30 Days to Greatness, # 4

"The difference between the impossible and possible, lies in a person's determination." 

- Tommy Lasorda

Today has been great! I chose 2 P90X workouts from their lean plan. Arms & Shoulders along with the Ab Ripper X.

I was able to complete both although I did quite a few modifications during the ab workout. Some positions hurt my hip bones and lower back bone. I tried layering my yoga mats on my floor but that doesn't help (my floor is Bamboo.) The pain was so intense during the ab workout, I almost wanted to cry at points. Still, I did it and felt very happy and accomplished at completing both workouts. On a whole, I feel quite energetic today.

Nutrition so far:
Breakfast pre workout - Spinach, onion, tomato scramble, with 1 piece of buttered whole wheat toast. 3 cups of coffee.
Lunch post workout - Open faced tuna sandwich with celery, greek salad (cucumber, tomato, feta, and olive oil) on side
Water all day. I am at 9 glasses so far and it is 4:35 pm.

If you are interested in making a life change and creating a habit, it takes 30 days. So get yourself a calendar, write out your plan, and START. You can do it.

30 Days to Greatness, Day 3

6:26 pm, my third day. I have to come clean and tell you that I did end up needing Advil yesterday. I took some right before bed because I was feeling quite stiff and sore from yesterday's workout. I am going to take some more tonight before bed. Nothing throughout the day, but before bed is good while I'm regenerating and getting used to this activity.

Last night, I decided to look into the P90X books that came with our DVDs. I was happy to see how far I have come nutritionally, I remember when we first got the DVDs 2 years ago a lot of what was listed seemed foreign and overwhelming. After doing grocery shopping last night and looking in the book, I realized I now generally eat well. Yes! I did decide to incorporate their hydration schedule. In doing so, I have already blown my average 6 daily cups out of the water. I am on cup 9 now and it is only late afternoon.

I am noticing great sleep these nights. I have enjoyed restful sleep regularly but something about these sleeps seems deeper, richer. I woke up this morning stiff and not as peppy and generally have felt less "up" today. It could be that I did not have any pressing appointments in addition to the fact it is my third consecutive day of exercising.

After breakfast, I chose the P90X Core Synergistics workout because it is listed in their Lean plan which is another thing I looked over after the nutrition booklet last night. Because I prefer lean, smooth, and strong over muscular, I decided I would follow the P90X Lean DVD recommendations.

This was my toughest workout yet. I was huffing, puffing, heaving, and grunting. There were some exercises I could not do completely so I decided to do modifications. Instead of some of the multi push up moves towards the end, I decided to hold the plank pose for the duration to work my core. I did complete though and also went the bonus round so I felt SUPER accomplished. I have to admit I almost wanted to cry upon finishing.

I was super impressed that my husband worked out today because he is not doing this challenge with me. He did the P90X cardio workout once I was done. Said I inspired him. <3

As for today's food intake:
Breakfast - Steel cut oats with almonds, strawberries, blueberries, and ground flaxseeds. 2 cups of coffee. 2 glasses of water. - Pre workout
Fresh kale cucumber apple lemon ginger juice, 1 sourdough toast with avocado, 2 glasses of water. - Post workout
Open faced ham sandwich with mayo, mustard, spinach, tomato, with a greek salad of feta, cucumber, tomato, olive oil. 2 cups water.
I have also had water in between these meals.

Until tomorrow, xo

30 Days to Greatness, Day 2

I am on a mission to change my life forever. My goal is to develop the healthy habit of exercising daily. This is not about weight loss although I do expect to see positive changes in my body. For me, this is about strength, health, discipline, confidence, and accomplishment. Yesterday was my first day.

