Maybe I would post more if it was closer....
gotta' change that!!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Pitbull Story....very cute
I ran into a big Pit Bull last night, outside of the Mini Mart on the way home from class. Now I can see what all the media hype is about. It was TERRIFYING...He was hanging out with his owner in front of the store, a few folks ahead of me gave him PLENTY of space as they walked to the door. Their swift maneuvers surely saved them from severe injuries, whew! I wasn't so lucky. It must have been a big gust of wind or a lapse in judgement from my paralyzing fear - but I got too close to him, somehow I ended up right NEXT to him...Then it happened: he LICKED my hand, assaulting me with his saliva. His tail was moving side to side quickly, like some sort of deadly whip. Then, he laid down on the ground and showed his belly.Thinking quickly and of my survival, I scratched his tummy. One of his rear legs started moving in a circular motion - obviously, he was trying MAUL me. He got up, and then rubbed his side against my leg. I think he was trying to knock me down so he could EAT me alive. I don't know how I escaped his wrath, but I did. I look at life differently now, having survived my experience with the dreaded Pit Bull . Be careful out there, people.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Weekend * Horseback Riding, Gardening & Hay
| Went horseback riding...at Midewein Natural Forest Preserve. What a wonderful ride we had...it started out HOT and HUMID. The wind luckily was blowing, looked like a storm brewing, our timing was great because as we were coming to the trailer and it started raining. We didn't even mind, as it cooled us all off. Our place is not without MAINTAINENCE.....just pulling the weeds alone on a weekly basis is so time consuming, the mowing alone is usually Chad's job. |
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Dog, Cat, Rat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85yrIgA4Nk&feature=related
This is an amazing video. Cesar Milan would be proud!!! Big old mean Rottie! {lol} What a wonderful dog!!! That cat makes me laugh with a rat riding around on it...then licking it???
This is an amazing video. Cesar Milan would be proud!!! Big old mean Rottie! {lol} What a wonderful dog!!! That cat makes me laugh with a rat riding around on it...then licking it???
Friday, April 11, 2008
April Already? Where have I been?
I cannot believe at all that it is April 11th, 2008!! It's been raining for several days and the weekend calls for rain as well. So, my dog walking has been brought to a halt. I just haven't brought myself to exercise them in the rain. A couple weeks ago, we had a decent day...and Chad suggested we take the horses out for a short ride. {remember that Phoenix is dealing with suspensory ligament issues in all four legs} The ride went well, Phoenix's attitude was wonderful...but I could see his head dropping down every time he stepped his left front foward. Well, a few weeks went by ~ Deb and I rode the horses April 8th, it was way too much for Phoenix and he was limping noticbly, so I wrapped him in cold wraps and gave him some bute. He was remarkedly better in two days! I would really like to purchase another horse that is dead-broke like Phoenix....and SMOOTH TOO!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Jossee Ears Up
This photo makes me laugh, our Weim is 10 now...she acts like she's 3. We took her on our trip to Wisconsin, snowmobiling. Chad even had her ride on the snowmobile with him. {{I think that photo was taken with a disposable!}} Sooo...cute.
Our First Competition
Ok...I just had to post some photos of our first 35 years and up Master's Womens Bodybuilding Comp. Trying to reclaim my page....I'm in competition with our Pitbull.Thursday, March 6, 2008
Corona ~ What a character!!
Well, you have to realize that Corona just got done "zooming" around and then jumped on my bed and "froze" ....just staring at me. I'm sure Cesar could "translate" what exactly she was doing by this action. I think she was just trying to entice me to play with her!!! It was amazing to me ~ that she held still for this long...and I had to run to get the camera.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Bike with Dogs ~ Springer Dog Walker Attachment
Note: the red and blue attachments do not come with the Springer Dog Walker. I need something more "secure" ...the original attachment comes with a "quick" release made of plastic. I do not agree with that....I would rather have my dogs attached to the bike...even if we crash.
Walking Dogs on a COLD day...YUCK.
If I had my way about it...we'd live in SanDiego! Dog walking and horse back riding all year long!!! My hubby, wouldn't get to do alot of snowmobiling ~
OK...this is what we looked like yesterday... And really that's nothing compared to getting ready for a bike ride, two dogs, two harnesses, two collars, two leashes....one me....! Oh, let's not even mention if I decide to put 8 boots on dog paws.....HELP!!!
I'm convinced most people don't really know what dogs truly need. I didn't ~ not until AFTER seeing Cesar's work with people & dogs. OMG....what an awakening! He's one person I'd like to meet....as well as Oprah.
OK...this is what we looked like yesterday... And really that's nothing compared to getting ready for a bike ride, two dogs, two harnesses, two collars, two leashes....one me....! Oh, let's not even mention if I decide to put 8 boots on dog paws.....HELP!!!
I'm convinced most people don't really know what dogs truly need. I didn't ~ not until AFTER seeing Cesar's work with people & dogs. OMG....what an awakening! He's one person I'd like to meet....as well as Oprah.
Corona is wearing me out
Ok...not to "put that out there in the Universe" ...but it's true. This dog has more energy than I know what to do with. If I was smart....I'd start running, she'd be a great running companion.
I really need some MORE time or better yet...help with exercising her.
I really need some MORE time or better yet...help with exercising her.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Acupuncture - Cupping - Scraping
Had a unique appointment last night. We were going to go with the "Pattern 3" treatment consisting of the deep insertion of the needles in my hips, and back...prefferably to the bone. But, upon my curiousity...as we had been talking about cupping and scraping my back and shoulder area...we decided to go on with that.
Gua sha involves scraping the skin with smooth, pressured strokes. Doctors apply a lubricant to the skin and use a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin. My doctor used a piece of buffalo horn to scrape long stroke on my upper shoulders {trap areas}, middle back and lower back.
“Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a ‘reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash’ (aka petechiae).
Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is onetechnique that intentionally raises Sha rash or petechiae.
In Vietnam the technique is called Cao Yio, in Indonesia: Kerik, in Laos: Khoud Lam.
Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain whether associated with an acute or chronic disorder. . There may be aching, tenderness and/or aknotty feeling in the muscles.
Palpation reveals Sha when normal finger pressure on a patient’s skin causes blanching that is slow to fade. In addition to resolvingmusculo skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorderinvolving pain, congestion of Qi and Blood.”
How cupping works
Acupuncturists use cupping for specific problems in the flow of qi. Cupping disperses and moves qi by exerting suction and pressure. Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within. For instance, cupping is used to treat lung infections and colds, because it is believed that the suction disperses and energizes the qi that has become blocked and stagnated in the lungs. Cups can also pull out "wind-cold" that in Chinese medicine is believed to cause lung infections.
Modern cups are made of strong glass. The cup is placed directly on the skin to create vacuum by using pumps to achieve the proper suction. Often, the skin inside the cup visibly rises. Cupping is generally a painless procedure.
Scraping first then the cupping....
A lubricant with cayenne pepper and Other "stuff" is put on the skin, you are scraped with the buffalo horn, glass cups are suctioned to you, creates a heat...blood draws to the surface, the cups taken off, your skin pricked with a needle, cups re-suctioned to that area...blood and toxins drawn out.
I feel better than I have in years....I'm NOT STIFF at all in the morning, hip is remarkedly better, shoulders {traps} are considerably less tight....can't remember my last headache!!! I'm DOING this again!!! I'm sold on it!!!
