BETTER THAN YESTERDAY

Sometimes I get impatient, well a lot of times I am impatient. If you were to ask my husband what is my worst flaw he would tell you I am too impatient. It is no different in regards to fitness and weight loss. I do love the journey as well as the destination, and I am so happy where I am. I do have that little devil sitting on my shoulder telling me I should have come farther by now, and I need to work harder. Yes, I need to work even harder but I should be proud of where I am and where I am going. I am far removed from where I was. I can be my own worst critic, and self bashing is a slippery slope and I will nip this negative banter in the bud. I am in a much better place than I was yesterday, and definitely in comparison to there I was when I began this in July 2013. I will be grateful and not impatient.

So from now on I am just going to focus on my clean eating, my fitness and flexibility. I will be starting my fitness bucket list as well and I am working on my book drive for children which is my next ten pound milestone charity. All of this and work too.

Yesterday my workout with Mike my trainer went smooth. I ate enough and my energy was high. I was timid about running again, I admit I have slacked off on running and I have been walking instead but once I got going it was not so bad. I am grateful to him and he has helped me tremendously, he is good at what he does and I owe him a lot. We are going to video tape me doing my burpees in a week or two. I have improved considerably.

Coffee is my morning elixir on days like these. We are supposed to be getting a rain storm, so I may be spending more time indoors at the gym instead of my outdoor workouts. Mixing it up is always a good thing and California desperately needs rain even though I miss the sun when it happens. I have become a true Californian.

Off for now
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

TUESDAY WORKOUT

Good morning to all. It is Tuesday and I am up early having my coffee and protein bar and banana. I told my trainer Mike I would eat more, so today before I leave I will eat some Greek yogurt or a few egg whites. I am a work in progress. I know sometimes during the day I do not eat enough, and there have been times I have showed up to my workouts and really struggled. Water and food, it is a no brainer. I bought some mini cans of tuna packed in water, those should help me when I need protein on the go.

Tonight is my workout with Mike, he is back in town and that means back to the grind for me. Last week on Thursday I went with my friend Francie to Equinox for a gym version of ballet and a stretch class. I tried to hide in the class, but the teacher would have none of it. During turns he called me up front and said out loud that I have done this before. To me that was the proof I needed that my years of training were not in vain. I have not lost it, so I will be taking a studio class in the near future, I was just getting my toes wet so to speak. 

I have to step it up a few paces, so I will give myself by the end of March to really progress even farther. I have done well but I can do so much better. I am grateful to Mike for his support, expertise and patience. I feel like the last eight months have been a warm up and now I can really excel. I know he feels I can do more, and I will.

Not sure how I feel about  taking vitamins. I was sick all day yesterday. I went walking for one hour and my stomach was doing somersaults.  Does anyone else get nauseous from taking vitamins? It is not worth the awful feeling, and it really slowed me down. 

Wishing you a beautiful day full of wellness, health, and happiness.
Love and light,
Namaste'
Rose

BOOK DRIVE FOR KIDS

I am in love with the written word, it could take you far beyond your four walls. For children it could be a lifeline to dream of new adventures especially when those four walls start to close in. So it is natural that I have decided to do a book drive for children for my next charity. I am a poet and writer and do not know where I would be without this creative way to express myself. Even though I did not start writing until I was 38, I have always loved to read. When my Mother had triple bypass surgery, books kept me sane. 

I will announce who I am collecting books for soon. I found a wonderful non profit here in Los Angeles who works with children and literacy and I have been in contact with them through email. They are gracious and happy I would like to assist with their endeavors.

Off for now. Work, errands and workout. I promised my trainer Mike I would eat more so I am off to make 2 eggs before leaving today. 