This morning I woke up stiff and sore. It wasn't unbearable but I definitely felt various parts of my body aching from yesterday's workout. The main parts I was feeling were my calves, upper arms, back, and shoulders. I have to admit this made me happy because it was proof I had done something. It also made me a little scared because I was going to do another workout today. Hubby recommended I take advil. I decided instead to have breakfast first. This is another way I am going about this differently. In the past, I would attempt working out by starting my day with a workout first thing. This is because I do prefer the morning but it was also because I was afraid I wouldn't do a workout if I didn't. Now I am letting myself have breakfast first. It gives me fuel and a sense of calm. This is a new day and a new me. There is no time or space for fearful thoughts. :)

After breakfast I decided to do the P90X stretch workout. This is an hour of yoga type moves with stretching and holding patterns that work your whole body. It turned out to be the perfect remedy for my stiffness. I especially liked the frog, circles, and morning stretch moves. It was fantastic to have body parts I didn't even know were stiff be opened up. I also would like to incorporate these into my life at random times. Afterward I felt a sense of calm, accomplishment, peace, and flexibility. No advil required.

I am finding that both these days I am a lot more hungry than usual. That has alarmed me a bit because mentally I feel more eating equals more calories and that turns into fat. However, I am making healthy choices and will be going to the market to stock up on items that will give me what I feel my body needs at this time, in a healthy way. Some things I am looking to get are:

Greek yogurt
Tuna
Kale
Berries
Chicken
Steel cut oats

As for what I have eaten today so far:

Egg, spinach, and onion scramable with 1 piece of whole wheat toast. - Pre workout
Fresh carrot celery apple juice. - Post workout
Quarter chicken meal from Zankou with basmati rice and tabbouleh sides. No pita.
Multiple glasses of water. (Right now my average is about 6 glasses a day.)

I'd like to mention that my girlfriend Jennifer reached out to me out of the blue to go on a hike. I was unable to at the time she was available but I was really happy to have gotten the invitation and thought it was a wonderful "coincidence" cause no sooner had I made space in my life for this goal and other things I have been desiring in my life are manifesting.  YAY!

30 Days to Greatness

What would happen if once we had an idea, we went full force and gave it a go? I mean really, just gave it a go, day in and day out consecutively so it could become a reality?? That is what I am going to find out. 

I have decided to change my life. To take on a challenge I have desired and feared for a long time. I have seen glimpses of it but have never had the tenacity to stick with it. This time, that story will end differently. I shall be victorious, confident, accomplished, stronger, OH and I'm going to enjoy a firmer butt and abs. I'm talking about fitness....

I have belonged to 2 gyms in the past and generally enjoy being active but, I have never conquered my fitness goal and I am certainly not active on an every day basis. The me I see is a fit, toned, strong, healthy, active, accomplished person that works out daily along with eating healthy foods. I have noticed that many of the people I look up to and am inspired by do these things on a regular basis. I am now including myself as one of them. Today is my first day of my 30 day challenge. 

Here's my plan:

From today, June 18th to July 18 I will work out every day except for Sundays. 

My workouts will consist of DVDs at home of Resistance Band workouts, Yoga, P90X, along with Hiking, Walking, Running, outdoors. I DO NOT BELONG TO A GYM. 

As an incentive, I am going to buy myself a nice workout outfit upon completing 2 consecutive weeks. Right now, aside from a pair of cotton yoga pants, I DO NOT OWN WORKOUT GEAR.

My reward for completing the month will be accomplishment, strength, confidence, tight abs, a tight rear, and A NEW HEALTHY HABIT. MY NEW LIFESTYLE.

I wanted to document this because it ups the stakes for me. It helps me to follow through knowing that someone knows about it. That it lives out there. I also figured that anyone else who may have a similar desire could possibly be inspired by my journey. 

Here's my starting point:

5'4, 118 lbs, 34C-27-35, Size 2.

As for eating habits, I found it easier to make changes in that arena and have adopted juicing, along with eating mainly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I am not a vegetarian or vegan however, I still do enjoy all food groups. I am excited to see how I will have to  change my eating to adapt to the extra activity. 