Gua sha involves scraping the skin with smooth, pressured strokes. Doctors apply a lubricant to the skin and use a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin. My doctor used a piece of buffalo horn to scrape long stroke on my upper shoulders {trap areas}, middle back and lower back.
“Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a ‘reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash’ (aka petechiae).
Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is onetechnique that intentionally raises Sha rash or petechiae.
In Vietnam the technique is called Cao Yio, in Indonesia: Kerik, in Laos: Khoud Lam.
Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain whether associated with an acute or chronic disorder. . There may be aching, tenderness and/or aknotty feeling in the muscles.
Palpation reveals Sha when normal finger pressure on a patient’s skin causes blanching that is slow to fade. In addition to resolvingmusculo skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorderinvolving pain, congestion of Qi and Blood.”
How cupping works
Acupuncturists use cupping for specific problems in the flow of qi. Cupping disperses and moves qi by exerting suction and pressure. Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within. For instance, cupping is used to treat lung infections and colds, because it is believed that the suction disperses and energizes the qi that has become blocked and stagnated in the lungs. Cups can also pull out "wind-cold" that in Chinese medicine is believed to cause lung infections.
Modern cups are made of strong glass. The cup is placed directly on the skin to create vacuum by using pumps to achieve the proper suction. Often, the skin inside the cup visibly rises. Cupping is generally a painless procedure.
Scraping first then the cupping....
A lubricant with cayenne pepper and Other "stuff" is put on the skin, you are scraped with the buffalo horn, glass cups are suctioned to you, creates a heat...blood draws to the surface, the cups taken off, your skin pricked with a needle, cups re-suctioned to that area...blood and toxins drawn out.
I feel better than I have in years....I'm NOT STIFF at all in the morning, hip is remarkedly better, shoulders {traps} are considerably less tight....can't remember my last headache!!! I'm DOING this again!!! I'm sold on it!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Chiropractor ~ Acupuncture ~ Horseback riding
Hey, haven't posted in awhile....I'm really ready for winter to be over and I can start riding my horses again. My workout buddy is gone on vacation for the next two weeks....ironically she is my new riding buddy....I'm anxious for the riding season to be upon us so I can get these horse into shape!
Had the best acupuncture "session" yet...he's really relieving the pain in my hip and it seems more centered and not so forward. I can actually lift my leg up without so much pain. He mentioned he'd like to "get me well enough" to get on the treadmill. { Little does he know I've been lifting a few times a week} Ummm...maybe I'm not giving him enough credit...he probably knows my how tight my muscles have been.
The doctor basically "prescribed" Yoga, for me and I like it. I really don't count that as calorie burning exercise. I categorize it as beneficial to my well being.
I guess the process of me being the best me I can be is gonna' take a little longer than I thought.
Until later....
Had the best acupuncture "session" yet...he's really relieving the pain in my hip and it seems more centered and not so forward. I can actually lift my leg up without so much pain. He mentioned he'd like to "get me well enough" to get on the treadmill. { Little does he know I've been lifting a few times a week} Ummm...maybe I'm not giving him enough credit...he probably knows my how tight my muscles have been.
The doctor basically "prescribed" Yoga, for me and I like it. I really don't count that as calorie burning exercise. I categorize it as beneficial to my well being.
I guess the process of me being the best me I can be is gonna' take a little longer than I thought.
Until later....
Thursday, February 14, 2008
For the love of Horses
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.
~ Winston Churchill
In my opinion, a horse is the animal to have. Eleven-hundred pounds of raw muscle, power, grace, and sweat between your legs - it's something you just can't get from a pet hamster
~ Winston Churchill
In my opinion, a horse is the animal to have. Eleven-hundred pounds of raw muscle, power, grace, and sweat between your legs - it's something you just can't get from a pet hamster
Mazatlan, Mexico and my hubby
Just wanted to post a photo of my hubby...what a hottie.
We just got done with a 14 mile "hike" and were headed up the small mountain to the lighthouse in Mazatlan, Mexico. Well, it's more than a hill and not quite a mountain..lol. It was HOT that day!
Joss our 10 year old Weimaraner
Sad Jossee....this is what I see when I leave in the morning.
"stop yanking your ears down girl" you make ME sad.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Chiropractor and Acupuncture
It's the bright spot in my day! It's been a good week and half since I've been ~ I'm interested in hearing from others who have had success with acupuncture!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Top 3 Master Women
My very good friend, Teri..in the middle...
Me on the right
My first show...not too bad
Oh the things I would change though!
Pictures from the past, I'm the middle "shortie" on the right
Too bad there's not a height class and a weight class.
I never really knew I was THAT short.
Snowmobiling, coughs, and contacts
My husband left on another snowmobiling trip...not sure when he'll be back. Usually, I go crazy cleaning the house while he's gone. Most often, the first night he leaves I have a difficult time sleeping....and it happened again last night....didn't get much sleep at all. I try not to anticipate it...{having a difficult time sleeping} but it happened none-the-less. Well, it's cold....I've got to get wood for the woodburner...and keep those stalls clean for the horses! I'm tired of winter!
My cough is still lingering...
Unfortunately, I wear contacts and just ordered two pairs of glasses. One really pretty pair and one pair that will darken so I can wear them outside in the summer, giving my eyes a break from the contacts. I was just fitted with a different brand of soft lens....I don't think I'm happy with them at all!!!
My cough is still lingering...
Unfortunately, I wear contacts and just ordered two pairs of glasses. One really pretty pair and one pair that will darken so I can wear them outside in the summer, giving my eyes a break from the contacts. I was just fitted with a different brand of soft lens....I don't think I'm happy with them at all!!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
My son's 21st Birthday today!!
I'm so proud of him! Joining the ARMY and excelling in it! Tim just got back from California from training. He says he's got alot of photos to show me....I can't wait to hear all his stories!
Friday, February 8, 2008
What sort of Journal is this?
It's was supposed to be a little bit more about me, but as you can see the dogs are a very big part of my life. I actually see and spend more time with them than my daughter or my husband and definately...they are with me more than my horses.
Looks like I should dedicate this Blog to Corona, what on earth did I do with my time before she came in our lives.
Looks like I should dedicate this Blog to Corona, what on earth did I do with my time before she came in our lives.
Corona the Showdown
Corona vs. Me ...would Ceasar be proud???
Ok...this might seem a little boring to the "non-dog" person....but if you are truly a dog-lover, you'll understand. I actually go thru this little scenario almost every morning. When just 3 short years ago...I didn't have this little "stinker" in my life and life was a bit easier. She's not even MY dog! Well......I LOVE HER!!!.....I thinks that's obvious. She's my daughter's dog, Corona...loves us all. But she knows who gets up and let's them out, feeds them, and provides them with some exercise and fun! Now, Chad does contribute SOME and Tiana does as well.....but we are all very aware that this ONE LITTLE DOG...NEEDS to run.....it is essential to her mental well being!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Jossee and Corona {our 20 mile bike ride}
Our 20 mile bike ride! {Not much if you are a human...but if you are a dog...it's quite a hike}If I had my way about it...we'd live in a warmer climate and bike all the time. I use something called a Springer dog walker, to enable the dogs to be harness to the frame of my bike. I also use prong collars with leashes attached and loosely held in my hands, while I hold onto the bike handles. Ummm...we've only crashed twice and it was JOSSEE'S fault. She has not been known for her intelligence. What she lacks in that department she makes up for with her BIG heart. Corona KNOWS right and left...and I say "whoa" to stop at stop signs. We've been doing this for 2.5 years and Jossee is still clueless. Well, on Jossee's behalf....Corona and I were focused on going straight and Joss...went right...and the back tire hit a slick spot. { It was November in Illinois and we were riding thru the grass } WE HAD to EXERCISE THAT DAY....as we humans were having a large party and the canines needed to be calm and TIRED.
