to PERSEVERE...

I think the key for selecting the days for the Master Cleanse is to be inspired and strategic.

Inspired - going thru some rough times? this is a good motivator.  For me, inspiration came after some tough times with a boy... and i was looking for something to test my endurance at a me-to-me level (aka distraction + feeling of accomplishment).  And here I am about 40-50 glasses of spicy lemonade later, not to mention about 9 pounds lighter, feeling super! 

Strategic - choose a period of time when you will be BUSY.  my strategy = working like a madwoman, meaning im too busy to eat anyways or cross temptations path. 

So, Day 5 complete and feeling like a champ!

And a sidenote on busy lives and challenges in general - I like to quote one of my yoga instructors, Steve Hubbard, with this one, "there hasn't been a time i've grown, that i haven't struggled"...  I think thats true.  but you don't always grow when you struggle... its rising up to the challenge that redefines you. 

I think the universe definitely throws us curve balls unexpectedly every once in a while, sometimes a multitude all at once, just to see how we handle it.  TO PERSEVERE. The test of prioritizing, staying focused, calm/cool, and facing your at times overly active, emotional, inconvenient/troublesome LIFE with a smile.  Why would you choose a life that is not maximized anyways?  Every bruise has a story... and its usually a good one.

Today was one of those days   :)

when life gives you lemons...

Can't believe its March already.... year is just skipping by!

Latest news: in search of a pick-me-up and "positivifying" distraction once again, and thru a quick coversation w a friend today I was reminded of a nutrition undertaking (gracias San!): The Master Cleanse for the next ten days, which if you don't know of this detox - it primarily involves a spicy lemonade (ingredients: lemon, cayenne pepper, syrup, and water), 6-12 cups of this delicious concoction each day, and an unfriendly 20 oz. of sea salt water to get the party started. 

The lemonade it quite yummy, especially for us spicy latino types; the salt water however... is what makes me shiver.  i've been reading up on ways to make it go down smoother -like brushing ur teeth and having mint flavor distract you from reality; or warming water making it more syruplike tasting, or adding a squeeze of lemon- i see myself trying all of the above.

I plan on maintaining a 6 wkouts/week schedule during detox... as much as i can take.

i'm actually excited to take this on... unlike last time (i only lasted 3 days... stars just weren't aligned).  Today, our lemon tree seems is plentifully fruitful, and my life in need of a quick turnaround... :)

And besides, with my busy schedule these days, coordinating a 1000+ film fest and a baja science symposium all at once... who has time to eat! 

I already have a final day 10 treat lined up: Laguna San Ignacio whale watching trip! So, WISH ME LUCK or join me in the challenge... i  know it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
http://themastercleanse.org/

2011 - a good year

2011 - a good year

as Steve from yoga class would say, "there isn't a time where i've grown, that I haven't been challenged"... and thankfully so, 2010 was a year of major growth. emotionally, physically, professionally, and "soulfully." ... and most likely '11 will toughen me up some more (altho its feeling quite velvetty at the moment)...

but anyhow, I look back and see that my lessons on mindfulness and nonreactivity have been key to facilitating a smoother resolve in any given situation. and being a planner.... learning to let go of plans not gone as planned, has been one of the big ones.

Anyways, i'm feeling stronger, more focused, and motivated... much due to my close favorites, and much because of what excersizing has provided for me - outlet, focus, goals, challenge, results... and an "accomplishing" high.

so, I joined another bootcamp this january. 14 days. 12 workout a week. of which i was able to keep 10/week. not bad ey? i've taken on running (3 miles aprox) 2/week. namasteves yoga (10am on Law St of PB every Sat and Sunday) has become my favorite most energizing and refreshing workout of the week, corepower of course, barrys bootcamp weekly, salsa 1-2 a month (to be increased!), and am to resume biking and swimming at some point as well.

good start, good momentum, and plan to keep it that way.... i mean, its alread been 5 months, so i think i'm hooked ... hope so.

hmmm- a ver q' mas:

- Went on a Family Vacation to Ski Paradise- VAIL.... and skied 7/8 days! luuuuuuuvd it, wish i could go back!
- Moved it to my parents place a few months back and its working out quite magnificently!
- Have made some excecutive decisions on friendships and work related patterns... only know this means there are big changes ahead
- Tried online dating for a tad bit (yes, its true). i found that it requires loose expectactions, and for that lesson alone it served well. for entertainment purposes too. as it was sometimes amusing, other times awkward, and finally a delightful experience.
- And well currently i'm on an eco conscious high, as i'm cooped up in a woodsy motel in nevada city, as Wild & Scenic Tour Host guest, absorbing over 20 hrs of film in 3 days... getting so pumped i'm trying to figure out how to become a non consuming being, or simply evaporate like the Incas!