I wish you love and light and all of your dreams to be a reality. I believe if you believe, anything is possible.
Namaste'
Rose

MANIFESTING CREATIVE ENERGY

Good evening to all. I have to admit I have spring or summer fever. I know it is still winter and most of the country is digging out from the snow and cold, but the sun was shining to bright today it gave me spring and summer fever. You know that feeling you get when everything begins anew. I tend to get inspired a lot and this evening was no exception, The sunsets here are so beautiful, as beautiful as the sunshine at it's brightest. California days and nights tend to bring out my creative flow.

When I was out for my walk/run I stopped at the art store and picked up some pencils. I used to draw a lot up until my 30's and I wondered if I can still do it. You are never to old to revisit the passions of yesterday and to create new ones. I believe living for passion is a youth elixir that makes life so fulfilling and keeps you young and vital. You can never have enough passions in life.

I know one of the first things I am going to attempt to draw. I saw a tree the other day, it was completely barren except for one last bloom, clinging on despite the windy day.That bloom to me is a metaphor for life. We all have another bloom left in us, another chance to blossom. No matter how barren things may appear, there is always hope if we cling on to the promise of tomorrow and another chance to begin anew. 

Dinner was simple and healthy tonight, since I was in summer mode I made the most delicious vegetarian burgers, healthy style. If I did not know any better I would have believed it is almost the 4th of July. 

I am going to continue this inspiration as my Monday approaches and my busy week of work and workouts. I feel that this project has in some way brought me back to life, and I feel like I can do anything I set my heart and mind to. I am so inspired and grateful for each and every chance I get to begin anew; to be healthy, lose weight and and return to my former fit self.  To sow my creative oats and to help those in need. I could not ask for more. Love and light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

QUOTES TO INSPIRE

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

I will be a steadfast and strong in my endeavors as this majestic tree.
Graceful and timeless.

Good afternoon and Happy Saturday to all. This week was a little different from my routine, I kept up all of my exercise and yoga, and I even got a ballet class in. I was out of town last weekend, so that through a wrench in my routine so to speak, and my trainer Mike was out of town this week.  Last week I was so happy I lost 3 more pounds bringing my weight loss up to 35 lbs. I am due for that monthly visitor, it is the end of the month and I gained 2 pounds. I know the scale goes up and down and I refuse to be upset. A few weeks the scale goes down and all of a sudden it goes back up. It is natural and since I am decided to focus on my fitness I am not going to stress about it. Scale fluctuations happen especially for my women of my age.

I will in shame admit I did something yesterday that was stupid and may have contributed to my small gain. I fell back into a day of eating disorder mentality. I hardly ate any real food on Friday and I did not drink enough water. I woke up with a headache and I realized that is the most stupid and insane thing to do ever to your body. I am a work in progress and I am not perfect but I am growing and learning from this project. To admit my mistakes, trials and tribulations is not an easy thing to do. I have opened up therefore I will be completely honest with everything I do, the good and the bad. I will not do that again, I promise myself this. The only way to healthy loss is to eat clean and not skip meals, exercise and be patient. Rome was not built in a day and losing weight is a marathon and not a sprint. I slipped up one day, caught myself and now I am back on track the healthy way.

This week my focus is on my nutrition and trying not to skip meals, and on my fitness progress. I also have to so some more research on future charities and giving back endeavors. Mike is back in town this week so I will be back to my Tuesday and Thursday workouts with him, and I am joining Francie Wednesday at Equinox in Beverly Hills, in addition to everything else I am doing. I am off for now, time to eat some healthy whole foods that nourish my body and well as my spirit. Taking a moment to meditate and manifest all that is good in the universe.

Love and Light and Happy Weekend
Rose

I MAY BEND BUT I WILL NOT BREAK

Good Morning to all. It is Thursday and I am back to my routine since being out of town, even though my routine for today is a little different since my trainer Mike is out of town. I believe he will be back next Tuesday. My friend Francie invited me to join her at Equinox in Beverly Hills for a ballet class, followed by a stretch class after work and I accepted. She feels this will be a good prerequisite before I join Align Ballet Method. I happen to have shoes, I think they may be too big but they will totally work for this class. I am looking forward to it immensely, getting my ballet toes wet so to speak. I am still doing my burpees and my to do list from Mike. I may bend but I will not break.

