90 days and the days that follow...

why is it harder in the Chicago heat

2011-08-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

training is seriously SO much harder here than when I was in California last year. One, because I work a full time job. Two, because it's HOT and humid. But I must confess it's also because it takes a lot of motivation to get me outside here and that truth makes me sad. So, out of the house I go. To run and then shower and then bike to work... thanks Justin for asking!!!

pain is weakness leaving the body.

HERE I AM

2011-05-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

I know you've all been wondering. Where'd she go? Where's KRISTEN?
well

I moved home.
then I did my tri.
then i moved to pittsburgh, and it wasn't always the pits, but definitely believe it's called that for a reason.
and now, 2 weeks ago, I moved home to Chicago again.

And, it felt freeing, and then yucky, and then good again, and today I was like, where can I run away to, and yet in the same day, I'm back to freeing. Because honestly at the end of the day for me, it's usually about making sure i get out what's on the inside, and not letting it take me over.
So, I searched for motivation and found a bunch. This article was inspiriting...
I knew somewhere deep down that I actually do know what to do to take care of my soul and body and remembered. I went deep inside and found my home, my center, and God did the rest.

What did I find and what's the point of this random post? Well, it was to tell you I'm back. I am looking fwd to using this blog as inspiration and accountability.

I will shortly, as in when I finish this post, go outside and begin training once again. This time for the Chicago triathlon as well as the one I did last year. So, if you read this still or perhaps stop by to say hello anytime soon, thanks. And may you do that thing you never thought you could.
Anna did.
I did, I do.
and, I will keep doing them. Because I love living life.

what I needed

2011-03-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll. So, here goes nothing. I have had a crappy day. But then, I had a thought. GO READ Anna's blog. This was right after I posted this as my facebook status update.

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." - Lou Holtz
Lou, my ability is amazing, my motivation and attitude suck!

So, here's what I saw on her page...
I will call it motivation.
Count your blessings Kristen.
Thanks Anna.
Thanks Ida you precious puppy dog you!

Off I go to do my run.

i got bored

2011-01-13T00:29:00.001-08:00

so if you still follow me here...go here instead

http://growingtakestime.blogspot.com

Beginning again

2011-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so starting again sometimes sucks. And I believe I need to get what my boyfriend calls "Mindset." It's what my dad used to call the "Mental Game." When you look in the mirror and see one thing, you can't let it be what you believe. You MUST get past that and remind yourself you are in process, progress, and that the little steps the very little steps matter. It is 1/1/11 and I have gained 15 of the 40 lbs I lost back. I haven't been able to run. I have been able to work out but have not chosen to do so on a regular basis therefore putting back on 15 of those lbs. over the last 4 months. So, here's to beginning again! Soon enough, not really soon enough for my own liking, I will be able to run again. But for now, I will take this ankle crap easy and get moving, work out as I can. Walk. Do some swimming. I watched a movie on Lifetime yesterday and yes, it stirred all of these feelings inside of me to change my body and my brain again. It was very empowering and so I am back. Full swing. No more moping because of my ankle, or because I live in a town I really don't want to live in. Positive thinking rings forth.
I think it's super important to do the following. Why first. I think it is super important to do the following because it worked for me. So, here's a list and things I'm committing to do as of today. Call them resolutions, call them what you will. On this blog, if you have read before or are brand new to me, you will find I am a go getter of sorts and don't like remaining stagnant long. This is long enough...
Post important inspiring quotes/phrases around you.
Find your own. Write your own. Put them where you will see and read them everyday.
4 magnets I have on my fridge:
-"There is a God. You are not Him."
-"It is one event in a lifetime of events, you must go on."
-"What might have been does not exist. So don't even go there."
-"The last chapter has not been written yet."

Ones that I had around me this summer were posted on my mirrors and fridge...(and in bad taste, I don't know the authors, sorry)
-"Big goals take big effort."
-"Rather than look for more of the same ways to stay comfortable, we have to constantly search for new ways to become uncomfortable."
-"It's ALL about the journey. NOT the destination."
-"Mistakes are expected and accepted. You are here for training!!"
-"Every huge goal is no more than the sum of a million little ones. Baby steps=success"
-"It's an experiment. Go back to the drawing board."
-"If you want to finish, you've got to take a lot of baby steps. And if you want to get the most of your journey, you should follow where it makes sense, but always look forward and don't be afraid to lead when you need to."
-"You're allowed to get it wrong as many times as it takes to get it right."

AND my family motto
-"Face the Worst,
Think the Best,
Do your Most,
Leave the Rest."

-"Go where you do not want to go, see who you do not want to see, and say what is difficult to say."
-"Being a rebel pays off. Those who risk the most, win the most."
-"Your life is an occasion, rise to it."

Some cards that people sent to me also.

-"Believe and Dare. Stretch Far. Dig Deep. Hope and Trust. Persist and Leap. Miracles happen everyday...if faith is allowed to lead the way. Believe in Yourself EVERYDAY!"
-"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!" -Thoreau

And from my cousin Rich via my padre, "What I had, I gave, what I saved, I lost forever."
So, up go the quotes all over the house today. And I may add some new ones. Buck might tire of them, but hey. Ya know what? Tough. Jk! ;o)
Get a daily quote sent to you on your phone. Challenge a friend to a text quote per day deal. Find an inspirational book and read it. Do whatever it takes to find what you need to get off your butt. Cause for me, it takes different things different days. Figure it out. tell me about it please. Because I am not a rock or an island. I need the sharing of inspiration. It only grows then like the most beautiful of medleys. Sing your song of inspiration loud and proud. Give credit where credit is due.

SUSAN JOHNSON: for her endless untiring (if that's a word) spirit of go get it. She helped me to ride a 25 mile ride in MT that kicked my weight loss in to high gear. I miss those mountains and I miss you. You are a breath of fresh air!
ANNA KORUBA: There were days when your comments on my posts were the only thing that made me smile or kept me going. Thank you for being a co-traveler. Keep on trekking my dear friend!!!
JOHN MANUEL: Somehow your way of training pushed me to want to do more and be better. I believe in your skills so much. I wish I could have you as my own personal trainer to pull out of my pocket. I will forever quote you, "You will live." Thanks for everything you gave and give to those who don't appreciate it. Please know I do!
DRE: Your skyping sessions with me were moments of laughter and peace and community and love. Thank you for music and tenderness and honesty and openness.
DAD: There are tears that can describe my gratitude better than words. Jars full of happy and grateful tears. You were my first male inspiration in this life and I'm the luckiest daughter in the world to have you as a father and friend. Thanks for getting it!
JULIE KAY OLSON PELLETIER: Your prayers for me everyday were SUCH a gift! That commitment was felt and gave me wings often times when I had nothing.
LUKE BRUSCHUK: there were more than two days this summer where I wanted to quit and didn't see beyond myself. You were there to kick my ass, say the right thing and get me going. Do it anyways Kristen. go back to the drawing board. how was your work out today? ect. Thanks for our talks. Transformation rarely occurs outside of community. You are a huge part of my community.
BETH HALAAS: Gets awarded the "greatest step mom" award. She pushed, listened, loved, gave and was herself in all ways that helped to encourage me a ton this summer. I love you.
KP: for your fan mail
BROOKE: my heart doppelganger. Thanks for writing and reading. And for your prayers and promises to Jesus.
BLYTHE: Your beauty, light and love graced my life again this summer as it did back in Jr. High and High school. Those big dream type of people like us are changing the world. One plastic bottle or heart at a time!!!
SUE: My mentor/life coach/friend/therapist! You have helped grow me up since I was 17. Your wisdom I cherish and your love for me overwhelms me sometimes. Thanks for your depth and commitment to being in my corner for SO many years.

If I left you out, please don't be offended. I am all about giving credit whenever and wherever I can.

Why are you not happy where you are? Is it not exactly where you placed yourself?

2011-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

I love this quote. It to me speaks to me simply. No holding out. No blame, just truth. I want to take this opportunity to debrief and celebrate 2010.

2010
Jan: moved back to Chicago from Montana
-big choice for me in pursuing a life and what I wanted
Feb: Got a job with Hello Gorgeous where Milisa and I daily were brainstorming how to make the world a more beautiful place
March: Joined match.com and went on a few dates
April: Bought myself a ticket to MT to visit Buck and he told me he loved me for the first time
May: Decided to not move back to MT and go to California instead
June-August: You can read the entire past blog entries and see daily celebrations. A glorious changing summer!!!
September: My tri,
October: Decided to keep moving forward with life and moved to PA
November/December: have had some of the most interesting and different times learning about myself and God through being stuck doing nothing, including working out.

All in all, 2010 was very life changing and "Intentional." That was my word for this year. I went after a lot of what I wanted and now 2011...my new word is Disciplines. (a sneak peek into my next blog entry)

Lessons

2011-01-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Oringinally written 8/30/10

lessons learned:
*the power of written word whether it comes in the form of a letter in the mail, a comment on a blog, a blog entry are all incredibly powerful. Post words that inspire you around you. Read them outloud daily.

*find inspiration in any form and let it rise up from your belly to get your ass moving

*Lay-z and whomever is his lizard buddy in your life, has to be addressed

*discipline is a life long lesson, so are a lot of the big ones...We are onions, cebollas in spanish.

*I want a life full of awareness. stirring my pot and being a consistant observer, changer and liver of life.

*Write stuff down: I'm so glad to have 1-3 ideas of Boot Camp for future purposes as well as record of things done to go look at in the future.

*"Mistakes are expected and accepted. You are here for training."

*GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT AT ALL COST.

Working out has never been easier

2010-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so for those of you out there that don't like to work out, I get it. There's not enough time in the day. It hurts. blah blah blah blah blah...the excuses are real, but they are just that. Excuses. If you are an able bodied person, you can exercise. Examples...shoveling snow! I spent 20 minutes outside shoveling our walkways and was getting exercise the entire time. Now you might say, Kristen what do you mean? But, by now we all know that even your walk from the parking lot @ target to the front door can be exercise if you make it that way. Park far away. Use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Make 2 trips to your car with your groceries instead of one. That way, you're walking more than you're sitting. You're moving more than you're not moving. It's all a start.
One of the best ways I got started back in the day was a suggestion from Weight Watchers. Lots of people watch TV. So, the idea was that while you are watching TV, during EVERY commercial break of your show, you get up and do something active. Pushups, sit ups, walk around the couch 10 times, jumping jacks, somersaults, ect. It's amazing how much activity you will actually get into your day by doing that simple thing.

Let me put it down this way for those of you who are visual.
30 min. show is typically an 18/12 split. That's 12 min. of activity you are adding to your day!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_advertisement
If you watch 2 back to back, that's 24 min. of possible exercise you added to your day. Start small, but add something each day. Walk to your neighbors instead of calling them. Mow your lawn, in stead of paying the local guy to do it. You'll pay for it later!!!
I hope this is encouraging to you. It was to me...get off your butts loved ones and get moving!

I'm Training for an Ironman

2010-12-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not

I'm not really training for an Iron man I just loved this video. It's a classic misunderstanding between triathletes and others. I saw a shirt that says, I do a triathlete for the spouse and loved it.
Today I began working out again after a very long amount of time off. It's been over two full months since my triathlon and 6 weeks since my ankle injury. I am pleased to say I am healed (not totally) and working out again.
I discussed further goals and those will be posted as of later today. This morning's to do list includes working out and finishing my goal list. What goals have you set and what are you doing to achieve them.

It feels SO good to be back!
love,
Kristen

it feels like 6 am

2010-11-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

comfie jam jams and ugs on.
coffee pot on.
everyone else asleep.
time to get my write on.
lying on the floor sucks and I want to have wireless, but right now, besides that, I am at ease.
the ankle can almost bend like I need it to.
it sort of feels like that "foldgers" commercial growing up. And I am singing the song in my head as I type. Except the lack of decorations in this house. That will be fixed soon though, I guarantee. Maybe even today. I feel the need to come up with some sort of decoration theme or something. Decide on what we are doing here. Maybe it's still too early. And Christmas will help.
What does it feel like to be present in the moment? That is what I have been feeling lately. That and honesty. Honesty about where I am at and not feeling that constant desire to please people and live for others.
Just me and God.
What does that look like exactly? hmmm well it means being in touch with my God.
I keep asking him, "Show me the way."
and not like the Styx song. But, guide me. You and your opinion is what matters to me and what I want to guide my heart, decisions and life. It is a good place to be.

90 days are up

2010-11-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

So, I came to this blog today wanting to write some more. It's been awhile and I think it's time I begin again. I had a friend ask me yesterday, do you feel like the lessons, things you are learning stick? I said yes. I said yes because it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. Not the cliche type of journey either. It's about it doesn't matter how many times it took you to get it right, did you? Are you working it out, or working on working it out? It being many a thing.
Your salvation, your marriage, your life issues, your weight, your finances, your ___________- you fill in the blank.
I was glad to know that after a summer, 90 days and chugging, that I am a different person. I was changed by SO many things. I am a better version of myself than I was 180 days ago or so. LOL

The other thing I was thinking about was a need to go back to the drawing board. Create some new goals, redefine my purpose and my vision. And this is where I get psyched.
What came to mind...what began this was the desire to grow my hair out. And it's going to take a long time, this sort of thing does not happen over night. As frustrating as that is, you figure that hair is what it is. It only grows as fast as it does. There is no changing that, minus some baby hormones that can affect it, but still it is what it is. So, I am setting a goal for myself regarding something I can only do a couple things about. And coming from this hair stylist, this is NOT an easy task. Here are the two things I can do for it.
I can only cut it with baby trims and clean ups.
I can keep it healthy, with good products, not over-processing it with color and taking good care of it.

What else is on my list of new goals.
Oh yes, since we all haven't been talking much on here. Well, I haven't been present....and update is over due.
I moved to Pennsylvania.
I sprained my ankle horribly and have to be very careful in the ways that I choose to exercise. Which sux because I can't run. And running has become my bestest of friends.
Ok, so patience is shortly becoming my new best friend.
I learned the military phonetic alphabet. Because I think it's important to learn something new and it seemed easy enough. I am going to start taking the Rosetta Stone Spanish course Buck's bringing home from work. Can't wait. I'm SO going to get my Spanish lovin' back on and use it more often. Maybe Quinn(my other new friend) can learn it too and we can talk to each other as well as her awesome son Julian. Ok, so this has become a letter...and not a blog so I'm done for today. I'll write again soon. But know I missed you blog world. And it's good to be back.

Tomorrow Morning

2010-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please........Tomorrow I do my Tri and I'm so excited for the accomplishment of this goal.

Things have been a little crazy and wonderful and hectic since I arrived back home to Chicago.

I begin Tuesday morning training for my 10k next and I'm excited to be running with my friends Val and Anna and hopefully KP as well! There's always room for more too, if you are in Chicago and want to join us. OR elsewhere and want to join us. Either way, keep moving forward. Forward motion, is good motion.

I started working in a salon called Lasting Impression! I love it. The women I work with are stellar cosmetologists and they teach me new things daily. The clientele is pretty rad as well with ages ranging 14-70. It feels really good to be doing hair again and exploring my passion more. Daily I am greeted with awesome quotes from our time clock and I am inspired by the creative spirit in the air.

I am looking forward to buying a car soon, moving out on my own and all that holds with it. Relationships are beginning and ending every which way I look, but God keeps me steadfast. I'm not sure what I would do without His love and tender heart for me.

I can't wait to update you all tomorrow night post race! I will be celebrating with a bloody mary. For some reason, that sounds like the perfect after race drink/meal ever!!!

Here's to pursuing your hearts desires and finishing a goal!

I'm back in Chitown

2010-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

And it's Great to be home. Luke picked me up from Milwaukee airport, SO good to see each other. We drove through Lake Geneva to get back to my mom's and it was so gorgeous we stopped and got Starbuck's and walked around for awhile. Then I took him home through Woodstock, Bull Valley, ect and he loved the scenery. As did I! We arrived home to the 3 Dell boys yelling and running towards me. Kate and I cried, hugged, mom didn't know what to say, Tom was charming as always and Josh was super excited to see me because we had just left each other in California. LOL

The looks on their faces was one of the greatest feelings in the world. My family honored my hard work in really cool ways. With a butterfly balloon, their smiles and comments and tears and hugs.

It was super hard leaving Dad, Beth, Robert and Audrey. I cannot begin to tap into the truest forms of gratitude I feel towards them and their 1st gift as well as all the others that have followed all summer long. I am in one word tonight, greatful.

Blythe came over and blessed my socks off last night to say good bye. What a precious gem of a woman she is. I love her passion for life and teaching. She is a kindred spirit in this world and as we admonished one another towards more growth and love and making our dreams come true we saw a good future.

Hardly sleeping last night plus all of the energy and excitement that has insued causes me to hang in the towel a little early tonight. Especially considering it's 7:30 my time. WHAT?! Early morning run tomorrow followed up with a bike ride to see Sue!!! It's good to be home.

some pics from my trip

2010-08-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hoser, Roberto and I at the fair

Josh, Papa and Dad at the rodeo eating the best popcorn ever.

This is my arrival date and the Glacier buses behind me

boston and I! And baby sis Lola Ann

wet suit shotthe sights from Batavia road dad got a super cool door knocker from Mimi and Papa for his birthday! Gunsight pass from Kila...Robert whackin the dealio at the fair!

