Hey 2012!

Hi guys! I know it's been quite a few months since I've posted a blog....and for good reason.  My days in the nursing program have consisted of long days of school, long nights of studying, and lots and lots of crying.....that's right, crying.....like real tears, sobs, and snot...the works.  I'm surprised I'm still alive after my first semester and all the reports that I'm getting from students that are a semester ahead of me say it doesn't get much better....which is, to say the least "not good".

I took this past semester as a challenge similar to crossfit.  But instead of torturing my body, I was torturing my brain.  It's basically the same concept....go till you feel like puking........ and then go some more.

So long story short, I survived the brain workouts, and I'm signing up for 2 1/2 more years of it! OH YEA! BRING ON THE PAIN! :/

Fortunately for me, I was able to give my brain a rest for 3 weeks and switch the pain to the rest of my body, and went back to crossfit. YESS! Now that's what I call a real Christmas break.

Now, that is not to say that I kept a great diet during break as well.  No no, that is farther from the truth.  This break was also about the 'parties'......eat as much as you can for time....well not really but that's what I was doing.  So you can imagine how counter productive I was these 3 weeks.  the best of 2 worlds?? well no. but um yea.

To put it into prospective.....my first workout coming back to the gym was "Annie".....what is Annie you might ask? Well 'Annie' is not only a very crazy in-shape Asian woman who does crossfit, but also a Crossfit 'named' workout.  "Annie":

50-40-30-20-10 reps for time of:

Double unders (x3 singles)

Sit-ups 

I can't do double under's to save my life...so I did singles. So I had to times all the reps by 3....not so bad.  What killed me was the sit ups.  All the months of not working out was slapping me in my face during every sit up...my 'spare tire' was getting in my way, as well as the 'turkey neck' that I've accumulated during school.  Wow, I was thinking of everything I ate and was regretting it all.  

And, as you can imagine, after 4 months of ZERO working out.....I was sore for weeks! actually I'm still sore from that workout! My abs feel like an elephant decided to camp there for 3 weeks.  Every time I try to stretch them out by doing a 'cobra' I just anger the gigantic beast.  Not good....but oddly satisfying?? at least I know I got a great workout in.  

and If you wanna have a good time....'Fran' will take you there.  I did my first 'Fran' workout and thought that my life was now complete and I now know of every kind of torture there is out there. 

Anyway, this is the end of my break from school so I'm trying to get as much body torture in as I can until it is time to get back to reality and workout that brain again.  I have decided that 2012 is going to be a very exciting adventure!  Something to experience with openness and joy.  Holding nothing back and embracing whatever life has in store for me. 

I don't really believe in 'New Years Resolutions' so I didn't make one for myself.  I never stick to it anyway when I do make them.  The only thing I know is that my adventure is mainly school oriented but I really want to add some spice and still do some crossfit.  Hopefully I can talk my handy-dandy coaches to assign me some 'easy' workouts so I can still be consistent in going to the gym. 'hint hint'....

In closing I want to send out some LOVE to all my crossfit buddies who welcomed me back to the gym with tough love and encouraged me to work hard even though my body and mind wanted to call it a day.  It didn't matter that I was the last one to finish EVERY wod or complained about how tired I was, their encouragement helped me finish each wod and I am thankful and blessed to have their support! 

Hopefully Fate will be kind and I will be able to continue my journey with great workout partners...but if not it was great to be back and I am proud to be apart of such a great crossfit family! Love you guys!

Nursing School is trying to kill me...imagine that.

Ok Folks, I haven't been on here for a while because (and I think this is a serious comment) nursing school is trying to kill me.....or at least drive me to insanity.  Thankfully there are weekends with an hour to spare on Fridays and Saturdays so that I can blow off all the steam!

I honestly think this was the hardest week of my life. (well, as far as academics is concerned) I have at least 1 test every day this week.  Some of which is pass or fail and can cost me my slot in the program....so no pressure right!?! Emotions were running high and fragile these last couple days and I think I've cried at least 5 times inward and outwardly.  I have made it to wednesday and I think the worst is behind me at this point but Friday will be the big test of my knowledge and skill as it will be my "Clinical Skills Exam" that will dictate my future. (well maybe not that dramatically but still).

CrossFit has been a major help in stress relief as I've said before in my blogs.  I feel like I can stay calmer through the storms because of it.  I am super thankful that I am able to still go 1-2 days a week regardless of my hectic schedule and appreciate all the support I see there from my fellow gym members.  I am constantly getting encouragement from them and I hope they know how much that means.

