UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday to all.

My blog is going to be on hiatus for a bit during my transition. I am moving everything to my brand new website and I am also moving to San Francisco soon so I will be "Under Construction" in many ways.

I will still be here posting, and I will still be following everything I am working on and sharing inspiration and motivation. Have a wonderful day and remember, we are all a work in progress and always a bit "under construction." If we were perfect we would have nothing to strive for and look forward to.

www.mychangeforaten.blogspot.com  is now http://mychangeforaten.com/change-ten/

Love and Light to all.
Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...

Good Morning. Are you starting anew with your goals for the autumn? I did the first two weeks of this, and I am using that two weeks as my warm up and starting new today. I am doing three rounds daily plus cardio.


Trying to keep it going despite my move to San Francisco.  Thank you Melissa Bender Fitness.

We can all do it. I will chart my progress from now til the end of the year.


Love and light

Rose


Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...: This is Month 1 of the workouts that I have done to prep for my bikini competition. This is the order I completed the workouts in...

NATIONAL POETRY DAY

Good Morning to all. Today in the UK is National Poetry Day, and since I am a poet I decided to include a poem in my daily post. Writing helps me channel my thoughts and get through the challenges and transitions in life, as well as working out. Life is hills and valleys, at one moment you are king of the hill the next moment you find yourself stranded at the bottom without a safety net. It is how you channel your thoughts that makes all of the difference.

What do you do to keep the calm amongst the chaos? With my move I am working out daily doing Melissa Bender Fitness first month of her three month series of the Bikini competition workout and daily trips to the gym. I also love to work out in nature. Movement has helped me keep my sanity as we transition from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I would love to hear your thoughts, how you channel your anxieties and worries. Nature always has a way of bringing us back to earth. 

Love and Light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

NATURAL THERAPY

The azure sky above tints my reality

with a little glow of heaven,  

An existence formally tainted

within the eclipse of my soul.

Depleted unfulfilled and lost

within a colorless endless Monday;

searching for a free haven,

a place where weariness

drifts away in the haze;

illuminating the shadows.

Clouds take on a new shape,

artistry and the allure of the earth,

nature and spirit are entwined in bliss.

Fluttering in the mist of the rain,

water blesses me to begin anew;

I become the willow in the wisp,

communing with the celestial one.

Climb trees, reach high, embrace;

mother earth and all she stands for.

The scent of damp cedar,

captures my senses and I am aware;

there is more to myself than me.

Honeysuckle tickles, provokes, lingers;

teases my greedy nostrils

with the promise of the coming dawn,

and all the abandon that she offers.

The endless monotony of Mondays,

are replaced with the beauty of a blue beyond.

Slow down, breathe, take time,

be serene, own your peace.

The wonder of a midsummer delight

replaces the constant inner struggle,

when an individual steps outside

their vanity, their Jones' mentality.

Looks at their former world

from a different vantage point.

Grasps what is truly valuable,

We are all one with the earth

and the earth is one with us.

Rose Bruno Bailey

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUMPKIN SEASON

Today is the first day of October, and you know what that means. Autumn, the smell of leaves cascading to the ground, the warm fuzzy feeling you have when you taste something pumpkin flavored. Who doesn't love a pumpkin spice latte? 

To me Autumn conjures up emotions of brand new beginnings.   Unfortunately a lot of the delicious seasonal treats are a bit high in calories, so what do you do to indulge in something pumpkin yet sticking to your program and goals? 

Yesterday I combined  nonfat plain Greek yogurt with canned pumpkin. The pumpkin has one ingredient, pumpkin. I used a little Stevia and some cinnamon and all of a sudden I had a delicious and creamy Autumn treat that was so good for me too. 

I would love to know what swaps you have come up with, to give yourself the same decadent feeling but without the guilt. What are you doing to stick to your goals?  I have a motto, We can never give up, but we can never go at it alone; we are all in this together.  
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

Where are you from?

As I  embark on transitioning this journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco I wonder, where are you from? 

I was born in Chicago IL , raised in Cleveland OH. I have lived in Pittsburgh PA, Farmington CT. NYC, LA, and now heading to San Francisco CA. I would not change a moment, I have met so many amazing souls along my way that I call dear friends. These people I have met along my way have shaped who I have become, and I am constantly evolving.

Where is home for you and does your city offer a lot of tools to make your fitness goals a reality?
Happy Tuesday to everyone, near and far on this beautiful globe of ours.Today is day ten of the first three months of Melissa Bender's Bikini Competition series. I got this.