Nothing like a little table tennis to make an afternoon!!!

2010-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Koke, my dad's dog that I want for my own!The Driscoll men playing some Ping Pong!!!

communion over the internet

2010-08-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love that no matter if you are actually there or not, the internet provides an opportunity to share in the sacraments. And so, this morning I found myself watching a church service and dwelling on the God who rescues us. What a joy to have minutes to ponder the truth that this is. So, today as I make piles of old clothes, fold up quotes that have been posted all over this house, and seize every opportunity to hug my dad and family while I'm with them, I am absolutely full of gratitude to God who gave his son, to Jesus who gave his life, and to the Holy spirit for living in my heart.

Going to visit Aunt Hazel

2010-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

My run went awesome! Ran a 5K without walking for longer than 30 seconds or so!!!
Josh and I will head to visit our Great Aunt Hazel on Monday! It's all coming to a close, my 90 days. Down to the last 4 days.

GOAL UPDATE:
1). To lose 40 lbs by Sept. 1st for a better health and well being for Kristen.

I am short of my goal by 5 lbs. and I'm ok with this! I strive to meet this goal by Sept. 15th, my 33rd birthday.
2). To lose 40 more lbs. by Feb. 14th, 2011 & maintain that weight for the best health for Kristen.
3). Get to a healthy BMI (I believe it's somewhere in the 19-25 range) by February 14th, 2011.
Measured my BMI this morning and I've dropped down into the OVERWEIGHT range from OBESE and sit at a 28. Way on my way!!!
4). To be wearing a size 12 dress, jean, pant, top, etc. by Sept. 1st
I'm fitting into 12's but have a little muffin top when wearing them, so I continue to improve my cardio and drop inches.
5). Write in my blog or journal everyday, even if only a sentence. things here are on track
6). Read 6 Books to stimulate growth, have fun escape, and enhance brain activity! Check!!!
7. Continue becoming a seperate, self actualized and fully grown up adult. Therapy rocks my world. Conversations with all of the wonderful people in my life send my heart to greater expanses of growth and challenge. I am looking forward to setting some new goals when I get back! I'm not sure I am going to rejoin the world of FB or how my phone will be set up. I think I may just get a regular plan, instead of a Blackberry. Being without is a whole new mind frame and I'm not sure I want to return. We shall see. Living in the middle ground, is a good place to know. What will I say yes to and what will I say no to?

If you think of me at some time this week, please lift up my grandmother. I just found out that she broke her femor, and may have a heart issue or lung disease. Mom is scared, I am sad and there are a lot of questions left up in the air. Triggers are being triggered in my heart, but I shall remain, His.

I'm slacking...

2010-08-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

You would think that Lay-Z would have been put to rest, but never underestimate the power of the brain lizard. I have been slacking on my work outs now that I'm not doing my tri this weekend. The dissappointment issue is probably adding to it.

So, I leave this quickly to go and RUN!

See, I'm back

2010-08-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

and with being back comes multiply posts. It's because I am reading stuff again. Well, stuff that is easy to read and then post about from my dad's comfy chair in the office.

and today, I read Tyler's post and from it wanted to share this:

"If you’re an adventurer, go to new places instead of the same ones you’ve already been to. Meet new people. Talk to strangers, and not just the ones that look friendly. Find new ways to travel and find new ways to experience the old ways. Tell people about your culture and listen intently when they tell you about theirs.

Go home and launch the stories of your adventures on anyone that will listen. Find new ways to tell people about them and add more details to your old stories. Change people’s perception of the world every day and let them change yours."

Today, I took Koke (dad's amazing dog that makes me want a dog badly) and Josh on a long walk to CSUN (cal state university northridge). We went to a meet the campus deal where they were having a band, food and DJ's. It was super cool to see a college campus at work again. It reminded me of the day I signed up for 7, yes 7 credit cards, as I walked to a class at NAU (northern arizona university). I loved it. The excitement wrapped up in new beginnings, recruitment, community, and pride.
I am a cheerleader at heart. I like taking pride in my alma mater (high school), my Cubbies and other fun teams that have crossed my paths as I have traveled throughout life. I also like cheering for people. Lauren is one person I believe I would like to cheer for. She is a girl I met at the Actors for Autism camps I worked at. She lives with deaf roommates, and speaks ASL fluently. I saw her tonight at the ASL club table and had to stop by. She's just a cool chick and if I was staying in Southern California, I would like to be in her life more. I don't know her very well at all, but she just strikes me as someone that I would like to know better and cheer for.
My Sue and I talked today and if you do not have a mentor/life coach/therapist type of person in your life...GET ONE! That's my piece of advice today...Find a mentor worth listening to and learning from.

And surround yourself with good friends. Mutually respectful, responsible, humble, honest and caring people! I am so thankful for my circle that grows and changes, but some remain the constants. God is a great giver of love...

Road trips

2010-08-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

We left Montana yesterday morning at 6:00 am and as I drove into the valley in the suburban I cried big tears. The expanse of mountain ranges spread out before me while the western sun rose just above them casting a orange-pinkish glow into the ever ligthning sky. It was the perfect farwell for my heart! I had to stop my car and pull over to just breath it in. LB asked me how I'm going to maintain or find what the mountains speak to my soul when I'm back in Chicago and I told him I'm not sure yet. Yesterday morning, I had NO clue. What is it that speaks SO loudly to my soul? And does it ever go away? I don't remember one time driving into town and getting to that spot during the 4 years I lived there when it didn't take my breath away or make me stop in my tracks. If any one has any ideas, please speak now and DO not hold your peace.

Dad, Roberto, Josh and I piled into the F150 and took off hauling a Hobie Cat sailboat behind us. I was praying for extra patience and ability to hold my tounge. Five miles out of Lakeside, we get pulled over for speeding. Dad wouldn't believe me that I thought he'd only give us a warning. I just had a feeling, and bam...no ticket. Dad kept saying wow and being super funny about his speed the rest of the trip. We made it to Polson, stopped at Mc Donalds for bfast and headed out. We drove to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho to stay the night. It's this quaint little town where they have created a bunch of rentals of rafts and pools everywhere to soak in, and float down the river with. Josh, Robert and I totally took off down the rapids, and had a blast. We all got pretty banged up, Joshy and Roberto flipped twice, but it wore us out and gave us some good excercise walking back and forth from the end of the float up to the beginning again and again. I found some solice online chatting with a friend in Illinois for hours while sitting in the front seat of the truck and the boys slept.
We left this morning for Cali at 5 am and today beat yesterday by far. We all sang together, played fun games and enjoyed most of the day together. It's different for sure in a small space with Josh and all of his unique OCD things, Robert and his being 6, and my dad who is deaf in his right ear(the one that we all talk into in the car)!!! Dad and I listened to Jimmy Buffett's Salty piece of Land book on tape and really enjoyed the story he told and the music that accompianed it. I love the men in my family and seeing the west out the window of my dad's truck was pretty rad. We are both adventurers and the story was about wanderlust. Ironic to listen to that on my way back from Montana and my choice to go back to Chicago. It makes you wonder. Every time I hear anything about someone living out a dream off somewhere random, or traveling in general...I start dreaming, wandering in my brain. The truth is that God created me to be a woman who is an adventurer and part of my spirit will always long for this. It's not a bad thing, it's something to be celebrated, as Sue would so wonderfully put it. I also celebrate that I am able to venture out to MT anytime my little heart desires (ok, not anytime, but ya know what I mean)! Thank you Gigi and Rusty and Dad.
So, now I'm back in Southern California where it's 102 out and Josh, Roberto and I are playing in and by the pool, Wii and just chilling. I will be returning home to Chicago a week from yesterday. I was going to do the Santa Barbara Tri this weekend, but didn't sign up in time, so I will be hoping to do one in Chicago or Wisconsin come the end of September. This was a HUGE bummer as I really wanted my trainer and friends and family here to be able to view me accomplish this goal. So, I think we are going surfing this weekend instead or for sure tomorrow to the beach.
As I prepare to head home I was given 2 great questions.
*What will you have to say "NO" to back home so that you can say "YES" to the things you want?
And the one written about above, "How will I find creation back in Chicago?" I look forward to pondering some more.

I was asked today also where I stood on my goals.
So, an update is in store.
perhaps tomorrow after I attend my last weight watchers meeting.

Hasta kids

Have I told you what I've been doing?

2010-08-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

I feel like this is losing it's luster. Because maybe at the end of the day, I'm starting to close the chapter on this blog in my brain. And my brain has sort of been on vacation just like the rest of me.
so here I go...a post.
I love running. I do. It makes me feel amazing and yesterday I ran for 60 min. up and down the hills surrounding my dad's home. And it felt good! The sweat, the movements of my leg muscles, the sun shining on me. All of it felt amazing! And today, I went out in the rain with my dad to SUP (stand up paddle) against the waves of Ashley Lake and the winds coming in from the west. It was intense and hard to stay up. But, after many many attempts, I made it. We paddled down to the cove and around in it, and then tried with all of our might to go against the waves and paddle back to the cabin. I made it about 150 yds. and then fell. Dad did too and then sat down and paddled back sitting. Even that was hard and for every stroke I took, the waves and wind blew me back a half. Finally Dad came to tow me in on the Jet ski. I had already water skied around the lake earlier in the morning and was pooped from that as well as my many falls off of the SUP board. It's SO fun and when I get the chance, I will download some videos to youtube for everyone to watch if you want.

Yesterday we attended the NW Montana Fair and Rodeo and it was a crazy time. I wore Beth's boots and now have 5, yes 5 new blisters to show for it. This is the worst kind of news a week before my tri. :(
Josh and Robert have been a kick in the pants this week. They fight like Nicholas and Michael and Robert has to compete at everything. So, my dad (biggest competitor I know) is saying that we no longer are allowed to compete in our family. LMAO We'll see about how far that one goes.
Speaking of family, I met a new member of mine today. Carl, Beth's nephew and his boyfriend Vincent are up at the lake visiting from New Jersey! They are both musical performance majors at a small school in NJ. It was great having them up for dinner and we played a round of 3-13 a new game I learned. Vincent killed us at it but we sang musical numbers as we played so I didn't mind losing too much!!!

Now it's raining and the lull of the pitter patter on the roof is sending me into a coma type of sleep. I hope it is warm for my last day here tomorrow. I love Montana so much, it will be sad to leave. Lunch with Loretta, give away stuff and send stuff home to Chicago via the Amtrak tomorrow. BIG DAY!!!
Love you all.
Hope you are all doing fantastic.

OH WAIT....even though I've taken this week off sort of eating wise. Ok, completley, I still have been losing weight!!! I'm so close to my goal I could scream. I need to BUCKLE down this last week and traveling is going to be a capital B for my eating and working out habits. Maybe I can go on a fast for the 2 days of travel?! Hmmm...google here you come!!! I'll let you know what I find out.

Maybe I can make a big pot of smoothie stuff, freeze it and only eat or drink that and fresh fruits and veggies. Hmmmmm? Juice fast? What's that lemonade one? Does it work for only 2 days? Ok...I'll stop brainstorming on my actual page. But if anyone has a suggestion, let me know ASAP.

YUCK

2010-08-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am. In Montana, in the greatest vacation spot I know and I feel like total poopy. I think I'm going to go back to bed for awhile. I mean, why not? It's just sad that time has to be wasted sleeping and feeling yucky. I want something to come along and clear out my sinuses, but it may just be the allergies I always get this time of year here. I remember them from years past. Soar throat, stuffy head, nasal passages blocked.

On a great note, I swam in some harsh weather yesterday. It was tough, but great training for my tri and the ocean. Criminey...

My hair is super cute, but hard to get used to. I've been dark a long time (since February). But, I like it and if I hadn't left my camera up at Suzy's I'd be all about showing you. I am going to film a video of this place today. So, look for me later...if you dare. jk i have no idea what that's all about.

peace out babay baby!!!

Joshua arrives today!!!

2010-08-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

When I'm here, I feel pretty disconnected from the world. It's honestly like you could escape from everything for awhile and just be on the lake. I know that I am not, as I am typing on here right now, but honestly even doing this, I feel like I'm just updating something from afar, not reaching out and touching anyone. Isn't that what they used to claim making a phone call was? They, being the proverbial they of a phone book company or a phone company that I grew up with. Reach out and touch someone? I think it's the yellow pages. YES? confirmation coming in
5
4
3
2
1
YES
ok, so Josh is totally here and it ROCKS
thats it for today

a plethera of thoughts and emotions

2010-08-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm in MONTANA!!! And it's heaven. It's peaceful and not changed at all except the bipass that they are adding. Arrived yesterday, went to Whitefish for the Huckleberry Festival. Going picking on Wednesday! Went shopping with dad and Robert and then up to the lake. I immediatley thru on my running clothes and took off. What a joy to run these hills I love so much...50 minutes (4.4 miles) baby!!! Then when I got back the three of us went out in the water. Robert and I went kayaking while Dad paddled on his board. It's a super cool work out, stand up paddling. I tried it yesterday and it takes a lot of core work and strength. Then we had a great dinner and watched the coolest movie ever. Dad had found some old 8mm movie reels and had them made into a movie with music. It was of when my sister and I were little. Like my 2 year old birthday party and swimming, and the boys were SO young. IT ROCKED!!! I totally bawled my eyes out watching it. I look a LOT like my mom did at my age. SO much so now especially that my face is so much thinner. What a blessing that is!!! I can't wait to show it to the rest of my family when I get back to Chicago!!!
Today, Robert and I kayaked down to Aunt Gigi's for coffee, chit chat and some breakfast. It's so nice to have my godmother to talk to! She's such a gem in my life. Then we kayaked back and hung out for a bit. He went down to a friends house and I laid out and went out on the stand up paddle again. SO rad is that thing. I also tried my surfing stance out a bunch of times as it's easier to learn while moving very slowly on a lake than trying to learn in the ocean. I did well for what I remembered since my one lesson in Hawaii. And I'm laughing because I was the same size I was back then, now. WOOO HOOO!!! That's a great thing.
SO, last thing to tell you all about today was my amazing bike ride I went on tonight with the Suzy woman! She and I had talked about riding 25 miles on this course that they used for the Tri Adventure race back 2 years ago. I was a lot scared, because it's hilly and gravel and Montana. But, WE TOTALLY KICKED THAT COURSES A@$!!! It was beautiful. And I rode it in 2 hours 1 min. Which considering the hills, rocks! I wish I could post a picture of it, but maybe I find a map of it online tomorrow. For now, I'm going to go rest my bones in the hot tub, and go to bed. Did I mention that this is my favorite vacation spot on the planet EVER. If not, it is. Holy crap have I missed the stars. And the mountains. And the lakes and I'll stop...

a diddy because it's fun and a few thoughts before I go

2010-08-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to Montana in the am and I am SO excited. Once again the idea of greatfulness comes in to play. What a difference it makes in the way you look at the world. It's hard to be negative when you are searching for things to be thankful for. Or whatever it breeds, is good stuff. At least in this chica's heart.

The sunshine is calling my body, must respond.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) - Groovy Nada

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) - Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) - K-DRI

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) - Pink Penguin

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) - Anne Hollywood

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) - DriKr

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) - The Green Water

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) - Alan John

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) - Wave Sweettart
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) - Don't have one Alan
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) - Jackson Juno
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) - Summer Lily
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) - Banana Bikini
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) - Omelet Aspen
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) - The Cooking Warm Rain

Isn't that color magical? Ashely Lake

an arial shot of the far North end of the lake and the island!!!

A nice shot of the view from right around my dad's house. The mountains are right there!!! I can't wait. Just a little excited here.

This is just neat...

2010-08-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

and I thought you all might like to see where I was going to be taking my bike ride tonight. 15 miles will be the goal. Around this baby twice with an extra mile squeezed in there somewhere. Probably all the way down Woodley Ave and back to my car will do it!!!
Hope you enjoy as much I just think it's cool

A map to my bike ride

inspiration

2010-08-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can be derived from almost anything. I think it depends on the person and what they are going through at the time. Yesterday, I found The Berry and these amazing pictures that they post often. And for me it is pure inspiration. So, I wanted to share and ask what has been inspirinng you these days? Please feel free to post a comment and let's all get as inspired as possible.

A couple of others that I've listed before...

Donald Miller and his dog Lucy
Tyler
A great Tri website
and my list of supporters(no pics today)
Mom, Dad, Beth, Tom, my Sissys, my bros, my nephews, Sue, Mary Jo, Renee, Megan, John, Blythe, Aina, Vinita, Jules, Luke, Anna, Buck, Val, Katie, Brandon, Michelle, KP, J, Ginger, Lisa, Dana, Megan C, my aunts and cousins, the life guard at the pool(I'll ask his name on of these days), Brad, Kristine, Mark, Nathan, Dave, Kevin, Kimber, post office lady Cara, Adam, Loretta, Page, Nicky and Buggster, D, Johnny, and many others. If I forgot you, please don't hold it against me...your love and support means the WORLD to this girl. THANK YOU!!!

GET INSPIRED!!!

today I met Michelle

2010-08-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

She's the meeting leader for Wed. evening Weight Watchers meetings in Northridge. Normally I go Wednesday mornings and Shelly is a good leader, but Michelle is great! She's powerful and upfront and incredibly real and honest and hard core to the truth. I loved being there tonight and that's good, because I did NOT want to go in the first place.