so, probably because of my Hemingwayish setting, i felt inspired to blog once more...

closing with some healthy gigi favorites:

- namasteveyoga.com - beachfront yoga sat/sun 10am
- happy feet massage - $20 1 hr massages (clothed, but they do the trick)
- Salad Style Cous cous salad.... (seven seven!)
- my CPrime Bracelet. honestly don't know if it works, but its cool looking and has magic placebo powers at least.
- Nati Cherubini and her health tips via USANA (ask me...)
- corepoweryoga.com check it out, they have locations everywhere... and u get 1 week GRATIS
- Ranchos mexican - just tried it, pretty good mexican coming from a mexican, and healthy vegan choices aussi.
- Brussel Sprouts - haha i dunno, just couldn't get them out of my mind right now...
-and sure why not: SAVE THE DATE : Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Fest in SD April 13th... hosted by yours truly... more info to come...

buenas noches chicos! sheesh this was a long one... just pretend i split it up into 5 blogs in the last 3 months and we are good :)

vacations keep a comin

so there was san fran, then there was 8 days in mexico for my sister's wedding, then there was vegas w 12 other hotties.... and now thanksgiving break.
lots of feasting to partake in, and lots of meaningful moderation to consider.
overall done ok, considering my capability of diving into vaca indulgence mode...

i've maintained workouts to about 5-9 per week, increased running stamina (3-6 mi/run). go to barry's bootcamp pretty regularily. and started practicing yoga outdoors bymyself a couple times now (major improvement on stands: side crow, tripod head, toe).

life is good these days. many things, beings, feelings to be thankful for.

i can think of 3 more trips in the next 2 months... but we'll see.
may join the next live lean or bootcamp... once travels simmer down.

aaand still interested in buddy'ing it up w workout crew... lemme know.
saludos!

keeping up w workouts

Love my new live lean friends, and the positive and energetic attitude they bring!

Just as a quick: last 2 weeks' report:

Mon-Sun last week:
maintained workouts to 6/week. 1 swim, 1 run (broke record 4.3mi run), 1 hpf, cp2, and joined BARRYS BOOTCAMP.

this week 11-17: upping workouts to 9~
M: Sculpt
T: HPF
W: Barrys w/ Chad (loved it!) and CP2 at Mission
Th: Namasteve (i had been hiding from his class for a year! so good!)
F: Circuit 1 Mission & Circuit 2 PB
Sat: early AM biking in Solana Beach + In cahoots
Sun: 9am Steve's yoga class oceanfront (law st. park in pb) puede ser.

next week 18-24:
M: double up Barry's and CPY hopefully
T: morning yoga before my flight.
W: SAN FRANCISCO... eating and walking :) VACATION CHALLENGE # 2!!

Thank you everyone (Boni, Brooke, Christina, Amy, Carlos, Genenvieve, Frances, Seth, Mario, Kasey) for inviting me on workouts and keeping this fun!

Looks like I'm still hooked

Just rolled back from a 5 day vaca in Mexico City.
Reason: my sister's bridal shower.

I am ecstatic i was able to reconnect with a lot of my old friends and family...
one of the other things i'm pretty stoked about is that i really felt like the Live Lean conscience was sitting on my sholder during the entire time.

Mexico can get pretty heavy and hard to keep up when it comes to going out... and i noticed it didn't quite feel right anymore.... and that a more chill / less excessive outing was a better fit. not only that, but i maintained my workouts 3 days at the building's gym... running about 3-4.5 km every day.

of course i reintroduced a bit of sweets, chilaquiles, pasta, tacos at least once during the trip.... but not fully treating it as my usual vacation mode (aka: once in a lifetime mentality when you know it ain't). feels good having passed the vacation challenge. next stop: san francisco for a foody and music extravaganza (treasure island and shakira)... and then 8 days in mexico for my sisters wedding. all bets on me? yes!

it was also cool to receive like 20 emails from lve leaners coordinating future workouts and seeing that we all got the health bug! thanks guys for keeping the momentum going. i'm back so here i come!

going to 6am bootcamp tomorrow (plus Jen Pennick's intuitive therapy sesh), 6am scultp wednesday (yeah BROOKE), Barry's bootcamp thursday (first time!), passing out friday (or swim), and hopefully saturday doing something outdoorsy.

