What is it about growing up that makes the way we look at things so black and white, scientifically formulated, disconnected from our childhood make believe and asking a million in a half questions a day. Culture of point A to B, complete tasks 1-10 and be home in time for dinner, sleep, wake up repeat might be a good part of the equation. In those moments were we are caught off guard when emails stop coming into your inbox and meetings disappear, and all of the normal hassle and bustle just seems hold while you rescue two stray dogs, snuggle a kitten, or find forgiveness, it is those kinds of moments are we feel alive, we are engaged with the real life, active participants in what really sparks our spirit and makes our imagination beam with delight.
Adults that loose their faith in their imagination
“Get your head out of the clouds and grow up…” a snarky judgmental tone that could easily be the representative voice for everyone and everything that ever discounted imagination. The callous
Rekindling curiosity of life can be challenging, yet I have found it to be possible by making time to be amazed. Creating space in my life to embrace and appreciate the beauty in the little things. Being curious to mean means engaging in looking for things in life to learn more about, to experience and feel delighted to share.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Yea! Birthday, yesterday was the mark of celebrating, starting with a Birthday WOD at Crossfit, today I am going to splurge on a hamburger, yet yesterday's WOD was brutal and awesome all mixed into one yummy combination.
"Lyndi"
Another birthday WOD in September? This is a busy month. Today was for Lyndi and she rocked her birthday WOD as RX'd! The progress and results she has made in just a few months have been nothing short of spectacular. Read and see pictures more on SnoRidge Crossfit's Site
Monday, September 28, 2009
Capturing a perspective is often a challenging if not daunting task, especially if the perspective needs to encompass most of a person's beliefs, thoughts and experience. Yet, the song I have included the lyrics below, really creates a near perfect vision of my personal beliefs, and aspirations.
I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone
I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Welcome to the world, the world colorful and beautiful as it is there are a few things that really glow that I hold a special appreciation for.
When sitting on the edge of dock is about the only thing do, then you begin to dangle your feet into the water, your best friend at your side, maybe a little giggle here and there as each foot dips into the water.
Calling out with glee for my good friend, hearing his whinny and his eager thundering hooves he comes to greet me with equal joy.
Right before I slip into sleep snuggled on the couch, my head on the lap of my husband who is carefully peaking at me to see if I am sleeping, so I quickly close my eyes and pretend.
Walking away with a smirk, knowing I made someone I respect is proud of me.
The child in me springs to life and squeals when one of those cute tree frogs reveals himself after peaking through the garden, an adventure to look for him or one of his slithering friends.
The light makes their smiles glow, the flickering is comforting and draws us all in for a moment where we all know we belong, salami smores, smelly mutts and all.
A request for assistance from a practicing acrobat, the year old lady that reaches up to be picked up, the paper bird made by hand from the four year old to cheer the day, the moments where the youth whisper softly, life is joyous and all is okay.
These are just a few of those times, a few of those memories precious and dear.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
(June 15th to September 10th)
Crossfit is eh... not easy.
Yet, nothing, not even health, strength or happiness in life worth having comes easy.
Day one, lets say through week two is actually the hardest part, recovery is slow, body is tired and my mind is seriously considered running away.
This was day 1, yes... June 15th 2009. Struggling to do a jumping pull up. But... I survived, a little water and AC afterwards made it through.
The basics of Crossfit:
- Combine all the best workouts you have ever had and squeeze the essence of that, great, now you have Crossfit juice. Seriously Crossfit takes the best of all workouts and refines them into targeting movements that strength, add flexibility, stability, range of motion and well a whole lot of confidence.
- Crossfit is a community, egos are checked at the door if not put out with the garbage because there really isn't room with all the awesomeness inside. Seriously, there is some kind of magical filter with Crossfit, not one Crossfit event, gym or anything with a Crossfit label on it have I met a person that had anything but a welcoming and supportive demeanor. We are all in it together and want one another to succeed. This isn't your typical put your ear phones on and jam out on the treadmill workout.
- Workouts are short, hard and intense. Most workouts are around eh... 20 mins. Seriously, which means a lot of work in a short amount of time. But contrary to what some believe that it is TOO intense. Everything is scaled, you learn the movements first with a PVC pipe, tell me you can throw you back out dead-lifting a PVC pipe and I will bonk you over the head with one. You learn the movements, and master them through out your time with Crossfit. Starting with elements classes.
