My Only Option is a Scooter...

...just woke up from a nap.  Its a rough site, but cheers to new levels of sanity...

Well, its mid-April and I have officially retired the winter coat.
I survived my first full winter in New York City.
Yes, there were moments when I couldn't feel my extremities.  And I may or may not have stuck the hair dryer under my shirt at work in efforts to avoid frostbite.  *Note: its not weird if it is problem-solving.  This rule has made for many questionable life choices,...I am fully aware of this fact.
But ah yes, here we are finally experiencing Spring and I am beyond excited.
Plans this weekend involve Central Park and some frolicking.
Can't wait.

I had a true New York experience the other day.
I almost died crossing 3rd Ave.
Its true,...you cannot assume that drivers see you, the red light, or apparently the cop sitting at the intersection.  Its 6am and I had the walk signal.  So there I was headphones in, just cranking along to some Janet Jackson, because its only natural to feel like a total badass while listening to What Have You Done For Me Lately, and one must feel this way before facing the next 12 hours of madness.
I was in the midst of my 1986 dream, when I noticed a jeep approaching to my left that was not slowing down.  I stop, and suddenly he slams on breaks and skids about 5ft in front of me into the intersection.
Surprisingly, I can't say that "my life flashed before my eyes" (probably because the highlights make me look like a heathen), it was more a thought of "holy crap you idiot, but ehh I'm too tired to get mad."  I made my way around the moron and towards the gym.
I considered wearing reflectors and a helmet after that, but quickly decided getting hit was the better option.
On a positive note, I'm here in one piece.

Speaking of, several coworkers recommended I bike to work to save time.  HA....Ok, for those of you who know me, this thought is absolutely laughable.  I literally have not been on a bike in over 15 years, and even then I should have received numerous DUIs on that Huffy.  Not for being under the influence of substances, but under the influence of horrible response time and questionable operation skills of anything involving wheels, brakes, and seat that felt like a torture device.
I have no business operating a bike in NYC...for the sake of everyone's health...mainly mine...

Ah yes, health...
Gym life is rocking on as usual.  Chris is really pushing me with this competition prep by keeping my lifting heavy, increasing cardio, and repairing my metabolism with a solid meal plan.
My strength has increased tremendously,...looking to max out in May on Deadlift at 255, bench 145, and squat 205.
Sprints are going great, but I am constantly amazed by how much time I have to spend rolling, stretching, and just realigning everything.  This 'ol machine operates a little differently at 31 than it did at 21 ;)
I say that like I need a cane and endless supply of asprin.
I might.

I'll leave you on more of a serious note with this question and a few thoughts...
Are YOU standing in your own way?
I thought about this quite a bit this week as a couple of clients emailed me with struggles.  Perhaps some of it was related to the inevitable realization that change is hard and takes time.  And no matter how much we remind ourselves of this fact, being patient and consistent in our daily lives to move forward and stay focused becomes a battle.  Why?  Because we battle the very essence of who we were, are, and desire to be. 
That's why the other part of the puzzle lies much deeper and often becomes an autonomous response to the world around us.
Look at your lifestyle.  What habits, things, people, and even continual self-talk holds you back from where you want to go and who you want to be?
Its not an easy question to answer because at the root of it is a perceived need.  A need we feel we have for these things/people.  Ironically, they stand in our way,...WE stand in our way because we refuse to let go.
The truth is, at some point you must let go because change is a choice and responsibility is our own.
You deserve to get out of your own way and experience your best self.  Once you fully believe that and long to genuinely live it out, you'll begin cultivating a path to success.
A path created by you,...and for you.

Make today great folks.

Fun in Dysfunction...

Warm, cold, sun, snow,...my body is so confused right now.  The calendar says Spring and yet I'm practically rocking a snuggie to work in the morning.
Its cold.
And as much as I enjoy suffocating in a scarf, warmer weather would be welcomed with open arms...
...in a tank top...preferably mesh.  Ok kidding, my redneck side is showing.  Dear God turn it off before I unknowingly spit in public.
 *Note: College roommates are not allowed to comment on this one.

Whew, what a crazy few weeks.
Since last post I've been working like crazy and managed to drag my beau to NC to meet the family.  Of course the day we were trying to leave was the same day mother nature decided to dump snow on NY, forcing us to leave the following day.  After being put on hold by Delta for more than 2 hours, I wanted at least a pat on the back for not making ridiculous threats or losing my religion over the phone.  Apparently those are no longer handed out.
I can't complain though, we got to the airport ready to go and found out we were upgraded to first class.  To be completely honest, this was my first experience in the tah-tah section, and I could almost hear my mom's voice "Be on your best behavior".  To this day I have yet to fully understand what that entails,...which explains a lot.  My "best" is questionable.
I will tell you this though, I was disturbed to find out that the package of peanuts is substantially larger and coffee is served in a real mug.  Game changer.  You mean to tell me that this whole time I've been sitting behind that polyester midget curtain, they've been making it rain with mixed nuts?
Unbelievable.
Throw in a few pecans and a back rub and you can reschedule my flight anytime.

We had a wonderful time with the fam, and I could not WAIT to see my nieces and nephew.  My brothers may be under the slight impression that I love their offspring more than them.  Ehhh....fair. ;)
It felt like a whirlwind trip, but great to get away from the city for a few days, hang out with the Parker crew, and show Chris just how much fun dysfunction can be...
Getting to hug mom was probably one of the best things about the weekend.  We cried some, laughed a lot, and just had a great time.
She is still in a cast from her foot surgery, but now wheeling around on a scooter the doctor prescribed.
Ummm yes, I definitely had to ride that thing.  And there is just something odd about being in a room and seeing your mom out of the corner of your eye whiz by on a scooter.  What a health hazard.
Fairy hair, a purple cast, and now a scooter,...I don't even know what to do with that...
Rock on mom, rock on.

We managed to get in a couple of workouts at ActivEdge, and yes, it did feel a little different walking into the gym for only the second time since I left in October.  It still feels comfortable, and I was glad Chris got to see where training all started for me.  That was special.  Plus, I got to see him throw around some weight.
Some leaders inspire mainly with their words, Chris inspires by DOING.  Man of action,...I like it.

Since then its been back to the grind.  Life is good.  Crazy, but good.  I have several new clients who are pumped about change and then curse me a little during the workout...its a good balance.  Big shout out to my gal Emily who continues to make strides and down 14 pounds.  Awesome.  And to Samantha who came to me struggling to do 1 push-up, and now cranks out sets of 12.
You go girl.
You push hard because life is hard.  Because you're worth it.  Because life was not meant to be watched from the sidelines.
Very exciting things going on with these folks. :)

Well, its about that time for yours truly.  After 9pm I get cranky and unreasonable....shocking, I know. 
Make tomorrow EXCEPTIONAL and get after it.