It’s time for another get-to-know Coach Debbie post!

•   What time do you wake up each day?   Pre-dawn, which is 4:15am on weekdays.  It’s so worth it!  I lead a group workout at 5:30am at my house and it brings me such joy to have these awesome women exercising and fellowshipping.  It also makes me want to nap by 1:00pm.
• What are your favorite ways to unwind?  Laundry and dishes.  That’s a lie.  Watching episodes of “The Office,” sunbathing, planning vacations.
• When did you start exercising regularly?  I did not grow up being “active,” so wanting to exercise started without the “want to.”  I had attempted (and failed) for several years before my ultra-tight pants changed my mind.  I started exercising consistently about 4 or 5 years ago.  It’s more of a habit now, but it still requires me making that appointment with myself.
• Favorite kitchen contraptions?  Scissors to make salads quickly, huge pots to cook in bulk, and a mini wire whisk for hot cocoa.
• What are your pet peeves with facebook?  I love facebook but some posts make me cringe.  I do not like selfies with: (1) pouting lips, (2) a bathroom setting, or (3) a car setting.  You’re pretty, we get it.

• What’s it like to have 4 boys in 4 years?  Easy as pie.  Being a mom was never my plan.  I’m not a “kid person.”  Having a cluster of kids is nice because they play together and are in similar stages overall.   They are a rowdy bunch and I try to prevent public outings because I become a lunatic.
• Do your kids eat perfectly?  Not even close.  It’s my weakness.  I’m still in ‘survivor mode’ a lot as I adjust to widowhood and being a working mom, so I fall prey to convenience often.  It’s on my to-do list.
• What are your favorite workout moves?  Other than living room dance parties, I really like deadlifts because I like how they get the booty and hamstrings; for these I can lift ultra-heavy which is empowering.  I like doing upper body work.
• What are your least favorite workout moves?  I have to really gear up for leg workouts as that is my weak area.  It’s a constant pep-rally in my mind as I do each move.  I have jacked-up hips, thanks to constantly reproducing, so I have a lot of limitations.
• Do you have a favorite book?  I don’t really have time to read anymore so I focus on the Bible.  Back in the day I read a lot and love “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness” and “Crazy Love.”
• What do you eat for breakfast?  Pie.  Chocolate pie.  I wish.  I’m a creature of habit, so I eat 2 chicken & turkey sausages with onions and peppers, and half a cup of berries.  On weekends I often make Coach Kate’s Blueberry Pancakes.
• If you weren’t in the fitness industry, what other occupations would you consider?  I was a school teacher, but learned I don’t really enjoy being around kids.  I love what I do now!  Dream jobs are being a DJ, travel agent, or creating elementary education curriculum units.  Or a professional sunbather.  Or the people who give opinions about commercials before airing them.
• Do you have a favorite game?  Do I ever!  It’s called “Pretend You’re in a Mental Institution.”  You must be in a public setting (restaurants and Wal-Mart are ideal).  You pretend (with a friend) that you’re inside the mental ward and everyone is crazy.  It’s so fun and easy
• How do you feel about people asking you about your late husband?  Everyone handles grief SO differently.  I am very open to talking about Aaron and 99% of all that it entails.  I prefer people asking REAL questions over the awkward silence.  I don’t get offended easily.  Granted, there have been comments or questions made that took all of my self-control to not punch people in the throat, but overall I like that I get the opportunity to talk about him.
• What are your thoughts on dating as a widowed mom?  It’s creepy and weird.  There was a lot of guilt and a hodgepodge of emotions.  I kept my relationship quiet for many months.  Let’s just say I am happy and things are great.  Really great.  Stay tuned.

• What do you love best about Momsanity?  Oh, I love the encouragement because all moms deserve that.  I also love hearing how women’s lives are changing as they get healthier and more confident!  Coach Kate and Coach Emily are just amazing.  Like robot-amazing.  They work hard, pray often, encourage daily, and we have extreme unity.
• Fill us in on Coach Emily.  Her house is always clean (no matter what she tells you) and she always has about 30 tabs open on her computer.  She is very laid-back and extremely ambitious.

There you go.  Until next time…