Me with my first NYC friend and soul sister for life
Up the street from my current West Hollywood home
May 2014

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

MONDAY 9-29-2014

Good morning to all and a very Happy Monday. yesterday I switched my rest day of today and took it yesterday instead. So tonight I am doing Melissa Bender's Day 8 Fitness Transformation workout #2 in the first month of the three month series that she did to prep for her bikini competition. Here is a picture of me last December and now. I took a picture in the same wrap dress, but I pulled it much tighter to fit. I am going to lose another 40 lbs, but definitely 20 lbs. I now weigh 164 and I feel far from done yet proud at how far I have come. I use the sit down test. If I sit down and I feel like my belly spills out a little, I am not fit yet. On my way, but not there.

Melissa does some exercises in plank that requires you jump. I modify such exercises since I have a toe injury. I can plank, but not jump in plank on my toe. I make it through the routine and the rounds, I just adjust what she does to my own personal needs. I am finally seeing a Dr next week.

Moving is crazy, in weeks I will be in San Francisco. Working out has helped me keep my sanity. I am so excited to begin anew in another city. I love LA, and I absolutely adore the community of West Hollywood. Today was the day four years ago we moved from NYC to LA so this is all very bitter sweet for us. I must not compare though, I will embrace the city by the bay and all of the brand new opportunities. I am going to take this project to a new level.

Off for now. Love and light to all and a big thank you to my best friend Melissa Bender. She has been an amazing friend and we have not lived in the same city since 2005 when I left Pittsburgh PA for CT. She has taught me true friends are just a mere heartbeat away. A shout out to all of my loved ones near and far. I am all about the love.

Namaste'
Love and light
Rose

ZEN NEW LOOK

My body is my temple, my spirit is my paradise within

Happy Sunday to all. James my husband suggested I change the look of my blog, a fresh look for a new year and a new life in San Francisco. This is what I have decided on for now. I may change it again, but I do like the zen quality of the color of sea foam green. I am taking everything to another level and a fresh face lift on my blog is just what I need.

Today is day 8 of month one of the three months of Melissa Bender Fitness Bikini Prep workouts. I will also do my cardio. It is a sleepy Sunday and I have not taken a rest day in over ten days. I finally made a Dr. appointment for next week to have my toes looked at. I have one injured toe on my right foot, and I actually lost a toe nail on my left foot and the one underneath is bruised too. I think my shoes are too large and it may be causing me major issues with my workouts and cardio. Challenges do not slow me down though. I adjust and get through the obstacle courses that come my way. 

Off for now. Wishing everyone a beautiful and zen Sunday.

Love, Light, and Peace

Namaste'

Rose

Check in Day Seven....Melissa Bender Fitness: Tummy Toning Fat Burn

The first year is behind me,  45 lbs are lost....onward and upward to the next forty and all of my fitness goals.

Checking in on my routine. Day seven of Month one is today, and yes I workout on a Saturday. Today I am going to the gym to do the treadmill as well as day seven. I am also doing home yoga until I move to San Francisco and when I get situated in will be back in the studio. I am doing all three months of Melissa Bender's Bikini Competition prep, the workouts she did to compete in a bikini competition. She has and always will be so inspiring to me, and I am always so grateful to her for being such an amazing  best friend as well as role model to many. 

Much love and light to all and a big thanks to Melissa Bender for helping me during this transition period. 

Namaste'

Rose



Melissa Bender Fitness: Tummy Toning Fat Burn: *Workout Video and Breakdown Below Hi Everyone! Who is up for some tummy time? Everyone wants a strong core, and sexy abs. This w...

NAMASTE'

Here is a poem I wrote when I began my yoga practice a few years ago. Happy Weekend to all. xo

NAMASTE'
Coming from me, a poet and former ballet dancer,
yoga combines the cerebral aspects of my brain with the physical reality of my body;
stanzas gesturing in motion.
As I transition from asana to asana, my mind poses that
age old question; am I one with the universe?
The answer is always a definite yes.
I feel as if I am the salt of the earth below my toes, the clouds hovering above my head.
I realize not only am I one with the earth and the universe, I am so with all creatures;
and one with my sometimes puzzling psyche.
By the time I reach the elusive state of savasana I feel as if I am floating above my body.
I finally return back to earth in prayer pose to recite that final namaste,
in that belated moment of clarity I am reminded of the gratitude I have for being heaven sent yet earth bound.
Rose Bruno Bailey

SWEAT OUT THE STRESS

Thank god it is Friday. This moving mess is unreal, and it is truly the hardest move we have ever navigated. Forging forward with my work out goals, which makes dealing with the unease and stress so much easier. Endorphins really do have a factor on your mood.

Today is day six of Melissa Bender Fitness Bikini Prep workout, month one. I am also doing about 45 minutes of cardio today as well. I am going to shoot for two rounds. 
http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/01/lower-body-fat-blaster.html

I had a few weeks of slowing down with the moving stress and this week I am working on my strength. Next week I will do three rounds.
I am doing her 12 week series, and also incorporating my own cardio and Body Pump Classes from 24 Hour Fitness. I will start Yoga as soon as I get situated in San Francisco.