Coffee now, darn cats have been so wild since we were away, and they woke me up about three times last night.  Work has been hectic so now I have to bring my clothes with me so I make it to my classes and training sessions on time. I have to overcome the skipping meals issue, it is my biggest challenge now.

Wishing you sunshine and smiles today.
Love and Light.
Namaste'
Rose

Quotes to inspire

BEFORE AND HALF WAY MARK

BACK TO THE GRIND TOMORROW

Good Morning to all. I am on a weekend away with my sweet husband James. We are in La Jolla CA and we went to Ocean beach CA. Now we are heading up the coast to Encinitas CA. I am off my routine but I will be back to the grind tomorrow. We love to do weekend away every month or so, and every time we go away we plan our next adventure when we get home.

Here is a few pics of me to update my weight loss. I finally hit the 35 pound mark so I am officially half way to my goal and I feel great. The journey continues though, and I am determined to become stronger and tackle all of my fitness goals and aspirations. I am so grateful for the support I have, and on a weekend away I am full of love of life, people, animals, and nature.

Off for now. 
Namaste'
Happy Monday
Rose

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

Good Morning and Happy Weekend to all. I am up early with the kitties drinking some needed coffee. I have a million things to do before we head to La Jolla CA, plus I needed to weigh in. I decided last week to focus on my fitness and not the scale, but that does not mean I do not get excited when I lose. I lost 3 pounds. I am at my lowest today, 172 pounds. I am almost in the 160's, that is so amazing to me and I am so proud of myself and grateful I have such a support network.

I am having a splurge this evening or tomorrow. One meal splurge and that is it. I feel I am at a point when I can indulge just a bit and get right back on the bicycle. I am going walk as much as possible when I am away, and I am splurging for just one meal. I will also continue my burpee challenge, and do those in the hotel room as well as my stretching. I am also so excited I get to see one of my amazing friends Tracy Gittens. She owns a yoga studio in San Diego and she is one of my inspirations as well as a dear friend.

I need to work on fueling my body more, and planning and carrying snacks with me since I am on the go. In a few weeks my trainer Mike and I are going to video tape me doing burpees, they are not the best but I have improved considerably. Practice, practice, practice, and practice some more.

Off for the day, I am so happy with my results. I will take lots of photos while I am away.
Happy Weekend,
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

VALENTINE'S VISIT TO ALEXANDRIA HOUSE

The three layer cake for Valentine's Day

Cookies and Red Velvet Mini Indulgences from Seasons 52

Sweets for the sweet residents at Alexandria House

Mini Indulgences from Seasons 52

Spreading Valentine's Cheer

Janet number one posing with a mini indulgence, she and Janet 2 as they call each other cooked an amazing dinner for everyone.

The cake was a hit, I was good and did not have any.

Clean up time is all about family teamwork

Good evening to all on this Thursday evening. Last night my friend and co-worker Meagan and I delivered sweets for Valentine's Day to Alexandria house, a transitional home for women and children in Los Angeles CA.  We stayed for dinner and spent time with the ladies who run the house and the families who live there. It was lovely experience and I am happy I was able to make time to visit. Before dinner everyone gathers and holds hands in prayer and then everyone introduces themselves. Afterwards the children sit at the table and the Mother's serve them dinner, then everyone else eats. It is a beautiful craftsman home, who amazing woodwork and a beautiful fireplace. It feels like home, and it reminds me of my own childhood home. It is a special place full of hope, happiness and love, a magical place.

