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

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

TRAINING WITH TRX

My workout yesterday with Mike was challenging, and I mean that in the best possible way. I hope they continue to challenge and change me. We did mostly TRX yesterday, and I admit I really love using that tool to work out. Mike hooks the TRX to the tree and we are able to do all of these exercises right outside in the park. I love working out in the outdoors, one year later I am no stranger to dirt. When things get hard I try to look up and focus on the trees.

I workout with Mike again Friday, and after work today I will be doing some speed walking, no running for now until I get used to not wrapping my toe any longer. My foot hurts a lot less now, and that is such a relief. Who knew wrapping my toe was cutting off my circulation. Mike taught me how to rub a tennis ball over my calves to loosen up the muscles. 

I made some new dog friends, a huge teddy bear of a dog and this little thing named Rudy. I love the movie Rudy, and all I think about was that last scene when everyone chants Rudy's name at the Notre Dame Football Stadium. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!! A must see if you are looking for inspiration.

The Book Drive is still going on, I am taking more time to get the most books possible. I am weighing myself every few weeks now, just so I do not get crazy with the scale. I will step on next week sometime. I am doing everything the same food wise, I just needed a break from weekly weigh ins for now. Last I weighed I was 167 and I plan on being in the 150's soon, and picking a new charity project. I also want to really, really progress in my workouts. Time to take it up a notch. 

Off for now. Coffee, and some attention from my Siamese cats, who are high maintenance and always want attention.

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

ONE YEAR LATER

Here is a photo of me at the Richard Simmons Video Shoot on July 8th 2013 and a recent of of me. Update I now weigh 167 lbs one year later. I was 210 lbs last summer. I started writing on this blog July 6th 2013 but did not get into the full swing of diet and workouts until July 17th 2013, which was my first workout with Mike my trainer. One year later, 42 lbs lost and lots of new friends gained. I continue on my journey, loving the wild ride. Where will it take me? I do not know.

Happy Monday, back to work.
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

FOLLOWING THROUGH

It is almost the one year anniversary of this blog, and I remember saying I will always follow through with what I say I will do. That promise began when I was set to be in the Richard Simmons Video. I was not feeling well days before, and I almost backed out. Then I decided to stick to my word and it changed me in so many ways. I met the best people at that video shoot, and I had the best time ever. Almost one year later I find myself reflecting on that promise I made, and continue to make to myself over and over.

I have experienced some personal challenges in the last five days, life's stresses that we all have them from time to time. Sometimes though, I get so caught up I forget how to breathe. I am coming out of the worry now, and back to work on all of my goals. I had a few days of rest because I strained my knee a bit, and now I my plan is to work out and focus my energy like I in the very beginning. Totally motivated and inspired.  No excuses, I am going to work super hard on my exercise and diet like this is the first day of my blog. Back to square one.

Yesterday I had plans to meet my friend Francie and her Mother Fran for lunch in Beverly Hills. She asked me if I was up to it, and I said yes. I had made a commitment and I followed through, plus I so wanted to meet Fran. I am so happy I did, Fran is as lovely as I imagined her to be and I am blessed to be friends with Francie and well as Fran. Guess where I met Francie? The Richard Simmons Video. No regrets, follow through with promises.

So it is Tuesday, and I am focusing on focusing, breathing, and my weight watchers points. Yes, I am back to counting. It is funny when life throws you curve balls you tend to skip meals and forget how to eat balanced and healthy. Back to the drawing board for me, working out with Mike my trainer tonight. A lot has happened since our last workout less than a week ago, and I am going to have to get my hyper energy back.

To quote one of my favorite movies of all time, It's A Wonderful Life
Dear George, remember, no man's a failure who has friends.
I think I need to watch it soon.
Namaste'
Rose

BACK FROM VEGAS

I am back in town from my trip to Las Vegas with my husband James. We had a wonderful time together. Now it is back to my workouts. Today I walked to my workout, worked out with my Trainer Mike, and walked home. I took the time to stop at the thrift store to buy some used book treasures for additional inspiration.

Icing my toe and off to bed soon. Love and light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

WEDNESDAY WORKOUT

Me last summer and now.

I had my Wednesday workout with my trainer Mike before I escape to Vegas for a long holiday weekend with James.  I am getting really good at my push-ups and I am very proud at how far I have come. I will go much farther too, the skies the limit. I am really working on my fitness goals. My workouts are really changing my body, much more so than if I would have gone at it alone. I am very grateful for the help and expertise of Mike, he is a great teacher. 

I downloaded some music for my cardio, some fast 70's and 80's music to really get me moving.
Here are some of my new songs.