I need to eat a bit more. I eat mostly clean but sometimes I do not eat enough. I was reading all about what Melissa eats and it puts me to shame. I definitely need to eat more. Not eating slows your metabolism and does not fuel you enough for working out.

Breakfast today was non fat Greek yogurt with no sugar no salt peanut butter, raw oats and a banana. I was out of my usual protein bars. 

Off for today. I work and I will be working out this evening.
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...

If you  look up, clouds will guide your way

Good morning to all. Here is the complete list of Month one, which I am following. I am on day five of Month one. I need this now more than ever, the moving stress level is through the roof. The relocation red tape is unreal, and there is always a chance that we could stay in LA, so back to being in limbo. We wait, and I workout to keep my sanity and push harder than ever. Whether here in LA or in San Francisco I am taking my project and my fitness goals to another level.


In the meantime work calls after my second cup of coffee. Cue breathing.

Namaste'

Rose



Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...: This is Month 1 of the workouts that I have done to prep for my bikini competition. This is the order I completed the workouts in...

WEDNESDAY WARRIOR

Good Morning to all. Today is hump day, and I so look forward to the weekend.  My days here in Los Angeles are numbered, but it does not feel like it yet since we still have to secure an apartment. I have been working out hard, and I did the last five days and today is supposed to be a rest day according to the schedule of Melissa Bender's Bikini Prep workouts for month one, week one. I may take a Body Pump class though, or go swimming. I pushed my cardio the last five days and yesterday my toe started bothering me again. I iced it and if I feel fine I will take the class, and if not I am going swimming.

Last night I made the mistake of  taking aspirin before bed on an empty stomach, which made for a stomach ache, a sleepless night and nightmares. It is so important to get at least seven hours of sleep. I will not do that again.


So for today Wednesday:
-Day four from week one, month one of Melissa Bender Fitness Bikini Competition workouts.  Day four is a day off.
-light cardio for an active rest day

That is it for now. Each day I will be recording what I am doing to get the the second round of my goals, with a breakdown every Monday for the full week.

Namaste'
Have a wonderful day
Rose

NAVIGATING A MOVE

As soon as we find a place, San Francisco will be my next home

Finding an apartment from afar is challenging, and I swore to myself through this crazy move I would keep up my workouts and push harder than ever. I have stuck to that vow, and I feel amazing. I slacked off for a few weeks from the stress of waiting to find out if we were moving or not, I have never liked being in limbo. When we moved cross country from NYC to LA it was a smoother transition. James was hired rather quickly, and we moved in three weeks. This time it is such a dragged out process, it almost makes you wonder if it will happen. Even though they wanted him in San Francisco by October 6th, we are hoping for the third week of the month. Too much to do too soon.

I am blogging more about what I am doing to get to the next half of my goals. The first year is done and behind me. I have lost 45 lbs, changed my body and I have helped numerous charities and did a few interesting items off my bucket list. 

Now I am beginning anew, another 40 lbs to go, and as soon as I deliver my books before the move to Reading to Kids I will be working on my next ten lb charity. I will of course wait til I get to San Francisco to pick and announce it. I am also going to take "new" before photos soon. Lots of things to do in San Francisco to add to my bucket list too. One of the first things I want to do is to walk the pedestrian path of the Golden Gate Bridge.
On Mondays I will post my weekly workout plan and anything else I am doing to get to my goals, and each day I will make a little post for that day. I am trying to eat more, and eat as clean as possible. Tons of water helps too.

Today is a day three and a day off from Melissa Bender's bikini fitness competition workouts for month one so I am just going to do cardio and yoga.  I downloaded new music to get me going.

Being in a new city is going to challenge me. I have to find my gym, and learn my way around. I am nervous but excited. I have a friend there who goes to the same gym I do, and she wants to work out together. I also have a few other friends there, who have reached out and have been very supportive and welcoming which I need now. It is a lonely feeling to pick up and move.

Off for today, a lot on my mind and I am just trying to let it all be.
Namaste'
Rose

MONDAY'S ARE NEW BEGINNINGS

I think this is San Francisco. I will find this spot.
One of my goals, to take yoga pose photos
all over the bay area,

Good Morning to all. Today is Monday, yes again. I like to look at Monday's as a new beginning. I have a lot of new beginnings coming my way with my upcoming move to San Francisco. Finding an apartment is the most challenging step. Once we secure a place it will be full steam ahead.  I am trying to figure out when my last day of work should be. I have not put in my two weeks yet, but I need to soon.

