Weak Week

I am sorry to report to my blog followers that last week I fell off my healthy wagon. I let adversity get the best of me. I made a lot of things going on in my life negative and it controlled my decision making. I was weak, and I hate being weak.

Stimulus - 
1. Breakup
2. Work
3. Stress
4. Sick
5. Figuring out the future


Reaction - 
1. Ate processed carbs
2. Drank wine
3. Did not workout
4. Watched movies
5. Napped - lazy
6. Complained
7. Frustrated
8. Partied (I rarely party now.)
9. Sad songs....all day
10. Depended on my dog....yes, you read that correctly.

So, Sunday was the last of my moping. Monday was a surprisingly great day. I had a shoot with a breast cancer patient following her around and videoing what she has to go through on a weekly basis. This definitely put things in perspective. Being in a chemo room helped me think of the positives in my life that I take for granted.

My resolution fail. I should have known better to go grocery shopping after a breakup. Instead, I went to Sonic. Yeah I know, not Canes or Whataburger, but Sonic? Really? Cheesy tots work wonders. Being sick all weekend didn't help either. Chicken noodle soup is still a go-to sick fix. Any who, I went grocery shopping Monday, and now I am back on track. I know it is barely Friday, but I have not eaten processed carbs all week. I am getting into my routine again and working out. Good endorphins make me happy.

Breakup. I learned being in a relationships after four years of the single life, that I have some things I need to work on. I also learned that I shouldn't change myself like I was getting ready to do. I slowly started losing respect for myself and my independence. I learned what I needed in my life not what I wanted, I wanted a relationship so bad, it was not healthy. This wraps it up, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, make me feel important. Never forget this message when working with people," Mary Kay Ash said. It was not dramatic, and I respect him, we just wanted different things. There are no "juicy details" to discuss, if that is what you were looking for. I know it was strange that I was in a relationship for only three weeks, but we were headed in different directions. For once, I had a chance to handle this situation like a mature adult, and I am proud that both of us acted as such.


Work. I have been struggling to prove myself. I always feel like I am not good enough, instead of thinking I am good and can always get better. (That was the negative side talking.) I did not understand what all I needed to improve on. Don't get me wrong, my producing has drastically improved in a year's time, and I look at producing like it is an art form. I have been in this business for four years now, however, I have not been responsible for producing this kind of content/quality ever. I wanted to prove to myself and my boss that I am capable of meeting those expectations. Monday night I wrote down everything that I thought I was doing to the best of my ability, and next to that I wrote how I could do better.

Tuesday morning I came in to work on a mission, note my Facebook status, to become a stronger producer. I sat down at my editor and was there practically all day. Took a 30 minute lunch break, and went on one shoot, and sat back down at my editor. I fell in love with editing again. The moment I finished the package I had envisioned, I was ecstatic. The best work I had produced. Hands down. I can't wait for the source to watch her profile/feature.

Lesson Learned. There's no excuse to have a pity party, because I get stuck in a rut doing that. Getting mad at myself works out better than being pathetically sad. After last week, I was mad that I let the struggles get the best of me. I can preach on my blog all day long about my dedication, but I definitely waivered last week. I absolutely love what I do, and my job challenges me, which is a good thing. I am still very impatient. Making my health a priority should remain constant, even if I want to grab cookies n cream ice cream after a breakup. However, I know I need to leave room for slips, and not allow guilt to feel like a tidal wave. I am back on my health kick, proud of my work, feeling confident in myself, and ready to have 2014 be an epic year. BOOMSHAKALAKA! Happy Valentines Day! 

PS: This song I found is killer, check it out.
Do Ya Like Childish Gambino ft. Adele

My Resolution Journey

It has been three full weeks with not one processed carb eaten with the exception of lemons in my water, black beans for lunch and fruit in the morning, but that's it. Also, three full weeks without wine.

A couple things I've noticed

I am officially in ketosis, and it is AWESOME! Ketosis is a condition characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body, associated with abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus. It increases the body's ability to utilize fats for fuel, which gets very lazy on a high carbohydrate diet. The body switches from being a carbohydrate-burning organism into a fat-burning one. Pretty cool! I feel less hungry, and eat less. If any of you know me, you know I eat like a horse, so it is impressive I have shrunk my stomach in three weeks.