We brought a three layer cake, cookies and Seasons 52 donated their award winning mini indulgences, I am so grateful to them for their support and generosity. Dinner was homemade enchiladas, salad, corn bread and kool-aid. I have to admit I was so excited for the kool-aid, one of my favorite childhood indulgences. It was a great experience to stay for dinner, and we also stayed to help clean and chat with the ladies who live at Alexandria House. I truly am humbled to be able to visit and give a little of myself, after all this is their home. I plan on returning in the near future. I am brainstorming, maybe a book drive for the kids who live there and for all of the other children Alexandria House helps. A big thanks to Meagan for joining me on my quest to give back a little.

Tonight was my workout with my trainer Mike at the park. I was rushed for time today and I did not eat enough so my energy was a little lacking but I kept up pretty well. We are really upping the intensity and I am so happy about that. I am really getting stronger and improving. I am only on my way up, I will not slow down or stop. I may struggle but I will not falter. I am determined and enjoying every minute of movement. Tonight I am doing my 25 burpees, I challenged myself to do 25 extra burpees a day along with everything else I am doing.

This weekend I am getting away, woo hoo. James and I are going to La Jolla CA and we are staying right on the water. I am so stoked to use an old California term. I love weekends away, California is the perfect place to get away on little adventures and explore. 

Off for now, I need to eat a salad and then do my burpees and stretching before bed. Wishing you a beautiful evening and sweet dreams.
Namaste'
Rose

VISITING WITH ALEXANDRIA HOUSE TONIGHT

Meagan and I at Seasons 52, on the way to deliver toys to Alexandria House December 23. We are returning tonight with Valentine's Day sweets and to join our new friends for dinner. 

Good Morning to all on this beautiful Wednesday on the west coast. I feel for everyone else in the country who is dealing with frigid weather. I woke up to a stunning sunrise over the trees beyond my kitchen window. I love the sunrises and sunsets of Southern California, they have hues of magenta, indigo, purple, and gold. Makes me happy to be alive. Last night at the park the sunset was equally mesmerizing, it is enough to make me never want to move from this place ever.

Yesterday was my workout with my trainer Mike at the park. I am really now stepping up my hard work. I told him yesterday the last seven months were just a warm up for me, now the real work begins. We jogged, did the TRX, did stairs with free weights, and some other exercises that are new to me. We did this thing with ropes, you snap the ropes and drop in a semi burpee and jump back up and snap the ropes again. Yea, I was sore hours later, not a day but hours. I know I am working hard when the soreness comes on so soon. My flexibility is really starting to come along. 

After my workout, I had a quick bite and a hello to my hubby James and I went for a walk to the local grocery store to buy sweets for my visit to Alexandria House tonight to share some Valentine's Day cheer. I thought I would have time to bake, but instead I bought a beautiful three layer cake and some Valentine's Day cupcakes. Monica, Chef Jessica, Chef Roni, Chef Lee, Ishbak, Laura, Shane;  my management staff of Seasons 52 in Century City are donating their mini indulgences for our visit. Meagan my friend and co-worker is coming with me, and we are staying for dinner. Should be a lovely visit and evening with our new friends.  I really look forward to it. I have decided to do little things of service to the community as I wait, (no pun intended), for my next ten pound weight loss. 

Off for now, I must do some morning stretches before getting ready for my day. Tonight after my visit to Alexandria House I will do my 25 burpees and get on the treadmill for a bit. It will be a hectic day but I can do all of that later when I get home in the early evening. Yesterday I called an Uber Car to take me home from the grocery store since I could not walk with the cake, we love Uber. I told my driver all about my project and he was inspired and in return inspired me. I am so blessed  to be able to do all I am doing, these last seven months have been amazing and I look forward to the next seven months. I have changed so much, and I am very proud of that. I have met the most amazing people along the way, and I am moved beyond belief. Life is so precious, every moment and person a gift. I am incredibly grateful to all who have graced my life.

Love and Light,
Namaste'
Rose

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Spanky and Rascal, this is what I wake up to. Precious kitties are finally sleeping together.

