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

LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD

It has been one year since I began this project and blog, and I am so happy where I am and where I am going, my journey is far from over. One year ago I was just too embarrassed to post my weight and before photos, and my trainer Mike explained to me to be authentic I have to come clean even if it feels awkward. One year later I am so happy I have those photos to chart my progress, and even though I am trying now to focus on fitness I am glad I have a before weight as well. Now at 167 lbs,  It is fun to look back, and  look forward into the future as I envision where this is leading me. I am reaching for the clouds.

This week I worked out with my Trainer Mike on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are really pushing it now, and I admit this week I struggled a little. I was running late on Tuesday and did not eat enough, and I am discovering the role nutrition plays on your workouts. I was a bit sluggish and off, and on Wednesday I ate more but I got a little sick to my stomach. Sometimes I notice if I eat too much right before my workouts, or if I drink too much water it affects me in a not so positive way. So now I am on a quest to find what works, a year later for tougher workouts. Mike is completely patient with me, and I am grateful for his guidance and knowledge, he is an excellent teacher and I cannot believe one year as gone by. 

I am still trying to collect books for my book drive, and I have two bags of beautiful books thanks to generous and talented friends. I need to hang more flyer's and get many more. I am in no rush to do so, my goal is to get as many books as humanly possible. My next charity will be announced after the books are delivered to Reading to Kids.

Last night was one of those nights when I needed sleep bad, and now today I feel completely renewed and refreshed. I am always learning and evolving in my quest to be as fit I can be. Sleep is one of those things when you are expelling so much energy that is non negotiable. Do not skimp on sleep ever.

Happy Thursday and keep moving forward.
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

One year ago I posted my first before photos, and here they are now.

JULY  10, 2013

JULY 10, 2013

HAPPY WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday to all. I just read a quote from Dr Wayne Dyer, "One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." I totally agree. I believe you can manifest the mood and direction of your day. I try to live by this and begin my day on a bright note. I have many reasons to be happy, and one of them is the opportunity to change my form, change my attitude, and change my life. I am honored I can assist charities along my journey. It is taking me forever to break my plateau but my book drive is still on for Reading to Kids when I finally lose another ten pounds. It will happen, and I am in a positive frame of mind. The little things, like my ThinkThin bar and coffee make me smile.

Yesterday was my first workout with my Trainer Mike in a week. I took off a few days of exercise to recuperate my muscles after my accidental 10K. I was sore and needed to rest, plus I was out of town. My workouts with Mike are awesome but always challenging, and yesterday I felt a little fatigued from lack of sleep and of course taking time off made everything seem more difficult. We did some new things, I lifted a sand bag and that was not easy. Running is on hold for a few weeks until my slight injuries heal, we do not want to take any chances. My girl push ups are great now, and I am also getting better at squats and the TRX exercises. I am definitely much stronger than I was late July of 2013. I am incredibly proud of myself, and thankful to Mike. I also have a lot of work to go, and I am far from done. I have a lot of fitness milestones to accomplish and my fitness bucket list to do. For the month of April I did the accidental 10K, so now I need to pick something for May. 

Off to get ready for work, than another workout with Mike later this evening. I will be sore tomorrow, it has not caught up to me yet. Love and Light to all. Think beautiful thoughts and have a beautiful day and do not forget to smile at a stranger today.

Namaste'
Rose

PACKING A PINK PUNCH

Good Morning to all and a very Happy Friday. Today my friend and I at work bring in little surprises to kick off the weekend. We call it Surprise Friday. He usually brings me in something a little decadent and I portion it out over the weekend and share it with James. Tomorrow is weigh in and I am in my sixth day of my gluten free experiment and I will see how it reflects on the scale Saturday morning. I met someone at Trader Joe's last night, and he was explaining to me all about gluten free and the many products that are now available. It was inspiring to listen to him and learn. I got the best compliment from one of the regular staff, he said I look like I am glowing. It is nice to get progress compliments, it keeps me going.

Yesterday was my Thursday workout with Mike my trainer. It really packed a punch and was a lot of fun. We did a circuit. First I had to use these long ropes and work my arms, and then we did some boxing, and then planking and push ups and then I had to run and do it over again in a fast manner. The boxing took a little instruction, and I now have my own pink boxing gloves. I kind of hit like a girl, but my kick packs more of a punch. It was fun, and it is interesting how it reminds me of choreography although it is a lot harder and more awkward to master. We are going to be boxing every other week I think, and you can feel the full body workout this gives, plus you can beat out your frustrations and worries on the punching bag. 