4 Pounds off!
Oh...I'm so happy! I've lost a few pounds...hopefully ALL bodyfat and not muscle. I've been off the weight lifting for about 2 weeks now. It's very discouraging, as I was on a roll and very motivated...ready to get in the best shape of my life. But I'm not gonna' let it get me down, because I have alot of confidence in the chiropractor/acupuncturist I'm seeing...he's helped me more in 4 visits than some have with a year of visits.
This "cold" is lingering....how very frustrating to feel exhausted and not have exercised. Feeling drained after cleaning a horse stall.....pitiful!!!
Tell ya', what feels good though.....drinking a protein drink made with ice and skim milk...it could pass for ice cream to me right now. I do feel it has been key to shedding a couple excess pounds.
This "cold" is lingering....how very frustrating to feel exhausted and not have exercised. Feeling drained after cleaning a horse stall.....pitiful!!!
Tell ya', what feels good though.....drinking a protein drink made with ice and skim milk...it could pass for ice cream to me right now. I do feel it has been key to shedding a couple excess pounds.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Corona's Close up...
Yeah...you could say she's the center of our household. Shhh....but don't tell our 10 year old Weimaraner...it would hurt her feelings.
The dogs love to run around and "help" me feed horses in the morning. I DON'T enjoy it when it's muddy out though...they must stay inside.
This dog knows she's getting her photo taken.....
Just say, "Give me the belly" and Corona will hit this position!
Harpole's Heartland Lodge
http://www.heartlandlodge.com/illinois-vacation-getaways.html
This is the bed and breakfast that we go to in May for the May Paso Fino Ride! It's a wonderful place, very cozy and they feed you very well! Oh...it's worth going just for the comfy beds! Truly luxurious sheets and comforters to jump in after a long day in the saddle. Treat yourself to a suite with a whirlpool jacuzzi in it to really pamper ones body after hours of riding! There's not much better in life to me!
This is the bed and breakfast that we go to in May for the May Paso Fino Ride! It's a wonderful place, very cozy and they feed you very well! Oh...it's worth going just for the comfy beds! Truly luxurious sheets and comforters to jump in after a long day in the saddle. Treat yourself to a suite with a whirlpool jacuzzi in it to really pamper ones body after hours of riding! There's not much better in life to me!
Cross Fit....will I ever JUMP IN???
I'm very intrigued by Crossfit and would love to join them in the ranks of the athletes they have there.
I would LOVE to construct a workout area like theirs in my barn! Click on "Cross Fit..." in the title and be directed to their homepage! Check it out.
I would LOVE to construct a workout area like theirs in my barn! Click on "Cross Fit..." in the title and be directed to their homepage! Check it out.
Corona our American Staffordshire Terrier!
Doesn't she look like a LION or a BLACK PANTHER?? I absolutely love this dog. It's amazing how much one "little" dog can add to your life. Corona is so intelligent and high energy...she's contagious! Yes...she's on the leather furniture! At approx. 55lbs this little girl thinks she's much smaller than what she is. I have plans of teaching her weight pulling...she's 3 years old now...it's never too late to learn. She loves to work...in fact Corona and our Weim, Jossee adore biking with me.
Hardwood Floors
Ok....I just wanted to post a photo of my husband's work....I'm so proud of him. His custom hardwood floor work is absolutely stunning....and if I may brag....he is very sought after in our county and surrounding areas!
Sickness...
How very frustrating, seems as though when you are making attempts to get your life in order...the Devil has other plans. Friday and Saturday night I ran a fever...God only knows how high it was. I swear I was delirious...seeing shadows in my house and it was night time!!! Called in sick on Monday, I was just drained from coughing and the fever....
I could have called in today as well and thought nothing of it....I feel exhausted. To say the least, I haven't worked out.
Ok....it's a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of your life....but still incredibly frustrating.
I could have called in today as well and thought nothing of it....I feel exhausted. To say the least, I haven't worked out.
Ok....it's a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of your life....but still incredibly frustrating.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Where did the first month of 2008 go? Help!!!
First of all, I CANNOT believe it's January 31st. And does anyone know if you can get paid for "blogging"? LOL.
Chad has pnemonia and bronchitis! He's on 3 different meds and an inhaler....now I just gotta' get him to rest!
Haven't heard from Tim {our son} in about 3 weeks...at least. He's in the Army at NTC in California!
It's SNOWING right now....if it's gonna' be cold...it might as well SNOW.
I AM HAVING HORSE WITHDRAWLS....even though I see them everyday...the NOT riding IS killing me....and it's not good for them either. Can't wait until the time changes!!!
Think I'm gonna have lunch by myself today....usually I do not like to be by myself...never have. But I do "enjoy" gathering my thoughts as best I can...at lunch and just try to relax. Just received a Yoga DVD in the mail though Amazon. I can't wait to try it out...hopefully it will aid me in DE-STRESSING my life.
Chad has pnemonia and bronchitis! He's on 3 different meds and an inhaler....now I just gotta' get him to rest!
Haven't heard from Tim {our son} in about 3 weeks...at least. He's in the Army at NTC in California!
It's SNOWING right now....if it's gonna' be cold...it might as well SNOW.
I AM HAVING HORSE WITHDRAWLS....even though I see them everyday...the NOT riding IS killing me....and it's not good for them either. Can't wait until the time changes!!!
Think I'm gonna have lunch by myself today....usually I do not like to be by myself...never have. But I do "enjoy" gathering my thoughts as best I can...at lunch and just try to relax. Just received a Yoga DVD in the mail though Amazon. I can't wait to try it out...hopefully it will aid me in DE-STRESSING my life.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Chiropractor tonight!
Seeing the chiropractor tonight ....I may RESCHEDULE.... so I can work out!!! That's what I feel compeled to do!
Where has the past Two weeks went???
OK...I don't know what happen to the last two weeks. My husband and I did go on a snowmobiling trip ~ Chad is very sick right now...I sure hate to see him this way! And Chad's
good friend's father passed away from cancer!
So I will not "catch up" on the events of the past two weeks yet.
good friend's father passed away from cancer!
So I will not "catch up" on the events of the past two weeks yet.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Our Horses ~ Phoenix and Hija'
Our little Peruvian Paso gelding is going to be 15 years old this June.
Hija' {pronounced e-ha, means daughter in Spanish} is a little Paso Fino mare. She'll be 10 years old this summer.
Friday, January 11, 2008
"Your Fitness Future Foretold: 20 Predictions for 2008" by Tom Venturo
There are two things you can always count on:
(1) Nature's laws of cause and effect and
(2) human nature.
On that basis, here are my 20 fitness predictions for 2008:
I PREDICT that if you can reach into your pocket on anyday in 2008 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your body and fitness goals written on it in vivid detail, the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the year is out.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, youwill reach your goals so fast this year, it will make your head spin.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don't want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.
