karma of the universe

Dear Karma of the Universe,

I understand that not every gal gets to have her cake and eat it too. Life is about a give and take relationship. Though every gal deserves her every heart's desires, I'm fully aware that such desires do not happen all at once.

I am also fully aware that the energy you put into the universe is the same energy you receive. Hence if you are miserable to others, others will be miserable to you. This is why I try to enrich other people's lives with laughter and positivity. Even in my darkest hour, I will find the time to make someone else laugh because I do not believe in sharing my misery with others. It's not part of by belief system. I believe in looking at the bright side of things - that even when things are tough, that there is a reason for everything.

With respect to matters of the heart, you have made it very clear to me that you refuse to make this easy. Fairy tales tell me that I have to kiss a lot of frogs to find the prince. I get it Ma'am/Sir Karma of the Universe. I don't like it. But I get it. I have to earn the love that comes my way. Though you have decided to throw every road block in my way, I will no longer fight it. I accept that this is the path that you have so cruelly paved for me.

It has been brought to my attention that the reason why you have sent so many toads in my direction is because you want me to have a clear understanding of the kind of partner I do not want to have in my life. Oh Ma'am/Sir Karma of the Universe, I am writing to let you know that I have a very clear picture of what I do not want in a relationship and a life partner. This is why I urge you to please stop sending men who:

(1) are old enough to be eligible for medicare
(2) cannot remember EVER reading a book from beginning to end
(3) list Jersey Shore as their favorite TV show
(4) cannot tell the difference between a muffin and a cupcake
(5) do not have the sense to say "please," "thank you," or have the capacity to open doors
(6) are more interested in my ethnic background than my name
(7) are interested in me because I remind them of that exotic woman they met in Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and any other exotic location they happen to have traveled to or have been stationed at
(8) do not possess the capacity to accept a woman who is more interested in developing her mind over her breast size

This list can go on. But since you are the all knowing and powerful Ma'am/Sir Karma of the Universe, I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Please, Ma'am/Sir Karma of the Universe, do not take this a letter of complaint. Think of it as a performance review in handling my love karma. You and I have had many conversations about what it is that I am looking for. I acknowledge that you have put in your very best and I thank you for the wonderful people you have blessed me with so far. (For the record, sans the major tragedy, the last one you sent wasn't bad.) Right now, I urge you to please stop sending me the toads. I'd rather you took a break from handling my love karma than sending me another useless person whose only function is to decrease my faith in the opposite sex. I hope you and I can come to some mutual understanding.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely Yours,
The Fierce Runner

meat eaters!

Not that I ever needed another reason to love Stephen Colbert. This clip is priceless. Enjoy!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Better Know a Lobby - American Meat Institute
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election Fox News

And here is a brand new video of my CrossFit Girl Idol, Maria C. Enjoy!

Maria's Crossfit Story from crossfitoneworld on Vimeo.

Today's Small Victories
I am making some major progress on this chapter I've been working on. Woot!

Today's Workout
One hour of yoga.

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I meant to go to the box today. However, handstands and burpees just aren't my thing. Sorry folks. Sometimes it's best to just not post the WOD!

Yes. Yoga was awesome!

fit for all

This is what I wish the Dove ad looked like (but with some shades of caramel and chocolate thrown in... just sayin'). I stumbled upon this image from a website called Club Round Clubhouse For Round People - Big Beautiful Women (BBW), Big Handsome Men (BHM), and Admirers.  That's pretty awesome!

Admittedly, being fat and fit is a constant struggle for me. In many ways, I'm the poster child for all those anti-fat people because well, I'm fat. I have type II diabetes. The combination alone makes me responsible for all the ills of the country's health problems. Though I CrossFit, eat as healthy as I can, and handle my diabetes, all this is cancelled out because I'm fat. I can't say blame anti-fat people for their ignorance. If I spent my life in constant hunger, hating food and the people who love to eat, I'd be anti-fat too! However, as the goddess of this blog, I have always been a proponent of health at every size. This is why I feel compelled to share a few things with you. This story, which addresses the age old can you be fat and fit question was just posted on yahoo news. In short, the answer is yes. You can be fat and fit (eat that anti-fat folks). You can also be thin and unhealthy. I've heard the term skinny fat before, but the article describes such people as "lean obese."