My awesome boss gave me like 4 passes for Vertical Hold rockclimbing. anyone wanna come int he next week or so?

looks like im still hooked.

oh, and salsa probably next monday at La Jolla's Prospect Bar. vieni!

FINITO!!

day 32 and feeling so sore (luv it!) and a bit pre-nostalgic already. but most of all: SO PROUD OF ALL OF US LIVE LEANERS! WE ROCKED!

and here are some of the few things im taking with me:

New Discoveries
- I CAN do it! The nutrition challenge (maybe next time 100%) the TWO - 1/hr wkouts X6/week, I did it…. Not impossible. plus, it feels gooooood.
- Happy me: exercise keeps my happy and peaceful.
- Future Happy Wallet: I foresee big changes in outing expenses and activity.
- Results: lost about 6-7 pounds.
- But more than the scale (which we hate anyways) I lost 3.25 inches around my waist! And a few other inches distributed throughout! Im happy with those results.

New Applications:
- Moderation: I thought I was already practicing this… however I learned that just a taste is usually enough. &when its not, I will still enjoy it.
- Upgrade: changing cravings and routines for healthier choices. Don’t have to switch cold turkey into being a health nut bootcamper, but slowly yet surely point myself in that direction.
Examples: Coffee, Drinks, Sweets, Bread/carbs, dairy, flaming hots, salt—all a significant reduction, or none at all by day 30.
- Mindful behavior: need I say more… that’s been this entire blog!
- Social Workouts: bringing in my closests to partake in this life-changing experience!

New Resources:
- Road Bike: Alas, after buying my bike summer 2009, Live Lean motivated me to actually use it… and I love it.
- Paddle Boarding: tried it last weekend, great fun, great workout.
- Quinoa: incredible source of protein, can be treated as anything… (although i probably will take a few weeks off from it, no offence Quinoa!)
- Naked Café: good healthy choice to turn to. Even if the waiters aren’t nice.
- Live Lean Dessert: ½ date w/ almond butter and almond bits on top
- Live Leaners and Trainers. and Jen Penick intuitive therapist: they're there, either going through a similar transition or to provide mental and physical support!.
- Colonics @ Radiance Day Spa: did it twice... not sure its for me.

Future Live Lean Maintenance:
- Start going to Jen Penick next week, excited about that. …
- Social Workouts will be Key!
- Going to Live Lean calendered workouts 1-2 a week at 6 am.
- Pairing two yoga workouts
- Swim, bike, salsa, rock climbing, kayaking, spinning…
- Barry’s bootcamp, signing up next week.
- Corepower bootcamp: October 1 week. Or November 2 weeks
- Continue planning meals for work. I see that it keeps me from wandering into junkfoodville and boredom snacks.
- Moms cooking, and me: Cook more (or rather learn to cook), go out less (this one still stings a little, but honestly, after my pay cut… I can’t really afford it)
- Over the next 5 weeks I will be travelling so much… key to still maintain workouts even when in a vacation mindset…. As well as food consideration.

now off to mexico city. yey! (well, first off to extraordinary desserts w/ my two favorite coworkers to celebrate my accomplishment! haha, well share tho!:))
Thank you everyone for your support! I will be posting updates sporadically from now on...

LAST WEEK @ LiVE LEAN program *sniff sniff (day 26/33)

I've been back to the early bird trainings since monday, and since then I'm back to feeling mightily challenged. feels good to compete with mind over matter, feels good to have my body ache at its entirety, and three days after the tic-toc ab workouts (killlllller)... have my stomach still be sore. good because of the long term results.

today's circuit was particularily tough, but i guess, after each one i feel as tho that was the case... haha. the trainers and their setup are pretty spectacular!

i'm also arriving to that familiar uneasy"summer camp, only a few days left, and now i feel like this is my home and i dont want to go back" feeling.... realizing that i only have 6 days more to go. The people are so great, and the results and the push in general have been very motivating, that i want to stay here forever. (considering joining the next bootcamp, anyone interested?)

...not on all accounts however; couldn't be happier to be freee to go to Chloes for lunch and Searsucker for dinner in a couple weeks, and not feel guilty after a glass of wine!!... Gourmet Food, massages and a good Pinot (La Crema here i come!) are my second Manolos(my dog)/comfort, and thankfully the live lean lesson of moderation seems to be sticking strong so the consequences wont be as bad. and the social workouts if maintained as well will contribute to a healthier me and an ample wallet. (hint hint, social workouts means you!)

i need to reemphasize how happy working out has made me. exhausted, unable to concentrate, tense in the sholders and sore... well yeah that too sometimes, buttt.... happy go lucky most of all and peaceful too (which i didn't expect). feeling like my day was taken advantage of, like I conquered and achieved something, and along the ride i shared it with some great people. i can now understand how this lifestyle could be addicting, and why there are 6 pack people & wheat grass shotters roaming on this earth.