I work today, and I plan on working out after. I am doing my Cardio and day two of Melissa Bender Fitness Bikini Competition workout series of month one. I may take a Les Mills Body Pump Class tonight if I get out of work in time. 

http://www.benderfitness.com/2013/01/full-body-shaping-home-workout.html

I am so happy my gym membership for 24 Hour Fitness allows me to attend any 24 Hour Fitness. They are all over San Francisco.

So my plan for this week is:
Week one of  month one of Melissa Bender Bikini Competition Series. One Round to begin, 20 reps.
Cardio five to six days.
Body Pump Class two to three days.
Anything else I may squeeze in

I am going to try to keep my diet as clean as possible. I do allow myself a piece of dark chocolate if I want it. Just one, and I totally savor it. I love Trader Joe's.

Off for now. Soon I have to start cleaning, purging, and packing. Change comes on slow than runs you over.
Namaste'
Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...

Melissa Bender suggested I do this series, so today was day one of month one. I also did my cardio. 

I will be posting more about how I am getting to my goals each day. Day one, done. I am not competing, but these are challenging workouts and I am excited.


I will be doing other exercises and workouts on my quest for fitness, and I will also post as I go and progress. I am beginning anew amongst the chaos of moving to a brand new city. 


Namaste'

Rose



Melissa Bender Fitness: My First Bikini Competition Prep: Month 1 Workouts...: This is Month 1 of the workouts that I have done to prep for my bikini competition. This is the order I completed the workouts in...

RIDE WITH THE WIND

With the wind comes a change in direction, and I am adjusting my compass and blowing in the breeze. The sea is below to catch my fall. I will never falter, it sometimes it takes me longer to get to my destination. Loving the journey just the same.

With everything going on with the move, I realized I need to push harder than ever. I have decided to blog more about what I am doing each day to get to my goals, and when I get to San Francisco I will not feel like I have fallen behind. Friday I did cardio for 45 minutes and took a Les Mills Body Pump Class. I am still sore from that. Saturday I went speed walking outdoors for over an hour.

Today I am going to do about an hour of speed walking outdoors. I am taking advantage of this amazing weather, I hear San Franciso is much cooler. I am planning on speed walking for now. I have slacked off a bit, so I am starting with that so I do not make my toes any worse. I am also seeing a Dr. before the move. Running will come as soon as I feel back in the swing of things.

Today I am also going to do day one of Melissa Bender Fitness Bikini Competition workouts. She suggested I add those to my routine a while back, and it is so amazing to work out with my best friend even if it is virtually. She is such an inspiration and I do not know where I would be without her.  I plan on going through the routine twice, after my cardio. I plan on doing 15-20 reps.

I struggle with lunges, so that will be the most difficult part for me. I can do her routine at the gym or at home. I have been watching the videos and writing down the breakdown so I can do it at the gym without the computer. They have all the equipment I will need.

That is it for today. I downloaded brand new music from the 70's and 80's to keep me moving. It also makes me happy and energized. With this move I need to keep my energy high. Onward and Upward.

Love and light to all
Happy Sunday
Namaste'
Rose

MOVING CHAOS

Moving is full speed ahead, as soon as we are able to secure an apartment. This is very difficult from afar since we are both still working our present jobs. A lot of stress and it is easy to fall of the wagon. Yesterday I decided I would find time to work harder than ever, to keep my momentum going despite of the stress. I will be on my own in the city by the bay, without the security of having my trainer Mike push we twice a week. I need to reset my goals and plan for what is to come in a new city. Mike will still be helping me with my fitness bucket list and I know he will help me from afar as much as he can.  My husband James said Mike gave me the keys to fitness, now it is up to me to open new doors in my new city.

I took a Body Pump Class yesterday, I think it will be perfect to help me transition in San Francisco. I am working out and pushing myself, and downloading brand new music to get me moving to a new upbeat tune. I ran into my dear friends at 24 Hour Fitness in West Hollywood, and was so grateful we could capture a photo. 

James wanted Chinese, and what's a girl to do? Steamed chicken, vegetables and brown rice, and I only ate half a portion with some fruit. I have a piece of dark chocolate for later, after I work out. It is so important now more than ever that I stick to my healthy lifestyle.
Off for today, we need to start going through our belongings and purging and donating what we do not need.
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

Steamed brown rice, veggies, and chicken with no sauce. 

I love Peter and Agatha, They swim daily

RELOCATING TO SAN FRANCISCO

I do Love LA

I have been very quiet here, and it is because I felt I had nothing to say. September has been full of uncertainty and transition. My husband James took a job up in San Francisco last week, a position he was interviewing with for about a month. In that period, I did not know if we would stay or go. We were in limbo, and the waiting was so stressful. All of the goals I had for September were put off, after all how can you sign up for classes if you are not sure you will still be here? 