Another article of interest is this one from the Huffington Post. It goes over why cheap food (such as those $1 value meals at your local fast food joint) will actually cost you more money in the long run. The points in the article make a lot of sense. Though I'm guilty of indulging in a $1 meal or two, I've recently tried to come up with strategies to avoid the fast food rut. Don't laugh. But when faced with desires to visit the golden arches, I say this to myself: I will not eat my own oppression. Meaning, I will no longer contribute to my slow death. Surprisingly, it works.

Today's Small Victories
Of course, I made it to the gym. Also, I've been doing really great at consuming those green smoothies!

Warm-up
Three rounds of:
Run 200 meters
15 jump squats (um, yeah, give or take a few of those jump squats)

CrossFit One World WOD
Strength:
Press 5x5 at 65#

Conditioning:
One cycle is three rounds for time of:
3 front squats 95#
6 clapping push-ups (modified)
9 knees to elbows (modified)
Rest 90 seconds and repeat for a total of three cycles.

Joanne's Final Time - 3:46 / 4:06 / 4:16

Notes (to myself) about this workout: The press was challenging, but I'm getting used to the hip swing to help drive the weight up. In terms of the conditioning portion, I hate clapping push-ups (or any other exercise that reminds me that the girls weigh me down way too much). My main goal was to lift some good weight on the front squat, which I did. My other goal was to make sure I held on to the bar for the knees to elbows. I can't quite get my knees to my elbows (because my tummy is in my way), but gripping the bar is a big thing for me. A year or so ago I could hardly do these!

yoga lite

My sister emailed me this message this week. It was one of those email forwards. After some searching, I discovered that it came from this article. In truth, I'm not big on the religious undertones. However, I still like the overall message of the column. I highlighted some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
Published: Sunday, May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM
Updated: Thursday, April 03, 2008, 10:17 AM
Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Today's Small Victories
I made it to yoga. Even more important, I went through the ENTIRE class without a single EVIL thought about the bastards who insist on coming in late. VICTORY!

Today's Workout
One hour of yoga.

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I need to figure out how to come to yoga more often. I'm going to treat it like my church. Today I had an a-ha moment in class. Our instructor always tells us that yoga is about the breath, not about the pose. It finally dawned on me that when we have the more difficult sequences, it's best to just stop, recenter, and catch up with the class. This is very different from CrossFit, where you have to really push through a difficult WOD. Unless you're dying, it's not advisable to just stop. Yoga is very different. Taking my own advice, I stopped during the difficult sequences, re-focued, and caught my breath. This is what made today's class awesome!

mr. eol

Dear Mr. EOL (English is your Only Language, so stop f--king it up!),

Before I begin, I'd like to let you know that I'm not a snob. I teach reading and composition at UC Berkeley and English is a second language for most of my students. Typically, I don't make a big deal out of grammar issues.

However, Mr. EOL, I am continually disgusted by your grasp of the English language. Unlike my students, you have no excuse. English is your first and only language. You were raised with an elite education - private schools all your life. Why you cannot determine the difference between what is plural and possessive proves to me that you are a blundering idiot. Just so you know, there are MEMBERS at the gym, not member's. Every four years, athletes compete in the OLYMPICS, not the the olympic's. Your misuse of the apostrophe is appalling. Please don't get me started on your inability to differentiate between your/you're, its/it's, and their/they're/their (note: thurr is not a word). While we're on the subject, a lot is two words. There is no "a" in definitely. Are and our are two completely different words. Such weaknesses are symptoms of an incompetent muscle head who hasn't figured out the difference between his brain and his ass (in case you were wondering, a brain fart does not come out of your ass).