Wild Wild Life, Talking Heads
Turning Japanese The Vapors
Paradise by the Dashboard Light Meatloaf
Running on Empty Jackson Browne
Let it Ride BTO
Flashdance Irene Cara
Fame Irene Cara
Hollywood Nights Bob Seger
I'm Alive ELO
Shine a Little Love ELO
All Over The World ELO
Sweet Talking Woman ELO
I Got You Split Enz
I Ran Flock A Flock of Seagulls

Off to do some packing. Love and Light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

HAPPY EARTH DAY

Good Morning to all and Happy Earth Day. I love nature more than ever since moving to southern California. There is nothing like a being amongst the trees and feeling a tepid breeze kiss your cheek. The ocean, the sand, the wind and the sound of the waves. I am completely in awe of nature and so grateful to have the opportunity to work out in the outdoors verses always being in a gym atmosphere. It makes me feel at one with the earth, at peace. I call it mobile meditation. Do not get me wrong, I love going to the gym but this is completely different and you tap into your mind and body and feed your soul as you are working out your body.

Tonight is my workout with my trainer Mike. I am completely grateful to him for introducing a whole new world to me. When I started this project my intention was to help charities as I lost weight, and I assumed I would get there by a little speed walking and dieting. Never in my wildest dreams did I assume I would do a 10K and plan the fitness goals I have on my bucket list. If you told me I would be doing burpees and pushups I would have told you that you are crazy. 

My other fitness motivator is Melissa Bender Fitness. has not only been a best friend but a huge inspiration to me and the masses. I am lucky to have such a fitness support network guiding me as I do whatever I tell this body I can do. A shout out to Mr. Richard Simmons as well, it is time I make a visit to his classes again. 

I am at awe of my friends old and new, and so grateful for the inspiration they grant me on a daily basis. I am overflowing with gratitude for all that have touched my life in one capacity or another.

You never know who you may turn out to be, and life sometimes takes turns in directions you never dreamed of going.
Happy Earth Day
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

FITNESS MILESTONES

Working on my strength so I can take trapeze classes soon.

Good evening to all. My modem is broken at home so I am behind on my posts. Today we arrived in the valley of the sun Phoenix, Arizona and we are here for a long weekend away. I am taking this time to rest and recuperate my muscles so I will be raring to go when I get back. After the 10K I was a little roughed up, and I strained my muscle just a bit. I am taking it easy as a precaution, but there is a pool here so I will still be active. I also brought my yoga mat so I can practice my yoga and keep my muscles stretched.

My trainer Mike and I decided we are really going to focus on goals more, and I am not going to be so wrapped up on what the scale says weekly. Now mind you, I am still going to document my weight loss and as soon as I get to my elusive next ten pounds I will do my book drive for Reading To Kids.I am still hovering at 171 lbs, and I am officially in a plateau. We are just really going to focus on my goals and making those happen. I am really inspired. Here are a few of the first goals.

1. 10 guy push ups
2. five minute plank. I am currently at 2.5 minutes
3.Run around the park 4 times, improve on my running
4.Do pull ups
5.10 minutes of rowing

We will be working on these and other fitness milestones as we continue on my fitness journey. The fitness milestones will help me with my fitness bucket list. In example, the pull up will help me with my strength needed for Trapeze classes.

Love and Light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

MONDAY UPDATE

Good Morning to all. I weighed in on Saturday and went up a pound. I did everything right so this frustrates me. I am trying so hard to get into the 160's and be at my next ten pound charity. I am going to focus of my fitness goals and my charities I plan to help. I will get there, it will just take some time. My current weight is 171. I just want to make it into the 160's in two weeks when I head to Phoenix AZ.

My Thursday workout with Mike was awesome. My workouts have become faster and more challenging, but they are a lot of fun. Mike has be doing a circuit, the ropes, burpees, push ups, boxing and kicking, then running back and doing it over and over. In workout language they call those sets I think. It is a lot of fun and I am grateful to him. I workout with him again tomorrow, and we are working on my running once again. 

We had an earthquake and I freaked out a bit. I am not used to them and I really was scared. I did not sleep at all on Friday night but I still made it to the Charity Boot Camp for 2 Hands 2 Cans taught by Corey Sousa of Revline Fitness. It is such a wonderful cause and I had a blast. A year ago I would not have been able to even do the boot camp. I met some great people and discovered a beautiful park near my house. The Pan Pacific Park is so lovely, I want to go back and bring my mat and do some outdoor yoga. Off for the day, work and walking and workout later.
Have a beautiful Monday
Love and Light
Rose

Here is a link to the facebook page of 2 Hands 2 Cans founded by Chris Willard.With the gang from 2 Hands 2 Cans.

https://www.facebook.com/2Hands2Cans

Some photos of the Boot Camp for Charity for 2 Hands 2 Cans

The gang from 2 Hands 2 cans

Masha from 2 Hands 2 cans

Kerry and friend

Founder Chris Willard

Trainer Corey Sousa from Revline Fitness

Kerry Flowers and me

BOOK DRIVE

Good Tuesday Morning to all. My next ten pound charity is the wonderful organization Reading To Kids. I am holding a book drive, collecting brand new books for children ages K-5. I am currently three pounds from my next weight milestone but I wait til I am a few pounds beyond the ten pound mark. I am now doing the legwork for the book drive and trying to get the word out. I also plan on volunteering in the near future and reading to the kids.