I've also been on the hunt for nursing classmate CrossFit buddies.  I have been hounding some of my new friends to join me because I swear CrossFit prevents me from going "Hulk" gama-ray crazy! (I have a 4 year old boy so me and him obviously have been talking)

So I'll try to keep you updated on my progress and I will let you know if any of my nursing friends take the bait.  I think I got one to bite and hopefully she follows through.

Anyway, peace!

Saturday Sweat Fest!

 

Can anyone else see the massive bicep action "Miss Thang" got going on over there? Holy Shnikee!

 

Team #1 push the car with 2 girls in it.....

 

Team #2 do the same as Team #1.......um there's only supposed to have one pusher at a time....what is this I see?

Hey guys! So first week of nursing school done! WHOOHOOOOOO! I'll be honest for the entire week I thought they were eventually going to figure out that they have an imposter in their class room and finally tell me to get lost....but it didn't happen and I am there to stay! fweew! Not to say that I am in the clear because OMG to all the homework/activities/projects/community service/seminars/tests&quizes/...........pretty much all of the above and more.   I never thought it was possible to have that much things to do all at once.  And I thought my life was already stressful....well news flash Rik...it can always get worse. "sigh"....well there goes life. 

Anyway, you are also probably wondering why on earth after listing all these things that are on my "Must Do" list, why am I writing a mindless blog about crossfit and not doing homework or reading my chapters or all of the above?  Well actually it is exactly for that reason.....It is mindless! I get to be free and express my thoughts without worrying if my grammar is ok enough to turn into the very strict instructors that dog points for little things like that.  Also, at some point I have to kind of let loose....not to the point of TMI but enough to get some pressure off the chest.  CrossFit is actually a great way to burn off some steam. 

And I actually had a teacher teach on our 3rd day there about "Stress and Illness".....(o here we go, right?) Did you know (lol)......that stress can threat the stability of the body even or especially on a cellular level? Yup! By which stress can create so much instability in your cells that your immune response is suppressed.  I don't know about you but I can't afford to get sick! So good stress relief is actually found in working out....imagine that. :P Working out or exercise even releases Endorphins & Enkephalins which are Endogenous opioids that are produced in the nervous system and help relieve stress. So there, gotta relieve some stress peps, and Crossfit is a great place to do it!

So as you can see from the pictures posted above I was able to go to RFM this week.....and actually I got in 3 days of workout, thats not bad for being extremely busy.  But next month it might change so I won't get my hopes up to much.

Today was "Saturday Sweat Fest"....and yes I didn't even start the workout yet and I was sweating like a pig...(never really saw a pig sweat but whatever).  Of course Robert being the main coach for today we did various warm ups that just added to the already hot sweaty morning.  Some of the stuff we did hurt and burned and was so tiring that I was unsure if I was going to have energy for the actual work out. Craziness I know.  But I saw a t-shirt that says it all.

 

When you do crossfit you think "omg, I am so sore...I'm not going to workout for the whole week because I need to rest"...but then the next day your like, I "have" to get to the gym.  While I was at school I was jonzing for my gym time.....or "play time" as I have referred to it in a previous blog.  So I was soooo stoked when I was able to fit in some time to crossfit! gotta love it. 

Anyway, the workout was great, it was:

3 power cleans

6 push ups

9 air squats 

amrap or as much reps as possible....for 6mins

x3 or for three rounds. 

O yes you got a good sweat, burn, etc going on for sure.  But it didn't stop there, our "cashout" was Car pushing....hmmm....yup thats what I said.  Push a car....2 teams but only one person can push at a time....actually it looked super fun and I wanted to try but I kinda hurt my foot wearing high heels in gravel...(yea not recommended) so I have to take it easy for a while. 

anyway I had a great Saturday to top off my crazy stressful week and I am so happy I went today. :) 

Love you RFM! 

Peace!

This is Not Goodbye

 

This is now my Motto! lol

So as most of you know, I started the Nursing program at UH Maui College yesterday and am excited and scared and nervous and excited....well you get the idea.  I waited a long time for this opportunity and the day has finally come that I get to live out my dream.  WHOOOOOOHHOOOO! 

Unfortunately, as for my life at RFM crossfit.......I will have to put you on hold at least for September.  I thought maybe I could swing some WODs into my busy schedule but I found out last night that I am just to damn tired to read 40 pages of nursing skills and case studies after I use up all my energy getting through a WOD.  But fear not, I WILL BE BACK! I see this as a challenge....and I know I'll figure out something. ;) 

So anyway, to all my RFM CrossFit buddies out there, (in the words of Arnold) I'LL BE BACK! :)

Wish me luck! and I'll keep all of you updated on my school experience. :) 

PPPEEEEAAAACCCCEEEE!