For the record, I don't give a shit if you can deadlift a school bus or clean & jerk the governor of California (which is gross if you're reading this the wrong way). Though you may be "fit as f--k," you are still just another dumb f--k who gets off on photos of yourself doing handstands in odd places.

With that, I hope someone drops a 45# plate on your balls. When you scream, please note that "ouch" should end with an exclamation point!

Sincerely yours,
The Fierce Runner

Today's Small Victories
Again, I made it to the box despite having to deal with a modified "Fran." She's a bitch no matter how you frame it. I've also declared that I need to say good-bye to desserts. Seriously. They suck the life out of me and force me into a deep sleep followed by a headache. Today's peach mango pie a la mode was probably a shock to my body, considering I've been cutting out the refined sugars lately. Yes. That means I'm limiting my cupcake intake. (tears)

Warm-up
500 meter row
25 GHD sit-ups
25 GHD back extensions (I hate these things. They make me want to pee!)

CrossFit One World WOD
Strength:
Determine new front squat one rep max. 135# (PR!)
Bench Press 5x3 at 75#

Conditioning:
Complete 21/15/9 reps for time of:
Thruster 53#
Jumping Pull-ups

Joanne's Final Time - 8:25

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I was really happy with the strength portion because I PR'd my front squat. My previous squat was 123#. Though I felt like I had another 5# in me, I again, decided to go conservative. Never ask for more than you can chew. It was great to hit the PR because I remember when I hit 123#. I thought I was going to die. I could feel myself getting off line very quickly. Regarding the bench press, I was also happy that I could handle 75#. It's not my strongest lift and it's been a long time since I've done it.

As for the modified "Fran," I was satisfied with my thrusters and pacing. I still hate the pull-up. After class, I tried it with the band and I could hardly bend my elbows for the pull. I need two bands to get some kind of pull. Gah! I hate how weak I am in the upper body!

beauty me this, beauty me that

This morning I discovered that Newsweek recently did a feature called The Beauty Advantage. It showcases various articles and pictorials about issues surrounding beauty such as discrimination, the cost of beauty procedures, and beauty practices around the world. Some of the highlights include this video called Lookism Goes Pop. Another thing that really struck me was this video montage that features beauty across decades:

It doesn't surprise me that beauty over the decades, the 1920s to 2010s, is defined largely Caucasian women, sprinkled with a few women of color who have Anglo features. Naturally, my lack of shock comes from my research. You can scream and holler at me 'til the cows come home about changing beauty standards. But even Newsweek, who, in 2003, declared Saira Mohan as the new global face of beauty, failed to include more women of color in their 2010 montage. This illustrates that beauty standards are not changing. At times, they're re-packaged, but they're not changing much. Also the articles show that beauty is highly valued (sometimes even more than an education) in this society. Unfortunately, in many instances, we are far from any type of progress in that arena.  This is dangerous for all women - regardless of what background you come from. Want more proof? Well here you go...

Check out this story about a video that showcases how "hot" republican women are as opposed to their less attractive democratic counterparts. Republican women are shown in various photographs to the song "She's a Lady," while democrat women are shown to the song "Who Let the Dogs Out." I'd link the video, but I refuse to glorify such ignorance. I can't begin to tell you how many levels of wrong this is. Yes, if the tables were reversed, and the video showed "hot" dems versus "ugly" republicans, I would be equally offended. This video is a testament to how far and wide sexism and ignorance is in this country.

Today's Small Victories
I am really glad that I made it to the box. It was tempting to skip out knowing my workout partners weren't going to be there. However, I showed up. Presence is half the battle.