Good Morning to all, and Happy Tuesday. I am up and raring to go, even though my adorable Siamese kitties hate when we leave. I am so happy to see them sleeping together for the first time since we adopted Spanky last April. This made me so happy, it is the little things. Well, that and morning coffee. On that note I have decided to only have one cup a day, I am watching my caffeine from here on out.

This week I am focusing on my fitness even more, and less on the scale. I am still weighing in every Saturday and I am not doing anything different except not stressing about the scale. I am stepping up all of my workouts, focusing on becoming stronger and improving in my movements, exercises, flexibility and lastly but not least health. I am a Sagitarrius, the centaur and my bow and arrow is focused directly on my prize. What I want, I set my sights to.

I did my cardio exercise yesterday, I walked outside because the Santa Ana Winds created this amazing warm breeze and I had to be a part of it. Nothing like working out with a warm wind wafting through my hair. I believe exercise in the outdoors feeds all of your senses. I love the gym and classes too, but there is a unique feeling you get while exercising outside, an alive feeling as you improve your fitness and practice mobile meditation being one with nature.

I did my 25 burpees. Today is the second day of my 25 burpee a day challenge. It was not an easy feat to do those yesterday, and I admit my form needs work but I am practicing. Everything of value is worth the work. Tonight I am working out with my trainer Mike at the park, and I will do my 25 burpees when I get home after my workouts. I am also focusing on my yoga and flexibility, and getting my quads to open up.

Off for the day, the kitties would like me to play hookie and I wish I could, they are the best distraction. Happy Tuesday and remember to focus and never give up.

Love and Light, Namaste'
Rose

BURPEE CHALLENGE

Good Evening to all. In honor of the Olympics I have decided to really turn up the volume on my workouts. I do still somewhat struggle with Burpees, so I have decided to sneak in 25 Burpees a day, in addition to my regular workouts and not including when I do them with my trainer Mike. This will help me improve, practice makes perfect. Plus I need more work on my pushups. I am starting this challenge tomorrow, no matter what my workouts are I will add 25 burpees a day. 
Tonight I got my cardio in outside, the weather was in the 60's and so lovely.


Off to do some stretching before bed. Namaste, Love and light and goodnight.
Rose

SATURDAY WEIGH IN AND SCALE MUSINGS

Good Saturday Morning to all. I am up early for a weekend, having a light breakfast before getting my cardio in this morning. I am either going to head outdoors and run/walk or head on the treadmill depending on how cool it is when I step outside. I just weighed in, and I lost a half a pound but I am still in the same weight range. It was that time this month, and I admit I ate more sodium than usual and skipped a meal here and there. 

This week I will feed my body the nutrition it needs to get in my five-six days of movement. I have decided to concentrate more on the exercise effort and try not to be such a slave to the scale. I am 175 exactly, and it can be frustrating to have such a slow weigh loss but I know that is ok. Slow is better than not at all, and 175 looks much better to me than 207. This week I will focus on nutrition for fueling my workouts, and strength, flexibility and stamina. I have just challenged myself and I accept and I am raring to go. 

This week was the 30 year anniversary of the death of Karen Carpenter, who passed away from cardiac arrest due to her years of  battling Anorexia Nervosa.  I did not know that earlier this week when I started feeling like I wanted to listen to her melancholy tunes, her haunting melodies are like no other. She had a voice that was one in a million. That made me do a little research about her. When she passed in 1983 little was known about eating disorders. She had suffered from Anorexia for years, and when you see her in photos and live television appearances it is shocking how frail she appears. Now much more is known about the two eating disorders, and sadly her death brought awareness to the diseases. 

When I started dancing at 13, an adult director told me to lose 30 lbs, and that began years of strange dieting and deprivation of food. Ironically enough I began my issues around the same time Karen Carpenter passed away, but I had no idea and that was not what started my battle.