Working out in the park is like childhood play in a way, there are dogs everywhere and of course they love to come up and visit us. This little white one is such a lover, he kisses me on the face every week. His owner told us he is to be in a movie soon. I adore animals so I am right in my element. We were working out and the funniest thing happened out of the blue. Mike tells me he tore his pants from behind, and not a little tear but all the way down. It was hysterical and he mentioned he thought he was getting a bit of a draft back there. He ran to his car and changed and was no worse for wear, and he was not embarrassed in the least. It reminded me of a lesson in life my sister Dona told me. There is no embarrassment unless you let yourself feel embarrassed. I have worked out that one for years.  

Now every time I fall flat on my face in public I stand up, shake myself off and walk in a confident manner with no thought of what people think. We have control over our emotions, negative and positive. I have had some major embarrassing moments in my life. I went on a date with this guy once. He picked me up in his brand new Mercedes. He took me to the state fair and fed me cotton candy and we rode all of the rides. On the way home you can imagine how cotton candy and twirly rides affected me. I got sick all over his brand new car. Oh, he never called again. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Friday, full of lots of surprises and no embarrassment. 
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

THURSDAY WORKOUT

Rough waters, calm seas, I weather the storms and wait for the sun.

Good Morning to all. Thursday is here, and for me yesterday was such a long day. Happy the weekend is almost upon us. Tuesday I worked out with my trainer Mike, and I am surprised I am so sore. We did not seem to do anything out of the ordinary, I was a little fatigued and he admitted to being low energy himself. That happens from time to time. I am doing a gluten free experiment this week, and I have noticed my concentration is a bit off. Today I will make sure to eat enough, especially before my workout tonight with Mike. I am getting so much better at doing push ups, such a milestone for me.

I am also so happy I can now do dancer's pose in yoga. This is a fitness milestone for me. Before I could not even reach behind me and touch my toes. I am very flexible forward but reaching back not so much. I have come a long way though, and my quads are really starting to open up and be more flexible. 

Off for now. I am a little sleepy. Love and light to all and Happy Thursday.
Rose

OFFICIALLY AN OUTDOOR GIRL

Good Morning to all. I am up and raring to go. Today is day 5 of Melissa Bender Fitness challenge to work out for all 30 days of the month. It is keeping me pumped and motivated. After work I will be at it, no rest for the weary. My ankle only seems to bother me when I am barefoot, so I am watching it and wearing a ankle brace for support. Reminding myself to eat enough, and keeping up with my daily doses of inspiration and motivation. I am half way to my goal and loving my new lifestyle.

Yesterday was my Tuesday workout with Mike my trainer. It was a great one, he used these long ropes and those are not easy to maneuver but I do everything no matter how awkward I may appear. 
As I improve things get harder, a higher step up, more lunges etc. We did a burpee video but I fell so we are doing it again tomorrow. I know I am not perfect but I can do better than that. It was an awesome workout and I am constantly grateful to Mike for his time, expertise, and patience with me. My body and mind are evolving, and I could not be happier.

There were dogs everywhere and of course they interrupted us and came over to say hello and give me lots of kisses. Nothing like getting your endorphins up through exercise and then laughing hysterically at a pack of dogs wanting you to play with them instead of working out. I almost died when I decided I could burpee in the grass without the mat and my hand was christened by one of the precious pups in the form of something that did not smell like dirt. I could not stop  laughing, and I told Mike I am now officially an outdoor girl. If you go back to my first post back in July when we worked out for the first time I was appalled he wanted me to"get dirty" and crawl in the dirt. Now I am laughing and totally at ease with the outdoors, the dirt, and well the dooggy doo doo I washed off and was no worse for wear. I was old recently by my husbands friend who has lived on both coasts that I am as Californian as the sun. This east coast girl has traded her steel skyscrapers for towering trees reaching for the sun.

I am in love with life, and the older I get the more I feel this connection. It can be overwhelming at times to feel everything but I am happy because this is where my creativity comes from, this is where my number one muse lives.  My enthusiasm is overflowing, and I am forever grateful. Wishing you love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

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

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

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

12 STEPS I FOLLOW

I have lost 33 pounds so far.