...not necesarilly where im headed, but the glimpse is electrifying and i am STOKED to realize this joy to keep it up... itll just take a while adjusting to my BLL (Before live lean) lifestyle and routine.

Again, thank you all for your support. this last week will be needed, since i really want to push it. I even cancelled my trip to my sister's bridal shower to finish with a bang on wednesday.... so please reduce the tempting offers.... even tho you think you may mean well. I promise, when i'm done and back from my trips, i will be back and funner than ever :) maybe even throw a party to celebrate.

lastly, check out my post before this one (whose in?) and see if you can join me on any of the workouts.

whose with me?

HI all, so I am back to hardcore workouts after DETOX week and i am planning the following supplemental workouts... i hope you guys will want to join a couple:

- Wednesday 22: Corepower Bootcamp C2 6-7:15pm w/ live leaners (private unforetunately)
- Thursday 23: Convention Center STAIR workout at 6pm with Brooke

- Friday 24: Tennis @ 6:30pm @ PLTennis Club & unsure: Swim at YMCA or bike ride around Mission Bay area.
- Saturday 25: paddleboarding 10:30 AM Aquatic Adventures Mission Beach/OB area, OR ROCKCLIMBING
- Sunday 26 (even though its technically rest day): 8am DRAGON Boating location stil TBD, followed by potentially a massage afternoon.
- Monday 27: SALSA at Prospect Bar in La Jolla at 9:30pm-12
- Tuesday 28: Hot power Fusion @ 7:15am at Point loma Corepower plus $25 @ happy foot massage that afternoon around 5:30pm?
- Wednesday 29: GRADUATE FROM COURse AND OFF TO MEXICO CITY...



....SO WHOSE WITH ME? call me 619 787 9616

reevaluations

about life and relationships.
priority: liking who i see in the mirror -thru self-improvement/self reflection- and being actively involved w/ the handful of lives that make my life more dear.

actively involved is a task when things arent going peachy. im guilty of not responding well... either as support or as instigator...


mindful was one of the key words that got me to sign on to Live Lean.... its a new concept for me, not just about reacting impulsively (which i have to admit, feels sooo good sometimes). i think it has to do for me with maturing and recognizing the consequences BEFORE they happen. ... i had gone through a period where my rooted frustrations took form in hurtful (and what i thought "masterful") impulsive agressions... in turn frightened me and hurt people i cared for.

So now its not just about the nutritional and physical upkeep, but mental and emotional upkeep too. and i think its also important to try and surround myself w mindful instigators, and not energy suckers. I've also learned that Respect isn't to be taken as a light formality, that it is needed to maintain a balanced tie w another. unfortunately respect can be easily lost and very difficult to regain.

-- on this note i think of the latest heartaches of witnessing exteme pain in others i care for... sometimes as an active participant of that pain, other times just an innocent bystander. im observing that how we handle hurt and forgiveness' doesn't pan out the same for everyone and that grudges can be more damaging than the act that got it started in the first place.

i tend to forgive... i believe in the power of being imperfectively human and that fucking up is part of our nature (not as rutinal excuse... im nobodays floor mat, but more as a "what was i thinking: moment)and siempre y cuando the other person is accepting of the damage caused and changes needed. sometimes its just necessary to do away w the permanent pinch in your heart for having been harshly let down.

achem... back to live lean, i have been cheating myself from performing 100% in the cleanse (more like 70-85%) and tryyyyying to forgive myself for it (hahaha segway). i believe not a single day has gone by where i didn't consume something on the cross-out list : coffee once, sugar once, beer/drink thrice, chips, kudos, manchego, onion dip, burrata on a mouth watering salad at BH....(makes sense why i havent felt anything extreme hehe) its interesting though, i think sometimes I've done it as an impulsive response to feeling restricted (red flag guys! haha)

silly auto-battles here, but these 24 days have been about self study... so thaz what i do now. as a redeeming measure, i am going into colonics today for the second session, (hopefully they can extract all the bad stuff).

And the pictures, although not much to do with this blog, to do with my last week. enjoy! i sure did!