I just wanted to be thin, not realizing I already was thin. I fought my own body type. I am built like Italian women often are, I have curves in my chest and bottom but when I was younger I did not. I did not have breasts, and I thought that was how dancers looked and I continued on with my diligent dieting. Once I starved for four days and took a box of laxatives, I must have been about twenty at the time. When I was 18 a doctor told my Mother I was heading down the dark path of Anorexia, but my weight seemed normal to her for my age and height so it was never addressed. People did not know then what they do now. Now eating disorders are treated similar to problems with addiction. I knew a bulimic girl who attended a 12 step program to help fight her battle.

Here are some younger photos of myself. Note I fought to be in this weight range, my lowest was 100 pounds. I have learned my lessons and now I nurture my temple.

early 20's

Sister Dona on my left with a friend. I think  was 19, I am totally flat chested, lol.

Mid 20's too thin and no color at all. The jacket is wearing me, it is all shoulder pads, lol.

Somewhere along the line I stopped the starving rituals, and I really began eating more normally when I met my husband James at the age of 30. I realized I met someone who loved me for who I was, someone who thought I was more beautiful on the inside than the outside. I will never forget the simple moment of going for an ice cream sundae with him in Cleveland, Ohio in 1998. Before he came along I hated eating with someone I was interested in.

Through the years as my weight when up and down I would go back to extreme dieting. I did not starve like I did in my young years, but I would still practice other forms of deprivation and extreme dieting. Now, I have to monitor my potassium. Just the after affects of years of doing that to my body.

Ironically enough I would end up really overweight in 2013. Here I am in 2014, after gaining the most weight ever in 2013 I have lost 33 pounds the sane and healthy way. I am on a path of learning what it feels like to treat my body as a temple, not only for aesthetic reasons but for my health and well being. So, on my weigh in day as I ponder the scale staying almost the same, I will revel in the fact that I am stronger than I was yesterday, and each and every day is a new beginning. With the inspiration of the athletes of the Olympics, and many of my amazing friends I have in my corner I am more motivated now than ever. I will also focus on the gratitude I have for those motivating me as I continue my health and well being journey. I could not go it alone.

Since it is taking some time to get to my next ten pound milestone and my next charity I have decided in the meantime to give more back in between charities. My friend Meagan and I are going back to Alexandria House this coming Wednesday with some delicious goodies for the families who reside there for the Valentines holiday. We are going Wednesday night and staying for dinner. I look forward to the visit and I am thankful again to Seasons 52 for offering to donate mini indulgences to take along with our homemade baked goods. A big thanks to Monica, Chef Jessica, Chef Veronica, Meagan, and all the managers of Seasons 52 in Century City California who have gone beyond to help me give back.

Valentine's day is all about love.
Off for the day, much love and light to you.
Namaste'
Remember you are a beautiful creature of the universe, just the way you are.
Rose

Alan Jackson;Jimmy Buffett - It's Five O' Clock Somewhere

Good Morning to all. I am up and drinking my coffee, and listening to some upbeat music to begin my day. Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet, It's Five O'Clock Somewhere. People think it is funny that I love Jimmy Buffet since I have never been drunk, but I am a poet and so is he. I love his music, it gives me goosebumps. My friend in Pittsburgh is keeping me posted for tour dates here on the west coast.



Tonight after work I am meeting my trainer Mike at the gym instead of the park at five a clock, ironically enough.  We are mixing it up since it has been cooler and there seems to be a mosquito issue lately.



I am sure my workout will be more intense, since it will involve a treadmill and incline. Mike really wants to get my intensity up and I think he is right. Time to step it up a few notches.



Next week on Wednesday my friend Meagan and I are delivering some homemade baked goodies to Alexandria House for Valentine's Day. Seasons 52 and Monica offered to donate their mini indulgences as well. I am happy to bring some sweets to the sweet residents of Alexandria House, a transitional home for women and children.



Off for now, busy day ahead and not much time to write. Happy Thursday, remember It's Five A Clock Somewhere.