People often ask me how I am losing weight. This blog is my journey to lose weight, get back into my former dancer's shape and make a difference in the world by sponsoring a charity with every ten pounds I lose. To accomplish all of this is taking a tremendous amount of hard work and determination. In between picking and planning which charities I will assist, comes the day to day work. The dieting, the exercise, finding my zen and my mind and body connection. Every now and then some fun comes up and I am challenged, but the hard work never takes a break or a vacation. It has been an incredible, adventurous journey and I am loving the ride.

With all of that said, my wonderful friend Melissa Bender at MelissaBenderfitness. com has suggested I share what I am doing to be successful. She said even though this is a journey blog and not an instructional blog, that I should still share what I am doing to get to where I am now and where I am going. So here goes. These are the 12 steps I follow to be a success with my plans. I have many more steps but these are the ones I follow consistently.

http://www.benderfitness.com/

#1. I drink 16 oz of water upon waking and when retiring at the end of the evening. I drink water all day long, I try to never let myself become dehydrated. I also drink pure coconut water daily. 

#2 I Eat tons of produce, fruits and vegetables. I do not omit certain ones, I eat them all. First thing every morning is a banana with my water. 

#3 I never skip my morning meal. I probably should eat more than I do in the am, but at 6 am I eat what my stomach can handle. I am obsessed with Think Thin protein bars. They are gluten and sugar free and offer 20 grams of protein. They taste amazing with coffee, and they are what I have been eating since July every morning along with my fruit.

#4. I eat with moderation in mind. No food is off limits, but with that said I cannot tell you the last time I indulged on a big fatty meal. My portions are in check and I use the 90% rule. The majority of what I eat is clean and good for my body.

Everything in moderation, including moderation.” Oscar Wilde

#5. We rarely eat out because it is challenging, but when I do I am still in check. When I order salads I always request oil and vinegar instead of dressing. I eat egg white omelettes at brunch with tons of veggies, and the only cheese I will have is feta and just a bit. I love greek omelettes. I make my health a priority and I do not undo my weekday hard work at one weekend meal.

#6. I exercise 5-6 times a week. Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays I work out with my Trainer Mike. I do yoga 3-5 times a week and I walk/run as much as I can. I stretch every morning and every evening. Movement is key to my success, but it helps living in this mild California climate.

#7. I am now following Weight Watchers online, it helps me keep in check. I joined after Christmas because I found I was being too strict with my food.  I needed this to slow down and breathe. I have a history of eating disorders and doing Weight Watchers helps remind me that food is not the enemy. I love that I can eat what I want and lose weight. I believe nutrition is healing.

#8. I know there is often a carb and sugar backlash, but I enjoy those things in moderation as well. I use real raw sugar in my morning two cups of coffee, and I eat a few servings of delicious whole grain foods. I love Ezekial Bread when it is toasted, and so does my husband James. It is a spelt bread, so full of natural wonders for the body. I rarely eat white flour, but when I do I do not beat myself up.

#9. I follow a routine Monday through Friday. It keeps me on track and truthful even though it can be hectic. I am up at 6 or 7 am daily and I go to sleep no later than 10 pm.

#10. I never touch artificial sweeteners. I believe they are poison to our livers and our bodies. If for some reason I want a soda, I drink the real deal, bottled with real cane sugar. They call them Mexican Cokes here because in Mexico they still make the sodas the pure, old fashioned way. When I am out with friends I drink sparking water with lime.

#11. I weigh myself every week, same time, same place and then I move on until next week. My diet is healthy, I watch my sodium and eat as many pure foods as I can find. 

#12. I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I believe nature is healing. I work out with my Trainer Mike outdoors, and I walk/run outdoors. I try to make "play" time and make it to the beach to go walking even if it is chilly. I spend time in the sun and under the stars.

GOOD MORNING MONDAY

Flowers make me smile.

Good Morning to all on this Monday morning. I am happy the weather is going to go up to the 80's tomorrow. I work out outside and it is nice when I do not need a jacket. I am a little sleepy today, but my week will start strong. Today I will get a workout in on my own. On Tuesday's and Thursdays I will be working out with my trainer Mike and maybe Iyengar yoga after. I have a few personal errands I need to do today to get ready for my big weekend coming up.