- Every class is a training session. You are not in some fad aerobics class, you are training, training to be an athlete, whether you are training to do an Iron Man, you are a police officer, military, fire fighter, parent or the person who wants to be in shape and healthy, we all all training to be fit, to be agile, strong, flexible and prepare ourselves for life long health. At any Crossfit gym you will get a trainer that has been certified to be teaching Crossfit, they have mastered the skills you need to reach your goals. They are supportive and will make sure to tailor the workout to your success. How cool is that?
Okay enough about that... here is my personal experience... and results. Well, so far.
June 25th, so ten days later. I am feeling a bit more comfortable, feeling stronger and getting a little more confident.
Tom one of the most awesome people coming in second to his wife Michelle, who both own SnoRidge Crossfit, work together to train, coach, instruct, encourage, put up with and set everyone up for success. Pretty awesome huh...
July 8th, after a week on vacation I was starting to realize I had an addiction, a love for Crossfit, I missed it. Seriously, after spending a week away I realized what I missed. For one, I missed one of my workout buddies Sherry, she has a drive that could easily take a lot of credit for encouraging me to continually push myself at Crossfit.
July 14th, starting to become more aware of my abilities and strength, box jumping is one of those exercises that really mess with your mind. When to jump, how to jump, okay ready jump!
I would say that this would be the week that Eli and I got serious about living a liberal Paleo lifestyle. Which basically means cutting out processed junk, and limiting sugar are the big focuses. We eat a lot of broccoli...
July 27th, clothes fit better, I am stronger. I am addicted. The whole group at SnoRidge Crossfit is amazing, I have gotten to know them, and now I really feel progress. Adding more weight to my workouts, doing them faster. Drinking so much water during the day I am actually sweating and in this picture you can really see that I am toning, not sure if you can make out the sweat, but it is there, I am starting to get into a more athletic shape instead of desk job blob shape. Muscles are starting to figure out that yes, Crossfit is going to be a normal thing, and my body is craving the exercise, know I know how my dog feels when the chuck-it comes out. I wasn't sore, and recovery was incredibly fast.
July 19th, you can really see my arm muscles are developing. I am becoming more focused and starting to be able to shut off my brain, in other words not have to think about all the basic movements as much. Michelle appreciates when I can just workout and not over think the maneuvers.
August 19th, here is a neat movement. Called a floor wiper, super core workout. At this point I am beginning to understand what kind of weight I can work with, my legs well as you can see are really starting to tone up.
Shortly after this the whole SnoRidge Crossfit group did the Snoqualmie Railroad days 5k fun run. It was awesome, totally great to feel strong and be able to run a mile without stopping and three miles in a little over a half hour.
Sept 7th, the new gym. And a trail run of a Fight Gone Bad. Just to put in a plug for Fight Gone Bad, September 26th Crossfit gyms across the nation will do this workout to raise money for Wounded Soldiers Fund and for Athletes for a Cure. The workout is brutal, and great at the same time.
Okay... so we are all going to workout at SnoRidge and here is what the workout will be.
In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. We've used this in 3 and 5 round versions. The stations are:
- Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 10 ft target. (Reps)
- Sumo deadlift high-pull: 75 pounds (Reps)
- Box Jump: 20" box (Reps)
- Push-press: 75 pounds (Reps)
- Row: calories (Calories)
The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of "rotate," the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point. - Provided by Crossfit.com
So, what would be awesome is if YOU donated to the cause, the money goes towards wounded Soldiers (Wounded Warriors Project) returning home and for Athletes for a Cure (Prostate Cancer) Donate here.
September 10th, doing push press. Reaching a max of 80lbs that is lifted by pure arm and shoulder strength, no dipping or jumping to help get that puppy up there. Today is also the day that I was celebrating.
17lbs, and 12.5 inches down since start. How freak'n cool is that? Stronger, faster, feeling great, tons of energy and seriously Crossfit has saved my life, not just Crossfit but a community of dedication. From my trainers and friends Michelle, Tom and their daughter Ashley, my husband Eli, the community of fellow SnoRidge Crossfiters, to Rainier Crossfit's community who had me drink the cool-aid a few years ago, and to my Marine friend that introduced me to it all.
To my friends who constantly send encouragements and support, seriously this is the best thing I could have asked for. Community, and a life long commitment to health.
So, come check it out at our gym that both Eli and I attend. SnoRidge Crossfit in Snoqualmie Ridge.
Thanks everyone!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
What was it about running that gave me a proud sense of myself? I am reminiscing in my early middle and high school years of investing hours after school and during my weekends putting miles on my running shoes and chipping away at the timer.