Warm-up
500 meter row
Jump rope work

CrossFit One World WOD
Conditioning:
Complete 10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1 reps for time of:
Burpees
Box jumps 12"
Overhead squat 53#

Joanne's Final Time - 23:29

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I was really happy with my performance tonight. I hardly broke my reps in the burpees and box jumps. My strategy was to go slow and rest in between the exercises. Ultimately, I wanted to do my overhead squats un-broken, which I did. I managed to do it by using a weight I knew I could handle. Next time, I'm bumping it up another 10#. I wasn't worried about not being able to carry the weight overhead. I think I can do about 65# of unbroken OHS for a WOD like this. My concern was getting the sucker off the floor. I suck at cleaning the weight. Boo!

33# and 40 Plus

This is Lori next to two 33# bars. See? One of these bars is not like the other. One of these bars is not the same.

Lori is demonstrating why some people (present company included) get confused with the 33# bars. Not all of them have the same ring size... so shut it!

This is my dear friend Lori demonstrating the mystery of the 33# bar. One of the things Freddy likes to give Lori shit for is picking the wrong bar. Sometimes Lori means to pick up the 33# bar, but ends up with the 22#  or 45# bar. According to Freddy, all you have to do is look at the ring size and bar height to figure it out. Well HELLO! Here's living proof that the 33# bars have two different rings. Now shut it! (heh!)

In other news, I'd like to give a big shout out to Miss Maria C. for her feature on Freddy's new One World 40 Plus blog. I adore Maria to no end. Though I don't get to train with her very much, it's always a pleasure to watch her attack the WODs. She's consistent, strong, and fierce! Such a true inspiration!

Today's Small Victories
I've been really good at making my "morning medicine" lately. I'll explain what that is in another post. Just know that I'm on a personal quest to incorporate more greens into my diet. I invested in a machine that would help me do this. So far, it's working!

Warm-up

CrossFit One World WOD
Strength:
Deadlift 3 reps on the minute for 8 minutes 155#

Conditioning:
Row 1000m. Rest one minute and repeat for a total of 5000m.

Joanne's Final Time - 4:41 / 4:49 / 4:54 / 4:56 / 4:54

Notes (to myself) about this workout:
We ended up doing this WOD in reverse, starting with conditioning and ending with strength. I was very happy with my performance on the row because my goal was to hit under five minutes for each 1000 meter row. In order to do this, I had to aim for under 2:30 on the /500 meter count. If you look closely, my numbers aren't too far off from each other. I managed to get into a rhythm and that's what made me consistent. Also, I noticed that I can get 100 meters in 11 strokes. Before, it used to take me 14-15 strokes per 100 meters. The key to the row is timing and strength - not speed. This is where most people mess up and tire out. A WOD like this is a perfect chance to work on form (especially if you don't really care about time). I noticed that if I pulled hard, really engaged my legs, and took a pause, I wouldn't be as tired as I normally would. It also made the numbers go down faster. I still have trouble with my row because of my height, but I do think that a shorter person can get a good row time with strength.

As for the deadlift, I shouldn't have been a pansy and lifted at least 165#, up to 175#. Thing is, I don't like biting off more than I can chew. I was also concerned with potential back issues because of the row and then having to do the deadlift. The deadlift and I haven't been getting along these days. For future reference, I should add a little more weight. I'm not too mad about it because I know that tomorrow morning my back will thank me for it;P

styx!

This was taken this past Sunday at the Styx concert at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.

For the record, I hate the new blogger formatting thing-a-ma-bob. It completely erased my post. Fuckers! Anyway... formatting issues aside, I should warn you that last week was an AMAZING week for me. Yesterday I shared photos from the Jo Koy comedy show I went to. Last Sunday, I saw Styx with fellow One Worlders Roya and Lori. It was a blast. In case you were wondering, YES, I am old enough to know who STYX is. That night's performance was particularly special because OG Styx-man Chuck Panazzo performed with them.


fathlete confession: My 80s music obsession is totally embarrassing. I apologize to Roya and Lori for having to witness me clapping on cue to "Too Much Time On My Hands." Further, I declare you two are saints for putting up with my karaoke interpretation of "Come Sail Away." I'm really truly sorry that you had to sit through that. (smirk)


The last time I went to The Mountain Winery was AGES ago when my family and I watched Pat Benatar in 2002! Since then it has been remodeled and is a FANTASTIC venue to watch concerts. There's still an amazing summer lineup left, so check out who else is performing! fathlete confession: I'm planning on watching Margaret Cho, but I also want to check out Hall & Oats. If you're laughing, you can shut it!