Coffee now, I am sleepier than usual. I am so happy this week I lost 4 pounds, and I can really start to see my body returning slowly but surely to my once smaller self. It is an amazing feeling. I am now 175 lbs. I was 207 a year ago, and 197 when I started My Change For A Ten last late July. I have a work out shirt I bought that never felt like it fit right, and now it is perfect and hot pink.

Wishing everyone a Happy Monday. Love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

BRAINSTORMING

Last time I was on a dance team in 2005-2009

Good Morning. I am up with the sun and contemplating my fitness bucket list, which one can I tackle soon? It is going to take a lot of thought. In the meantime everyday fitness is rolling, and I had a long walk with some running last night. I also did a lot of leg lifts at the park. Tonight I work out with my trainer Mike, and it should take me a week or two to really feel strong again. I learned something over my Christmas Holiday, do not stop resistance training. I was actually having some aches and pains, and then we worked out and they all subsided.

One of the items on my fitness bucket list is to audition with the LA Sparks over 40 dance team. I am on the lookout for dance auditions. It was something I wanted to do but I did not have the guts to do it, so I skipped it. Thank goodness I did not do that with the Richard Simmons video. Saturday is class and then we are all going out to lunch for Gerry's 92nd Birthday. She is such an inspiration, she works out daily and never stops.

Off for more coffee. I am also brainstorming for a new title for my poetry collection. My original title was too long. I am thinking maybe Lapses in Time, or Winter Solace since I was born on the winter solstice. This is the hardest part.

Wising you love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

MY ROUTINE

I woke up with my usual pleasant demeanor, a little sore from my yoga and work out with Mike. I thought I would share my weekly workout and yoga routine.

Yoga 5 days a week
Working out with my trainer and friend Mike, 1 day a week for now
Walking 5 days a week
I have been incorporating beginning jogging as much as I can
I keep it flexible and sometimes change it up a bit. 

I may add Ballet classes, and other things as I progress more. I take the Richard Simmons Slimmons classes on occasion. They are so motivating and fun.  I am trying to really work on my yoga practice so I will return to his classes sometime in the near future. I believe my yoga practice will really open up by doing it almost daily. I am now an official yogi.

My eating plan is pretty much just eating healthy with lots of vegetables, and I am keeping a food journal. I sometimes do not eat enough and I can use to eat a bit more protein. I am a work in progress. I am not making any food off limits but I do not indulge usually. The time will come when I will get cravings, and I will deal with it then. In the meantime I am just eating clean with an occasional piece of dark chocolate from See's Candies. Coffee is my non negotiable. I love it, and not because I need the caffeine. I actually just love the taste. So every morning as I blog I brew.

This is what I am doing, and I work from ten to three Monday through Friday so I work out and take yoga in the early evenings and I blog first thing in the morning. I live for Saturday's, that is our fun day. 

Namaste'
Love and Light to all
Rose

ADJUST YOUR SAILS

Good Morning, Happy Thursday to all. I am up early, making coffee and planning my workout routine for the next few days. My workout routine each week consists of my weekly Thursday classes at Slimmons with Richard Simmons but he was out of town for a few weeks. Today I can say he is back in Beverly Hills and I will be dancing to his retro aerobics tonight. I really need his electric dose of energy and motivation. I found myself slightly wavering this week, so it will be good to get back to his classes. Taking his class is a natural high, he is so high on life and I usually am too. His classes bring out the very best in me and inspire me to keep going. I am meeting my friend Francie from the Richard Simmons video afterwards, we have become fast friends and we are going out for chit chat and a little treat tonight. Mind you, a little treat, I am behaving myself.

My routine was adjusted, but that is fine. It works for me to try to have some sort of routine to guide me as I continue on my quest to get fit and lose weight. It as just as important for me to be flexible in my routine as things can change from week to week. I just have to imagine I am a sailboat, adjust my sails and continue to travel the vast ocean to my final destination and goals. Sometimes the seas will be rougher, and I just need to ride it out and make it there anyway I can. 

I went to Yoga last night with Nicole over at Pink Iron. I go to Yogaworks but I enjoy Nicole's classes so Wednesday is a permanent part of my routine. She is an amazing yoga teacher. We did a lot of shoulder openers, and it was fantastic. My flexibility is really coming back, my nose is almost to my knees in a forward fold.  It was very hot, and I was a bit tired but I did not falter nor did I give up. I am so dedicated and I will find a way to make my goals happen, one lap at a time. 