At this same time my trainer Mike was going through transitions of his own, moving into a new apartment and we were not able to work out. I still kept up walking, running, and yoga but I found the more I got stressed out about my possible move the more I slacked off a little. My diet is still on point, right now that is the only arena in my life I have control over. I love my LA home and I am very sad to go, but on the same note I look forward to a brand new adventure in San Francisco. I am so proud of my husband James, he truly is a determined go getter and relentless when it comes to getting what he wants in his career. 

There is a quiet kind of loneliness when you find out you are moving to a brand new place. I cannot explain it, but all of a sudden for a fleeting moment you feel very alone in the world.

I knew with Mike's transitions and my own impending move that our workouts would be coming to an end soon, I felt that this possible move to San Francisco would happen and it did. It was exactly four years ago James and I made the move from our beloved big apple to the city of angels. NYC to LA in a span of three weeks time in September 2010. The timing was just too similar, and I felt that this would happen exactly like it did back in 2010. My intuition was on par as usual. At the time I was so sad to leave NYC behind, but I felt it was time for a change. I grew to fall in love with sunny Los Angeles. Leaving is not as effortless now.

My trainer and friend Mike and I will keep in touch, and we are still planning on working on my goals from afar, and I plan to come down to LA to take my surfing lessons, trapeze classes etc. I also have a lot of goals for my new life in San Francisco, to begin this project with a new city and that iconic Golden Gate as my backdrop. I will talk more about my  new goals in the near future. I am forever grateful to my Mike who began as a stranger I worked with and hardly knew, to trainer, coach, and friend. Now I consider him a friend for life. Distance does not take that away. When I become close friends with someone, I am that forever. I thank him for his patience, time, and kindness, and for giving me the keys to fitness. 

Mike my trainer and friend and  adorable Apollo

My last ten pound charity is wrapping up, I received more books from a generous friend Mary who delivered them to my work. She is a lovely soul I met one day at work, and we have kept in touch. Even though her life is busy, she took the time to deliver a bag of beautiful books for children. I will deliver all the books to Reading to Kids before we make the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to our new home by the bay.

beauty by the bay

So much to think about my head is spinning. I may just go to the pool today and erase the day.
Namaste'
Love and Light
across the miles always
Rose

KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

I am still doing my book drive for Reading to Kids, and I am taking my time to get the most books. I will pick and announce my next ten pound charity within a month. I am so grateful for all the book donations from friends and new friends. Today I received a box of children's books from someone I met at the nail salon. We began a conversation and I told her what I was working on, and she did not hesitate to offer to help by donating books.  In a mere moment in a nail salon I am granted a new friend. I am so grateful. I look forward to treating her to coffee and cake in the near future. Be kind to others, and sometimes being kind rewards you with new friends.

Children's books are magical

On the subject of the kindness of strangers and strangers becoming new friends. I have to give a shout out to my wonderful friend Amy. She and I also met in a nail salon, she approached me when she heard I too was from NYC. When she tells the story she makes me cry, because she explains it was my kindness to the staff at the nail salon that caught her attention. In return I was gifted an amazing friend and I am so thankful she said hello to me on that sunny afternoon. Amy is one of my dearest friends and my first friend in California. 

Amy and me. 

Off for now. Tomorrow is my first workout with Mike my trainer and friend. He had to move so we took a break, and I look forward to getting back to the grind. I have been doing yoga and cardio but I have slacked on weight bearing exercises. I will be sore, this I know.

I am also grateful to Mike for taking the time out of his busy schedule and move to train me. His kindness definitely never goes unnoticed. It is amazing how people you meet become your good friends, people you may never have expected to be. You never know who you may meet around the corner or around the world. I love that about life. 

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

CALM WITHIN THE CHAOS

Good afternoon and hello to all. I am still here, working on all of my goals. Collecting books for my latest ten pound loss and working out. It has been a stressful few weeks since I did yoga on a heli-pad, and I felt like I do when I get writers block and cannot write my poetry. I had a blog block. A lot of things are going on personally, and I will talk about them soon enough. In the meantime I felt like I had nothing to give or say, until the answers to my personal riddles become clear. At the end of the day, I am still my same optimistic self. Forging forward to help better myself and help others too. All with a little help from my friends.

Today my husband James and I are going on a long walk, and doing some shopping for healthy meals. It is going to be a scorcher here in LA but I kind of want to make some healthy soup. Comfort food plus it is healthy and full of vegetables. It is a low key day since we have been overwhelmed the last few weeks. 

Off for now, hitting the reset button and getting back on track. I am at 165 lbs and working on my book drive. I will announce my next 10 lb charity soon. I will finally be in the 150's.