For the record, shall I meet and marry the man of my dreams and he happens to have very deep pockets, we are definitely going to consider The Mountain Winery as a possible venue. (insert a starry-eyed j-ro wearing the wedding shoes)


This video is for Miss Lori. Shame of Styx for not performing this!



Today's Small Victories
I had absolutely no interest in going to the 6:30am class. But Settie made me do it. And I did.

Warm-up
For ten minutes, jump rope. When you stumble, do 10 abmat sit-ups. Obviously, I did lots of sit-ups. But I jumped rope like a bona fide adult!

CrossFit One World WOD: "Bear Ladder"
You will pick the weight for this workout, but you must use the same weight for the whole workout. You will start with one cycle of "The Bear." Rest as long as you like, then do two cycles. Rest as long as you like then do three cycles. The goal is to get to 10 cycles, but you must finish in 20 minutes. A cycle of the bear is a deadlift to a hang power clean to a front squat to a press movement overhead to a back squat to another press movement overhead. When doing more than one cycle, you can only touch and go when the bar touches the ground for the deadlift. During the cycles, you can rest anywhere within the cycle (bar at shoulders, bar in the hang, etc.). You can also do a power clean into a thruster into a back squat thruster. Post questions about workout to comments.

Joanne's Final Count - I made it to cycle 6 with 4 sequences in cycle 7 at 53#.

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I am not going to punish myself for not completing all 10 cycles. The Bear is a bitch and I did it. Done!

jo koy!

Last Thursday, I didn't make it into the box because I had tickets to watch Jo Koy at the San Jose Improv. Thai Rivera was the opening act and he was amazing. It was a phenomenal show! About half of Jo Koy's bit was total improv, where he was working the crowd and performing off the cuff. As his mother would say, "Wow, Josep, that's tal-ENT!" He performed about half an hour longer than scheduled. The last part of the show was of him and this guy named Jeremy singing some old 90s R&B. Yeah. Jo Koy was singing. That's hella Filipino if you ask me! If you don't know who he is, here's a video for you:



Today's Small Victories
I'm getting some serious writing done. Woot!

Warm-up
Row 500 meters
Prep for WOD

CrossFit One World WOD
Strength: Deadlift 5x5 at 165#

Conditioning: "Cindy Ladder"

Start a fifteen minute running clock. At the first minute, do one (jumping) pull-up, one push-up (on knees), one squat. At minute two, do two pull-ups, two push-ups, two squats. Continue adding one rep to each exercise every minute until you cannot finish the work within the minute. Once you fail, rest the following minute, then for every minute that is left until the 15 minute mark, do 15 seconds of pull-ups, 15 seconds of push ups, 15 seconds of squats, and rest 15 seconds. Your score is the final round you are able to complete as prescribed.

Joanne's Final Count - 9 rounds

Notes (to myself) about this workout: I still hate the deadlift. I'm glad that we only do it once a week because Freddy's right. The body needs the week to recover from it. 165# is not a lot to lift compared to what I know I'm capable, but it was plenty enough for tonight.

As for conditioning, I really liked the "Cindy Ladder." I'm not big on Cindy, but I'm a little stronger with my pull-up. Right now, I just have to practice and muster up the courage to stop jumping and start using the rubber bands. Gah! I was estimating that I would pull about 8 rounds. I'm glad I did 9 rounds and was just short five squats to make the 10th round.

confessions of a vog-aholic!