Wishing you a bright and beautiful Thursday full of natural highs.
Namaste' Love and Light
Rose

RICHARD SIMMONS CLASS 8-1-13

As Richard says when he enters the room, HI EVERYBODY!!

I think I may have met my match. Not a day goes by when someone tells me how perky I am. The conversation with guests where I work is always are you always this perky? You are perkier than coffee, now I can skip my caffeine etc. Funny though, when people read my poetry they are often shocked that I am extremely deep and reflective.  Perky does not mean I am empty headed. I just love to be alive. Richard Simmons is one perky man, and you can tell he has a natural high from life. He truly loves it and lives it.  He is 65 and not stopping, and his energy could light up all of Los Angeles. I am in awe of him, his perkiness and all. And yes, he is also very deep. I feel honored to know him and have the opportunity to take his classes.

When you take on a project such as this you need to constantly keep moving and keep the momentum moving forward as well.  Going it alone is not an option. Working out with Mike on Tuesdays and attending Richard Simmons classes on Thursdays gives me that extra motivation to continue on.  As I have said I have been attending classes at Richard Simmons every Thursday Evening. It is major inspiration for me, and lasts the entire week. When I was in his video shoot I met a new friend named Francie, and our similarities of our paths were uncanny. We became instant friends. She decided to join me Thursday 8-1-13 for class. She was a dancer as well and loves to take classes and try new things. Her first time going to a Slimmons class was on the fourth of July and like me she was hooked.

I got there a little early, I am always early. I was talking to Gigi the 91 year old dynamo and she introduced me to a wonderful young guy named George who is a make up artist, and I met Erin a real Irish beauty. George has done Richards makeup amongst others. He said sometime in the future he would like to do mine. George and Erin are regulars but they usually attend on Tuesdays. I met Shoshanna, it was her first time and she was so excited and did not know what to expect. All of a sudden I saw a head bob up and yell out my name, Francie had arrived and thought I was not there, it was so crowded and she made her way over to me and to my new Richard Simmons friends. Again, as usual the energy was completely electric. 

Francie, Erin, Richard, George,Rose, Shoshanna

Rose and erin

Shoshanna and Rose

Francie and Rose 

I had told George that my ankle felt tender, and he told me to make sure I mention it to Richard so he knows. This man works you out, and he pushes unless he feels you are injured. He came over to me, kissed both my cheeks and when I told him my ankle felt a litttle tender he had me feel his knee. He was wearing a  knee brace and he instructed I go to CVS and purchase one for my ankle for extra support. He kept his eye on me but did not push.

The class was absolutely a riot and so fantastic. I do not think words could express the energy that this man brings to the table. It was Latin night coupled with amazing Latin moves and Richard was actually playing records off a record machine. Totally retro aerobics. My ankle felt fine but I stayed on the low impact side, and danced my heart out as did everyone else. You have to be there to understand how much fun it is.

Free weights came next, and then planking. I am proud to say I planked on one leg with my right let raised. I am definitely getting stronger and Francie told me she has noticed a difference in me since the video shoot. Making progress slowly but surely, all I can say is woo hooo.

Richard gave his nightly inspirational talk and wished a few people Happy Birthday and gave them a special birthday gift, he even sang the Birthday tune from Fiddler on the Roof. We took photos and were on our way, smiles and all.   Afterwards Francie and I went to Robertson Blvd for cupcakes, coffee, and conversation. I am so happy to have met her, she is an amazing young woman and new friend. I actually had just a quarter of a cupcake and a decaf skim cappuccino. A bite or two was all that was needed for me to feel satisfied. I am feeling so fufilled in other areas, this whole journey is really becoming such a fun adventure. 

When I began this project I said anything I say I am going to do I will do, no procrastination and no backing out of things. I am proud to say so far I have stuck to that vow. I am dedicated even on days when I may feel a bit fatigued, weak or tired. At the end of the day the fatigue lifts and all I am left with is that natural perky high you get from this beautiful thing we call life. To quote one of my favorite films The Shawshank Redemption. " Get busy living or get busy dying." I choose to live passionately, to live big, and live my authentic life. 

Namaste'

Love and Light

Rose

BEFORE PHOTOS

Today was fantastic, and I am so tired. I am uploading the photos from the Richard Simmons Video Shoot and I will post tomorrow all about it including the photos. It was a complete blast, I met some fantastic people and of course Mr Simmons himself, and I also met my twin. More on that later too.  I have my weight loss work cut out for me, but after today I am even more motivated. The energy today was unreal. I am completely inspired. 

