First Study Group

So I had my first study group tonight for my PHR/SPHR exam (still don't know which I'm going to take). I've got to say, I was really impressed. The organizer was actually organized, and the participants actually seemed intelligent! I know that should be an expectation, but after finishing my bachelors degree a couple of years ago, I realized that pretty much anybody can get a degree. The biggest battle is showing up. We had so many people in my cohort who seemed (to me) barely literate, yet they got the same degree I did. I was astounded. They just showed up week after week and the professors passed them. Granted, they didn't pass with a great GPA, but it makes me sick to think about all of the work I did (and the little they did)....and yet they are now "degreed" just as I am.

I was afraid that this group might be similar, but they really seemed on the ball and serious about the process, I'm excited about working with all of them.

Now the big decision: Which exam to take. I'm still torn. I have until sometime in March to decide, though. I'm going to try to take some sample tests for both exams and see how I do.

What's the Plan, Man?

This week starts my first week of PHR/SPHR study groups. They are Mondays and Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. I'm aware that this could be a potential threat to my workouts, so I'm planning my workouts in advance so that I know what I'm going to do and I'm going to get it done. I'm a night exerciser, so I will do them on Mondays and Wednesday around 8:30 - 9:00 p.m. That's late even for me, but I'd rather do that than get up in the morning to do it (well, for now). In order to have time to get my studying in, I *might* get up an hour early to do that. I just think it will be easier for me to study than to exercise in the mornings. I'm mentally sharper in the mornings. I just don't feel like working out then.

Here's the plan for this week:

Monday (tonight) - Firm Fat Blaster (AKA Tri-Trainer All Cardio)

Tuesday - Slim in 6 Burn it Up

Wednesday - Firm Volume 5 (I can't remember what the re-name was)

Thursday - Slim Series Mix it Up

Friday - Aerobic Body Shaping (TransFirmer) w/Allie

Saturday - Project You Full Body Circuit

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind. I just wanted to get a schedule established so that I don't have to think about it later.

Am I out of my mind?!?!

I just signed up for a three-month study group for the purpose of taking the SPHR (Senior Professional of Human Resources) certification. Honestly, I'm not sure what came over me. I knew that someday I wanted to get this certification, but I figured it was 2 or 3 years down the road. Then I saw the study courses that the local chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) was having (twice a week, 2 hours a session, for 3 months), and I hurried up and signed up before I could change my mind! OY!

The thing is, I probably should take the PHR (which is a lower level of the SPHR), but I figured "what the heck...go for the gold!" I'm starting to think I'm certifiable....for real!

I know I'm going to have to spend an insane amount of time studying for this. However, I'm committing to myself (and to whomever reads this), that I will not waver from my workouts and I will continue to journal my food. That's of the utmost importance. As much as I want to get this certification, I want to get fit more.

I'm excited about starting this, but I am scared that I'm in a little over my head! I just looked at some study questions, and I didn't know any of the answers. Hope those books come fast! The testing window is May 1st through June 30th.