Every race was instinctually exciting, nothing I could do to possibly calm myself, so I bounced in place to give myself a physical distraction before we were all released to race our little teenage hearts out.
It was a rush, a thrill, so satisfying to feel as if I was flying across the track.
Now, after years of making excuses, I have successfully participated in two 5k runs, completed my 26th Crossfit workout, all of this is a cause for celebration. After years of recovery from a back injury sustained during my senior year in high school I found myself utterly frustrated with this new weak and slow way of carrying myself. Until recently I have been adding my health and condition to a long list of things to be resentful about, to be grieving over, as if I had lost my ability to be healthy and have the kind of strength I once had.
Yet the realization came in when I begun to seriously compare my teenage self to my now, the vision shocked me, and made me realize that it isn’t fair to use those years as a comparison. As a teenager “staying fit” meant a poor diet of eating as little as possible, obsessed if not consumed by rituals of measuring and weighing that did nothing but haunt my mind, and make me run until I was dizzy, sick and still carrying the weight of everything else in my life going on.
Let’s just agree that kids are mean, and for odd reasons. Very few of my quote friends ever really were accepting of me for me. From dating to teen social connections it was all a game, a sick game that is often dangerous for teens even today.
That was then, and now working with Crossfit, having a stable healthy home life, eating with a nutritious conscious are some of the ingredients for creating my new stronger, healthier and probably faster self, that I know that with time this will be something actually worth being proud of as my identity.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Dear (Insert your name after agreeing to letter below),
It has come to my attention that we need to talk or at least clarify a few things.
Recently meaning within the last two months, years or decades you have either found it impossible to find me in person, on the phone, on twitter, Facebook, blackberry messenger, where I live, work, where I workout, or during one of the functions I attend or just about anywhere. You have found it impossible to fit in a 2 minute conversation, as I of course have been missing from the planet that you live on.
Luckily for me being a good friend/family member/social stalker I have been able to keep informed with your various activities from your Twitter, Facebook or by talking with one of my many spies, like mutual friends, family members or any other kind of social informant.
After leaving voicemails, sending emails, burning rubber and driving to nowhere and back, I now know the time I have been taking to duck tape and sticky glue this relationship together is a high risk no return investment that I need to allocate elsewhere.
So to clarify I think it best that we both just agree that whether or not we like living on separate planets, that technology has just not offered us enough solutions to be able to remedy our dilemma.
So when you are back on earth, have a few minutes to spare and need someone to talk to, remember that the good Lord is always listening.
In respect to any past we had together that is valuable in any sort, feel free to blog about it.
Sincerely,
Whoever you thought I was
The road is better traveled together, even if it is only for a while. Luckily, I am reassured everyday learning that everyone is always going through some kind of transition. Some better than others, some easier, some more of a struggle but there isn’t a single person out this crazy journey alone.
Sometimes it is easier to believe that I am alone, but nothing is better than being reminded that I am not. Celebrating the joys, the success, even the struggles and the failures together really makes this whole life thing beautiful.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Things I have recently remembered, learned, experienced or have stumbled upon, in no particular order.
Attitude is choice
My happiness is not the responsibility of anyone other than me
My time, and energy are resources with limits
Saying “No”, Doesn’t make me a bad person
Investing in education is a priority
Being highly sensitive does not have to mean being highly reactive
Those who reciprocate are always the best at friendships
If nothing else – listen
Communicate needs instead of assuming they are known
Having high expectations is respect of potential
Identities can evolve, and should be seen as they are, not just who they were
To be successful be a supporter of other’s success
Speak out of respect and appreciation
Be Genuine
Staying local is more effective use of time and energy
Community happens, be willing to let it in
Silence is often an important part of music
Be aware, know the real news
Guiding stars are often small
It is okay to take different paths
Perspective is part of the masterpiece
Love those who appreciate life
The drive is about the journey not so much the destination
Late bloomers are often the most beautiful
Enthusiasm - expressing the love of life
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Puget Sound Youth Interfaith Youth camp is held each year at Camp Seymour located in the beautiful area of Gig Harbor, surrounded by trees, wildlife and beautiful water, this is the perfect place to build a community of understanding, patience and friendship.
This year camp is August 24th through the 28th. Visit Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp's Website at soundinterfaithcamp.org.
Camp is for youth entering into the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Counselors are needed that are 20 years old and have experience working with youth of all ages.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A person who gains pleasure from amassing large quantities of knowledge about subjects often too detailed or complicated for most other people to be bothered with.Often mistaken for Geeks, who aspire to become nerds, yet lack the intelligence, and end up giving nerds a bad name due to their poor social skills.