Whatever function is off inside of me right now, it's starting to go back on again. Like dissappear...thank God! And part of it was tonight. Perfectionism hurts us all. "It's about getting slim, not saintly." I tend to struggle with this a lot, the ALL or NOTHING mentality. And like Nancy Ortberg once preached at Axis, if you are usually a person like this, the norm is you will get nothing. And that sucks. I remember that message like it was preached yesterday. Michelle reitterated on the topic and also threw out this quote from her children's school. It is better to be an "A" person and a "C" student than a "C" person and an "A" student. I cried at this. Because there is a lot of beating up going on inside my little head and heart for the last couple of days. Some of it stems from falling off of the good eating wagon for a crazy meal out with Michelle and the rest is internal. I'm looking forward to therapy tomorrow. It's been two weeks and there's much to discuss.

I'm just glad that I went. I am glad that today at Boot Camp I went...and ran the whole 2 miles when I wanted to give up and that I did my swim and run and made good decisions today. It's a lifestyle change. All of this...my inward journey, my outward appearance. My eating habits, my self talk, my heart going home, my conversations with others and the words I speak and choose, my falling off and getting back on.
So, as I learned to ride a horse around the ring with a guide, now I'm learning how to gallop. Yippie, and hang on, grace is needed and freely given by the ring master.

smells

2010-08-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

Anna posted this today on her blog and I've been meaning to post something so thanks for the inspiration missy!

At Boot Camp (still editing the video) we run by this tree that I swear to you is a pepper tree. Like salt and pepper type of pepper, but I'm not sure if that is how pepper grows so I am going to pause and google it right now. Hmmm ok it's not a tree. It's a vine. So the reason I'm asking and curious is that whenever we pass this tree, that's all I smell. And it's not just like woah...once. It's everytime we run past it I smell crushed pepper. I can almost taste it in the air. I'm going to have to figure out what's up and get back to you all.

Last night, I decided to not go on my bike ride, give my body the sleep it was craving and do it today. I am SO glad I did. Instead, Val called, talked to her for awhile and felt great afterwards. And then today, my sister Kate called and she really helped to encourage me.
I've been having these sort of irrational fears that I haven't changed at all. Or that my body doesn't look any different or that when I get home people won't notice. This combined with lack of sleep sent me to a bad place. Kate asked me a lot of questions about me and why I'm doing this and reminded me of her story and that I need to get back to the basics once again with Weight Watchers, and gave me the suggestion of the holding the amount of weight I've lost in my hands and carrying it around with me for even 10 min. She told me that basically with the amount I've lost, I've lost a Logan (my 4 year old nephew). That visual really helped.
And Anna commented last night and reminded me about big steps and grace. And Luke gave me awesome words of encouragement as well and the space to breathe and not explain. And then today after sleeping and explaining and cutting hair and eating well and drinking lots of H2O I was able to set some new goals again. Just little ones. Not the looming Sept. 1st one, but a small one for today. No day but today! No moment but now. Seize the moment.
It's not always about digging deep to find the motivation. Sometimes its about resting and letting the motivation come to you from outside sources who remind you that you are able. And don't tell you to dig deep. Who just tell you the truth and love you in the midst of a down day.

SO, I'm off to ride 20 miles and walk 30 min. And then tomorrow morning I am going to enjoy boot camp, followed by a nice swim, followed up with a run AND then Actors for Austism Camp. WOOT~

Oh yah, and I'm going to go back to blond next Monday! Can't wait to have new hair again...I love my profession!!!

a question in my mind

2010-08-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

What happens when you combine not enough sleep with Boot Camp, a full day and a big dinner? No 20 mile bikeride is what I'm thinking. I don't like days like this where it's literally taking everything I have to think of how I'm going to get on my bike and do this ride. I'm starting to slack. I need some inspiration. And quick. I'm hitting a wall and wanting to quit and not seeing results and scared to go home and to Montana and that nothing has really changed. Why does this happen? Why do we hit these spots of disbelief? I'm not even sure I want to care at this point. Like sometimes, I just want someone to give me something great...and I can find it in myself to do it, but today...it's not one of those days. I will go get it done. I have to but I really don't want to. YUCK...what a sucky feeling. I guess it's what they call ONE OF THOSE DAYS. I could really use a hug...and a massage...and a hot tub.

Just read this..."The weather on a mountain is just as unpredictable as the outcomes of the challenges you give yourself in life. Just because you’re predicting failure doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll get if you muster up the courage to give it a shot.." go see Tyler here for more. Can someone please do the mustering for me today.

Gotta get off my bootay...

2010-08-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sat down after Boot Camp to do my normal purusing of blog entries/emails/articles that interest me or are pure fun, and remembered that I do not have time today.
WHY? you ask.

Today I get to cut hair!!! And go to Camp!!! And then cut hair again, and then go on a 20 mile bike ride followed by a 30 min. brisk walk to cool down. Quite the day.

So, I'm off...and I hope your Monday proves to be as fruitful and joyfilled as you choose to make it!

Mental road blocks and running

2010-08-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

I like running because it clears my mind. But tonight it didn't seem to be happening. Usually I get into a nice groove and breathe deeply and concentrate on the journey ahead of me. And then if there is something that I am working through, it somehow gets sorted out as I run. Tonight it was the opposite. I was nervous about this run, because it was a LONG one, and because I had SO much on my mind that I wasn't sure I'd be able to sort anything through. I was mentally blocked. BUT then, section 2 out of 5, 7 min. run parts, I broke through. And came moments of truth and peace and steadiness. I love running for that reason. I get to concentrate on the journey. It reminds me of that. Take the next step literally Kristen.

I really struggle with this concept sometimes. The journey. I SO badly want to arrive at the destination, whatever that destination is that I forget to look around me and see what's going on. Or I get caught up in something small and how quickly that mole hill morphs into Mt. Kilamingaro. I want things to happen now. I want growth to happen now. I want change to happen now. I want certain things to be NOW. And God says to my impatient heart, "be patient precious one." He reminds me to breathe and concentrate on the what is happening here and now. To be ever present with him listening and sharing and asking and believing that my eternal desire for the good to be NOW is from Him and that daily He is making all things new. And that He does have a plan. And to TRUST Him again when things tell me otherwise.

So, I breathe in and I breathe out and I take the next step and there they go...poof...the mental road blocks get conquered. I am running once again free and fully present to what it means to be alive in the now.

i.heart.musicals.

2010-08-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Being that Michy and I weren't exactly sure what we were going to do today, this morning began with bell pepper, onion and mushroom omelets and a glance at what's going on in LA this weekend. The first thing I notice is that RENT is going to be at the Hollywood Bowl! SO, I ask her and we purchase two seats!!!

So, we spent the day touring LA and Hollywood. Ate dinner, flirted with Vinnie, Phil and Steve(the bartenders) at the Hard Rock Cafe (total tourist trap, but fun none the less) and have a magical time together. Then, we walked up Highland Blvd to the Hollywood Bowl and got to our seats as the musical began. It really was awesome to be there. I love outdoor venues and Michelle saw Rent for the first time. Probably not the greatest seats for the first time, but she LOVED it! ya...another one converted.

It was a late night so today we woke up late...had some breakfast while watching Willow Creek's service on line. That was fun to be able to sit with my friend who I met back there years ago and watch Dr. Henry Cloud speak on Sex and Intimacy. Such a great message. Click here to watch it yourself. You'll be happy you did and it's a two part series so if you can watch next weeks too!!!
Then we packed up our stuff and headed to Manhattan Beach! Spent 3 glorious hours in the sunshine reading and chilling, had some salad burrito bowls from Chipolte and came back to Northridge. Now Michy is on her way back to Phoenix via VW Passat and we both teared up as she left. It's so good to have long time friends.
AND latest on the challenge...Miss Michelle(Michy Michy for short) totally is in! That brings us to 4!!!
Peace...gotta get my run in but I'll throw in the video of M and I's tour of Cali tonight.

celebratory dinner

2010-08-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today I had a VERY busy day and there were parts of it that were SUPER HARD. So, I was hoping my swim would be stellar. And it was, so when I went grocery shopping and King crab legs were on sale and I decided I bought some. And this is my way to go had a hard day and an amazing swim celebratory dinner...

Those were some HUGE crab legs...SO yummy!

Packages out the door, one week of camp down and house guest oh my!!!

2010-08-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of stuck on these headings. Any suggestions, please send them my way.
This morning I packaged up all sorts of goodies and sent them on their way to houses all across America. I really love that my creative spirit which for some reason I thought had died or died a little bit is back and in full swing. While chatting about Oatmeal Cookies the other day I came up with an idea that I'm going to try for my next, bring something to pass invitation! Oatmeal Pie...I haven't yet figured out the filling, but I totally know what I'm doing for the crust. YUMMY!!! And if I can keep it in the healthier for you setting, people will fall in love with me. Ok, maybe not, but it shall be delicious.

Camp is over for the week! Everyone finished both films in the Animation camp and the Film Camp was done almost right after lunch. Amazingly fast. Steve now has the crucial job of editing and making the magic happen. I can't wait to see the final products!!! If I can I will send a link or maybe have a viewing somewhere sometime. I will miss some of the kids for sure, but a couple of them I get to see next week as well!
I'm not as tired today, but it gets easier once you know the kids and work well with them and learn what works best with their personalities and special needs. Such an amazing experience!!!

My dear friend Michelle Benke is coming to town tonight from Phoenix to visit li'l ol ME! We haven't seen each other for over 5 years and I CANNOT wait to gaze upon my friend and just have a good time. We have always been that type of friends, fun times together. So, on to it!!! Fun weekend ahead...including the BEACH!!!!
Gotta go get my swim in for the day before I clean the house and make the beds!!!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

B, dinner and a hair cut

2010-08-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Bltyhe came over for dinner last night and boy was it yummy. We started with a cucumber salad with feta cheese, olive oil, spices and greek olives. Second course was grilled herb chicken breast with mashed garlic and chive cauliflower and steamed artichoke hearts. The flavors were devine and paired nicely with a California Malbec. She is such a great friend for over 20 years now and it was really nice having someone over for dinner. We dined outside on the patio and later ajourned to the family room for a haircut and further fantastic conversation. Dessert was your choice of any of the three oatmeal cookies I made the other day and am just getting in the mail today!!! So yummy. I have to limit myself to one, because they are THAT good! She ended up staying much later than we thought, because we both had early mornings and I literally fell asleep typing an e-mail before bed.

What a joy to have life long friends!!!

P.S. She's totally signing on for the challenge! Now we have a Califonian, a Texan and a Chicago girl and guy!!! Woot!

Meet my campers...

2010-08-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

These wonderful kiddos are some of my campers this week. Anthony.Jakob and his amazing claymation for his film.Robbie and his beanie babies.

Robbie by himself. Shira and Daniel bro and sis from CanadaTristanThe turtle I attempted to make today!

The challenge

2010-08-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the first one went out to women that I think are rad. And if I was on Facebook, I'd extend it to them too. I'll contact Megan first thing tonight and get on for that pupose only, to send out that e-mail. Here's the e-mail:

Good Morning Ladies~

For those of you that know what I've been up to this summer, this won't come as a shock to you. For the others, it may just come as a surprise. This summer has been about getting my bootay back into shape. And while I am almost half way to my goal, I figured I would find a next challenge to particiapte in. I also have a deep value for community and thought it would be great extend my challenge for others to do with me. SO....if you would like to...please go visit my blog and read about my summer.

http://agiftof90days.blogspot.com

And if you don't want to or are already reading then awesome!
SO...What am I suggesting? Well, click here to find out:
http://www.womensrace.com/

I am looking for women who would like to compete in this race as well as a couple of others throughout the next year with me. We would form a team, raise funds, train together(do the same schedule if proximity is an issue), start a group blog area/fb page/whatever to help with tips, thoughts, sharing stories, ect. AND then compete about a year from now!!!
If you are interested, I thought a year was plenty of time to really be about this. I have a few other races in mind...and really it's all about having fun while working out and doing it together!

Here are some of the others I thought would be a good challenge:
You can particpate in one or none and if you know others that might be excited as well or want to join us along the way....let me know!!!
Halloween Hustle in Palatine, IL Oct. 23rd
Turkey Trot chicago, il
Chili chilly 5k Schaumburg, il
Indoor Tri Nov 21 Schaumburg
More to follow as they post 2011 calanders
This was sent to you, because I think you are a rad woman and I'm extending my hand as the captain of this team and excited to see who joins me.
Love to each of you,
Kristen Driscoll

So, perhaps if you didn't get this and you are reading and like, hey...I want in...please feel free to comment and I'll be in touch.

OR let's say you're a man and you're like hey Kristen...I'd like to get in on this...I'm totally down with that too. I'd like to an adventure race with men too...like the Muddy Buddy OR some of the others. I have one in mind that I'd love to set up myself and just have fun at it. OR let's go do a 5K or 10K or Tri together. I'm down. So, please don't feel left out if you are a man...know that I'm an equal opportunity worker outer person, I just want my peeps to compete with me. So, ya leave comments...tell me I'm crazy, get on board, or whatever
And with that....I'm out!!!

how things change

2010-08-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

This morning at Boot Camp I was a complainer. John kicked our butts with arms and mine were feeling like they were going to fall off of my body. This should prove itself perfect for tomorrow when I have to lift them to cut hair!!! I'm choosing not to complain anymore because it really doesn't help. Breathing helps. Positive thought patterns help. I do this when I run. I say to myself when I'm getting tired, "you are a strong runner" and it helps.

I talked to John extensively today about changing the shape of parts of my body. The pique in my curiosity came from pictures I took of myself this past weekend. I am loving how my body is changing shape and losing inches, but I found frustration is some specific areas. These being my upper legs, hips and buttox region as well as my upper arms, shoulder, back of the upper arm area. What I find different about this, is that my thinking is starting to change shape as well. I am interested in specific areas. This means, I'm looking at my body in different ways. For some reason it means in my mind that I'm already into I run, I bike, I swim, I do Boot Camp, and now I want to tone specific parts. This shift is like this article my mentor sent to me about the Observing Ego(part is posted below).
It says to me that my thoughts on working out are that I just do that. It's become part of me. But, within that working out, I want to increase things...change things, get down to the nitty gritty, have an opinion about it. I'm over the hump of going to the gym, at least that beginning hump of just go everyday hump. Does this make sense or am I just poetically waxing again? Read the article below and see if you agree.

It's pretty cool that it's not just the outsides that are changing this summer, but the insides as well. It's that WHOLE person idea. And I'm loving it! so, no more complaining!!!!

Without changing our patterns of thought, we will not be able to solve the problems that we created with our current patterns of thought. –Albert Einstein

If we don’t change direction soon we’ll end up where we’re going. –Irwin Corey

The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds. -Daniel Goleman

One of the hallmarks of maturity in humans is what is called an "observing ego." The word "ego" means "I", so the observing ego is the "I who watches me." It is the ability to observe yourself and notice how you are doing. People who are strong in this area have the ability to make better judgments, regulate their impulses, monitor their tone as they talk to someone, notice whether that last idea was nutty or not, change direction, and sometimes remember, "I had better keep that thought to myself." It is like having a coach, a chaperone, an instructor, and a cop all inside your head. If you have ever known someone who lacks this ability, you have likely asked them, "What were you thinking?!" In reality, they were thinking - but were probably not thinking about their thinking. Nor were they thinking about their behaviors and choices. They lacked oversight.

Without this oversight, a person is on autopilot, led more by impulses, needs, fears, and immaturity, than by superior capacities such as wisdom, knowledge, courage, experience, and prudence. The biggest problem is that, without self-observation, people don't notice their mistakes and patterns. They continue to make the same mistakes and get the same results. In order to change, observation is necessary, and can be provided at first by an external force (a coach, counselor, friend, or even a parole officer). Over time, the observation becomes internalized, and the ability to self-monitor and adjust when needed is developed. That is when we know that maturity is becoming an option. No more "home alone."

Church, cookies and more

2010-08-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Went to the cutest lutheran church this morning called LIFEhouse. It was a great service, with communion, praise and glory worship and a message on Luke 17, about Jesus healing the leapers and greatfulness. What a way to start the day! I think I may know why Catholics go to mass so often. It's a great way to begin your day.

Now, I'm making Oatmeal cookies. Three kinds. Dark Chocolate Steel Oatmeal Cookies, regular old fashioned kind and almond cranberry oatmeal cookies! Who knows...you may just receive some in the mail if you are lucky!!! Just felt like baking something yummy...and found all these reciepes and had to try each one. LOL

Anywho...my run yesterday rocked! Have been having fun chatting with some friends via Skype and am still working on editing my video of Boot Camp. Maybe I'll film a little more tomorrow morning.

Hope your Sunday is restful and wonderful! Gotta go grab the first batch!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

Finished product!!!

I got it...

2010-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

For the next 2 weeks, from 10-3 M-F I'll be volunteering at these camps and I'm super stoked about it! I will also be volunteering by cutting hair for women who have been in some really tough situations and need a good hair cut and some lovin'.
I can't tell you how amazing the timing is on all of this. I needed something more to keep me going while Beth is out of town and I begin the decent to the finish line. I'm off to run, but can't wait to share stories with you from both experiences!
peace

Wanna know why I love Saturdays?