Here is some information about Reading To Kids.

Reading to Kids is a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading, thereby enriching their lives and opportunities for success in the future.  To this end, Reading to Kids gathers on average 876 children and 367 volunteers at reading clubs on the second Saturday of every month at seven Los Angeles elementary schools.

At the monthly reading clubs, pairs of volunteers read aloud to small groups of children, while their parents receive training on how to encourage their children to read at home.  Kids, parents, teachers, and school libraries receive book donations at the end of the reading clubs.  These are important donations, as 60 percent of low-income homes do not have age-appropriate reading materials for children.

Since its inception in 1999, Reading to Kids has given more than 124,442 prize books to children who attend the reading clubs, donated more than 22,469 hardcover books to school libraries, and our volunteers have spent more than 145,899hours reading to kids.  Click here to see our entry on Wikipedia. 

Reading to Kids is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the state of California and has been classified as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The organization is exempt from both state and federal taxes; our tax ID number is 95-4758698.  

Off for now. Tonight is after work I am working out with my trainer Mike. I have been gluten free and eating completely clean during the week, and I have had amazing energy. 

Love and Light

Happy Tuesday 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

TUESDAY WORKOUT AND DAY 4

Inspired by the beauty of timeless trees

Good Morning to all. I am up and tired, My Siamese cats were in rare form last night. Nothing that a little caffeine cannot fix. It is day 4 of the Melissa Bender Fitness 30 day challenge, to exercise for all thirty days. I have been doing her workout videos along with everything else I am doing, I wanted to raise the bar so to speak and this should really help me gain strength. I already feel like it is working, to be stronger in my workouts with my Trainer Mike and to improve in all of the exercises we do. I mentally feel the results.

Tonight after work I workout with Mike, and I believe we are videotaping me doing burpees today or Thursday. I am not instructing, only showing where I am now. We will do more videos in the future to show my progress. My burpees have improved since the beginning, but I do have a ways to go. I am so up for the challenge.

Today I faced a few morning challenges, and this is how I met them head on.

Woke up tired, friend bought me a muffin. I only ate a quarter of it. No deprivation but portion control.
My ankle feels a tiny bit strained. I am wearing an ankle brace and listening to my body as I work out.
I am tired, the cats were playing all night. I am having some coffee and mentally telling myself I am awake and raring to go.

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday. 
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

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

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

PEACEFUL EASY FEELING

Sometimes you hear a phrase in a particular setting that can have relevance in life. I work out with my trainer Mike and he taught me to breath into it when I am stretching. It is similar to what Nicole my wonderful yoga teacher taught me about the difference between pain and sensation. I think the phrase "Breath Into It" can have an impact in all arenas of life. Having a bad day? Slow down, breath into it, catch yourself before you fall. It can make all the difference in the world when you get out of your body and into your heart. I would say get into your head but unfortunately sometimes our minds move all too quickly and it may be hard to breath when your thoughts are racing. Find your heart center, and breath into it. Everything is will be fine if you just breath.

I am excited beyond measure, James and I are attending The Eagles concert tonight at the re-opening of the Forum Theater in Los Angeles. ironically enough this concert will leave me breathless, but in a good kind of way. I am moved easily and the Eagles are such an Iconic Band. They traveled to Joshua Tree State Park in California to get inspiration, and their cover photo of one of their albums was shot there. If you listen to the lyrics of Peaceful Easy Feeling you can get a sense that the inspiration came from that moment in the desert. I cannot wait for tonight. Hotel California here we come.

                                                     Peaceful Easy Feeling"

I like the way your sparkling earrings lay,
Against your skin, it's so brown.
And I wanna sleep with you in the desert tonight
With a billion stars all around.

'Cause I got a peaceful easy feeling,
And I know you won't let me down
'cause I'm already standing on the ground.

And I found out a long time ago
What a woman can do to your soul.
Oh, but she can't take you anyway,
You don't already know how to go.

And I got a peaceful easy feeling,
And I know you won't let me down
'cause I'm already standing on the ground.

I get this feeling I may know you as a lover and a friend.
But this voice keeps whispering in my other ear,
Tells me I may never see you again.

'cause I get a peaceful easy feeling
And I know you won't let me down
'cause I'm already standing...
I'm already standing...
Yes, I'm already standing on the ground
Oh, oh

                                                                  The Eagles

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