Happy Weekend to all
Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness: BenderFitness DietBet Weight Loss Challenge

Posing in Point State Park in 2005

My best friend Melissa Bender before her wedding to to Jesse Bender in 2010

I am accepting this challenge for the month of September. I need to mix things up and a possible transition may come my way. It may not but I need to stay on my toes one way or another. If you are needing an extra diet incentive I suggest you join in on the weight loss bet.

My best friend is one of the most amazing humans I have ever encountered, and she truly is remarkable at everything she does. Do the challenge, you will come out on the other side completely inspired.


Love and Light to all

Rose





Melissa Bender Fitness: BenderFitness DietBet Weight Loss Challenge: Hi Everyone! I am hosting another workout challenge for the month of September!  This one is a little bit different, but I t...

WEIGH IN LOWEST WEIGHT

Good Morning and happy weekend to all. I had my weigh in today, and I am now officially 165 lbs. I have lost 2 more lbs and that brings me to my lowest weight to date. I am down 45 lbs. I am so happy, even through recent female water weight, a trip to Las Vegas and some fun down in Orange County with James and Patrick, I still did it. I am far from done though, many fitness milestones to accomplish, a fitness bucket list to go through, and more weight to lose and charities to sponsor. I am still collecting books for Reading To Kids.

Off today. I have had a major challenge, our refrigerator is broken so it has been take out every night. Today they are coming to hopefully fix it. I look forward to cooking again soon.  I like to make Vegetarian Soups For The Soul.

Hoping the repair man will only be here for a bit, I want to go to the pool. Love and light to all.

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

ROOF TOP HELI-PAD YOGA

One with the angels, in the city of angels. Transcendence found through Yoga on a rooftop heli-pad with two lovely ladies.
I felt bad this photo was taken so quickly, my fingers are blocking her beautiful smile.
It reminded me of her third eye.

In yoga and meditation they often speak of the third eye. This photo was taken quickly with these two lovely ladies from Europe and unfortunately my hand is blocking her beautiful smile. It is interesting though, like my fingers are where her third eye is."The third eye meditation is a simple technique to focus the mind, increase concentration and improve mental clarity.'

Every once in a blue moon you have a moment that makes you feel like you have become one with the clouds above. That feeling of being completely and utterly alive, but at the same time out of your body and at peace with your muddled mind. Yesterday I had one of those experiences practicing yoga on top of the Intercontinental Hotel's rooftop heli-pad. It was something I have wanted to do since I read about it over one year ago when I began this project and blog. The class is only through Labor Day, and last year I was disappointed because I was too late. I finally remembered about it and took the chance to cross it off my fitness bucket list. 

Thank you Noah Christensen.

Noah and me, I am so grateful

The teacher Noah Christensen was amazing, he truly captures what yoga should represent, mind, body, and soul. He reminded everyone that yoga is a practice and not a performance. He also told everyone to set their intention on something positive, and everyone in the room shared their energies for one another's intentions. We are our thoughts, and we can invent our lives through how he think and feel.  His gentle yet thorough vinyasa class marinated with his soothing voice and the spectacular view of all of Los Angeles. In one corner you could see Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory and The Hollywood Sign, and in another your sight catches all of Downtown LA. In a back bend, you look up and see pristine clouds of ivory flitting past your air space. It was a surreal experience being one with nature and this amazing city of angels all while practicing the art of yoga.

Don't be afraid to turn your world upside down. This was my forward fold view.

I am so grateful I had this opportunity to revel in something that combined my love for yoga with my love of clouds and nature, with a view of this city I have fallen in love with. If you ever have a chance I recommend you take the class. Next Tuesday at 6:30 will be the last class of the summer. You will not be sorry and you will come out refreshed, renewed, and ready to linger in life with a little more serenity and appreciate for this elusive state of being we call life.

Los Angeles from my roof top vantage point

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

Melissa Bender Fitness: Bender Fitness: #ALSIceBucketChallenge

I have been nominated by my best friend Melissa. In a day or so I will do the challenge.



Melissa Bender Fitness: Bender Fitness: #ALSIceBucketChallenge: Hi Everyone! By now you have probably seen the #ALSIceBucketChallenge tag show up all over your social media. My sister nominated...

ONE YEAR IN PHOTOS

I attempted to put together a photo album of the last year in review. to show my weight loss and fitness progress. Here is the link to my Facebook page.

Happy Weekend to all. Onward to year two and another 40 lbs and lots of fitness milestones and fitness goals to accomplish.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.797789640266504.1073741849.586561194722684&type=1

TO DO LIST

Good morning to all and a Happy Friday. We were away in Vegas with James' good friend Ted and we have an awesome time. It was amazing being reunited with Ted and I am so grateful for the wonderful get-a- way we had.

I am back now, and back to the grind and a list of things to accomplish between now and the end of September. These are lists separate from my charities. The books are coming in for my book drive as I type, and I am grateful to the wonderful friends and new friends who are donating.