Until then here are two of my full body before photos. Now sleep is calling me, I will tell all about my adventure raising the roof with Mr. Simmons tomorrow. Now I am just a little brain dead. 
Namaste'
Rose

RICHARD SIMMONS VIDEO SHOOT TOMORROW

Today seemed like it was the longest day ever. I went to the Dr. and got the go ahead with my workout plans, went shopping for new workout gear which I have not done in one year. That is a tough one when you are beginning, easy when you start to feel the results of your hard work. Getting over that first hump is the hardest leap to take. Tomorrow I am shooting a DVD with Richard Simmons. I am hoping to get a photo with Mr Simmons. I will tell all tomorrow after the video shoot. I feel it is the perfect beginning to my quest, as he has inspired people for years to be healthy and active. My Mother once said I will live to be 200, and I want to be as healthy as possible and prove her right.

This week I plan on weighing in at Weight Watchers, and I will post my beginning weight. I am a few days late because I was ill but I am starting to feel like my old self again. I will also post a before full body photo or two. I know photos of my face are deceiving, so I will make sure to post those photos by Friday. That is the hardest part in this journey, coming clean and admitting my flaws. Knowing I am helping others in the process takes away the fear of putting myself out there. I am done with fear, and will not have any regrets from here on out. A friend of mine passed away last night, and that reminder of the fragility of life puts everything into perspective. Our time here is short, and I intend to make every precious moment of mine count...living passionately about everything that I am about.  As my late lovely friend Chris Dickerson would say, and so.....goodnight.
Namaste'
Rose

MONDAY NIGHT MISSION, FIRST TEN POUNDS

Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
Chief Seattle 

I have chosen my organization I intend to sponsor when I get to my ten pound goal. The Monday Night Mission has really made an impact on me. I follow their Facebook page and the selfless kind acts they do for the residents at Skid Row in Los Angeles are awe inspiring to me. I have wanted to get involved for some time, so picking their wonderful cause is a natural choice for me. Here is some information on wonderful things they do to make a difference in the world. I am humbled by all that they do and  I wish to personally thank Mel at the Monday Night Mission.

I am going to volunteer my time and donate food. I work in a restaurant and they have offered to help me by donating food as well. I have friends who wish to join me and get involved. It will be an  honor to serve the residents of Skid Row. I am getting healthy and joining in with the best people of Los Angeles to make a difference, what a win win. 

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

ABOUT THE MONDAY NIGHT MISSION

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row. Please click the about button below for full details and info on how to join us.

Mission

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid-Row who are turned away from Skid-Row shelters.

Company Overview

We feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.
We meet at the Burger King at 7.30pm at 700 West Cesar e Chavez ave, Los Angeles CA 90012.

Please text (310) 926-6675 for more information or email mt7654@gmail.com Please let us now via this page if you intend on joining us!

General Information

Monday Night Mission

About

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid Row who are unable to find housing or are turned away from shelters.

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row. We meet at the Burger King at 7:30 p.m. at:

700 West Cesar E Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

We will then prepare food, organize car pools, and aim head to Skid Row. Anyone and everyone is welcome! Don’t worry about what you can or cannot bring! Bring yourself! Please let us know if you plan on joining us by leaving a comment on this page! Text Mel at 310-926-6675 or email him at mt7654@gmail.com if you’d like more information.

Please wear close-toed footwear and be prepared for cold or rainy weather. If you would like to bring food, below is a list of food items that can always be used, however, anything you can contribute is appreciated and will make a difference! We aim to feed anywhere from 150 to 350 people every night, but the numbers will vary.

Also, please feel free to bring any clothing items, blankets, toiletries, etc. you would like to donate.



Useful Food Items

Pasta
Sandwiches
Loaves of bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Lunch meats
Mayonnaise
Fruit
Packaged snacks
Bottled water

You MUST let us know if you plan on joining us, and you must arrive by 7:30 p.m. If you plan on coming, you can inform us by commenting on our Facebook page or by emailing Mel at mt7654@gmail.com.

We are a non-registered, non-profit organization and don’t accept any monetary donations. We are nondenominational and unaffiliated with any other non-profit or religious organization.