I PREDICT that if you made a new year's resolution, but you didn't turn it into a specific, written goal with a deadline and a strong reason why you must achieve it, you will freely abandon it the moment the going gets tough.
I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with it when the going gets tough.
I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough.
I PREDICT that if you can tell me today what is your life purpose and what is your life long vision for your body and your health, you will still be as motivated and driven at the end of the year as you were at the beginning.
I PREDICT that if you don't have long term goals and a "big picture" vision for your life that you will lose your New Year's enthusiasm and motivation in a matter of months or even weeks.
I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind's eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.
I PREDICT that if you have a set back that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself "this just is temporary; this too shall pass," then it won't set you back and it will pass.
I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won't even make much of an effort this year.
I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.
I PREDICT that if you're unhappy with your physical conditionand you say,"it's not my fault" or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2008 as it did on New Year's day.
I PREDICT that the more you have patience, a long term perspective and the ability to postpone immediate gratification,the more likely you are to be a success one year from now.
I PREDICT that the more you seek "miracle pills" or "quick fixes," the more likely you are to be a failure one year from now.
I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2008.
I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers and negative peoplethis year, you will become just like them.
I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners.
I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2008, you will double your chances for success.
If you surround yourself with numerous support partners, you will become virtually unstoppable. So how does your future look for 2008?
Based on my "predictions", if it doesn't look as bright as you'd like it to be, then don't worry, because a prediction is not predestination.
(1) Nature's laws of cause and effect and
(2) human nature.
On that basis, here are my 20 fitness predictions for 2008:
I PREDICT that if you can reach into your pocket on anyday in 2008 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your body and fitness goals written on it in vivid detail, the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the year is out.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, youwill reach your goals so fast this year, it will make your head spin.
I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don't want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.
I PREDICT that if you made a new year's resolution, but you didn't turn it into a specific, written goal with a deadline and a strong reason why you must achieve it, you will freely abandon it the moment the going gets tough.
I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with it when the going gets tough.
I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough.
I PREDICT that if you can tell me today what is your life purpose and what is your life long vision for your body and your health, you will still be as motivated and driven at the end of the year as you were at the beginning.
I PREDICT that if you don't have long term goals and a "big picture" vision for your life that you will lose your New Year's enthusiasm and motivation in a matter of months or even weeks.
I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind's eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.
I PREDICT that if you have a set back that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself "this just is temporary; this too shall pass," then it won't set you back and it will pass.
I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won't even make much of an effort this year.
I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.
I PREDICT that if you're unhappy with your physical conditionand you say,"it's not my fault" or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2008 as it did on New Year's day.
I PREDICT that the more you have patience, a long term perspective and the ability to postpone immediate gratification,the more likely you are to be a success one year from now.
I PREDICT that the more you seek "miracle pills" or "quick fixes," the more likely you are to be a failure one year from now.
I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2008.
I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers and negative peoplethis year, you will become just like them.
I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners.
I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2008, you will double your chances for success.
If you surround yourself with numerous support partners, you will become virtually unstoppable. So how does your future look for 2008?
Based on my "predictions", if it doesn't look as bright as you'd like it to be, then don't worry, because a prediction is not predestination.
One warm up plus 2 sets of 15 reps
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 25lbs for 15 reps 3 sets total
Pulldowns (any grip) Wide grip latpulldowns 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 20lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs
Rows (cable or barbell) Seated row machine 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell) 15lbs, 15lbs, 15lbs...this is light...I am trying to rehabilitate my shoulders
Curl (any form) 15lb dumbbells...I used to curl more...BUT...tendonitis in that left elbow...is holding me back a bit
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing) on cable 70lbs x 15 reps x sets
Squats {We did one set of lying leg press} The rest squats with the bar only...gotta' enjoy the "getting back in shape phase"
Leg curls 65lbs, 65lbs, 80 lbs
LungeCalf raise (standing or seated) standing calf with 25lb dumbbells
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 25lbs for 15 reps 3 sets total
Pulldowns (any grip) Wide grip latpulldowns 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 20lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs
Rows (cable or barbell) Seated row machine 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell) 15lbs, 15lbs, 15lbs...this is light...I am trying to rehabilitate my shoulders
Curl (any form) 15lb dumbbells...I used to curl more...BUT...tendonitis in that left elbow...is holding me back a bit
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing) on cable 70lbs x 15 reps x sets
Squats {We did one set of lying leg press} The rest squats with the bar only...gotta' enjoy the "getting back in shape phase"
Leg curls 65lbs, 65lbs, 80 lbs
LungeCalf raise (standing or seated) standing calf with 25lb dumbbells
Thursday, January 10, 2008
! Bodybuilding !
Learning
What is bodybuilding? Thesaurus.com describes it as follows: “The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition.”
Hmmm, sounds pretty simple, but is that all there is? If bodybuilding is so simple, there would be bodybuilders walking all over the place. We would have a gym in every place of work and the processed food industry would be dead. Which, you will agree, is not the case. Okay, then why do so many individuals, with a strong desire to start with, fail in the process and never reach their physical goal? Because it is not easy; because it takes time and patience; but mostly, because you have to work for it! Becoming a bodybuilder is not something that can be done overnight, I don’t think anyone has ever woken up one morning saying, ''HEY! Look at me, I’m a bodybuilder!!'' The whole process of getting into bodybuilding is a much more complex one. Bodybuilding isn’t something you can acquire after a twelve week body transformation challenge. It’s a slow process that comes from inside-out; first the mind…then the body. Simply put, you don’t just get to be a bodybuilder, you learn to be a bodybuilder.
The Food
For most people, food is almost always associated with pleasure: a good bottle of wine and dark chocolate shared with a loved one; a BBQ party with close friends. But, for our bodybuilder, food has a whole different significance. FOOD = FUEL. Fuel to feed the body. Fuel to feed the mind. Fuel to train harder. She knows that without food it will be impossible for her to build her beautiful muscles. Mostly she doesn’t eat for pleasure, but for the results! Each day she will plan and prepare each of her meals in advance. She knows exactly what she will eat that day. Each of her daily meals is to be split into the precise ratio of protein, carbs and fat. All of this depending upon her goal. For her oats are not a cereal, but a complex carb; broccoli not a vegetable but a fibrous carbs…. which she’ll probably be eating by the truckload pre-contest. She doesn’t care what it tastes like, as long as it does the job! She knows that poor choices or insufficient intake will only drive her further from her goal. Making the right choices will keep her on the road of success. FOOD is the master key to build her a quality physique.A female bodybuilder will not only choose her foods depending on the goal she wants to reach but will also eat at a very precise time. She’ll be watching the clock while eating. Whether she’s bulking or dieting, whether she’s hungry or not, is of no importance. Every 2-3 hours, and this five to eight times daily. She’ll be eating. All this to make sure her body gets everything needed, when needed. With time, relatives and friends get accustomed to her somewhat unorthodox and different eating habits, especially pre-contest. They’ll get used to seeing her come to parties and family reunions with this HUGE cooler, filled…. with green stuff and stinky chicken! (sorry, guys, no beers!). Yup! She's always at it and yup, she never takes a break! Don’t worry; she still enjoys herself very much! She just sees things from a different perspective. She knows that she can still have lots of fun and enjoy the people, without the “party” foods. And please, stop trying to get her to eat just that tiny piece of cake… it’s will not work! Don’t get her wrong, she’s not pretentious, she just wants to stick to her plan and reach her goals. She knows she has to be strong and not let all the hard work so far be in vain by succumbing to temptation. When dieting, she know the craving won’t last forever, that she just needs to get through this, that everything will get easier eventually and that dieting isn’t forever. And if she leaves the party early, she’s not anti- social. She just needs her 7-8 hours of sleep for her body to recuperate and be fresh to hit the gym the morning after.