2010-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Because I get to have breakfasts like this...

Egg white omelet with a Morning Star Sausage Patty, Yellow Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions, a small bit of Cream Cheese and Salsa on top, with my favorite sandwich thins!!! Can everyone agree that this is just yummylicious!!! Ok, off to my interview for that volunteer position with Actors for Autism. Wish me luck...

My dear friend Anna

2010-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks goes out today to my dear friend Anna Koruba. If you read comments you'll see that she pointed out so perfectly that I forgot to actually speak of my weight loss in the previous day's post and yet waxed so eloquently about it!!! I'm still laughing.

It was a weight loss goal. To get below a certain poundage. I have had it in my mind for almost 10 years that I would never be below that weight again. And, although I'm premature in celebrating my being below that weight, I know it's coming. And like I was saying...I had this switch happen in my brain. Like, woah...something you believed about yourself for SO many years is NOT true. You have everything it takes within you to accomplish whatever you set your mind to Kristen. And I'm not just saying this. I BELIEVE this now. In small ways in some areas, in bigger ways in others. I am starting to have a more realistic ability to see myself as I am instead of as I think I am.

The part that mesmorizes me is how deep this actually was hidden in me. When I spoke of the alligator tears it was because it felt like that shift happened in the essence of my heart. The place I call home. And as I get closer and closer to actually meeting my goal, I am enjoying my home. I am enjoying the now. The present that says...today is another day where you get the opportunity to live fully.

I have 5 weeks left of my 90 day gift. I intend to make the best out of it. I am looking for a place to volunteer my time right now. I have too much of it on my hands and I want to give somewhere. If any of you know of a good non for profit or church or charity or group that could use help with time served, please let me know. I am hoping this one gets back to me. I would love to help at their camp! And I just got an e-mail from their staff asking me to come in for an interview on Saturday!!!

Also...if you need a little kick in the pants or encouragement on living life in the now here's a couple of links I've been visiting and pictures of a couple of people who are giving me hope. (from top to bottom: Sue, Mary Jo, Dad, Luke, John;my trainer and Beth)
Thanks to all of you out there praying for me, visiting my blog and sending good wishes as well as good letters. Love to you and yours!!!

Tyler Tervooren
this past Sunday's message from Willow
My favorite blog to read

making it my own...

2010-07-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

You read all of these amazing books, ok, well I read a lot of amazing books that share with me all sorts of advice and good words of truth and yet often times in my past, I have found myself not making it my own. Reading for reading's sake. No more of this, says the reader. I mean sure...there will probably be a book that finds itself into my hands that I will read for pure pleasure sake, but I'm talking about the learning tool type of books. The ones that are probably listed in the "Self Help" section at BnN or Borders.

*****************tangent***********************************
Today, while weighing in, I lost another 4 lbs. That's not news if you read yesterdays entry, but if not...and you are only reading today's...it's news! And the best part about this news is why you need to read yesterday's entry. And no, this isn't my way of promoting my blog...it's my way of sending you to some good reads.
***********************tangent over*************************************

I appreciate these areas of the bookstore where sometimes people lurk and others hide. I wish I was funnier and could describe in the only way really funny people can this area of the bookstore. I think I may give this to my friend BMac and see what he can do with it. side bar...wow, I'm all over today.

Anywho, back to the topic at hand...I'm all about making it my own. Sponging it up and then letting it drip everywhere I go. Sharing the best bits and pieces with those that have ears to hear. Or something...
Anywho...that's all for today. Going to lay out and read some more!!!

a thought or two

2010-07-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." ~Meister Eckhart

I'm amazed that things can happen so quickly sometimes. One day, things are one way, and in a second...things can change. I'm not sure why it's taking me back so much right at this moment, but literally people usually say this when things happen for the worse. Like, in an instant someone gets killed in a car accident. But, I'm talking about the choices we make and how within a moment, a second, things can change for the better.

We do have power over our emotions. We are given self control, the power of choice, truth, others; all things that we can rely on to help us.
I'm very close to meeting another goal, one that I honestly had it in my brain was going to be very very tough to reach...but it's right around the corner. And it creates in me a silence.
it creates a deep sense of gratitude in my belly.
it helps me see a future.
it allows me to breathe better.
it gives me wings.
and the it...is partly me. The reaching of this goal was accomplished by me and I do not know what to do with that. Because it helps me see myself in a way that is different. Someone who can achieve things instead of a failure. And I have lived many years with a squewed perception of myself. That I could do not this. And I am learning SO much. I have learned so much about what it takes for me to achieve goals.
It takes others, being encouraging and accountability to yourself and others
daily focus
commitment
willingness to fail, but belief to get back up
grace
little steps. little goals. big steps. big enough goals.
as the alligator tears fall today in the letting go of a wrong belief and the truth taking root instead, I am so glad to know that we are not finished growing EVER. Greatful to God who began teaching me a lesson a long time ago...be a sponge Kristen Anne. To be a person who is committed to change, learn and grow forever.
For a earthly Daddy who loves me enough to speak truth to me and love me and give me a great gift of time, money and support to reach these goals. I am very blessed.
Thank You Heavenly Father for all of these things!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melodie Beattie

so that's what it feels like...

2010-07-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

that cramping feeling in a muscle that has been overworked and overused in too short of time.
OUCH!
that "it is well with my soul" feeling of lightness.
WOW!
the release of surrender that takes your breath away.
SILENCE, AWE!

Weekend pics and videos

2010-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is Matthew and his SUPER cute hair that Megan spikes often! Doesn't he look like his mama? This isn't the best we looked all weekend, but it'll work. Early morning pictures aren't the best for hair!

Grilled chicken, mushroom, grape tomatoes, onions, sweet baby bell pepper and pineapple shiskabobs, served with quinoa and salad. and lemon merenguepie for dessert which I only had a tiny tiny sliver, but it was enough for me to enjoy the taste. What a blessing it was to have Aunt Sally and Uncle Dick over. Fun to cook and show off the house and have someone else see the hard work I've been doing.

and last but not least a very cute look at the stinky feet/laughing funny video Matty and I made while hanging out Saturday night while Mommy and Daddy were at the wedding! I love little kids and the way they giggle!!!

You always know what I need

2010-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

God is without a doubt a giver of good gifts. This week while in my therapy session Sue and I talked about the question, Is God good? And if he is, what does that mean. What is God's definition of good?
As I am here in San Diego, 100+ miles away from familiar, at least current familiar circumstances, I am reminded of His goodness in many ways. That beyond our control, He knows what is best for us, and often times when we cannot find it, he brings answers. He answers us. He listens to us. He hears our crys and yet knows the thing behind the thing. That's why I love getting to the bottom of things, because that is where the truth is. That is where our desire is. That is where God is. Smiling.

HE is meeting my needs in ways in which I never would have imagined. Different fun ways. Different hard ways. His ways.

Reconnecting with someone you haven't seen in years, and knowing that Jesus is behind your relationship is like coming home. Seeing Megan, Andrew and Matty has been precious to my soul. Getting to reconnect with my best bud has been beautiful! She's such a giving precious woman who adores God with all of her heart. She is an inspiration to me, full of this rich wisdom that she is teaching her son and in the meanwhile everyone that has ears to hear. I am so blessed to have her as my dear friend. I need to capture a photo with her today for sure and promise to post tomorrow when I get back up to LA.

Went to Old town last night and had amazing carnitas and guacamole at this awesome little authentic mexican restaurant with my cousins. It was SO much better than Lalo's J! lol They have been so gracious to let me crash at their pad and I really am enjoying getting to know Molli's Noah better. He's a great choice for a husband for her!!!

Today I did a double run/swim training piece and it rocked! I was feeling terribly weak at first on my run, but I overcame by repeating to myself what I know is true. I am a strong runner, who finishes what she starts. What I had, I gave, what I saved I lost forever. Then my run went much better. I even took on two hills, which I haven't done in the past and felt very strong running up them. My legs felt powerful and good! We have incredible bodies...thank God for health!!!

My swim went really good as well. I swam in Molli and Noah's pool at their condo, which is about half the size of 25 meter, so it was strange doubling up all of my laps, but it worked. You make it work! I even did a bit of butterfly just for the fun of it, because it used to be my stroke back in the day. 20+ years ago!!! Failed miserably, but gave it a go...so no real failure.

And now, I'm off to hang out with Matty while mom and dad go to a wedding! I'm just excited to spend time loving this precious little man.

peace my peeps

SLUMPAGE followed by a whole lot of goodness

2010-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today I was in a funk. A deeply rooted, crappy as can be funk. It felt like slumpage, but at this point that's not allowed. NO slumpage for Kristen. So, I gave myself some grace, wrote, cried, thought a lot, prayed and then I was ready to get going. It's funny what motivates people. Today, for me it was two fold. I thought, you will feel better once you get in the gym and get it done. And my brain was correct. My heart didn't say that today. It said, stay in, cry, be good to yourself, but don't worry about the workout. Both were correct. I grabbed my Ozzfest 2007 CD and took off on my bike, got to the gym, went straight to the treadmill and started running. I really like running to hard core guitars and HUGE drum beats. The words didn't matter, because all I heard was blah blah yaya ahhhhhhhhhhhgrugg huff, it was the instruments that kept me going. Man, was that exactly what I needed. And then, I had a great stretching cool down and came home to eat before heading off to Boot Camp @ 6:30. Boot Camp is a little bit harder this week because it's our last of the session and I'm liking the pick me up. Different warm ups, different harder drills, more weights, more combos. John is a rock star and I'm going to miss him. I have about 8 more sessions left and then I'm done. Which should bring me right into the next big huge exciting thing I am happy to share with everyone.
Today I set a couple of different goals for the next 6 weeks or refined my goals to be a little bit more SMART.
Click here to see my goals that were set in the beginning.
1). To lose 40 lbs by Sept. 1st for a better health and well being for Kristen.
addition to this...is # 2. I'm half way there in lbs and half way there with time...things are looking good
2). To lose 40 more lbs. by Feb. 14th, 2011 and maintain that weight for a better health and well being for Kristen.
3). Get to a healthy BMI (I believe it's somewhere in the 19-25 range)
4). To be wearing a size 12 dress, jean, pant, top, etc. by Sept. 1st I'm down to a 14-16 in all things, hoping the next two sizes should come easily
5). Write in my blog or journal everyday, even if only a sentence. things here are on track
6). Read 6 Books to stimulate growth, have fun escape, and enhance brain activity! So far so good. 4 books down, 2 to go...I'll beat this one I'm pretty sure
7. Continue becoming a seperate, self actualized and fully grown up adult. Therapy with Sue remains a highlite of my week. Conversations with Luke, my dad, my mom, my sister, Beth, Blythe and God are all so stimulating. Other things that are totally helping as well are writing in my blog and letters, praying daily, being quiet so often, reading, lack of outside contact, etc. I have been on FB a couple of times, but it's been only very momentary and totally ok. I'm not sure, but living without a cell phone may be in the cards for me. Who knows...we shall see!!!
Oh, but to let you know the big news...Because I have been doing SO well at meeting all of my goals thus far I am totally getting a reward from my Papa!
On August 15th, I GET TO GO TO MONTANA!!!

Now for those of you who know me, this is the best kind of reward. I will spend a week up at the cabin on the lake with my brothers Josh and Robert and if people want to come and see me, then they are welcome, but I will be fishing, skiing, canoeing, water skiing, white water rafting, swimming, biking, running, hiking, playing and relaxing in the hot tub at night to soothe my aching muscles and the loons will sweetly sing me to sleep. Dad just told me an hour or so ago and this gave me even more of a YES motivation than I had before. A reward is always a good thing. I also have something special I am going to be throwing out to all of you next week as a challenge...Until then, I am off to San Diego to visit this gorgeous family of Megan, Andrew and Matty as well as my cousins I spent the 4th with!

Megan is my dear dear friend from college that I met in a computer lab who I haven't seen in 5 years! And this will be the first time I meet her son Matthew and see her pregnant with #2! I am also going to get to see my friend Carolyn Freeman in La Jolla Sunday morning! Oh yay, AND my Aunt Sally and Uncle Dick are coming to dinnner Sunday night! It's a week chalk full of people! Exactly what the doctor ordered for this chica!!!!!

Peace my friends, I'm sure I'll have much to upload and tell you all about on Sunday.

SO....

2010-07-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today marks a very special day in this journey. Friday was truely the 1/2 way mark but today signifys the 2nd half beginning!
Week 6 of my tri training.
Time to kick it into a higher of a gear.
Re-evaluate the goals.
Claim which tri I will be doing.
Walk more in between work out sessions.
Weight train more.

Boot Camp is over in 2 weeks. So, then what? I am asking the right questions and talking to the right people. So...all is going to be figured out!
1/2 half, you were good to me.
2nd 1/2 watch out...I'm headed your way with a new attitude!!!
off and runnin'!!!

my new quote!!!

2010-07-19T07:21:00.001-07:00

Each time I run, I feel like it's becoming more a part of me instead of a hatred deep within my belly. Is this exceptance OR invasion?

Wii Fit

2010-07-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

yay, Wii Fit is becoming a favorite thing for me to do when I'm at home and it's super hot out on a day when the gym's not open. I love the measurments and my personal trainer and how it talks to me. John is like that too...I like the encouragment of having others there to cheer me on. Today, Beth came on my run with me like a hero even though she couldn't run due to a leg injury/spasm thing going on with her. She held my water bottle and walked behind me. Today was 40 min. 4m run/1m walk. I held my own with my speed and was feeling great by the end of it. I'm excited that running and I are becoming friends and a welcomed part of my workout routine once again. I can no longer say I hate running. Because I don't.

ha...ha...foiled again Mr. Lay-z!

weight lifting day after

2010-07-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

If you ever have lifted weights in high school you know what I am about to discuss. The muscle burn the day after a good weight lifting session. I am excited to be feeling this and look fwd to Monday and my next session. I love that feeling because it is proof that you are actually doing something with the muscle. It's called DOMS, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. It's a tiny microscopic tearing of the muscle and then the rebuilding of that same muscle. And today, I'm feeling it in a couple of different areas.
Bam and I are going on a hike today to Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign up close and see to the stars? As in stars in the sky. I am highly doubtful that we will see much of anything due to the constant light that remains in the LA area. Perhaps I will be proven wrong!?!

Totally hung out with Mark Herring last night! So fun to see my friend after all of these years. We went to this rad barber BOLT Barbers and got Mark's haircut. She did a good job, and I was impressed with her tools, but one side was just a bit longer than the other and she didn't spend a ton of time checking the cut out in the mirror. When I say a ton of time, I mean like more than a seconds glance. I'm so picky about men's haircuts it's silly! Then we, his co-worker Jim, Mark and I went to Cole's for the famous French Dip. Yummy! They had these amazing spicy sweet potato fries!!! Totally broke the training eating last night, but you have to enjoy yourself in moderation as you go. Had an awesome beer too, that tasted perfect with the spicyness of the pickle and fries. After dinner we cruised over to The Edison. This is that club I went to last week with B and her friends. Such the cool place. I really enjoy the post prohibition style of drinks and their menu is phenomenal. Last night they had performers though! All around the club at different times were these performances. The two we watched were from a female contortionist who danced to music on the bar and on stage. She was incredible! I sat and observed that most of the people who were clapping were men. I thought, this is sad. Why can't the women in this room recognize the amazing talent of this woman and clap for her. Strange social behavior for sure.
Then tonight Bam and I went to go see Grown Ups. Thank God for Adam Sandler and his humor. I loved every minute of this movie, as I do most Adam Sandler flicks. I laughed really hard and it made my day.
I'm off to bed. Have a long run in the AM
Love,

Today's Special:A Visit To The Opera 1 of 3

2010-07-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

I feel the need to say that there just aren't enough muppets around these days. I don't see them anywhere except old school stuff and that just makes me sad. I stole this from Matt Rittle's FB page and it just made me smile from head to toe... and as I found that one...I also found old kids incorporated videos which was an all time favorite as a child, as well as Pinwheel, Fraggle Rock and HOLY COW...Fergie is Stacy Ferguson from KIDS Inc.!!! I may be totally out of the loop with this, but how fun!!!

BRICK update

2010-07-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

So my brick was great. It honestly went very well,especially considering:
-the very gusty winds that were blowing against me on the return part of my bicycle ride
-the large hill I didn't know I was going to have to go up on my unplanned route
-the fact that I forgot my sunglasses and was riding for the first 15 min into the sun
-the extra 10 min I rode because of the wind(today's journey was only timed, not mileage)
-when I was working my transition I left from parking my bike to my run with my bike helmet still on my head, no hat with me and still no sunglasses(it's super sunny here in Cali)

I was proud that with all of that going against me, I still did it and did it strong.
One down, 5 to go and then the actual deal...a full fledged triathlon! ya baby...bring it on

BRICK

2010-07-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

today's temperature is 102. And I have to get outside soon and do my brick. hmmm...I couldn't fall asleep last night for the 2nd night in a row and wasn't able to get up early enough to get it in before my session with Sue and the heat came pouring down. Now, if it was only like 92 out I'd go get ur done, but 102 just isn't safe. So, I will wait for tonight and hope that it cools down before it gets too late out.
My BRICK today includes a 30 min bike, 10 min run, 20 min walk all right in a row. I'm excited to see how the first transition goes. Getting off of the bike, and begin running. How are my muscles going to work?
I'll update later...
Off to read some more about extreme workouts.