Physically, I sometimes experience restless leg, and tightness in my back has been a recurring issue for me. I know my back is where I store my stress. From my days as a Dancer and a fall on set while shooting a Spanish TV show, I have since had problems with my left knee. So, I plan on being mindful of my knee and back while I am making them stronger.

I sometimes take walks with my husband or go on hikes but generally, I do not work out.  

My GOAL:

To change my life by developing the habit of exercising 6 days a week. They say it takes 30 days to create a new habit so I am giving myself 30 days to make that happen. 

Today I did the P90X Cardio workout. I was able to complete it although I did have to pause it twice in the last third of the workout so I could drink a little water. Additionally, I had to do the last 2 exercises at my own pace which was about half of the speed they were going. At this point I was tired and did not feel strong enough to go at their speed without risking injury. Upon completion I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and was quite moved to have taken my first step. See you tomorrow!!! 

Things To Do in L.A. The Renaissance Faire!!

Goodness gracious, the Renaissance Faire... I just went on Sunday and I had a blast! There is so much to do, see, and experience. Located at The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, it feels remote once you are inside, but you will be surprised how much "civilization" is around as you drive up. Tickets are readily available online at the gate or even at select Walgreens stores.  This weekend 5/18, 19, 20 is the FINAL weekend and it is their 50 year anniversary this year so if you have been wondering what's up with the Renaissance Faire, I'd encourage you to get going!

Although you don't have to spend a lot of money I would suggest taking as much as you can muster for this event because there is plenty of food, drinks, activities, and LOTS of cool stuff available for purchase.  This time I engaged in the food and drink and when I go again I plan on making it a little more of a shopping trip. ;)

As far as dress is concerned, you are more than welcome to dress up in Renaissance gear which is another thing I will engage in the next time I go. If not, that is perfectly fine too. When we went, we saw the opening ceremony, a joust, the Queen's court, tons of cool costumes and outfits, loads of food, activities, a lake, ducks, lots of goodies I wanted to buy, a "naughty" show with sexy jokes, and much more. I also saw fairies, strapping men, and quite a few bosoms... Hello corsets!!!

Click here to find out about tickets, location, hours, etc. 

And now, for some pictures!!

So many things I wanted to buy

Will you find these?

The Queen is coming!

The most delicious ale ;)

I almost thought she was a statue until she moved!

Beautiful and entrancing, this one...

Ah bring on the mischief indeed.

Finding A Home For Your Cats Pt. 2

Last I wrote, I was frustrated and struggling. I had created a chain of events that was much harder to navigate than I had originally estimated. When creating your life, this is sometimes what happens. At one time we (hubby and I) had 4 pets and two kids living at home. We both continued to strive toward our personal goals but our family life definitely held the forefront. The majority of my life to this point has been all I've known. Putting other people first.

Soon, things started to change. We found a paradise of a home for our turtle. He went to live in a lake with another turtle and koi fish on a private property in Malibu. Then we found a fantastic home for our beloved doggie PJ. He went to live with my Mom were instead of being one of the bunch of us, he is the prince of the house! He's the only child there and he gets all the love, attention, and goodies a dog could ever want.

Then one by one my two kids left. Now they are off, playing house like we all do when we are learning what it is like to be on our own. Their absence was hard to handle. I struggled.

Eventually, it was my husband and I with our last two pets. 2 cats. My furry baby Leo, and our other cat Queenie.

Allergies developed. I couldn't hold Leo close like I used to anymore, we got a purifier to help but I missed rubbing faces and would sometimes take the chance only to find myself rubbing my eyes out for hours afterward. I started to entertain the thought of building a life with just my husband and me. A new adventure. A new place with no cats or cat hair or allergic reactions.

I put the plan in motion. We started looking for a home for our cats. We started looking for a place of our own. We signed a lease on a place with a no pet policy. Then I hit a wall. It was harder to find a home for them than I thought. I got worried and scared. What would happen when we moved?