Non-nerds are often scared of nerds, due to their detailed knowledge, and therefore seemingly high levels of intelligence - and subsequently denegrate them as much as possible as often as possible.
Nerds exist covertly within the fabric of society, often choosing to 'nerd it up' in private or in the company of fellow nerds. It is for this reason they are feared the most - unlike geeks, who are easily identified, nerds can only be found out when casual conversation reaches a subject that they like nerding.
Definition posted on Urban Dictionary.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
1st sure, yet it won't... it can't be the last!
After a month of anticipation two little Mazdaspeeds took off on an epic journey around the Olympic Peninsula with everything awesome packed into a couple of days why won't you want to see some snap shots of the weekend.
Can't wait to go again... ;)
View more pictures on Facebook
HUGE thanks to Darrin, Eli and Claire for really making this weekend one to treasure. :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sugar and carb induced comas in the afternoon, eight plus hours sitting slumped into a blob, the posture of a hunchback, catching myself drooling - loosing energy and focus during meetings, frowning at pants that are either shrinking or just plain refusing to cooperate, soccer practice canceled one too many times, going up the stairs and feeling like I need a break, looking in the mirror and shaking my head, searching for options, searching for some kind of Ah ha moment... and THEN there it appears, a real light at the end of tunnel, a ray of hope, a familiar passion opened right along my little road of adventure. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I have signed away this body and soul to a place where a little bucket named Pukie lives, along with a rowing machine, some kettle bells and a whole new healthier me. A little sweat, squats and some great new friends means a whole new adventure that I hope you join in too.Today I am hoping is my last first day back to Crossfit, vowing to make the sacrifice to continue going even if it means buying a private jet to fly me to a Crossfit master. Today was awesome, sure I struggled, yet I kicked some serious lazy calories into gear. Build me some muscles I say! So excited to be back at Crossfit!
Today the challenge was remembering what to do, and reminding myself that most of the workout it mental, that is telling myself that “YES, I CAN..” Chanting to myself that I am worth it, I am doing it, I am here, I am doing it, I can, I can I can!
Warm-up:
Reviewing basics
Air, overhead and wall squats
Sit ups
Princess push-ups
Jumping pull ups
WOD – (Workout of the Day)
Two rounds of awesomeness:
Run 400 meters
40 air squats
30 sit ups
20 princess push-ups
10 jumping pull ups
Rinse repeat 1 more time… Don’t drink too much water or you will bond with Pukie
Whew! 27 Minutes… not too shabby, I finished the workout that is what mattered to me most today.
Ending:
Stretching, catching breathe and blasting the car’s AC.
If you feel so inclined I am sure I will have some pathetic looking picture of me posted on Crossfit’s blog before too long, that is okay, LOTS of room for improvement right?
Goals:
Run a 5k with a decent time
Buy a little red dress and look stunning
Fight off hereditary diseases
Get two more people to experience the wonderfulness of Crossfit
Get myself to believe in an “I CAN” attitude
Prove to myself “I CAN”
Participate in the Strongman Competition in August
Be able to keep up with our youth at church
Run with the manager of Direct Marketing and Director of Marketing
Totally looking forward to having one sweet before and after picture.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
What do you appreciate about today?
Can you see the positive side to this situation?
Why don’t you call that person?
What is it that you fear?
When will you take the plunge?
What have you accomplished today?
Who do you admire?
Does simplicity have value in your life?
Where does your time go?
Who shapes your life?
Do you let people impact your emotions?
How can you make a difference today?
Could you forgive yourself?
Do you understand your actions?
What are you going to wear tomorrow?
Who do you worry about?
Why do you get disappointed in people?
Anyone you would like back in your life?
Why are animals and nature so important to you?
Do you walk your talk?
Are your actions speaking louder than your words?
Interfaith Comedy Show: Under One Roof
There’s nothing like laughing together…
Featuring internationally acclaimed comedians Rabbi Bob Alper & Azhar Usman with special guest Rev. Susan Sparks, it is being offered to the community by OneNation, The Russell Family Foundation, and Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.
When: Sunday, June 7th, 7 pm
Where: Urban Grace Church, 902 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student, senior & military
PLUS: Snacks at intermission will be sold by campers as a fundraiser for Puget Sound Interfaith Camp!
More information: 253.627.5626
Click here for the Comedy Show Flyer