TUESDAY WORK OUT

I am obsessed with this yogi tree in Beverly Hills

Good morning, love and light to all. It is pretty chilly here in Southern California, I know nothing compared to the east coast but definitely lite jacket weather. I am working out tonight with my trainer Mike, and he has decided to still work out in the park. It may be a little chilly, but I love breathing in the fresh air. It would be amazing to find an outdoor yoga class. Nothing like breathing in the clean air and practicing mobile meditation in the lovely scenery of a park surrounded by trees.

I have found a new product I love. Jiff makes a whipped peanut butter. It is just whipped with air, and lower in fat and calories than regular peanut butter. Two tablespoons is 140 calories and 4 points plus if you follow weight watchers. I love the fact that is is easy to spread on an apple or banana, and you can refrigerate it and it is just as light and smooth. I am  little obsessed.

I have decided the first thing I will do on my fitness bucket list. Inspired by my amazing yogi friend Tracy Gittens who has a studio in San Diego called Galaxy Lifestyle and Fitness.

https://www.facebook.com/GalaxyLifestyle

It is just a matter of signing up with my friend who is a former gymnast. Jessica and I are taking a class at the Cirque' school here in Hollywood, and we are both just over our heads about it. I found something on groupon, so soon we will be signing up. Our Mondays will never be the same again.

http://cirqueschoolla.com/

Off for now, I must get a work day in and then head home and to the park. I am really working on opening up my back and getting my quads to loosen up. This is my goal this month.
Love and Light to all.
Happy Tuesday
Namaste'
Rose

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

We kept our Super Bowl snacks healthy and low fat and high fiber. Instead of making a lot of bad choices we did healthy swaps. Here is what we did to stay on track and be healthy.

We had a veggie tray, always eat a broad spectrum of colorful vegetables.

Low fat corn chips, minimal ingredients. We made nachos with black beans in which we rinsed, and added fresh tomatoes and onions and a bit of low fat cheese.

I made homemade guacamole with no salt.

We were in the mood for wings, so we baked vegetarian buffalo tenders from Morningstar farms. A splurge but much safer than the real deal.

I drank water and sparking water with fresh limes.

To wrap up, we had a little fun without the guilt that comes with special occasions like The Super Bowl. 

Onward to a new week with new fitness challenges. I am thinking of doing a fitness challenge to kick off the beginning of the winter Oympics.  I get so inspired watching the athletes. Yesterday I was stopped on the street by a random stranger who recognized me from this blog, he told me I looked amazing and to keep up the hard work. I was shocked and humbly said thank you. It actually inspired me to step it up a notch. I am ready to work even harder.

Wishing you a wonderful brand new week. Remember Monday is like New Year's Day, a brand new beginning each and every week. Let's start strong.
Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

Gaining my composure after one stressful week, I plan to stand tall and graceful as my beloved trees.

Good Morning to all, and Happy Chinese New Year and the first day of February. Today feels like another new beginning to me, leaving this week behind. Last year at this time we lost our beloved cat Stormy, and this week has been a hectic and stressful week. Coincidence? Well, I have put the stress behind me and I look forward to regaining my zen and composure. 

Stormy doing her downward dog. I cannot think of that week one year ago, when I do tears take over.

I weighed in today, and I went up a pound. I know it is probably water weight. I am due for that monthly visitor and I did eat more sodium than usual this week. I had a few vegetarian products that taste delicious, and are low in fat and calories but so high in salt. I will try to limit those from here on out. My weight is now 175 lbs, and I hope to lose this water weight asap.

I admit I did not track my food and points, this week I will be diligent about that. It is amazing how worry and stress can overcome your plans and leave you vulnerable for slip ups. This week I shall breathe, drink my water, and make sure I am not skipping my meals. My workouts demand fuel and I should know better after all of this time. I am human so it is natural to have off weeks, I just need to nip it in the bud so to speak and start anew right now at this very moment in time. 

Wishing you a beautiful Saturday. Love, and Light. Onward and upward.
Namaste'
Rose