The Gym
Most woman would kill for a gorgeous, fit body, but believe that circuit training three times a week and a walk in the park will do the trick. Sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way. Just like food, if you want to see results, you need to be extremely disciplined and consistent with your training. If someone had told me, when I started practicing this sport, the huge amount of grueling effort and sweat I would have needed to be where I am today (which is not very far!!), I would not have believed them one bit!! Seriously, muscle is hard to build. You have to put in an enormous amount of energy to harvest little amounts of muscle. If you want to have the body of a bodybuilder, you first have to build it, and for this to happen, you have to put yourself seriously to the task! When a female bodybuilder gets to the gym, there is no time for chatting. She is there to do her job. She is there to build HER physique. The ONE she has clearly pictured in her mind. Before even getting into the gym, she has already gone mentally through her workout. She knows exactly what to do, and why she is doing it. Day after day, she will be working on each individual part to assemble her whole muscular body, reconfiguring the ideal of her perfect physique, piece by piece, muscle by muscle. Every training session to be individualized, each exercise to be chosen carefully depending on which body parts are to be worked or where development is needed. She doesn’t see her training as a workout, it is the blueprint to build her physique. She doesn’t see the weights as pieces of iron, but as the necessary tools to forge her muscles. When she trains her muscles she doesn’t go through the motions, she gets into it. Feeling every contraction, pushing herself to the limit. She will not miss a workout just because she doesn’t feel like training, because of a bad cold, PMS or bad weather. Everyday she will be consistent and will work out with intensity. She knows that with every workout done correctly, she is getting closer to her goal and that each one missed, is gone forever, only driving her further from her goal.
The Evolution
A good bodybuilder will never be content with what was good the year before. She is always aiming for the higher goal, always striving for perfection, always wanting more. With this in mind, she will not see her body as other women do. Her goal is not to fit eternally into a size six. Her body is a temple under construction, something unique, nothing like an ordinary woman's. She long ago accepted the fact to be “bodily different”. For this she will voluntarily manipulate her body composition and gain weight off season; always reminding herself that every pound gained is quality muscle in the process. She will not pay attention to negative comments about her bulkier appearance off season, she just walks her way because she knows why she is doing all this. She has goals and sticks to them. She’s on a mission of building a better quality physique for the upcoming competitive year. You will, mostly, recognize a successful female bodybuilder not by the size of her muscles, or by the weights she lifts, but by the strength of her mind.A female bodybuilder knows where her priorities lie. Her bodybuilding is her priority. For this she will fit the rest of her life around it. She will adapt her schedule to fit her training. The saying, “if you fail to plan you plan to fail” is her motto. Each of her days are planned to a T, no difference between week days and weekends. And if the unexpected happens she finds a way to get the essentials done. Not having enough time is never an excuse. If needed, she will set the alarm at 4 AM to get her cardio done and wake up at midnight, making sure she gets her eighth meal in.Being a bodybuilder is definitely a full time job. Not in the sense that you need to quit your job, but that if you are serious about your results you have to invest yourself totally in the pursuit of your goal. Not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. You need to put your mind and heart in it every single day. Being a bodybuilder is not a part time thing; it's an all the time thing. You're not a bodybuilder once in a while. You don't do things right only once in a while; you NEED to do them right ALL the time. SucceedingI believe any “ordinary” woman can become a bodybuilder. Just like any other sphere of activity, if one’s ready to put in the necessary effort then one will mostly succeed. Female bodybuilders are not different from other women. They are not superwomen born with freaky superior genetics. They all started as ordinary women but with the difference of fiercely wanting to reach a precise physical goal. The many challenges in a woman’s life should not be an excuse or a distraction for not reaching her goal. With some focus, planning and creativity everything can fit together and be kept in harmony. Bodybuilding is now my lifestyle, I do this because it’s in my heart, mind and blood, it is now part of who I am. I do this because it makes me feel alive, different from others, not one of the masses. I feel unique, not conventional. I do this to inspire my children and the ones around me. But most of all I do this for ME.
**please note...I did not write this...and if I had the author's name I would give her credit. I wanted it on my page ~ so I could refer back to it....
**the same reason I posted "LET IT GO FOR 2008" ...quick reference for inspiration
What is bodybuilding? Thesaurus.com describes it as follows: “The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition.”
Hmmm, sounds pretty simple, but is that all there is? If bodybuilding is so simple, there would be bodybuilders walking all over the place. We would have a gym in every place of work and the processed food industry would be dead. Which, you will agree, is not the case. Okay, then why do so many individuals, with a strong desire to start with, fail in the process and never reach their physical goal? Because it is not easy; because it takes time and patience; but mostly, because you have to work for it! Becoming a bodybuilder is not something that can be done overnight, I don’t think anyone has ever woken up one morning saying, ''HEY! Look at me, I’m a bodybuilder!!'' The whole process of getting into bodybuilding is a much more complex one. Bodybuilding isn’t something you can acquire after a twelve week body transformation challenge. It’s a slow process that comes from inside-out; first the mind…then the body. Simply put, you don’t just get to be a bodybuilder, you learn to be a bodybuilder.
The Food
For most people, food is almost always associated with pleasure: a good bottle of wine and dark chocolate shared with a loved one; a BBQ party with close friends. But, for our bodybuilder, food has a whole different significance. FOOD = FUEL. Fuel to feed the body. Fuel to feed the mind. Fuel to train harder. She knows that without food it will be impossible for her to build her beautiful muscles. Mostly she doesn’t eat for pleasure, but for the results! Each day she will plan and prepare each of her meals in advance. She knows exactly what she will eat that day. Each of her daily meals is to be split into the precise ratio of protein, carbs and fat. All of this depending upon her goal. For her oats are not a cereal, but a complex carb; broccoli not a vegetable but a fibrous carbs…. which she’ll probably be eating by the truckload pre-contest. She doesn’t care what it tastes like, as long as it does the job! She knows that poor choices or insufficient intake will only drive her further from her goal. Making the right choices will keep her on the road of success. FOOD is the master key to build her a quality physique.A female bodybuilder will not only choose her foods depending on the goal she wants to reach but will also eat at a very precise time. She’ll be watching the clock while eating. Whether she’s bulking or dieting, whether she’s hungry or not, is of no importance. Every 2-3 hours, and this five to eight times daily. She’ll be eating. All this to make sure her body gets everything needed, when needed. With time, relatives and friends get accustomed to her somewhat unorthodox and different eating habits, especially pre-contest. They’ll get used to seeing her come to parties and family reunions with this HUGE cooler, filled…. with green stuff and stinky chicken! (sorry, guys, no beers!). Yup! She's always at it and yup, she never takes a break! Don’t worry; she still enjoys herself very much! She just sees things from a different perspective. She knows that she can still have lots of fun and enjoy the people, without the “party” foods. And please, stop trying to get her to eat just that tiny piece of cake… it’s will not work! Don’t get her wrong, she’s not pretentious, she just wants to stick to her plan and reach her goals. She knows she has to be strong and not let all the hard work so far be in vain by succumbing to temptation. When dieting, she know the craving won’t last forever, that she just needs to get through this, that everything will get easier eventually and that dieting isn’t forever. And if she leaves the party early, she’s not anti- social. She just needs her 7-8 hours of sleep for her body to recuperate and be fresh to hit the gym the morning after.