I love not drinking. I am not an alcoholic by any means, but I do enjoy a glass of wine at night. The cool thing is I am learning to "get turnt up" without any liquid courage. Also, I am dropping more weight without drinking any alcohol, and besides I am not suppose to drink while in ketosis. Our bodies treat alcohol like carbohydrates in that it is sent to the front of the line to be used as energy. While our body burns the calories from the alcohol, ketosis will be paused. So, it is pointless to drink while in ketosis, because it will ruin the process. Below is a chart if you're interested. It shows low carb, low calorie drinks to choose from. Side note: Coconut water is disgusting to me, but I found some that I actually like to keep me hydrated.

Drinking Alcohol on the Ketogenic Diet

My workouts have changed a little. I can not exert as much energy, because my body is finding other sources for energy, so I am pretty weak right now. I have to divide cardio and weight lifting four times a week when I use to combine cardio and weights at least five times a week. I use to sit in the sauna to get the salt and toxins out of my body. However, seeing that my body is losing water weight, it is not smart to sit in the sauna or I might pass out. I have gotten creative with workouts at home. I jump rope or do step ups for my cardio if I am not running around the block. The link below are some of the workouts I am doing in my living room, while I postpone renewing my REC membership, because that is a strong $150. As a former athlete, I can get creative with free weights. 

8 indoor workouts to get fit from home

I can not give you measurements on my progress yet, because I am weighing and measuring myself at the end of the month. But I can tell you I feel great, my stomach is flat, I am learning to get my energy from protein and natural sugars, my face is clear, my clothes are loose already, and I am saving money! According to my friends, I have lost weight in my face while losing my water weight....I don't see it, but you can decide.

I feel slim and not stuffed and bloated. I don't eat much sodium, because my body will hold water weight, but I have to drink tons of water to stay hydrated. It usually takes three weeks to develop a habit, and now this resolution is a lifestyle. It is not a chore or a task. I cook all the time, and save money grocery shopping every week for fresh produce. I don't crave carbs or wine as much as I use to, because my pallet is soaking in the flavors from fish, salad, eggs, fruit and hot tea like never before. Weird, I know. Side note: thanks to Kylie for getting me two tea cups from anthropology to use that I absolutely adore. Also, tea has great motivational sayings. 


If any of you are interested in joining me on this journey, here is a link with all the information. It is very simple - no carbs. It is not the adkins or paleo diet, because I am not doubling up on protein, and I'm not good at following specific diets. Also, this is like a scientific experiment not a diet, which makes this experience much more interesting. If I end up passing out from low blood sugar, I'll let you know. So far, it has been peachy.

Ketosis

New Music for 2014

I've been getting into some different music this year, and thought I would share. Here are some great beats for workout or just for working in the office. If you are like me, you like jamming in your office and every now and then break out in Proud Mary like Tina Turner....okay maybe that is just me. 

Anything by John Newman
Specifically Love Me Again, Cheating, Losing Sleep, Stay the Night, Out of my Head

Bastille - Things We lost in the Fire, Pompeii

Wilkinson - Afterglow

Klangkarussell - Sonnentanz

HAIM - The Wire, Forever

Aloe Blacc - The Man

Lorde - Team

The Neighbourhood - Alleyways

Panic at the Disco - Miss Jackson 
Johnny Lang - Not Right, Blew up the House
Haley Reinhart - Keep Coming Back

ZZ Ward - Put the Gun Down

Tedeschi Trucks Band - Do I Look Worried
Beyonce - Drunk in Love (can't get enough of that song)

DJ Snake & Lil John - Turn down for What (need I say more?)
Clinton Sparks - Stay with You Tonight
Songs to make your day: Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World, Billy Joel - It's Still Rock and Roll to Me & Tina Turner - Proud Mary (try to dance like her)

Enjoy. 

2014 - The Year of Taking Risks

This is an extended “to do”/resolution list. I have made several resolutions that have not stuck, and I am sure most of you have done the same. Nevertheless, I hope to finish this list by the end of 2014. I still have several things I plan on accomplishing, and I hope this motivates you as well!