I'm writing this is because I have a confession to make. I have a liking for Fluevog shoes. Actually, I am OBSESSED with Fluevog shoes! I blame my friend Shirl for this obsession because she introduced me to the brand. I confess that I own five pairs and am currently paying off my sixth pair, with plans on getting a seventh (this is what happens when you offer a layaway plan). These shoes aren't cheap. I bought my first two during their anniversary sale. I paid for the shoes in full with part of my tax return. Pair number three (a.k.a. "the wedding shoes," pictured here) was put on a credit card because I had a dream about them. In a state of paranoia, I went to the Fluevog store and bought them, declaring that these are the shoes I'm going to get my Ph.D. in. I'm also going to wear them when I get married, have babies, and all that other good stuff. I look at "the wedding shoes" as a source of inspiration when I write my dissertation. Fluevog numbers four and five were bought with my hard-earned cosmetics money during their recent semi-annual clearance. To my credit, they are paid in full and were bought at a fantastic discount! Only those who have owned a pair of Vogs will understand this obsession. Fluevogs are like art pieces that make my toes smile. The more I wear them, the more my feet fall in love with them. Each pair I own reflects a different angle of my being. Hence, why the Fluevog mantra is so true: Unique soles for unique souls. I've never worn my Vogs without turning a few heads. In fact, I recently wore "the wedding shoes" at my friend's wedding. The photographer took pictures of my shoes! One of the girls there couldn't get her eyes off them, and two other girls stopped at my table to tell me how cool my shoes are! Vogs make my drab wardrobe look look like a million bucks. Such things are worth its weight in gold, I tell you!

I'm confessing my Fluevog sins because becoming a "Vogger" has completely changed the way I spend my money. It has inspired my current need to clean house and send stuff to the donation bin. As I was clearing out my closet, I was taking a monetary tally in my head of how much I spent on all the shoes and clothes I was donating. I took note of all the stuff I hardly used, all the stuff I bought because it was cheap, and I realized that though these items weren't pricey, they also were NOT good investments. Granted, I'm still a proponent of a good bargain (who isn't?). However, I realize that an item being inexpensive cannot be enough for me to buy it anymore. It's all about QUALITY over quantity. The money I spent on my Fluevogs is going to go so much farther than all the clearance shoes I've ever bought but hardly or never used. (In particular, I think of my totally cute red Miz Mooz shoes that I bought in New York a few years ago. At $40 I thought they were a total steal. However, the first time I wore them, they made my feet cry! I must have used those shoes no more than ten times in the four years I've had them. I can't begin to tell you how many shoes I have with a similar story.) Yes, my love for something new has liberated me from old baggage.

Oddly enough, my "Vog-session" has also led me to some other great realizations. Don't laugh... but I hardly look at the mirror before leaving the house. One day at work, I was looking at my all-black outfit and I nearly died. My outfit was completely unflattering and I couldn't believe my cosmetics employer had allowed me to keep my job knowing I wear the same hideous clothes every week! When I got home, I got rid of the unflattering gaucho pants (that made me look like I had camel toe) and got myself some bona fide adult slacks from Banana Republic. I firmly believe that quality doesn't have to be expensive. I managed to find a great pair of black, high quality, nice fitting slacks on clearance for about $16. The second pair of slacks I bought was 60% off (and they make my butt look like perfection)! I testify that when you're a Vogger, all good things must come your way. My new outlook on shopping has also inspired the bargain gods to send me good luck.

Since then, I haven't made many purchases because I simply don't need them. If I do indulge in a purchase, I'm going to take a cue from Oprah and make a deal with myself: if I buy something, I have to get rid of something. I'm also learning to spend like my dad. My dad was very thrifty, but he made his purchases last. That's exactly what I'm going to do. I have my "Vog-session" to thank for all of this!