The Gym
Most woman would kill for a gorgeous, fit body, but believe that circuit training three times a week and a walk in the park will do the trick. Sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way. Just like food, if you want to see results, you need to be extremely disciplined and consistent with your training. If someone had told me, when I started practicing this sport, the huge amount of grueling effort and sweat I would have needed to be where I am today (which is not very far!!), I would not have believed them one bit!! Seriously, muscle is hard to build. You have to put in an enormous amount of energy to harvest little amounts of muscle. If you want to have the body of a bodybuilder, you first have to build it, and for this to happen, you have to put yourself seriously to the task! When a female bodybuilder gets to the gym, there is no time for chatting. She is there to do her job. She is there to build HER physique. The ONE she has clearly pictured in her mind. Before even getting into the gym, she has already gone mentally through her workout. She knows exactly what to do, and why she is doing it. Day after day, she will be working on each individual part to assemble her whole muscular body, reconfiguring the ideal of her perfect physique, piece by piece, muscle by muscle. Every training session to be individualized, each exercise to be chosen carefully depending on which body parts are to be worked or where development is needed. She doesn’t see her training as a workout, it is the blueprint to build her physique. She doesn’t see the weights as pieces of iron, but as the necessary tools to forge her muscles. When she trains her muscles she doesn’t go through the motions, she gets into it. Feeling every contraction, pushing herself to the limit. She will not miss a workout just because she doesn’t feel like training, because of a bad cold, PMS or bad weather. Everyday she will be consistent and will work out with intensity. She knows that with every workout done correctly, she is getting closer to her goal and that each one missed, is gone forever, only driving her further from her goal.
The Evolution
A good bodybuilder will never be content with what was good the year before. She is always aiming for the higher goal, always striving for perfection, always wanting more. With this in mind, she will not see her body as other women do. Her goal is not to fit eternally into a size six. Her body is a temple under construction, something unique, nothing like an ordinary woman's. She long ago accepted the fact to be “bodily different”. For this she will voluntarily manipulate her body composition and gain weight off season; always reminding herself that every pound gained is quality muscle in the process. She will not pay attention to negative comments about her bulkier appearance off season, she just walks her way because she knows why she is doing all this. She has goals and sticks to them. She’s on a mission of building a better quality physique for the upcoming competitive year. You will, mostly, recognize a successful female bodybuilder not by the size of her muscles, or by the weights she lifts, but by the strength of her mind.A female bodybuilder knows where her priorities lie. Her bodybuilding is her priority. For this she will fit the rest of her life around it. She will adapt her schedule to fit her training. The saying, “if you fail to plan you plan to fail” is her motto. Each of her days are planned to a T, no difference between week days and weekends. And if the unexpected happens she finds a way to get the essentials done. Not having enough time is never an excuse. If needed, she will set the alarm at 4 AM to get her cardio done and wake up at midnight, making sure she gets her eighth meal in.Being a bodybuilder is definitely a full time job. Not in the sense that you need to quit your job, but that if you are serious about your results you have to invest yourself totally in the pursuit of your goal. Not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. You need to put your mind and heart in it every single day. Being a bodybuilder is not a part time thing; it's an all the time thing. You're not a bodybuilder once in a while. You don't do things right only once in a while; you NEED to do them right ALL the time. SucceedingI believe any “ordinary” woman can become a bodybuilder. Just like any other sphere of activity, if one’s ready to put in the necessary effort then one will mostly succeed. Female bodybuilders are not different from other women. They are not superwomen born with freaky superior genetics. They all started as ordinary women but with the difference of fiercely wanting to reach a precise physical goal. The many challenges in a woman’s life should not be an excuse or a distraction for not reaching her goal. With some focus, planning and creativity everything can fit together and be kept in harmony. Bodybuilding is now my lifestyle, I do this because it’s in my heart, mind and blood, it is now part of who I am. I do this because it makes me feel alive, different from others, not one of the masses. I feel unique, not conventional. I do this to inspire my children and the ones around me. But most of all I do this for ME.
**please note...I did not write this...and if I had the author's name I would give her credit. I wanted it on my page ~ so I could refer back to it....
**the same reason I posted "LET IT GO FOR 2008" ...quick reference for inspiration
1/10/2008 Second work out with Deb
Ok....I'm definately looking foward to meeting Deb at the gym! We are really gonna' benefit from having each other for support and encouragment! We did speak on the phone last night, I was hoping she wasn't too sore ~ I hope today isn't any worse than last night...when it comes to soreness.
1/9/2008 Chiropractor / Acupuncture !
I've been waiting for months to see Dr. Lardi. Let's just say....I feel very encouraged....I had accupuncture for the first time. I wish the patient/guy on the table, behind the curtain next to me would have shut up and stopping complaining!!! What a pest!!!
My next appointment is Wednesday, 1/16/2008 ~ He didn't even adjust my back...he stated I was too sore and inflammed for that. He performed some "tests" by manipulating my feet...sort of a reflexology I guess..and manipulated other areas of my body, neck and head. He did adjust my ankles and neck. Very interesting. For some reason, I feel like I'm in very good hands. I'm very optimistic.
Chinese Medicine? What ever works, right?
He gave me a list of foods to avoid and foods that were beneficial. I'm planning on intergrating that with my eating clean menu.....
One of the neatest things is, his assistant/secretary who is also going to school to be a chiropractor, wrapped my arches with tape and wanted me to leave it on for two days....it didn't loosen in the shower this morning. I like the way it feels.
My next appointment is Wednesday, 1/16/2008 ~ He didn't even adjust my back...he stated I was too sore and inflammed for that. He performed some "tests" by manipulating my feet...sort of a reflexology I guess..and manipulated other areas of my body, neck and head. He did adjust my ankles and neck. Very interesting. For some reason, I feel like I'm in very good hands. I'm very optimistic.
Chinese Medicine? What ever works, right?
He gave me a list of foods to avoid and foods that were beneficial. I'm planning on intergrating that with my eating clean menu.....
One of the neatest things is, his assistant/secretary who is also going to school to be a chiropractor, wrapped my arches with tape and wanted me to leave it on for two days....it didn't loosen in the shower this morning. I like the way it feels.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Last night's workout with Debbie
Deb was quite a trooper! I hope I do as much for her, as she did for me...just showing up to work out and doing her very best.
I ALWAYS laugh with this girl.....!!! She is a wonderful, wonderful person!!!
We are working out Thursday evening...right after caring for our horses! Remember when I posted, that I was getting used to working out by myself? Well.........I like having a training partner. I hope she sticks with it and WE see the results we want and deserve.
I ALWAYS laugh with this girl.....!!! She is a wonderful, wonderful person!!!