By the grace of God my mother struck up a conversation with someone at the Pet Smart in her area and it turned out she was in a position to possibly help. The timing turned out where 2 spots opened up at a Petco in the area, a rescue was able to have them live there until they get adopted. We went from wondering what was going to happen to getting a call the evening before we would have to drop them off to take advantage of this opportunity. It was the best blessing and the hardest to receive.

It tore my heart in two to give up Leo.

He was my special friend and will be the only cat I will ever love. I cried a lot that day. Not just tears, sobs. I had to lay down and sleep after a while. I had to write about it and talk it out. It hurt me real bad. My husband too. But we did it. And we are grateful for the opportunity we were given.

I don't write a lot about the hardships that go into making your life what you want it to be and that is something I will be changing. Tee-riffic will always be about creating your best life but in doing so we all have to go through something. It would be great if all our dreams came true without us having to leave the couch but that isn't a reality. I want to share this with you so you can keep going and push when your faced with a decision that hurts but will be better for you in the long run. Every time, these hard decisions are best for the other people or kitties, ;) involved too.

Trying to find a home for your pet? Try this:

1.Reach out to your friends and family first. You know them well, and they know you and most likely our pet.
2.Ask your vet for leads, talk to your groomer. They may know someone.
3.Create posters with your pets picture and information to post up at animal friendly places like your local pet stores, etc.
4. Try petfinder.com or craigslist.org

If you do reach out to adoption agencies you will sadly learn that most do not help private parties and you may run into a bead attitude or two. Don't take this to heart, I believe this is because they are inundated with lovely animals that have no homes and are finding themselves overwhelmed. What I learned is that these agencies seem to get their animals from shelters when the shelter is about to euthanize an animal because it hasn't been adopted. Still, if you feel in your heart like reaching out to them, try it! You may get lucky and get some help. A list of organizations can be found at the www.spcala.com

Good luck!

May you always find the rainbow that awaits you after the rain.

Finding A Home For Your Cats

Haven't been able to get out of my head lately. Setbacks, obstacles, analysis. Ugh. As I write this I feel self indulgent and stupid. That is why I haven't posted in over a month. I have sit down numerous times with a feeling, a desire to express myself and then started typing only to delete it and walk away from the computer in judgement of my own thoughts and feelings. Does anyone else ever feel this way?? *Taps microphone: Is this thing on???


Right now, I am trying to find a home for my cats. I have 2 of them that I rescued years ago. I have loved them and been good to them. They have had regular visits to the vet, grooming, exams. They have only known indoor life, premium cat food, and up until this last year and a half, even filtered water. Because we adopted our animals so easily, I never imagined that it would be so difficult to find a home for them. The SPCA, various rescues, have all been no help so far. Each "organization" telling me they can't take my pets, not to go to the shelter, and here's another place you could try. I follow the advice only to get the same line somewhere else. What is to prevent people from being cruel to animals and dumping them off when this is the response they are given when seeking help?

I am at the end of my rope. I have not just contacted the supposed animal lovers and organizations previously mentioned. I have also reached out to friends, family, and people on my network via social media. I've driven to Petcos in the area and posted notices. Why is this such a big deal?

I remember when I visited Malyasia noticing a dog roaming the village streets and I commented on how skinny he was. The people in the group laughed and pointed out to me that he was a normal sized dog. It was just a dog. Happily living free in the village streets. No biggie. As I learn more and more about the world outside of the United States I feel more and more duped. The "problems" that I have feel like complete and total bullshit. Have I loved my kitties, yes. Have I been good to them, yes. But hell, they're cats. Does this really deserve days of my life? Drives, talks, postings? I don't know. The more time I spend on it, the less I feel it is.

Sunday I learned of a group of people in China. They have lived the same way for centuries. Using bamboo for housing, furnishings, and even food. Today I read a post about children living in Niger, Africa in a "camp" that is nothing more than trash and dirt. Most of these children are only partially dressed. What would they have to say about this cat post?