Valerie and I

2010-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Blog world meet Valerie. She is my best friend and I love her. This picture was taken two days before I came to LA. A very cute picture of the two of us and Elmo, a long time co-friend to the both of us.

It may be a very good before face shot...I'll have to take another one with her when I get home to compare and contrast. Today, she hooked up her webcam and she and I chatted over google chat for about 45 min. It was glorious to see her face and her kiddos faces and hear them talk. What an amazing invention it is. Now don't get me wrong, but I honestly feel like I am in the Jetsons era of living. Ok, fine, Not reallly, but kinda when I'm on there. She's in Rockton Illinois and I'm in Northridge California but I can see her face while I talk to her. View her expressions!!! So cool. Just wanted to share the photo and blogblab for awhile. I need a haircut and color badly!!!

Camera failure

2010-07-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, I was super excited to go to Weight Watchers today because it's something to do first off, and second because it was a good week. I wasn't sure how much I had lost, but it just felt good. So I lost another 2.8 lbs and am 1 lb away from my first goal! Time to step it up a bit...I love short term goals. Even daily ones. Like, today I will accomplish these three things. I know that for some that's a TO DO list, but for me it's small very short term goals that I can do and celebrate by crossing them off! It's the small stuff that matters often.
On a sad note though, my camera has run out of battery power and the plug is in Chicago. SO, I have to try and find a plug that's not going to cost me an arm and a leg. Because, I don't have arm and leg kind of $. On a happier note, I did land a babysitting gig. For whenever, but it will give me some extra spending $ for necessary items such as the ones we spoke of. Until then, I will have to use my Flip and take snapshots off of it. This is not a bad idea because it captures beautiful pictures and I do appreciate how light and easy to use it is.
Other news...
I was sick yesterday and it was horrible. It was violent! Like the, "Brandon, please DRIVE FASTER to my house or just stop the car I'm going to be sick" type of sickness. And it kept me from going out with BAM last night to the Universal City Walk. Boo! :( it did however afford me three wonderful hours of laying in bed relaxing, talking to Luker, reading and writing letters. That part was fantastic! If you haven't written a real letter lately, and lately here being for most of you the last 6 years, go ahead, try it. You may actually be surprised at how wonderful it can be to write. I love letters! And so, check your mailboxes friends, because one may be appearing in yours sooner than later. And if I don't have your address and you want a letter...just comment below.

One last thing and then I'm off to lay out. California is getting hotter. Like it doesn't get cooler at night hotter. Thank God there is no humidity! Last night the big pooper of being sick other than being sick is that we(Beth my Step Mom(SM for short from now on)and I) cannot figure the dang central airconditioning unit out. It's set to keep the temperature at an even 82. NOT SO MUCH PEOPLE!!! Neither of us slept well last night, so I'm off to take a nap in the sunshine and tan my body. Because tan bodies always look better than not tan bodies in my personal opinion. OR maybe it was the constant reminders of this while growing up. Hmmm? Did anyone else out there have aunts or grandma's that used to say things like this?
"Tan fat is better looking than white fat" LOL :)

over and out

10 miles and a break in procedure

2010-07-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

So, I cheated. I broke procedure and signed on to Facebook yesterday. Yes, it's real. And I was amazed to see how little things change, and yet there was hours of "stuff" to look at. I think I spent a whole 25 min on it and did much more than I wanted to, but it's so fun catching up with people and seeing their profile pics and loving them, wanting to comment on them...ect. I have an addiction, I do. It's ok...Hi my name is Kristen and I am a facebookaholic.
It was after my amazing 10 mile bike ride. Now, I don't know if that's a big deal for others and I'm trying to not be in the business of comparing myself but for me it rocked! I cut over 20 min off of my original time last week and had a little mexican angel bless me on the way! I was stopped at a stop light waiting for the cross walk when this guy across the street yells to me.
"Hey!" I'm like, uh oh...please change light. Please change!!!
"Hey. Lady!" CRAP oh Crap
"Your seat's too low." "what?"
"your seat is too low for riding like you are. You need to raise it"
So, thus begins a very helpful lesson on where my bike seat should be to obtain maximum legs useage and two other very helpful tips that I believe were the reason I cut at least 10 min off of my time. The other 10 were because I was hitting it hard.
So, lesson(s) learned...
1).Don't always second guess the what you think is a crazy man on the street yelling at you. Could be entertaining angels unaware.
2). Go back to your goal of staying off of FB for the rest of the summer!

xoxo

what do you do?

2010-07-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok Blog world...
I have a question and would love to get you all to post a comment including your answer.
Ya know one of those days where it just seems that everything is making you second guess yourself and stuff? Well, on those days...what do you do to get yourself calmed down?

Feel very free to post any thoughts. They really might help.

Look what I got in the mail today!?!

2010-07-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

So, I think I mentioned before my desire to use the lemons in my backyard to make lemoncello. And today the mail man so kindly delivered this package to my front porch! Johnny, my boy wonder, my robin, my good friend from the land of high ABV %'s, thank you SO much! The reciepe calls for either this or cheap vodka. We're going to try both and see which one makes the better base. You cannot but Everclear here in California, so John sent me a bottle from Montana. So sweet!!! I'm very excited to begin peeling my lemons and I'm off to get ur done!!! The video is the finished product of this step in the making of lemoncello. 2-3 weeks from now I will be adding the simple syrup and sending it off to a location near you!
Two names so far for my very own label...
Kristen's Lethal Lemoncello
Kristen's Blinding Potion
Have any ideas...feel free to share.

Brandon and Juan

2010-07-12T00:59:00.000-07:00

Oh what joy! What bliss! Today has been an amazing Sunday. Went to this little church called Northridge Christian Church and was blessed by the 12 people worshiping Jesus with their songs, hymns, reading of scripture and tithes. Then, I met Brandon in the parking lot and we came back home to eat some breakfast and head off to the beach. Here's a look at our time together at Hunington Beach...

We left and drove to Santa Ana where we went to Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran Church to hear "Juan" Fernando Ortega. It was glorious! I cried like seven times. His wife Margee was there with their baby Rubie. He cried when he described the birth story of Rubie and it was precious. Brandon got to see and know the "tender" heart that I see in Fernando. He really enjoyed the concert. Here's a sampling from the show (sorry Fernando if I'm being bad by having taped your amazing voice and piano workings...I truly LOVE you and will buy your latest CD tomorrow. The only one I don't have)

I still pray that one day, I can figure out how to have him play at my wedding.

Peace.

a healthy run

2010-07-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

when I woke up today it was already 70 degress out. And so I knew that I needed to get my run in as soon as possible otherwise I'd be out of decent weather to run in. These are referred to as nice days around here. And that just makes me smile.

So, Beth and I had breakfast, let our food settle and went out for my longest run yet: 40 min. She was up for running with me even though her normal pace is a little bit faster than mine and I wasn't sure how I felt about running with another person at first, but boy was I glad once we began to have her there. I like running with another. If you can talk during your run, even in like little blurbs, it's nice to keep the time going. So, off we went on the CSUN track. I started out wearing my running shorts and a big T-shirt that's loose. About lap 4, off came the shirt and I ran in my sports bra. It was SO hot I really didn't mind that my still present little belly was hanging out because when I took that shirt off, it felt like a the weather dropped at least 10 degrees.
Our time on the track was awesome. It's my first time running on a track and I decided that because of the mileage/time today, that it would be better for my first long run. And the shock absorbant track material was really nice to run on. We did incriments of 3-1 today. Next week I start 4-1's and it's going to be a kick in the pants for sure. I like feeling like I'm becoming a stronger runner, swimmer, biker, ect. The funny thing is that as soon as I feel that way, my training schedule ups the ante. It's like playing poker with Mr. Moneybanks from the country club who has nothing significant to lose.
I ran well. And Beth did great! I did have to stop to go to the bathroom and I'm curious to any runner out there, how ones combats this issue. I am trying to get in the right amount of water before I go, but too often I have to use the bathroom when I'm on my run and that's purely annoying. Any ideas, besides the standards answers...drink less, find a bush, ect.
Went to Costco today. I love that place except on Sat. afternoons in LA where people don't say, "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" when they bump into you or cut you off. It was a little insane, but purchased some amazing fruits and vegetables and juice and what not.
Tonight I'm going to a club called The Edison with Blythe and Karen and Indrek. Should be fun and different! Hard part is drinks in So Cal are like $8 for a standard. Just not used to those expenses!!! So, I'll be having tonic water and maybe a glass of wine. I don't really have club type of clothes with me, but we'll figure something out. I need a night out with friends and strangers and music. So, I'm off to get ready.

Love you all...

Fresh Trout

2010-07-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Man alive did I just have the best lunch! A lady in Beth's PhD class caught a bunch of trout on her vacation and she shared two of them with us. Today for lunch I baked them two different ways.
1). Apples and Onions lightly sauteed with Chicken Stock, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper and a little bit of Garlic Salt. Then took that and added it to the fish with 1/2 T. butter and wrapped it all in foil package.
2). Dusted the other trout with basil, oregano, pepper, added other 1/2 T. of butter, lemons, and fresh tomatoes and wrapped it all in foil package.
Served half to Beth and half to me with steamed broccoli and YUMMY!!!

The HUGE lemons from our tree

2010-07-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

It's almost as large as my head!

lovin the new layout

2010-07-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Readin':
Boundaries in Dating(again)

Listenin' to:
Antigone Rising
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
Simon and Ganrfunkel
Gord's Gold: Gorgon Lightfoot
John Denver

Adding Counting Crows to this playlist would make it just THAT much better, but dad doesn't have any on itunes. I may have to change that for the summer!

Watchin':
Gilmore Girls' reruns
America's Next Top Model

Lovin':
All of the growth happenin' in my life right now. Session with Sue was cut short due to Skype issues, but was a big one for me. Feelin' super encouragaed to really start workin' on some stuff I consider BIG.
Obviously usin' the no "g" and placing an apostrophe instead. Perhaps its due to my longin' for back home country folk. Been a bit homesick lately!

It's raining it's pouring

2010-07-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's yucky weather here in Southern California today with a chance of burn off maybe? I don't know because I haven't checked yet. Today I am going to be working on a first step towards making a long time dream of mine come true. I have always wanted to make a lullaby album for my future nephews, nieces or children. It all began when Nicky was born over 6 years ago. Jimmy(my boyfriend at the time) and I went down to Newburg Indiana to visit my sister and her family for Christmas and we thought it would be fun to sing songs with them and to them. So, Jimmy learned some Christmas carols and two other songs that he and I shared with the family. One of them being, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" After singing it to them, I thought what a fun neat present to give kids...a collection of songs that are unique but "lullaby-esque"(totally not a word). And for this girl and my love for song, it sounded perfect. So, I began compiling songs, but kind of forgot about laying them down or learning them on a guitar or piano. Well, now I have the time, a vocal teacher who rocks to help me work through them and both a piano and a guitar at my disposal. SO, here goes nothing.
The first step is just video'ing me practicing them so Luke can critique the heck out of them and help me make them sound BEAUTIFUL! Then, we'll see about capturing them on some sort of 8 track or something. I think when I get back home, I will be asking the help of a couple of my friends. Jules, if you are reading this, you know I'll be coming your way!!! You and that amazing brother of yours Michael for sure. I hear your voice in my head as I think about doing this. Your angelic voice blesses my socks off and I miss days of singing together.
Maybe I can get my chorus of men together too, and lay down "you raise me up" while I'm at it. Chicago men...instead of Celtic Women. Anywho...that's a different story for a different day.
Boot Camp today was killer but awesome! 8 mile bike ride later perhaps if it stops raining.

tri training

2010-07-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, so up until now, I feel like I have been pretty positive regarding my training. And I continue to have that positive outlook for sure. HOWEVER, this morning I spent a significant amount of time reading a ton of information on Triathlon Training. Specifically, on each area to make sure I am doing things correctly. It's a lot to take in and as I read about race day I started to cry. Tears fell like rain. And here they are again. I have never done anything like this in my adult life...exercise wise and it's kind of overwhelming to me. In GREAT ways and in woah sort of ways. Reading about race day made it hit home I guess. I was like...HOLY CRAP Kristen, you are actually going to do a Sprint Tri. And so there's a great feeling of, wow...and there's a woah, what in the world are you thinking.
I have to battle the thoughts that come when I speak like this.
-So, it's only a sprint
-That's no big deal
-You've never even run a 5 K, and you think you'll do this?
-Why? I mean really, why?
-You can't do this
But, it does feel like a winning battle right now. The tears are more of the "Way to Go Kristen" side of the coin. The side that knows I have this in me. The side that has cheered on every other person in my life with the belief of a 1000 spectators and cheerleaders all rolled in to one body, this body!
Nick once called me a potential guru. So, as my body works through the challenge of pushing it's own limits, my mind is being worked out as well.
Kristen, support yourself the way you do others.
Believe in you.
You can do this AND you are doing this!
And so, I push on today. Dad suggested that I put into practice a new way of tracking my workouts. It's a points system to make sure I am pushing myself to the best capacity available. Go here to check it out. I need to achieve between 30-50 points a week.
Here goes nothing and everything. Off to the library and then to the fitness center to kick it into high gear! Got a back to back swim/run today!
And then tomorrow is Boot Camp and I will be going to Manhattan Beach again and riding my bike up and down the boardwalk before I pick up Beth from LAX!

love to you all...

another video...

2010-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Had a great 4th with Molli and Noah and Manhattan Beach and here is proof:
I went swimming in the ocean, totally got ransacked by the rip tide, dragged under and knees scraped, but then I remembered my how to's of the ocean and did fine! I love the ocean. Seriously it's phenomenal!
Then, the next day I went for a 10 mile ride along the beach/boardwalk. Awesomeness!!! Hope your 4th was terrific.

Because I can...

2010-07-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd have a fun go at the changing of my background for the time being. So fun!!! My day will be spent at Redondo Beach with my cousins Molli and Noah tomorrow. Bringing my bike and can't wait to see fireworks and have a nice relaxing day. The weather is supposed to be High 80/Low 57. Seems like perfect Southern California weather to me. I hope your 4th is amazing and let's all remember how AMAZING it is that we have the freedoms we do here in America and make sure keep all of our soldiers, officials, govvernment employees both past, present and future in our prayers and thoughts not just tomorrow, but always!!!
I don't like the whole God Bless America theme personally, SO...God Bless us All.

REI and my feelings on Montana

2010-07-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my oh my oh my...

i am a new member at REI

Today I went to REI to scope out biking shorts, race hats, sunglasses, gels and gummies. And can I just say it was as enjoyable of time as any. I just <3 that store with a lot of love.
i. heart. REI.
that's right folks. I do. Just entering the premise makes me think of nature and the outdoors and Montana and Colorado and rivers and lakes and fishing and... believe me I could go on. But I won't.

And it's fun to see all of the toys one can aquire when one, ME!, if getting into a new sport. Here is the list of WANTS:
-a heart monitor
-a pedometer
-sunglasses that shade and stay on while you run/bike but don't look super stupid
-biking shorts two kinds
-a new bike (don't know what kind yet, because doing this research means I really might get one and I don't have the cash for that yet, except that there is a used sale coming up, ahhh)
-fancy bike shoes
-riding gloves (just because)
I get so carried away, it's like holy kaka...leave now. So, instead I just paroozed over to another section.

Anywho...the joy that being in there brought me must have been contagious, for many a person smiled at me joyfully. It's like happy land for outdoorsy folks. The nice man that rang me up commented on how much he liked my glasses and asked me if I was a member. I said, much to my dismay, "no, I just usually give all of my purchases to my friends card." He told me that today should be the day that I joined. Being in the mood I was already in I agreed. He was a great salesman. His name is Mark and I'll be seeing him at the Used Sale next weekend!!!

also went grocery shopping today. It really was a condundrum. I am trying to be a smart shopper, a healthier eater, and a earth concious person these days. So, I strut into Whole Foods carrying my reusable bags from like 6 different stores. It was a sight! I had a shopping list of mostly produce, but wasn't quite sure if I would be able to get everything there. Now, let me get this off of my mind. I LOVE grocery shopping! I truely enjoy going down every isle reading things, looking at new products, etc. BUT, when you are learning SO much about food and the different ingredients that go into everything and what to eat, when to eat it, how much to eat, it can get a little overwhelming. It made grocery shopping a chore. And normally, it's NOT a chore for me. I wished at that moment that I had either J or Blythe with me. See, they are already smart shoppers in this arena of Organic/heatlhier eating and know what to get and why. I had to ask myself a lot of hard questions and it made things very interesting. And then, because Whole Foods did not have everything I wanted I went to Albertsons. I feel much more at home in regular grocery stores than in Whole Food type of places. Not to say that I won't go back, because the more you become aquainted, the more at home you feel. I love Trader Joe's but I am still lost there too. The best thing I bought today was Kale and Jicama! Well, those are the newest things I'm trying at least :0)

Last thought for today...