There may be a transition happening so I have been a little stressed, but in my eyes it has not happened as of yet so my focus is forward with everything I have planned here in Los Angeles. I refuse to worry about something that may or may not happen. I will deal with that storm if it occurs.

In the meantime..... Here is my list to get in gear now that I am back.

1. I want to surf, and my trainer Mike said whenever I am ready. So I need to purchase either a wet suit or a sporty bathing suit with swim pants and a vest or rash guard and take him up on his offer to teach me one of the first things that were on my first fitness bucket lists. The swim clothes will come in handy because James and I love to go to the beach, and I like nothing more than to swim and be one with the ocean.

2. I am going to sign up for Align Ballet Method in September. Over one year later it is time. 

3. I am going to take at least one class at the Cirque School in Hollywood, a 101 class and then maybe sign up for 5 more to begin. 

4. I may have some professional photos taken to update for my blog, plus I need a book jacket cover.

5. This is not blog related but I will have my poems picked out and sent to my publisher FinnLady Press back east. This book will get done.

It is early and I cannot think of what else should be on this list, so this is it for this morning. Coffee will jolt my memory.

Happy Friday to all.
Namaste'
Rose



Here are a few Vegas pics

The Pool at The Bellagio

Tree at the Bellagio Hotel, view from the pool.

James took this, not bad. Showing progress is fun, I admit it. At the Bellagio.

Good friends having a good laugh in front of the Bellagio in Vegas.

Teddy, James, and Me, reunited again. 

One selfie to see progress, and my legs are so much thinner now.

MY CUP IS ALWAYS HALF FULL

Good morning to all on this gifted Friday. I am away in Las Vegas for the weekend. This week I have decided everything I do I will do with 100% of my heart and soul. From the creative things I do, the physical, the mundane. If I am putting in my time and I putting my heart into it as well. I am also making some lists of larger things to accomplish in regards to my fitness journey, personal goals, volunteering and charity ideas. My day to day workouts with be harder too, and I will be pushing more. I am proud of how far I have come but I am reaching beyond the stars I love to gaze at. I will be kind to everyone that crosses my path, and I will try to exercise patience as well.

I feel I was stronger and worked harder with my workouts with Mike this week. My toe feels like it is healing, and we ran on Wednesday again for the first time in forever. No pain, and I feel great. We are working on pull-ups with the TRX.  Mike is helping me inch my way into a full pull up, and when I am able to master that I will be taking trapeze classes. It has been on my bucket list since NYC to take Trapeze Classes. I first saw the Trapeze School at Chelsea Piers and said I have to do that. I was actually planning on beginning a NYC bucket list blog and then we moved suddenly to Los Angeles. When I moved I saw the Trapeze School was also here at the Santa Monica Pier. I noted I could still take my classes but quickly realized I needed to work on my strength first. Side note about Mike my trainer. He is honestly a gift and anyone who works out with him will be lucky indeed. I hope he gets so many clients in the future, I am doing things I never knew I could do. I hope one day my best friend Melissa Bender from Melissa Bender Fitness can meet him, they both are my fitness inspirations. They also both put up with my issues and tell me to eat more, something that I am working on. No one can go it alone. It starts alone, but having a support network and friends who believe in you makes the journey more of a joy ride.

Wednesday was the best day ever. I met so many kind people who want to help me collect children's books, and it continues on. I am so grateful for the kind people I am meeting. I was more excited about getting all the books for kids than leaving for Las Vegas. I tend to be a little, or a lot out of the box. More on my book drive soon. I was on my way home and I saw a man with a bag and I had to take a photo, it was a sign that I am moving in the right direction.

Off from my upgrade to a suite at the Orleans Hotel to the Bellagio this afternoon. Meeting up with my husbands best friend Ted who shares a birthday with James.  This suite is heaven. I ordered a pot of coffee from room service and I am in blogging heaven.

I made friendly chit chat with the gentleman at the front desk and got this upgrade.

The pot is always half full

Happy Friday to all
Love and light
Namaste'
Rose

MOMENTUM

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote is my new motto, and I am going to make a list of to do's, wants and needs for each month. Feed my body, mind and soul, and accomplish all of my goals. I will stick to the wisdom this amazing writer shared with us. I think I have done pretty well so far.

I was out of town for two days, my husband James and I drove down to Orange County to spend some time with his twin brother Patrick who was in town. We stopped at some beautiful spots and I took some photos. My brother in law Patrick said he never saw me look this thin, even back in 2005. This was me back in Summer 2005. There was a full length mirror in the hotel, and I looked at my reflection with awe. I do not own a full length mirror so I was asking if that is what I look like. I am now grasping that I have come a long way. I still have a long journey ahead and a ton of goals.

