transitions in life are so so tough and you’ve been so strong and good about seeing the upside to everything!
On another note, Have you thought about doing a degree in holistic/ integrative nutrition to be a reg/certified clinical nutritionist, while working part time at lulu/ and in yoga&fitness? Many RCNs have blogs and you obviously already have such a huge following- more importantly your advice is always so great and more importantly personal and fun- a lot of us are so inspired by it. Food for thought.
Wherever life takes you, don’t compromise what you want and keep on doing what your doing because its amazing!
Gina,
As I was reading through the comments I kept stumbling upon people who have read your blog, but never commented, and I said hey! That’s me!
I don’t know how I haven’t commented yet but I’ve been reading your blog for such a long long time, and it’s my favorite. ( I guess whenever I go to comment I feel a little like a creeper 
haha) You are such an uplifting and inspiring person, and I’m glad you aren’t letting this get you down. It’s easy in life to let that “black cloud” hover around you but I’m glad you’re kicking it’s booty outta there. Stay positive, I know you’ll have a great time in Tucson. Enjoy the rest of your drive with your momma and the pups. You are a beautiful person honey! Stay strong.
Hi Gina – I’ve been stalking your blog now for quite some time, but just wanted to say that I respect your strength so much! It’s hard to pack up and start over – but, with every new adventure, comes many new successes! There is not a doubt in my mind that you will make the most of your new home – Congrats on moving forward
Gina, you are a class act. You embody one of my favorite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Safe travels and best wishes for the next chapter – it will be a bright one
I’ve heard the saying that adversity doesn’t build character, it’s your character that defines how you react to it. Without knowing any of the details, this sounds much better for you. Wishing you much happiness!!
I’m sorry that you experienced negativity (with your family of all people) but am so happy for you that you do have options and you do have people that love you. Yayyy for your mom roadtripping with you. I hope that you guys have so much fun!
Thank you for sharing this, Gina. You really are inspirational. Life will be so much sweeter now. Wishing you, the Pilot and the puppers all the very best.
Sorry- I am a little behind! So glad you’re making the move!! I have SO much respect for the wives and families of men in the military. I don’t think people realize how much the families have to sacrifice too.
You are such a brave blogger. I know that posts like this can be really hard! I hope the move goes extraordinarily well and I’m really happy for you that you’re making a tough choice that will ultimately make you happier.
I’m sorry you had to go through some mumbo jumbo but best wishes for your new adventure!! You seem to have taken it all in stride, both the good and the not-so-good!
Gina, I am SO proud of you for having the guts to say, you know what? this isn’t working…. and proactively working to better the situation. GOOD FOR YOU for leaving an unhappy situation even if it isn’t the most “convenient.” Life isn’t always convenient, but happiness is worth all the convenience in the world.
And truly, thank you for sacrificing your time with your husband so that he can serve our country. It’s the spouses of these brave men and women who so often go unthanked and I just want you to know that I realize it’s tough for you too – probably more so.
This post really cheered me up. Odd, maybe, but I just love hearing about people following their hearts. <3
God bless you and best wishes. Seeing that your life isn’t perfect makes me like reading your blog all the more.
Hang Tough
I am so glad to hear that you are making the change. Far too many people stay in places, relationships, friendships etc that aren’t healthy for them. You don’t need to be treated in that manor!
I’m glad you posted the last comment – “Always follow your heart, even if it isn’t the “*easiest* choice.” I am having troubles with a friend who won’t come visit all the time (we’re 3 hours apart), because I want to see my boyfriend(6 hours apart). This has happened before and I have a bad feeling that the friendship won’t be the same anymore. Your post showed me it’s ok to go against making other people happy – for your own sanity, health and well being. Thanks Gina! Hope you’re road trip is going well!
It might be an Orlando curse, I feel like everyone is leaving! I’m in Orlando and have been for entirely too long. Are you loving it in Tucson? I’m skeptical of ‘the grass is always greener’ mentality, like your title says, but for you it seems to be true, so that’s encouraging