Note: The photos came from the Fluevog site.

my butt is big

Freddy posted this photo recently on the One World site. I'm always fascinated when companies finally figure out that in order to sell products, you have to appeal to the masses. In order to appeal to the masses, it's wiser to do it in such a way that empowers them, not enhances their suffering or encourages their misery. It makes me wonder what people are learning in Marketing 101 these days. Typo aside, I kinda like this ad. The model reminds me of a thicker version of Nicole Scherzinger, an entertainer I adore, but wish she ate an actual burger now and then. Every interview I've ever read with her, Scherzinger always talks about the food she's not eating. It makes me want to poke my eye out. As the original, lead, and senior Pussycat Doll, I wish Scherzinger would just shut up about starving herself and flaunt the fact that at age thirty two, she can still strut her stuff better than counterparts half her age! This tells me that even the best of them are left to feel inadequate. Ah yes, back to my point... what I love more about this image is what Freddy wrote:

You girls who have been CrossFitting for awhile, and especially you ladies at One World who have been embracing the strength training, have at some point had to deal with some changes in yourself that take a bit of getting used to:

1. You aren't necessarily losing any weight, but....
2. Your waist is smaller.
3. Your ass and thighs are getting bigger, but....
4. You're body composition overall is leaner.
5. You are conditioned to think that you need to lose weight to look better, but...
6. Everyone is noticing how good you look!
7. You aren't the strongest person in your gym, but....
8. You are stronger than most the guys at your workplace, and that, ladies, is empowering.

The results of following a good well planned strength AND conditioning program are amazing. The changes come quickly if you dedicate yourself to the program and make some simple changes in your nutrition. Unless you are taking steroids, a majority of all the women on the planet cannot lift weights and end up "getting big" or "looking like a man." I don't think there is a man on the planet who thinks the girl in the picture above looks like a man.

A woman can be powerful AND beautiful at the same time.

Sometimes I need something like this to remind me that CrossFit is a lifelong journey. In the end, it's about health and not about looking hot in a pair of jeans. For me, CrossFit is about making peace with my body - embracing what it looks like and appreciating what it endures each and every day. I may not be a size 2 (and I have no desire to be that), I will say that I've come a long way since this photo:
I know my body has come a long way and as Freddy mentioned, the composition is day and night different. The progress has been slow, but sure. That's all I can really ask, right?

One thing I want to mention is that in today's society, there is so much emphasis on the body. My challenge to you is to embrace the fact that aside from being powerful and beautiful, women can also be INTELLIGENT! I cannot begin to tell you how frustrated I get when I see how much this culture puts stupid, unintelligent, inarticulate women on a pedestal. Seriously? I'm supposed to be impressed by dumb women with low self esteem just because she looks good in heels? Sorry. That's not how my world operates...

Today's Small Victories
I made it to the gym!

Warm-up
Row 500 meters
Prep for the WOD

CrossFit One World WOD
Strength:
Squat 5x1 165#
Press 5x5 65# (two rounds) 60# (3 rounds)

Conditioning:
One cycle is as many rounds as possible in 3 minutes of:
5 ring dips (modified)
10 box jumps 12"
15 dumbbell push jerks 20#
Rest 1 minute and repeat for a total of four cycles. Start each cycle where you left off the last cycle.

Joanne's Final Count - 6 rounds + 8 box jumps

Notes (to myself) about this workout: This was a good one to get my feet wet again. For the strength portion, I'm really weak with the presses. I did do the hip swing that Settie (via Brad) mentioned. It definitely helps. But I'm still not adding that much weight on. In fact, I had to drop 5# after a few rounds. In the 5th rounds, I did four straight reps and failed the 5th one. Gah!

For the conditioning portion, I finally mustered up the strength to work on the rings. The band is still tough for me because I don't get full range of motion. Therefore, I "jumped" the rings. I still jump on the small box because I hate the idea of tripping on the box (which I'm notorious for). Also, jumping makes me feel ALL of my weight. All 536 pounds of me (I'm kidding). I'm okay on the small box for now. The dumbell push jerks slowed me down because I realized after a few rounds that I was pausing too long. Other than that, this was a fair WOD. Yippee!