Let’s start with simple 

Fix my front door

            Anyone that has visited my house for NFL Sundays knows my door likes to lock when it is not physically locked. You really have to use your shoulder to open my door. It is fun watching people, but now that I have two of my best friends living with me, I think they deserve a better front door.

Paint my laundry room

            I had work done on my plumbing in the laundry room, and said “Oh, I’ll paint it later,” that was four months ago. Unacceptable.

Switch out my dishwasher

            I have had a new dishwasher in my garage for two months....

Write friends and family 

            Handwritten letters are underrated.

More tea less coffee

            Coffee is just fine for you, until you put cream and sugar in it. I like coffee with my cream and sugar. However, espresso is an exception when taken like a shot. 

Travel more, Seattle and Napa Valley in particular

I love California and I need the West Coast back in my life, the East Coast gives me panic attacks.

Die my hair brown

            I have tried the ombre, but I am mentally prepared for the full brunette life. ha
Make new friends
            Trying to please people gets exhausting. I should be able to be honest and truthful to friends, not change myself to meet their needs. Friends appreciate you for who you are and are not. 

Only eat out twice a week 

            I like saving money. Do I practice what I preach? Nope, but I would like to change that.

More challenging resolutions

Live an organic life

            Find happiness in the little things. Make life simple, so being the naturally headstrong person I am, hopefully I can chill out.

No carbs for as long as I can

            I have now gone almost 72 hours without any carbs....I think my stomach is eating its own acid. The struggle. Sorry if that was graphic, but as a former athlete I love love love carbs and I am sick of feeling disgusting. There comes a time when you stop making excuses, and even though it is cliche, a new year is a clean slate. It's worst to stop trying.  

            This is part of my “get in shape” resolution that many people have. Instead of every year saying eat better, workout more, be more active, I am actually setting a goal – no carbs for as long as I can and no drinking for at least a month. Not a single glass of wine. 

Get LB Productions up and running

            I have most of the equipment already, and if any of you are interested in commercials for your company, or covering any of your events or interviewing family members, please let me know. By the way, I am selling my rebel EOS if anyone is interested. (shameless plug) I wish I had video of my grandparents talking about their life and experiences, before they passed, to share with my future children.

Here is the risk: start Bogle’s - Wine Bar

            By the end of 2014, I would like Bogle’s Wine Bar to be up and running. My sister and I will be partners, and we are hitting the ground running. We are very serious about this business. We can’t tell you all the specifics, because the particulars are just too awesome to share right now, but we look forward to bringing you the best of the best!

And lastly, keep these quotes in mind for motivation

            Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition. – Timothy Leary
            In no direction that we turn do we find ease or comfort. If we are honest and if we have the will to win we find only danger, hard work and iron resolution. - Wendell Willkie 

November's Playlist

Thank you so much for keeping up with my blog! I usually post about new music, because I can never get enough music. Here are some songs that I am currently obsessed with and great office/working/studying music. Let me know what ya'll think. 

Ed Sheeran - Give me Love

Ed Sheeran - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - I See Fire

Matthew Schuler - Hallelujah

Olly Murs - Dear Darlin

Ellie Goulding - Hanging on feat. Tinie Tempah

John Legend - Made to Love

Christina Aguilera - Best of Me

Lorde - Tennis Court

Wiz, Juicy J feat Miley Cyrus - 23

Emeli Sande - My Kind of Love (RedOne and Alex P Remix)

Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu - Q.U.E.E.N 

Hayden Panettier - Dreams (from Nashville soundtrack)

Julie Roberts - Good wine and bad decisions
The Weeknd - Devil May Cry
Eminem - Survival
Eminem feat Rihanna - Monster

I'm obsessed with Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding. Pretty much anything by them is great. I was not pumped about A Team or Lego House by Ed Sheeran, but these two songs make up for it. Anything the Voice contestants cover will be great. John Legend + Piano = superb songwriting. I am late to the party, but the album Lotus by Christina Aguilera is loaded with great songs. You know a song is legit when you see the football players getting in to it - 23. I found Emeli Sande about a year ago. She is one of my favorites. Check out the video, it has a good message.