We are working out Thursday evening...right after caring for our horses! Remember when I posted, that I was getting used to working out by myself? Well.........I like having a training partner. I hope she sticks with it and WE see the results we want and deserve.
What Truly Makes Me Happy?
I would have to say, for quite some time I would describe myself as "indifferent."
For 2008, one goal is to truly be "HAPPY." For me to be happy in my own skin....throughtout this process of getting lean.....etc.
So today, I am focusing on what a great base of muscles I have....I'm thankful for that.
I am HAPPY when my family is happy....
When life is good...there's no problems!
I am happy when I'm NOT at my job.
Happy when I'm having fun with my husband.
Riding horses....enjoying some new trails with a good friend.
Happy when my daughter and son ...smile...and say I love you mom.
Happy when I'm biking with my dogs...and I swear they look up at me and smile...:)
Feeling the results of a good workout!
Eating clean does make me happy.....
Ummmm....chocolate.....makes me temporarily happy.
For 2008, one goal is to truly be "HAPPY." For me to be happy in my own skin....throughtout this process of getting lean.....etc.
So today, I am focusing on what a great base of muscles I have....I'm thankful for that.
I am HAPPY when my family is happy....
When life is good...there's no problems!
I am happy when I'm NOT at my job.
Happy when I'm having fun with my husband.
Riding horses....enjoying some new trails with a good friend.
Happy when my daughter and son ...smile...and say I love you mom.
Happy when I'm biking with my dogs...and I swear they look up at me and smile...:)
Feeling the results of a good workout!
Eating clean does make me happy.....
Ummmm....chocolate.....makes me temporarily happy.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Some people say.....
Well, Gab it should be easier for you this time around, you know what to do to shed the fat and expose the muscle. I really don't buy into that ~ do I really know what to do? I was fortunate enough to have several supportive friends at the gym, a great friend...Teri...who was there for me with all my family drama...though all the tears...while training, tanning, doing our routines in the sauna...and she painted me several times before the show.
A wonderful trainer who was very creative and pushed me incredibly hard. I never wanted to let her down...Sherry had a way of bringing out the best in me. She's a very inspiring person, that made me discover how much drive I truly possessed. My training buddy..Staci...who also encouraged me....I think she was just as excited as I was to see all the positive changes my body was displaying. It's funny.....how.....I felt like a became a "body" experiment....I was a body responding to outside forces and food intake. I was told what to do.....and I did it. What did I learn? Alot.....but what have I retained? It's all just a blurr......a prolonged, low carb, no sleep, cardioed-out blurr.
What's difficult is.....remembering what I could do...and now I can not. {{at least not yet}} Struggling with the excess weight and time restrictions of life. Building up my cardio again....btw...any and all suggestions are appreciated. Reaching for heavier dumbbells and putting them back....fighting with tendonitis, collarbone and shoulder issues....as well as low back issues. {{Ok....I wasn't going to state the "issues"....believe me I know there are tons of people worse off than me.}}
I remember experiencing the thrill of push-ups and chinups....and beliveve me, my trainer did not allow GIRLY pushups or chinups then!
So this is my battle.....one I will win.....in time.....now I have to learn and experience what works for me.
A wonderful trainer who was very creative and pushed me incredibly hard. I never wanted to let her down...Sherry had a way of bringing out the best in me. She's a very inspiring person, that made me discover how much drive I truly possessed. My training buddy..Staci...who also encouraged me....I think she was just as excited as I was to see all the positive changes my body was displaying. It's funny.....how.....I felt like a became a "body" experiment....I was a body responding to outside forces and food intake. I was told what to do.....and I did it. What did I learn? Alot.....but what have I retained? It's all just a blurr......a prolonged, low carb, no sleep, cardioed-out blurr.
What's difficult is.....remembering what I could do...and now I can not. {{at least not yet}} Struggling with the excess weight and time restrictions of life. Building up my cardio again....btw...any and all suggestions are appreciated. Reaching for heavier dumbbells and putting them back....fighting with tendonitis, collarbone and shoulder issues....as well as low back issues. {{Ok....I wasn't going to state the "issues"....believe me I know there are tons of people worse off than me.}}
I remember experiencing the thrill of push-ups and chinups....and beliveve me, my trainer did not allow GIRLY pushups or chinups then!
So this is my battle.....one I will win.....in time.....now I have to learn and experience what works for me.
1 month approx. before 1st show
This was taken approx. 1 month before my first show. I'd love to maintain this level of bodyfat and conditioning. Maybe more so than participating in another show....I have a strong desire to be lean.
** On a side note: I would love to do a Mixed Pairs routine with my husband. I have a few ideas I think are unique and would be great for the stage.
**Then later when our son gets out of the army...participate in a show with him!!!
I'm proud to be a natural competitor! In fact, this time around I'm limiting any supplements I take. Creatine has not ever entered my system...that may be one I'd like to try.
Meals: 1/8/2007
First of all I've got to get up earlier!
I don't even want to post my meals since I haven't been consistent! Breakfast was "off "
Ok here's my plan:
Cottage cheese 1/2 cup for a snack
Baked chicken, green salad with low fat, low sugar dressing {sesame - ginger}
A few tablespoons sweet potato
Small protein drink prior to dinner and working out
3oz sweet potato
Dinner: Hubby made chicken, broccoli and celery and peppers last night...I'll warm some up.
**Having difficult time planning, cooking and eating meals** and
THIS IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT KEY TO SUCCESS!!!
I don't even want to post my meals since I haven't been consistent! Breakfast was "off "
Ok here's my plan:
Cottage cheese 1/2 cup for a snack
Baked chicken, green salad with low fat, low sugar dressing {sesame - ginger}
A few tablespoons sweet potato
Small protein drink prior to dinner and working out
3oz sweet potato
Dinner: Hubby made chicken, broccoli and celery and peppers last night...I'll warm some up.
**Having difficult time planning, cooking and eating meals** and
THIS IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT KEY TO SUCCESS!!!
Just a thought to motivate me
Ok.......fast forward 20 years....with the activity level I had...the past two years {not much}....
"What will I look like?"
"How will I feel?"
Now......STICK TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE......fast forward 20 years.
"I'll look young for my age."
"I'll feel young for my age."
"I'll a live longer more fulfulling life."
"It truly is the fountain of youth."
Look at Jack Lalayne!!!
"What will I look like?"
"How will I feel?"
Now......STICK TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE......fast forward 20 years.
"I'll look young for my age."
"I'll feel young for my age."
"I'll a live longer more fulfulling life."
"It truly is the fountain of youth."
Look at Jack Lalayne!!!
Work out: 1/8/2008
Work out will be the same as mentioned below. I'm just getting my body back into the swing of things ~ concentrating on form and really working the muscle being used.
"No cheating" and even though my back is NOT 100%.....those squats will be "perfect" form!
I'm looking forward to feeling and seeing the progress my body will make. I will be at the gym right after work....unless it's raining...I will have to run home take care of the horses...maybe let the dogs out for a pee. My gym clothes are already in the car....I'll be there.
I'm planning on working out in the evenings until the time change and then switch to 5 am workouts. My evenings will be spent, caring and riding the horses, exercising dogs, and let us not forget...QUALITY TIME FOR MY HUBBY!!! I like to set aside some time for my daughter...if at least to catch a movie or lunch. I wish I could influence her in lifting weights? Something? Now don't get me wrong...she danced for years and has a great shape....but it's healthier to "keep" active for the rest of your life.