As I was making dinner, I realized that it's July! Holy cow...one month down, 2 to go! Anywho, I flipped over my calendar to July and there was this picture... and it caused me to stop in my tracks and take a deep breath. It may not look that spectacular to you through this picture, but it is! BREATHE KRISTEN, BREATHE. And in real life, I know this pass well. And it made me thankful that I have been there. It made me long for the next time. It made me grin from ear to ear that I will be there soon. It made me think that I am the most blessed woman alive for a moment. That there is such beauty in this world and I have seen it. I have played in it. I have soaked in it's splendor and shared the same air space. And I just had to share. Because as I go out for my bike ride here shortly, I will be pushing myself. One day I want to take my bike up to Glacier and ride it like my old boss and friend Steve does. And this is good inspiration for a late Friday night ride!

A day off

2010-07-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today is my day off and I'm not sure what to think about that. I haven't really had one of those yet since I began, until today. It's been quite wonderful. Woke up early to cut Beth's hair, totally forgot about my Skype appointment with Sue. It was like a great start to a morning and then BAM horrific. I was really looking forward to my time also. She's a grandma again!!! Sue, that is. I put my bed together today and cleaned my room, spent a lot of time reading and thinking and listening to music. I have a new favorite: Christina Perri
I found her on "So You Think You Can Dance" where she sang this heart thompin' song Jar of Hearts!!!
So tonight I'm going to dinner with Blythe and her hubster at her house.
I'm really missing friends today so it's perfect to be going there.
And then tomorrow morning I have to take Audrey and Beth to the airport. They are headed back to Montana and in a way I'm excited because I have a chance to get back to my own way, but I will miss having people around. I am going to change things up a bit now that I've been here awhile and will be getting into my routine a little grander regarding my training. So, wait to see what happens. Headed to the beach this weekend with my cousin Molli and her hubster Noah for the 4th!!! Should prove to be a GREAT weekend!

peace.

Wanna hear three very fun and super exciting things to me?

2010-06-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as I was laying down this morning on my mat preparing to do more AB work at Boot Camp(which from now on we're going to call BC for short). After a set of full sit ups, I lay stretching my abs a little. I sucked in my stomach as far as I could and it went inwards! I know that this may seem very silly to some of you, but honestly, I cannot remember the last time my stomach actually went like concave. I mean really concave, like when skinny people suck their stomachs in and make themselves look like the very sad commercials and real life photos of Ethiopians back in the 80's thin. I mean let's not get carried away here, but it went in. And for some reason, that made my entire day! Sometimes, when you are reaching for a VERY large goal, the little steps, the little things...make all the difference in the world!

Second fun and exciting thing is simply that at BC this morning we did jump ups. John took us over to these concrete tables where we had to do 5 pushups against the bench and then jump up from the ground to the bench, and then from the bench to the table. I was kind of freaked out about the jumping part but 1). I did great! 2). The imagery of getting my big old body up that far twice in a row for 12 tables. 3). I was in the group of women that did all of the jumps with two feet, not just stepping up or a one footed jump. (2 feet are harder) AND IT FELT AMAZING!

Off to Weight Watchers!!!
Third thing: I have lost anothe 3.4 lbs this past week and am down a size in everything! Measurements are a go(a week early). 2 inches from my waist, 1 inch off my arms, 2 inches of my bust(mostly back fat yippie!!!), 1.5 inches off of my hips, .5 inches off of my thigh. I have a feeling that will be the area that takes the longest, because it's where I carry a ton of my weight, in my legs and belly. Beth made a great suggestion and when I reach my 10% goal(you've lost 10% of your total weight from when you started), I'm going to pack a box that weighs that much and carry it with me for an hour or so to remember what it was like when I had it actually on my body. And it could be by next week depending on how this week goes. I'm losing the exact amount I wanted to a week so far, minus the second week. But it's ok...It's coming off and that's a joy! They call us LOSERS @ WW and I love it! I'm a loser baby...

Love,

Where are the simple joys of maidenhood?

2010-06-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I get to go watch "Eclipse" with Audrey and I cannot think of a better way to spend the afternoon than watching that movie with a teenage girl! Seriously...If I was with Page, I'd take Page. Or if I didn't have any teenagers in Chicago, I'd go find a group online that were going. There is just something to be said about going and watching a vampire teenage love story with a teenager! LOL

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about teenagers. I miss being in their lives. Helping to shape the face of the future with a friendship that isn't like their parents but can be a positive role model for them. I have always loved mentoring and would consider finding a program to get involved with when I establish my life somewhere. Where that somewhere is I just don't know yet...but it'll come.

So, I'm off to go make a smoothie before we go to PM Boot Camp! Ran for 20 min. today and did a 200 yd swim again. Tomorrow morning is turn around Boot Camp and then a 6 mile bike ride. It's getting harder and easier all at the same time if that makes any sense?!? The good part is that just as it gets easier, my schedule gets kicked up a notch.

Just booked my plans for the 4th too! Going to Redando Beach with my cousin Molly and her hubbster Noah. Going to bring my bike so I can ride on the beach and do a little ocean swimming!!! WOOT!!! I love ocean swimming!

HUGE

2010-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

There's this brand new show on ABC Family called HUGE. And it's a heart breaker. I loved Nikki Blonsky in Hairspray and I think this show is going to be great. Plus, it kind of fits with my summer.

It's amazing to see how many people relate to the feelings of insecurities no matter what they are. Whether or not you've ever felt left out or unseen, weird or a loner, fat or too thin, ugly, not smart enough, not "something" enough. You fill in the blank. We all have our issues. And whatever they are...wherever they come from. I pray today, you are feeling loved. To the depths of your core. Because you are amazing.

I am off to swim and run. Going to go "work out" some of my issues!!! I'm so dang punny.

Boot Camp jammin'

2010-06-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

It was an early morning around here. A 5:15 alarm wake up call to barely stummble out of bed to get dressed and head out to Boot Camp.
It's nice to be there before the sun is really up because I swear it gets hotter here by the hour.
Beth and I were both a little sleepy, but John kicked it off immediately with a good warm up.
WARM UP: 2 Laps around the pool
CIRCUIT: 5 Stations 1 min/station 2 x's
Abs/cones/agility ladder/arms/resistance bands
Abs: sit in a v on tailbone, hands over head holding a weighted ball above your head raise it up and down, touch right and left 2nd round
Cones: speed skating cone to cone, in and out 2nd round
Agility Ladder: jump in, jump squat out 1st half, sideways twists 2nd half, high knees, and then sideways high knees 2nd round
Arms: jogging in place with weights above head, up and down and squats wtih arms above head up and down 2nd round
Resistance Bands: side twists and reverse flys 2nd round
CARDIO: Between the circuit rounds, jump rope 1 min intervals 3 rounds
first: regular one jump
second: side to side
third: front to back (super tricky)
COOL DOWN AND STRETCH:

In about an hour I will go for my 8 mile bike ride. Longest one yet in training, but they soon increase more frequently. I'm down...BRING IT ON! I can't look too far into the future concerning the training schedule because it overwhelms me. No need.
Beth and I are going to go see an adult movie tonight because Audrey's at her dad's and we can! So, I'm off to look up cleanses and hop on my bike!!! Later awesome friends of mine...

"Meet Up" Wildwood Park Hike

2010-06-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up EARLY! Like 5:15 am early. I looked at the clock and decided to go back to sleep. I woke up again about an hour later and was like maybe I ought to just get up. I chose to go back to bed and finally could not sleep past 7 am. Many a reason behind this. One of them being my excitement and desire to make it to the trail head on time.

The friend B introduced me to last week Karen, told me about this great website, MEET UP where you can go and join different groups that might interest you and they set up meet ups/events for you to RSVP to. There is EVERY different kind of thing you could think of on here. So, I signed up for a couple of different hiking ones, an outdoor adventure one, and a discover LA one. It's in cities all over the country I guess. This being the first time I've ever heard of it, but go check it out, it's GREAT!!!

So, the first event was this morning. A hike to Wildwood Park. I drove over to Thousand Oaks and introduced myself to the 8 others hanging out. Art, Justin, Rae, Mike and three other guys who's names I didn't pick up on because they said them super fast. But I swear the one who invited the other two said their names were Bean and Bean. LOL Who knows?

So we were going on a 4.5 mile loop hike down to Paradise Falls and back up. Art, the facilitator said to take our time and stop whenever we wanted to look for pictures. I was really more wanting to hike than take photos so off I went with Justin and Mike. Mike was a kidney doctor and Justin was in grad school. It was already nice and warm @ 9 am and the walk down to the falls was pretty easy. We took our time and along the route met another guy named Mike who was there to meet our group as well but couldn't find us, so went on his own path. Way to forge your own path son!!! (I'm such a dork.)

So, here are a few of the shots I took today.

I love this picture because it looks like to me that there are two mens faces on those rocks right there (the pic on the left)

And this one I call lady with three dogs. It just seems weird to have a poodle on a walk in desert territory.

Who am I to say who goes for a walk though?

Weird plants, the falls, the boys and sunshine on algae.

Saw some wildlife. Baby ducks, and a coyote and lots of geckos.

This is Lay-Z!!! My lizard brain.

I played around a lot with different settings on my camera. Here are some of those shots!!!

Ok, enough photos. I was having a lot of fun playing with my camera and crouching and finding fun things to point and shoot at. After we arrived at the falls I started to head out on my own and got lost. So, for the next hour I looked for the parking lot and by this point the sun was really super intense and my water was lagging. It made me laugh that I seriously got lost from the group, but I had an awesome time finding my back all on by myself!!! I found a cave and then finally a trail map! WHOOPS. Who ever says life isn't an adventure doesn't know what they are talking about. By the time I got back to the car, I had hiked more than anyone else and was ready to enjoy my ride home on the freeway with the windows down, the radio up and the wind blowing through my hair!!! This is what I looked like when I returned home! Even used the self portrait setting for this sucker...

All in all, twas a great morning full of hiking and adventure. Just my kind of Sunday! My church this weekend. Tonight, I have been listening to all kinds of OLD school worship songs, really listening to the words pour out.

Blessings to all, and to all a good night.

I'm pooped and Boot Camp comes too early in the AM!!!

GREASE Sing A Long

2010-06-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Last night, my step sister Audrey, my step mom Beth and I drove over to Sherman Oaks to catch a bus over to the Hollywood Bowl. We had purchased tickets to go participate in the first EVER "Grease the movie" Sing a Long!!! Now, understand that I have literally been watching this movie since I can remember. All of my siblings and both parents know the words to a lot of the songs even if they don't want to because for years I've been subjecting them to it either via tape, cd, VHS or finally the DVD. And I'm here to tell you that I knew this would be a top event highlight to my summer!
I packed us a cute picnic basket full of yummy salads, veggies, avocados, brushetta, crackers, tiny little key lime cookies, wine, sodas and water. We had lots of laughs on the way over due to people watching and telling stories.
We arrived, found a table to eat at and began playing one of my favorite games called, "tell a story about someone you see." Audrey jumped head first into the game but it quickly fizzled out when Beth wouldn't join us. She said she likes playing in her head not saying things out loud. So we people watched, I chewed on a piece of glass that we're not sure how it made it's way into the salmon spread, shared a few stories and then went to find out seats and watch the costume parade.
I would suggest that if you ever have a chance to go to this, take your time eating. There's not a whole lot to be seen in the people parade of costumes! Well, maybe in your town there will be more creativity, but people were pretty boring with their pics. The best 4 I saw which most made it to the finals were the movie commercial hot dog, buns, soda, etc and this precious little Danny Zucko who was sitting on a a swing held up by the popcorn and the ice cream!!! Then, there was the Grease Lightning crew with a cardboard made car, the girls in the Beauty school drop out scene (amazing costumes and MY personal favorite) and a woman who made a dress that had amoebas on fleas on rats imprinted on it (super creative but didn't make it to the finals). The host of the evening was Didi Conn who plays Frenchie. It's sweet because her voice is just that character. She was precious with the kids on stage in their Danny and Sandy costumes!
They had given us each a party bag with fun things to be used during the movie to interact. A rah rah cheer pom in Ridell colors, a scarf in yellow like the one Cha Cha wore in the drag race scene, bubbles for the beauty school drop out song, a whistle for the end when they fly off in the car, and a postcard that was the Grease logo on the front and on the back was the word, "WORD" and we were to hold it up every time they said "WORD" when the Grease theme song came on. They told us to "Hiss" every time one of the Scorpions came on screen, and "Boo" every time Cha Cha or Patty Simpcox came on the screen. We were to say "Ahhh" when there were lovey dovey parts.
So, then finally the movie started and it was for this romantically inclined girl who has always had a huge place in her heart for this movie, I was in "HEAVEN!" We had a lot of fun singing along, laughing at the VERY silly goofy parts and enjoying being outside although it was a bit cold. My blood must have thinned a lot in this amazingly warm weather!
All in all I loved the entire thing! Near the end, Audrey was giggling at me because she didn't know how many of the words I actually knew without reading the prompter. Especially in "We go together" which was probably the most fun song to sing out loud in an amphitheater with 1000's of other people!!! SO much fun!!!
Today is a 20 min. run and swimming. Off to watch the USA v. Ghana and then to the Fitness center to run and swim.

day to day...

2010-06-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to feel a bit military, regulated, structured, with not much delineation. Honestly, that is AWESOME because it makes getting up easier, and Lay-Z has to listen to me. It's strange to have SO much time on my hands to do with what I want. It makes you really consider how one spends their time. I like structure. I dig it so much. I'm closing out Week 2 of Tri Training and it's starting to gain momentum. So, I talked to John: my trainer, and we agreed that it's better if I take Sundays and Thursdays off to allow my body some rest. Because with doubles and the daily increase in the training, there's a chance of injury. AND that would suck horrifically.
Yesterday my sister Audrey and I went on a 7 mile bike ride. She was SO funny as the 1:30 afternoon sunshine beating down on us.
"Why in the world would someone create a city in the middle of a desert?"
She kept complaining and moaning behind me. It was a good ride. Sweating that much makes a person feel like they really worked out. More sweat/more water/more pounds lost. Goal accomplished! Yippie...
BOOT CAMP TURNAROUND:
Thurs PM
Very similar to Wed AM
WARM UP:
BIOMETRICS: 3x's each up and back
knees high, kick your butt, side shuffle
ABS: don't really remember but 100 of each and there were 3
PARK CIRCUIT:
Started off with 50 chest pulls with resistance band, jog to next station, 50 arm curls, jog to next station, stairs 10 times up and down, jog to next station, knee ups on the bleachers, jog home.
ABS: I do remember this set. Plank hold for a min. right over on your back to toe touches for a min. REPEAT 3 times
STRETCH:

This morning was awesome! Beth(my step mom) went for the first time. We have to start going early because of her job so I got up at 5:30 and started @ 6:00. I was barely awake, but it was Great!
WARM UP: 3 laps around playground
BIOMETRICS: 3 x's each there and back
knees high/kick your butt/side shuffle/squat jumps(this one killed)
ABS: leg lifts 50 each
STRENGTH/CARDIO CIRCUIT: 25 each using the resistance bands/3 sets
flys/high back kicks each leg/jump roped 100 x's
reverse flys/calf raises/one lap around the pool and playground
halelujah's/lunges/jump rope 100 x's
ABS: mountain climbers/plank to pushup switch up/ 50 each
STRETCH:

Beth did really well for her first time. She's an endurance type of gal so when we had been half way through she was just getting warmed up. It's partly due to her low blood pressure. She doesn't feel like she's sweat enough at that point. I'm like ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I must not have low blood pressure :0)

Two VERY exciting facts:
1). I have a shirt I bought probably 3-4 years ago that's very cute, but pretty much a month or so after I bought it I could no longer button it, so I'd only wear it as an over shirt, unbuttoned. However, yesterday I tried it on to go out to lunch in, and I could totally button it!!! And not like, tight buttoning either.
2). My Favorite pair of pants which I cut into shorts because they got a huge whole in them, used to fit super tight. I could barely button them and often the button would pop and they'd come undone. Oh yay baby, put them on this morning and they are like loose fitting! I'm simply amazed at what eating better and working out has done for my body. And I love it. I love so many things about it, I was considering yesterday why I don't become a trainer myself. Ok, so just a thought, not a revelation or anything.
It was great to have Aud and Beth here to share those moments with. It's a lot different when you are trying to celebrate on your own. Community has a way of making that celebration greater!!!
Anywho...thanks for sharing with me Blog world in my 2 very exciting facts! Thanks for all of your encouragement, support, prayers and love. It's working!!!

Boot Camp turnaround

2010-06-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm tired today. Yesterday I had a big day of exercise. And I want to make sure I'm being smart, so I need to ask my trainer what's smart. I don't think I'm pushing too hard yet, like to risk anything but I know that as my training for the tri gets a little bit more intense, I either may have to cut back on Boot Camp OR just take it a bit easier when I am there.

Yesterday was a SWIM/RUN day
I am not swimming heavy amounts yet. 200 yds. free is what I'm supposed to do and I take it to 400 because I'm just like that with swimming. Then I did my 15 min. run.