Summer 2005

Ranchos  Palos Verdes

Back to work for a few days before I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow. I worked out with my trainer Mike last night, who I will kindly for now will call the Drill Sergeant. All in good fun of course, he knows how appreciative I am of him. He is pushing me harder now, and my allergies were killing me so breathing felt like an impossible feat. I am getting pretty strong though, and doing exercises with my hands over my head was not as difficult as it was last week. My foot felt good and I ate enough. I am trying to take my workouts and fitness goals to another level. I have so many things on my bucket list, and milestone list to accomplish.

I am still collecting books for my book drive. My next ten pound charity will bring me to about 157 lbs. I am planning an idea and I will post all about that soon.
Coffee, Think Thin bar for now. I work out with Mike again after work tonight. Then I have to do laundry, pack and get ready to leave for Las Vegas. Diet challenges always when I am away, but I am up for any challenge that comes in my directon.

Namaste'
Happy Wednesday to all

WEIGH IN FRIDAY

beauty surrounds us

I decided to skip weighing in weekly, and do so every few weeks. Today, after a week of being painfully female and maybe holding on to a bit of water weight, I can safely say my weight is holding steady at 167 lbs. No loss, no gain, no tears I am happy. I am happy but not content and I know where I am going, it is just going to take me some time to get there.

A new week, I am going to up my cardio. My toe was injured, and it was kind of getting in my way. I wrapped it because I thought I should, and I think I made it worse. I know I still need to have it seen, but since I stopped wrapping it I am in less pain. Time to up my running.

Coffee time, and then we are heading to the beaches. My husband James and I are off a few days, which creates food challenges because he wants to try fun summer foods and well I am trying to be good. There is nothing like sleeping in and waking up to the best faces on the planet, Spanky and Rascal.

So, it is a wrap for this week. 167 lbs. Book drive still in full force, and I am getting more books next week. I am looking into my next ten pound charity and getting ideas. 

Happy Weekend to all.
Namaste'
Rose

CHRISTENED BY DIRT AND A DOG

Jump into the middle of things, get your hands dirty, fall flat on your face, and then reach for the stars.

Ben Stein

A year ago when I first worked out with my co-worker Mike turned trainer and friend, he told me to crawl in the dirt. Never one to like getting dirty, I thought to myself he may be a little crazy and I may be even crazier for contemplating doing it. If you ask anyone who knows me, I have always been on the girly side and I avoided getting dirty at all costs. My sister Dona still claims I brought a curling iron camping. That was me at 16.  Last year I was was a bona fide east coaster from NYC lost in a California world.

So in 2013 I crawled in the dirt, did these exercises called burpees in the dirt, and I lived to tell the tale. I admitted afterwards I felt liberated and like a little kid again. Over the course of the last year I have become very accustomed to working out in the dirt, and getting dirty is nothing to me now. I do my burpees, stand up, dust myself off and keep moving on. I do feel like a little kid. I find getting dirty grounds you. I feel closer to the earth and one with nature.

Today was my workout with Mike, and he brought his adorable dog Apollo to our workout, and I admit it was a lovely distraction. I have always loved animals, James and I have cats because it is lower maintenance but we adore dogs as well. Apollo was so sweet and just wanted to frolic with the other dogs. There is this big St Bernard named Floppy that I am a little in love with. Apollo and Floppy became fast friends.

We did a lot of upper body, and worked on my proper squat form. Mike is not letting me get off so easy anymore, and it is time I stepped up the pace. Afterwards we do stretches, and Mike uses a tennis ball to get the kinks out of my back and arms. This time it was a tennis ball christened with dog slobber courtesy of Apollo. We laughed how funny it was, a year later with a drooled on tennis ball massaging my arms. Afterwards, Apollo decided to kick dirt all on me and the mat, and I am now officially an outdoor girl. We took photos of the doggy debacle. One thing I found to be ironic, Mike has been telling me not to be afraid of dirt for one year now, but he had to pick the grass out of my hair. It was in some odd way out of character for him. Me, on the other hand I was like what the hell it is only grass. Chill out dude. Grass is everywhere in California. :-)

I am signing up to do the Spartan Mud Race in December. I am going into my 48th year not afraid to get dirty nor do I care what people think of me. Dirt is very liberating indeed.

Apollo is simply adorable

My Trainer Mike trying to train with his dog Apollo by his side

No argument from me, I adore all creatures of the universe

Mike and Apollo wrestling

What a cutie,  adopt a rescue cat or dog.

Apollo kicked dirt on me and sat on me,and I did not mind one bit

Dirt, and yes that drooled on tennis ball massaged my back and arms

Haha, I have come a long way from city life in NYC. I am now officially grounded and one with nature.