"No cheating" and even though my back is NOT 100%.....those squats will be "perfect" form!
I'm looking forward to feeling and seeing the progress my body will make. I will be at the gym right after work....unless it's raining...I will have to run home take care of the horses...maybe let the dogs out for a pee. My gym clothes are already in the car....I'll be there.
I'm planning on working out in the evenings until the time change and then switch to 5 am workouts. My evenings will be spent, caring and riding the horses, exercising dogs, and let us not forget...QUALITY TIME FOR MY HUBBY!!! I like to set aside some time for my daughter...if at least to catch a movie or lunch. I wish I could influence her in lifting weights? Something? Now don't get me wrong...she danced for years and has a great shape....but it's healthier to "keep" active for the rest of your life.
Brief reflection of the past few years
Just a matter of two short years ago, there would not be a day that went by that I wasn't working out by 5am on weekdays and between 7 or 7:30 on weekends. I looked forward to it! I had held that schedule for approx 4 years. No easy task while working full time, two children in junior high then high school. Usually one horse, and two dogs also needing a portion of my time. Let's not forget my other half too...my husband.
"Life gets in the way." Is a quote that has been said to me many times. It seems since the competition, shoulder surgery....and out-of-the-ordinary family problems....have yet again distracted me from pursuing health and fitness. "Something has always got to give" I would like to meet the person that can "do it all."
"Life gets in the way." Is a quote that has been said to me many times. It seems since the competition, shoulder surgery....and out-of-the-ordinary family problems....have yet again distracted me from pursuing health and fitness. "Something has always got to give" I would like to meet the person that can "do it all."
Monday, January 7, 2008
My daughter ~ my heart!
I absolutely love this photo of my daughter and I! Although, it was taken a few years ago...we haven't changed much, she is just as beautiful as ever. I thought it was so sweet that she put her arm around me.
She such an awesome person!
My two favorite guys ~ my hubby and son
This photo is very dear to me. My husband on the left with our new Harley. Our son on the right with the "Bad Boy"...my husband's first Harley. Tim was home on leave and we all went for a wonderful ride together. We grabbed a bite to eat at a local restaurant at a Marina.
Muscle Memory ~ Pray my Muscles remember ~ LOL
One warm up plus 2 sets of 15 reps
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
Pulldowns (any grip)
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
Rows (cable or barbell)
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell)
Curl (any form)
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing)
Squats
Leg curls
Lunge
Calf raise (standing or seated)
This is done in one session. I'm growing to like working out by myself.
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
Pulldowns (any grip)
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
Rows (cable or barbell)
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell)
Curl (any form)
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing)
Squats
Leg curls
Lunge
Calf raise (standing or seated)
This is done in one session. I'm growing to like working out by myself.
Let It Go For 2008
LET IT GO FOR 2008…. By T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay. LET THEM GO.
And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you’ve got to know when people’s part in your story is over so that you don’t keep trying to raise the dead. You’ve got to know when it’s dead.
You’ve got to know when it’s over. Let me tell you something. I’ve got the gift of good-bye. It’s the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It’s not that I’m hateful, it’s that I’m faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He’ll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don’t need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to……LET IT GO
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains….LET IT GO
If someone can’t treat you right, love you back, and see your worth…..LET IT GO
If someone has angered you…..LET IT GO
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge…..LET IT GO
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction…..LET IT GO
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meet your needs or talents…..LET IT GO
If you have a bad attitude…..LET IT GO
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better……LET IT GO
If you’re stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him…..LET IT GO
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship……LET IT GO
If you keep trying to help someone who won’t even try to help themselves…..LET IT GO
If you’re feeling depressed and stressed…..LET IT GO
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying “ take your hands off of it,” then you need to …….LET IT GO
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
God is doing a new thing for 2008. LET IT GO
Get Right or Get Left… think about it, and then…..LET IT GO
“THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S”
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay. LET THEM GO.
And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you’ve got to know when people’s part in your story is over so that you don’t keep trying to raise the dead. You’ve got to know when it’s dead.
You’ve got to know when it’s over. Let me tell you something. I’ve got the gift of good-bye. It’s the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It’s not that I’m hateful, it’s that I’m faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He’ll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don’t need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to……LET IT GO
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains….LET IT GO
If someone can’t treat you right, love you back, and see your worth…..LET IT GO
If someone has angered you…..LET IT GO
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge…..LET IT GO
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction…..LET IT GO
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meet your needs or talents…..LET IT GO
If you have a bad attitude…..LET IT GO
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better……LET IT GO
If you’re stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him…..LET IT GO
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship……LET IT GO
If you keep trying to help someone who won’t even try to help themselves…..LET IT GO
If you’re feeling depressed and stressed…..LET IT GO
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying “ take your hands off of it,” then you need to …….LET IT GO
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
God is doing a new thing for 2008. LET IT GO
Get Right or Get Left… think about it, and then…..LET IT GO
“THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S”
Focus on What I WANT
That's sort of difficult to do > especially since I'm not EXACTLY SURE OF WHAT I WANT.
What I Desire needs to be clearly defined.
I'll try not to reflect back on negative aspects of life experience ~ but if the POSITIVE can come from the negative....then you've turned it around!!!
Are there really many people out there that KNOW what they WANT and ACHIEVE IT?
Seems as though I have been great at encouraging others my entire life, it's one of my earliest school age memories.
But when it comes to "me" I draw a blank.
What I Desire needs to be clearly defined.
I'll try not to reflect back on negative aspects of life experience ~ but if the POSITIVE can come from the negative....then you've turned it around!!!
Are there really many people out there that KNOW what they WANT and ACHIEVE IT?
Seems as though I have been great at encouraging others my entire life, it's one of my earliest school age memories.
But when it comes to "me" I draw a blank.
A New Beginning
January 7th, 2008
Could this be a new beginning for me? There's so many things I'd like to change. First, my bodyfat! LOL...second my job.
How did I lose myself along the way? Seems as though I've been so consumed with getting thru a day, raising kids, being a wife....that somehow I lost my dreams ~ while living life.
New Year's Resolutions: We didn't give them much thought. I know what I want to change, now I just have to focus on that.
Guess you could say, "Family First" is a good motto...but don't lose sight of yourself. I think I forgot to "add" myself into the family picture.
I personally do not want to look back on another year with regret. Regret is just a killer to me. I wonder if other people feel the way I do about it. I've GOT to REPLACE the LOOKING BACK WITH LOOKING FORWARD....
What to look forward to ~ has to be a vision held constant in my mind.
Could this be a new beginning for me? There's so many things I'd like to change. First, my bodyfat! LOL...second my job.
How did I lose myself along the way? Seems as though I've been so consumed with getting thru a day, raising kids, being a wife....that somehow I lost my dreams ~ while living life.
New Year's Resolutions: We didn't give them much thought. I know what I want to change, now I just have to focus on that.
Guess you could say, "Family First" is a good motto...but don't lose sight of yourself. I think I forgot to "add" myself into the family picture.
I personally do not want to look back on another year with regret. Regret is just a killer to me. I wonder if other people feel the way I do about it. I've GOT to REPLACE the LOOKING BACK WITH LOOKING FORWARD....
What to look forward to ~ has to be a vision held constant in my mind.
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