Then Boot Camp last night @ 6:30 pm
WARM UP: lap around the pool
Started out with a cardio circuit
agility ladder/jump rope
ABS:
25 of each: crunches, toe touches, supermans, bicycles, knee ups, leg lifts, scissors, regular sit ups
ARMS/LEGS/AGILITY CIRCUIT:
squats/lunges 50 of each
chest press/curls 50 of each
sideways, front knees high, sideways, front
COOLDOWN:
1 lap around the pool and stretch

Today: boot camp @ 7:15 am
It was very similar but VERY different
WARM UP:
circuit 100 x's each: jump rope/mountian climbers/side twists on the agility ladder REPEAT
ABS:
25 x's each crunches, bicycles, toe touches, leg lifts, scissors, knee ups, regular sit ups
CIRCUIT AROUND THE PARK:
We started off doing 100 squat lunges, then jogged or briskly walked (I briskly walked most of this leg), Then did 100 rows, then jogged up to the next area where we did 10 sets of up and down the stairs continuous pace without stopping, jogged to the next area, where we did dips with legs either straight out or knees bent, (I'm still at the knee bent point :0)) then jog back to the start.
ABS/LOWER BACK:
Plank on elbows for a min followed by Supermans for a min. If any of us didn't do it we started over. REPEAT.
(second set I was sweating and my arms kept slipping, but I held out!!!)
STRETCH
Later today I have a 6 mile bikeride to go on, but I am going to wait until after I pick up Beth and Audrey from the airport. I can't believe they are coming back already.

Went to WW today and lost another 3.4 lbs!!! WOOT! I'm not too interested in the scale though as I am in the way I feel and the way I look. My measurements will be done at one month so we'll see what I've lost there. Plus, although I'm tired today, I'm feeling amazing!!!

Going to go take a nice nap in the sunshine I think. Oh the California sun is vicious!
Hope everyone is feeling the peace that surpasses all understanding today

Love always,

Currently's

2010-06-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Reading: This/ blog entry

Naming my Lizard Brain: "Lay-Z" like Jay-Z but different

Listening to: Vocal warm-ups CD

Fixated on: the ideas behind Raw foods, the oil spill and trash(this one rarely leaves my brain)

Day 3 Boot camp

2010-06-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

My knees feel a little bit like JELLO today and my stomach is achy for sure! Ahhhh...boot camp such a great work out.
WARM UP: jogged twice around the pool/water slide area and I didn't walk any of it. WOOT!
CARDIO/ABS/STRENGTH CIRCUIT: 1 min each
-jump rope/wall sits
-triceps extension/flys using resistance bands
-cross over obliques/abs using thick resistance bands
-reverse crunch with 7 lb weights over head shoulders and up/bicycles
SPRINTS: around the exterior of the basketball court, sprint, walk, sprint, walk 3x's
JUMP SQUATS/SPRINTS: squat, jump from your squat, get posture, squat 15 yds/sprint 15 yds./jump squats/sprint up and back 60 yds.
SIDE SHUFFLE: on your toes, face one way, side shuffle down 60 yds. and back
STRETCH.

I began a practice three days ago before going to bed every night, to say 5 things I was grateful for that day. It is serving me well and as I drift off to sleep I am filled with incredible amounts of joy and peace.

Seeing my girl Blythe from high school yesterday was SO much fun! We spent the afternoon/evening retreating in an awesome home in LA with a pool and jacuzzi! I met her friend Karen and the three of us had a really nice afternoon. We giggled and had long chats about our lives since then, and our lives now, philosophy, religion, politics, love, dating, fears, Sex and the City, movies, LA, Chicago, food, enzymes, wheat, dairy, etc. It was like NO time had passed and it was delightful! I am SO looking forward to meeting B's husband. He was on a weekend trip climbing Mt. Whitney! I love girls nights out. And being with people really helped fuel my soul.

I have begun to make better acquaintances with my fellow Boot Campers as well. Donna and I were partners today. She's 45 and really about exactly my level. She used to run X-Country back in high school and makes an awesome partner. We both push each other to do more.
One area that really needs a lot of work, is my core. I am very weak when it comes to this area and look forward to strengthening it as we go along. My legs have overwhelmed me as to how easily they are coming back in to shape. Muscle memory is very surprising!

Tomorrow I pick up Beth and Audrey from the airport so today I have a lot to do. I am going to put my bed together, clean the house, and try and plan out our meals for the week that they are here so "we" don't order out at all. Perhaps I can post another video soon! Until then...

May the love of God surround you.

Hair Boom Oil Demo

2010-06-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I want to be a part of this...

Sunday morning church

2010-06-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I love God. I am amazed at how he does things.
This morning I was unsure still of where I wanted to go to church, so I decided last minute that I would watch Willow online. The message from last week was about The Road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35 You can go here to watch it as well if you want.

The message was around Restoring Hope. And while I was watching it many things came to my mind. Justin and a statement he made about this passage over 13 years ago. He used to call us children of the burning hearts. And so today, I went and found this fun picture to describe my own imagery.

I was also overcome with emotion over a friend I have who has lost a lot of his Hope that once was a burning heart. So, I sent the message on to him in hopes that it might speak to his heart. And then I started looking up some worship tunes to listen to finishing off a great morning message at church. Instead I came upon

this video which sent me spinning in a great way!

I want to do this with my life. Go from shelter to shelter, helping the broken, beat up, sad, souls that God leads me to. Help them by providing a spa day where they feel loved, pampered, cherished, respected. I want to offer my gifts and talents to people all over the world for free. I was just dreaming a lot and got super excited and hopeful once again that this will someday, somehow come to pass! See, restored hope. I am dreaming a lot these days, because I have the space to. I'm going to start brainstorming ideas and perhaps trying them out here in LA? Who knows what might happen. God is magical...he is the giver of good things.

Be blessed mightily

Friday nights

2010-06-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of the weirdest Friday nights I've had in a long time. I was SO longing to go out and do something fun with friends, but alas, I really don't know more than like 3 people in the LA area that I'm in touch with and none of them could hang out. I am also on a budget and have to make room for some of these kinds of things or I cannot go out. I would have LOVED having folks over too, but the house is not yet really have people over friendly and again there's the question of who would you have over? This is becoming a strange phenomenon for me.
Me an extrovert is wondering why I'm feeling a bit sluggish. I have my training which I am loving. Training my heart, my soul, my body, my brain, my eating. All of that is going really well. I need to go back to the drawing board and find some time to BE with people. Even just for small increments right now.
Luckily I will be seeing people on Sunday! And perhaps today, I will drive down and visit my great Aunt Hazel.
I'm dissappointed a lot lately with letters. I go to the mailbox, look out and long for a letter, wish it in to the mailbox, but to my shagrin, it's not there. That's is not meant to gulit anyone, just GET on it people! You won't believe how great it feels to write an old school letter! It's funny because I have heard that many people write and re-write letters to make sure there are no scratch outs, and that penmenship is perfect, ect. I am not one of those people. I pretty much just write. And whatever comes out, is what gets sent. Unless it's like a HOLY COW I'd better get this right type of letter, then I'll use a rough draft and editing skills. But that's sort of indicative to who I am. Spontaneous and excited to share with people. Yet, I am learning in communication there is an intended and a perceived. And they don't always match up. Hopefully, when this occurs, people ask questions and seek further understanding while with holding judgements. Or if judgements are made, then there are also discussed.
Sometimes I think about this blog in that format, but when I do, I usually hit the "Save Now" button and don't share with you all what I have written. Because writing for an audience is a good habit to get in as a writer, when you are writing let's say a book or a paper. But, a blog with changing themes daily? Yes, my dear friends this is an arena I care not too much for what you all want to hear as what I want to write. Please don't take it personally. It's more creative free style writing and when it becomes something I don't want it to be, then I will either walk away, push that awesome Save Now button or not post for a day or two. Lately, it's just been exactly what I hoped it would be. A place to share some of my thoughts for the day, A what I am doing and a what I am learning arena.

With all of that said, I would like to ask if anyone would like to hear more about a certain topic, just for topics sake?

Currently Reading: this piece from the book What Happy People Know by Dan Baker
Currently Writing: this blog entry on my other blog
Currently Listening to: A lot of Mixes on Youtube like this one
Currently Watching: Time Travelers Wife, cried. I am a huge fan of Rachel McAdams. I have a girl crush on her cheekbones.
Currently Absorbed in: this piece of literature
Currently Allured by: Tyler's blog

Day 2 BOOT CAMP

2010-06-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

I wish I could make a whistle sound on here. Because that's what I would say about how I'm feeling this morning! One of the reasons I LOVE working out is due to the adrenaline rush/high I get post workout. It's amazing and I seriously get kind of side swiped by it every time it happens. I honestly forget it's coming! But, man is it fantastic. Now, to get even more honest, this is not the high I was feeling last night. I may have almost been complaining as I whined about how soar my legs were.

Yesterday, I began my triathlon training. And I was feeling really up to it after resting for a day and a half after BOOT CAMP day 1. Especially due to the limited amount I was supposed to swim. I was only scheduled to swim 200 yds. total for my first swim. Instead, because I love to swim and was feeling SO great, I swam 500 yds. And even that seemed weak to me*.
*Disclaimer...I tend to push myself pretty hard when it comes to swimming because once upon a time, a long long time ago, I was a swimmer. I feel SUPER comfortable in the water and LOVE the feel of my body gliding through it. I have now become aware and I will show myself a little more grace here!
After I was finished, I got out of the water, took a shower and got dressed. The exit to the pool is a nice flight of two long sets of stairs. Here's where I laughed and went uh oh...as I crossed about the 7th step my knees went a little weak. A step 10, I was like crap. And I literally took a step at a time to get my body up the stairs!!! lol
One of the most important aspects in training is to listen to your body. Mine was telling me KRISTEN DO NOT GO TO BOOT CAMP TONIGHT! All in caps and out loud literally. So, I rested and went this morning!
As I woke up at 5:30 my body was telling me it was tight, but my mind was telling me to drink some water and get to Boot Camp. So, onward I went. And much to my grateful surprise, as we began to jog around the sand boxes, my muscles loosened up and said thank you for listening to us last night.
Today's Boot Camp went something like this:
Warm Up: jog 5x's around the sandboxes
Cardio/Abs/Strength Circuit: My group started at Abs: 20 knee touch crunches, followed by 20 bicycles as many sets as you can in 3 min
Next was cardio: sprints up and down the basketball court touching the lines. I forget what we used to call these back in BB days as many as you can in 3 min.
Then strength training with resistance bands: using the thickest one, we did chest presses and rows, 20 each as many as you can in 3 min.
Last was Cardio again: agility ladder this time sideways, each foot inside and looking straight ahead not at the ground as many times in 3 min. Then we did a second round same deal, but 1 1/2 min. instead.
PLANK:On our elbows, plank position hold it for 1 min. then switch to one arm side plank for 1 min. switch to the other side 1 min. 2 x's
Cardio/Ab/Strength Circuit: Abs this time were legs straight up in the air, toe touches, followed by scissors 20 X's each as many in 3 min.
Cardio this time was old school BB drills as well, sprint down, shuffle across, sprint backwards, shuffle across (I loved this drill, totally reminded me of back in the day, felt great! Want to try and relate a memory or emotion to all of the drills, seems to help me push myself and maintain a positive attitude throughout)
Strength this time was a shoulder press then to bicep curl using the red band instead 20 X's/3 min.
Agility ladder this time was a diagonal in and out
Abs: Last set was sitting with legs up, bent leaning back so your balancing on your tail bone, arms in front hold for slotted amount of time, then w/o stopping, arms to the sides in a T, hold, then arms over head, hold. REST. Repeat, but second time around if anyone dropped their arms, we had to start over. You could drop your legs to the ground, but not get out of the ab position. Whoopee this one kicked my booty! My core is under worked.
Cool Down and Stretch:
I was reading a lot yesterday on group fitness and how it really works well for people. I love it being the social bird that I am and really want to figure out how to continue doing something like Boot Camp at least 3 days/week when I end up wherever I end up come September. They say it's great because it mixes things up enough that you don't get bored, there is that competition thing going for you, (which totally motivates me), and you are using mostly your own body weight and simple things that are in everyday places like parks, etc. It made me think of the yoga/Pilate's classes I went to in Nancy's gym in Marion, MT. I loved them because of the women I took them with and the camaraderie we shared. There is a husband/wife group that comes to my class now, and I thought that would be awesome. My dad shared something with me the other day that I will be totally looking for. He said, "find a partner that will support and push you to where you have never been before. That is what Richie did for me when I achieved tri success." KP...Although we're in different cities now, I totally can see you becoming this for me. Or maybe I'll find it in a future mate!? Who knows...I just really looked on with much admiration at this couple and their support of one another.
Thanks for all of your encouragement and love that I've been feeling the past couple of days. Making sure I'm loving myself up too! Both with nourishment, sleep and self talk/soul talk.
My Sue has this posted in her office and reminded me of it today...it's really good self talk for me so I thought I would share it with you. There's a theme in my life right now all about training. I feel like back in the OLD school days of Student Impact when it was highly centered around sports themes and that makes me smile from my head to my toes!!!

"Mistakes are expected and accepted. You’re here for training!!"

I don't have to arrive.
It's about the journey, not the destination.
Grace.
patience.
Self love, not self loathing.
It's an experiment. Go back to the drawing board if something doesn't work. thanks LB!
All such great reminders.
Be blessed

AHHHH therapy

2010-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Blog world! Just throwing this out there...my strong opinion on the matter of therapy is that it works for me. To have a guided time with someone like Sue to listen and help you walk through the things, the places where you are stuck, is simply, unbelivably and profundly, a gift from heaven.

On with my day...

a "YUCK" attack

2010-06-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Howdy. I knew I'd have one soon, and here it is. My first real day of YUCK! Yuck that says I want to talk to people, connect with them deeply, be around them. Yuck that says, I want to be back on FB for just a little bit because it feels like connection. Yuck because I didn't want to eat the way I'm supposed to eat today. Yuck because Yuck sometimes just takes over. What do you do when YUCK hits you over the head super hard and it doesn't seem to want to go away?

BOOT CAMP kicked my BOOTAY!

2010-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is my Boot Camp website! This morning I woke up, had my glass of lemon water and a banana/nectarine/vanilla smoothie and headed over to Boot Camp. It's only 1.7 miles away from my house so on Friday, I will ride my bike. I was going to this morning, but I couldn't get my tired bootay out of bed and pushed the snooze alarm three too many times. WHOOPS! That's ok though, because I'm not sure I would be home yet. Thinking about getting on a bike after this morning's workout would have taken me a long time. :)
So, there are about 15-20 people that attend this class. Some have been coming for a long time, others began today like me. It's a nice group of people that are there because they love it. I talked to a couple of them and everyone seems to like the drills and John as an instructor/trainer.
Here was our day:
Cardio circuit-
Agility Ladder: kick knees up, both feet land inside of every rung, jog back to the beginning and do it again. We kept going until the group jogging finished two laps.
Jogging: circle two laps around the pool area, out to the street and back.
Jumping rope: same time frame as agility ladder
-Rest for 2 min.-
Squats: 3 sets of how ever many you can do in 2 min. rest 30 sec. between sets
Pushups: same as above
Crunches: same as above
-Rest for 2 min.-
Cardio circuit (repeat 2 x's)
Step ups on a bench with one leg, lift the knee of the other-10 each leg
Dips: 20
Bicycle crunches: 20
Sprint around the basket ball courts and back
Stretch

My body felt amazing afterwards and I asked on a scale of 1-10 1 being the eeasiest and 10 totally wasting you, what was today's workout? The girl who I'd say is in great shape said "a 6.5-7, but it's all what you make of it." That was great encouragement because I was really hoping she wouldn't say like a 4. My body is telling me a couple of hours later that it feels the work I did today and is going to show me as the day goes on. I love that feeling!!!

So, the funny part is that when I asked how many of them are signed up for 5 days/week they laughed! That was my uh oh moment. John said, "Kristen, you're signed up for 5 days/week?" and then crossed me like we were @ mass. So, blessed be my ever changing body and my heart that grows healthier every day!

Drink your water today and be blessed Blog world~

off to Sears and Target!

Bike riding, Yoga, food and Daily observations 6/14/10

2010-06-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

BIKE: So I rode my bike last night for about an hour looking for the “Fresh and Easy” grocery store that I thought I knew where it was. I was wrong. This is where handy old GPS used to come in. I rode right past it. WHOOPS! There weren’t people really out and about that I could ask either, so I just kept riding. My yoga instructor today was talking about being aware of why you are doing a pose and what you are stretching or doing. Sue, my mentor/therapist/life coach/ROCKSTAR says to pay attention to what is going on around you at all times and encourages my sight of different things often. Why I say all of this, is because as I was riding last night I was really paying attention to every movement of my body and what was going on with my muscles. My hamstrings and my calves.The way one moves and flexes as another muscle takes over and relaxes the others. The body is magnificent!
The other thing I was paying much attention to were the smells, and sights I captured with my senses. A dog started barking at me as I passed by his fence. Could he see me? Or smell me? Or was it just sound? An amazing little boxed vegetable and flower garden @ this elementary school where I wondered: are the kids in charge of helping keep this precious gift up? And what a blessing it was to me. I said hello to everyone I passed or good evening and smiled because I wanted them to feel the joy I was feeling with the wind in my hair and face. I spotted a cat watching some birds, or maybe it was a nest. ..but that cat was for sure lounging in the evening sunshine prowling the chirps up near the gutter on the roof.
And then I thought about the roses again. They are EVERYWHERE and I am going to be sad to see them go soon. Their beauty has romanced me here in a city where there is a lot of smog and cars. What makes them grow so well here? I thought on this topic for quite some time and I will be asking my mother to explain to me what she knows. She’s an amazing green thumb! And I really like knowing the why’s behind things, so I will ask her.
YOGA: attended my first Yoga class today @ noon. The instructors name is Michelle and she’s a substitute. She looks just like the Octa mom and Allanis Moresette mixed together. She was a wonderful instructor full of energy and laughter. I loved the way she taught and asked questions throughout the entire class.
I really like Yoga. I like that I feel better after I take a class, like my body is so loose, and yet fuller somehow. I like the breathing that is incorporated as well because I really am able to get centered when I concentrate on it. Meditation and focusing on my body, what it’s doing, how it’s feeling, where I ache, control of movements and postures and awareness. All great stuff! And strength building. Wow…I keep visualizing the day when I can stretch farther than my body allows now. Daily, it is a goal of mine. Flexibility is so super important!
FOOD: Like I said in my last blog…food, is tasting different to me. I wondered as I was walking home and thinking on this topic more, if it’s because I also haven’t smoked in over a month. I really quit back when I moved to Chicago, but have had a couple of lapses here and there until about a month ago when I said, no more even social smoking. Maybe with the amount of exercise I’m doing, the amount of water I am drinking, my taste buds are back!? I will have to do some research into this topic. I know that smoking dulls the senses of smell and taste, so I’m guessing that is part of this for sure, but either way…I LOVE IT!

DAILY OBSERVATIONS: Blog world, I have been thinking on this one certain topic. What does a daily routine do for you? “you” being the proverbial sense of the word here. For me, being a person of non structured behavior, having a routine sets me free. Especially my free time. I am able to do and be and spontaneously decide what I do with my free time when I have the rest of my affairs in order with a daily routine.
My daily routine these days looks something like this: (M/W/Fri)
5:15-6:00 get up, go out back and pick a lemon, juice the lemon, drink a glass of lemon water while I prepare breakfast, eat a small snack(smoothie) leave for BOOT CAMP
6:00-7:00 BOOT CAMP
7:15-7:20 Walk home
7:30-9:00 make and eat breakfast, have quiet time, reflection, mediation, ect.
9:00-11:30 Blog, read, journal
11:30-12:30 Make and eat lunch
12:30-2:30 clean a room in the house (unpack stuff), read some more, journal, write letters, paint, play guitar or piano, work on voice stuff,
2:30-4:00 lay out by the pool, do exercises in the pool
4:00-5:30 Bike to store(picking different routes daily), grocery shopping, bike home
5:30-6:30 Make and eat dinner
6:30-7:30 Plan the next day(food/what I need)
7:30-9:30 watch a movie, journal, read, play Wii Fit Sports
9:30-10:30 PM Yoga/or Swim
10:30 BED
The only thing that changes on Tues/Thurs is that I substitute Yoga @ 7:30 for Boot Camp in the AM and have BOOT CAMP in the PM. Wednesdays @9:30 AM I have Weight Watchers and Thursdays @ 9:00 I have therapy with Sue via Skype. Pretty amazing how little changes from day to day. But, honestly it helps me. On weekends my plan is to go somewhere like the beach, or the mountains, or a museum and getting some of the LA culture in. A different church each weekend at least for the next couple of weekends, and soon I will begin visiting friends and family in the area. The tough part about visiting, is eating correctly. I have only been back in Weight Watchers for a week, and let me tell you how hard it can be at times. I LOVE the realizations on how much I have been consuming or what food looks like in regards to health. I’ll explain it like this…
Portion sizes of places are WAY larger than what we need to consume. And going out to eat or eating at a friends home, you have no idea how an entrée is prepared. I am still such a beginner at the Weight Watchers deal, that I don’t know the tricks to making sure I get my points but don’t go over. Learning to gage portion sizes, and what not isn’t as easy as I remembered it to be. So I’m drawing a boundary and holding off until I’m better @ it. 
Currently reading: Self Talk Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild
AMAZING book about “What to say when you talk to yourself” It combines so much of what I’ve been learning about. Especially regarding taking captive thoughts and making them obedient to Christ, and relabeling the names we call ourselves. I am BLOWN AWAY by this and will for sure be Skyping some thoughts on this to Sue this week.
Currently watching: Howard the Duck
I used to watch this as a child and I seriously LOVE this movie with all of my heart!!!

Recently watched: Paul Blart Mall Cop and Talladega Nights
I thought this movie was very cute! I laughed hard at a couple parts and think that Kevin James is is absolutely adorable. I love his tough guy look that he attempts at the end. And Will Farrell is geniously hilarious!
Currently loving: Sweet Chili Sauce from Trader Joes and nectarine and banana smoothies
I have been using the sauce as salad dressing and as a marinade. It’s just delicious. High in sugar but you decide.

Nectarines are totally in season right now and they are delicious with a banana and some yogurt and ice in a smoothie. YUMMY! Go buy a couple, you won’t be let down!!!

Recently listened to: Andrew Phillips “Naked”and lots of Yoga music.

Incredibly gifted worship leader similar to Keith Green in my opinion.

New Age music is all so airy. Like a leaf floating down a river noises!!!

Donald Miller continues to make me think...

2010-06-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

He really is my favorite writer right now. And I will get his workbook or attend his seminar if it's at all possible. And lately, I am in the decided opinion that all things ARE really possible if you just figure it out. And find the people you need around you to help figure it out if you can't. And prayer...God answers prayers. He promises to give wisdom to those who seek it.

I am inspired to write about this blog question.

With my current adventure/journey/great story I'm writing I am encouraged to observe moment by moment "what habits are robbing my dreams?"

And because I desire deeply to be known...I'll share a couple. And please feel free to ask yourself the question as well and comment.

1). spending $ where it's not necessary
ie: not living on my budget
2). sleeping too much
3). eating junk: when I eat crap, I feel like crap.
4). drinking alcohol in extremes: I'm too young to feel the hangover so badly, but I'm down for at least a day after a couple nights of hard drinking=waste of my precious life
5). TV
6). Driving: I know this seems like a funny thought, but the habit of driving everywhere when you can walk so many places, ride on a bike, keeping the adventure alive as well as keeping your health in such a better place. If it's within 5 miles right now, I can ride my bike there. So, I've made a commitment to ride my bike to the grocery store all summer. Not go in my car unless I need to pick up bigger stuff that won't fit in my basket.
7). Allowing my thought life to overtake me. We are given the fruit of the spirit of self control and we are able to access it whenever we want. And we are told to take captive every thought and make sure it matches up to what we know is truth.

Being here, simplifying my life, is teaching me what is necessary. I know why I love Montana but I discover more and more reasons...and this is one of them. Not having a TV did not make my life horrible, ok so I had NO idea what was up with the lastest sports game, besides the CUBS, and I had no idea what show was amazing this past week.

I was talking to my friend Luke last night and told him that I may subscribe to the "conpiracy theory" of end of the world or end of America as we know it idea. What would happen to all of us who have become so dependent on our blackberries, i phones, computers, twitter, face book, microwaves, starbucks for our coffee, GPS, ect? Would we be lost. Completley lost without them? I know in my week and three days here so far I have noticed a huge dependecy I have developed on these tools. Tools like GPS and google maps to get me around an area, or help me get unlost. I joke about this but, ask my friend Nate or Justin. They both have been my personal GPS systems once or 20 times! But, what do you do when you don't have a cell phone? Grab a map. I have begun using maps again. And what if you were lost in the woods? I love that my friends Nick and Buck and being a volunteer fire fighter taught me how to use topo maps, and mapping skills. And how to make a compass out of simple things. Or use the sun for direction. I am not even a novice at it, but it's a skill I'd like to practice this summer in the hills/mountains of Southern California.
I'm going to climb the San Gaberials...because of one of my favorite singers: Juan Fernando Ortega. And I hope to take one weekend to go up to Yosemite National Park. Maybe someone will come visit me and we can go then. Any takers?!?!? I've never seen the HUGE redwoods and would like to.

so, I'm off to Yoga and a long swim and weight lifting.
Want to hear one of my favorite things about eating the way I have been? Everything tastes SO good!!! Avacados have so much flavor when you don't add anything to them. The flavors of food without salt and added craziness are incredible.
Another video coming soon.

DREAM BIG blog world...no cliche! The quotes that inspire, put them around you. Repeat them. Become a promoter of these things you believe and think and let it soak into you. Be a sponge with words that will help change your life. Because the one life we are given...today, the day that is new, is a gift. Use it wisely!!!

got a phone...got a video

2010-06-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's for real...there's really a phone that works at my dad's house now.
Currently sitting at Starbuck's people watching and figuring out where I'm going to go to church tomorrow.
Decided on: MOSAIC
they have a monthly "ladies lunch" tomorrow and I'm hoping to go to that. It seems more probable for me right now than the pool party, but we'll see. An old acquaintance by the name of Steve Sacone is on staff there and I e-mailed him as well as the leader of the women's ministry at the campus I'll be attending in Pasadena. I was hoping for gobs of people commenting on my question but I'll figure her out.
Sent off about 10 snail mail letters yesterday and can't wait to hear from my pen pals!
Rode for an hour today on my bike all over the area...including the grocery store! The one I rode has a cute basket on the front for handy purchases. It was a perfect California day....79 degrees. I would have taken my bike to the beach, but I had to wait for the phone guy a long part of the day. :( I think I will take it down there on Monday!
Each day is truly feels like an adventure lately. Everything from meeting new people, to the quest to become healthier daily to unpacking a house and figuring out where to go tomorrow. I think I do a pretty good job of viewing life this way, but I want to even more so! My girl Jessie posted this quote on her page and I'm stealing it for y'all!!! Ian Flemming, the genius who thought up James Bond said,
“Never say ‘no’ to adventures.
Always say ‘yes.’
Otherwise you will lead a very dull life.”

Took my measurements today and I'm here to say, that's a wake up call. A great one too, because I am feeling SO amazing and can't get sloppy at all. BOOT CAMP won't let me get sloppy. I know. Discipline and learning.

Hooked up the Blue Ray and Wii last night! It's weird watching Blue ray. Anyone know what I mean? So, while I was working with electronics and technology, I found my dads FLIP! AMAZING...so here is me...and the backyard. ENJOY!!! I did...
Watch here

joined the gym

2010-06-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I went over to Cal State Northridge and joined the gym! There is a great weight room, all sorts of fun machines like a SPINNING bike one, an olympic size pool and a boxing room! Met the trainer, George and can't wait to get started.

Did I tell you all that I'm already down 5 lbs.!!! Who knew moving and drinking H2O could be so helpful. They say in weight loss that weighing yourself more than once/week isn't helpful. Plus it's not so much about the scale, as how you feel. And for this " "Feeler" that works great! The scale will be a quantitative way to know and my outcome goal verses my performance goal. Outcome focusing on the end result where as performance focusing on a process or action. Today's performance goal is to swim 1/2 a mile and do my strength training weight workout @ the gym!!! Posting workouts next week when internet/computer is up and running!

Question for my readers?
If you are shopping for one person and don't want to waste food, is there a better way to shop. Buy what you need daily? Or weekly? Is one cheaper than another? Specifically fruits and veggies?

Almost done reading: Hush and Mayo Clinic Diet
Listening to: 105.1 country station here in LA
Color of body: light-medium tan!!! Because I can! Using waterproof 50 SPF because then sun is killer here, gotta protect that skin!

New thing I learned:
If you drink a glass of lemon water first thing after you wake up, it speeds up your metabolism. Haven't looked it up to see if it's face or fiction yet! Doing it anyways...gotta get my H2O in and it's super refreshing! Plus, we have a HUGE lemon tree outside of our home. Freshly squeezed lemonaide anyone?! SO fun and smells amazing!
Off to LAX to drop off Beth and Audrey. They are off to Montana, lucky ladies!!! I'm all alone for the next 13 days.
Thinking about going to a pool party with people from All Saints on Sunday perhaps. Butn I want to attend Saddleback on Sunday for church! I really want to see all of the churches I've heard so much about here in So Cal: Mosaic, Crystal Cathedral, ect. If you have others please send them my way!!!
I've been here now 1 week and truely feel like this is exactly what I needed. Thanks be to God, the one who wants our lives to be full and abundant!!!

addreSs

2010-06-08T22:27:00.001-07:00

Hi! Coming to you from my dads phone. It has been a little crazy around here with moving. 9352 Zelzah Ave northridge. cA 91325 new address!!!
Feel free to write whenever you want! It's like I'm at summer camp but not. Listening to Jacob dylan and david Grey. reading hush by Donna Jo napoli.
More soon...love to all!

first run in LA

2010-06-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

It's a must.
blogging about this.
Koke, my dad's dog and I went for an evening jog after dinner tonight.
As we making our way down the road, we came upon three ladies and a beautiful Rottweiler on an evening walk as well. The Rot got super excited to see Koke and bound towards us only to be pulled back by her owner. We parted ways and made our way to the other side of the road. As we went, their group was staying at the same pace as us and the Rot kept happily going up and down the curb all the while staring at Koke. One time, he missed and took a huge spill only to be categorized with the best of clutzes. All four of us women started laughing and stopped our jogs for a moment to laugh at the silly pup who kept his eyes on the prize. Just as we began to move on, I said..."you be careful now there bud." No sooner than the words had left my lips, he turns to stare at Koke again and runs SMACK dab into a street sign pole! That was it...the laughter rang for blocks! One of the ladies said, it's moments like this you wish you had video cameras following you all of the time. What a you tube video that would have made!

The irony in statement is one, I'm in California where people actually do have video crews following them around everywhere they go AND two, you all really would have loved watching it on Youtube!

If jogging comes this easy all summer, I may just sign up for a marathon. NOT!

preparing to go (written prior to leaving)

2010-06-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

I packed today, threw away a TV that reminded me how amazing it can feel to simplify ones life. So, I also rid myself of necessary clothing. Clothing, that without a doubt will not fit properly in 3 months.

To quote Luker:
"Upon further reflection I believe the discarding of the monster television was a symbol for our summers...thrilling risk(and it was!), quick and clean decision making, letting go, and community."

And to this I say AMEN! Bring on the boot camp, the learning how to eat appropriately because my way of doing so thus far is a little broken and all of the other exciting yet challenging adventures that await me!

What are my expectations/goals?

2010-06-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Megan asked me to write down what I was hoping to get from all of this and I find it a very important question. They say if you have no focus, no goal, then you are just going through the motions per say. So, my goal(s).

Goals need to be SMART
S=Specific: what do you really want? Visualize it. Post a picture, a piece of clothing, something that you can see everyday and be reminded what you want.
M=Measurable: this #/amount/whatever by this date. Positive reinforcement with daily affirmations.
I am ________ because I do ________ each day or each week.
A=Action Oriented or Agreed Upon: What steps are you taking to reach your goal and who knows about them?
R=Realistic: Are these goals achievable by approrpriate standards
T=Time: schedule activated. Are your steps in your planner? Have you set a time for each step? Is that time realistic
1). To lose 35-60 pounds by Sept. 15th for a better health and well being for Kristen
                 Weigh in's once/week @ Weight Watchers
                 Using points journal to record food/exercise/daily goals
                 swim daily
                 boot camp
                 walk/run to and from gym and weight watchers meeting
                 yoga and stretching
                 8 glasses of water/day

2). Get to a healthy BMI or be working towards a goal of one with trainer by Sept. 15th for a healthy heart and fit body.
                  Measurements with trainer BMI/etc. once/week: more specific once we take original stats

3). To be wearing a size 12 dress, jean, pant, top, etc. by Sept 15th
                  Measurements at Weight Watchers once/week
                  Hang bikini and jeans on wall in room to look for visualization.
                  Hang picture and sayings on mirror in bathroom.
                  Follow schedule, and check and re-check. What am I doing and why am I doing it?

4). Write in my blog once/day even if only a sentence.
             Spend 15 min.writing what I did today.
                 Training wise, how are you feeling, what crossed your mind today?

5). Plan and revisit days, daily in order to know where my focus is and goals are.
                 Take a half hour each day to look at tomorrow and go over today.
                 Set daily goals and review them at days end.

6). Read 6 books: one every other week to enhance brain activity, stimulate growth and escape!
                  Write on laptop what your reactions/notes were

7). Continue becoming a separate, self actualized and a fully grown up adult.
Spend a hour/week with Sue in therapy/life skills on skype
                  Do not be on FB for 90 days.

As the story unfolds...I am so super encouraged. Or is that sunburned? Mental note: use sunscreen
Currently reading: Mayo Clinic Diet and Safe People

LA

2010-06-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

WOW...here I am in the land of sun and movie stars and driving really fast on freeways. I was SUPER amazed yesterday as I drove 80 mph and people were still passing me on every side!

I began my journey about three weeks ago when my dad offered me a chance to take 3 months to accomplish some goals without a lot of distraction. I am choosing to quit my addiction to instant information by staying off of facebook and my crack berry all summer. I know this is a shocker to those of you who know me well...but it's all to have a direct and amazing focus.

My goals include weight loss, a triathlon as well as various others. I will be updating my life and progress on here often. Please feel free to leave comments and encouragement! Everyone loves a little props...

Til next time be filled with joy and peace.

Kristen