"Welcome to The 'Flip' Side!" vs. "WTH?"

 

First Challenge.....200 pullups (while in a team of 4...so really its....50 pullups each)

 

2nd challenge: 300 push ups...This is my Team...of course we are the 'Flips'

 

3rd Challenge: 400 squats...This is the apposing Team...."WTH?"

 

Last Challenge: 200 meter 45lb sled drag

(Do you like my expression? It's saying to the camera..."THIS SUCKS ASS!")

 

Had to put this in here because that's the expression I want to have! (and the speed would of been nice) Lori you are WONDER WOMAN! <3 u!

 

My first "break" or when your calluses get ripped off. (thats what happens when you do 50 pullups without gloves...grrowl!jk about the "growl")

 

Notice the Rookies (the ones that look like shizzz..aka: me) and the professionals (the ones smiling..)

Anyhow, since a picture is worth a thousand words and I have 7...I can be done right?

*sigh* alright, I'll elaborate a bit.

Ok, so I was fortunate enough to be able to take the day off to prepare for tonights CELEBRATION! (just in case you didn't know....It's kaika's birthday party and also UFC 133...) so should be fun!

Since I was home today I figured I'd get in another workout for the week.  (Something I definitely need!) Today's workout was one of those special..."surprise" workouts...the ones that they purposely don't post because they know that if they did post it, nobody would come. 

I had my partner (Nalani) to go with me so we both committed to take whatever the coaches could dish out.  (I know...why right?) I didn't think it was going to be that bad today, but also secretly hoped it was going to knock me on my ass.  Those ones are usually the really good ones that give great results in the long run.  And OOOOH did I get knocked on my ass.....you want proof? well here you go. 

 

I know not a pretty sight but some what out of my control.

By the end I was so dead, I couldn't see,  I couldn't hear, and I couldn't feel my body...other than the blood pumping to my eyeballs.  I think what killed me the most was the push ups...which is so very sad because I really want to be good at them.  (but I know...keep at it and eventually it will come).  The pull ups messed with me too because on the last set of 10 I ripped open my hand and after that my brain kept trying to remind me that I'm injured but I was trying so hard not to think about it till after it was all over.  So anyway, it was hard to keep my head in the game.

During the 200 meter sled drag I hit a major wall.  My body was not cooperating with my brain.  My mind said keep going and my body said...yea right.  And what made things worse was...at the turn around point there is a fish warehouse....I don't know exactly what they do there but it smelt like rotting fish and my resolve of not throwing up was crumbling fast.  Even worse is, my legs wouldn't move so I had to rest right in the section that smelt the worse...It was TERRIBLE! As a last resort for finding the will to go on...I thought of Mary and her insistence that "yelling" or "screaming" helps you endure more pain for longer.  So shout I did......very loudly all the way to the end.  (and I must say...It did help a little)  If nothing else it was keeping my windpipe open while keeping my esophagus closed so that it was easier to fight the gag reflex. 

So in conclusion.......THAT WORKOUT WAS AWESOME!  It's not every day that you really push your body to the way way way crazy limit and realize that you actually can do it.  I had major muscle failure as I'm sure everyone was experiencing at some point during the workout but  I know that because I pushed myself that much...I will be able to go harder next time.  It's a great feeling to know you are working your body good. So yup loved it...would do it again. and that is that.

Anyhow, I need to cook for tonight so I'll talk to y'all later. Peace!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IKAIKA!

The man who got me into the gym....

I don't know about you but I have a great husband.  This is not to say that he doesn't make me question male intelligence at times and/or think men really do come from a different planet.

But even though this man can drive me up a wall and cause some serious headaches, I think I found a winner.  He may not be perfect.....in a sense that he has 'everything figured out', but he is perfect for me.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HUSBAND!

Today is his 28th Birthday!!! WHOOHOO! 

And in a few short days will be our 7th year Anniversary in marriage and 10th year Anniversary as a couple.  CHEEHEE!

Very exciting dates for sure! Kaika is getting old and we are getting old together. YAY! kidding...but not. 

So how to make this birthday a memorable one for him...........hmmm......o right, I could tell you embarrassing stories to poke fun at him....perfect.  So where shall I start?  

.......

I could start with the first time I met him and 3 girls stubbled out of his closet.....no no, to long a story. 

.......

or how he broke his collar bone a week before my prom......the nerve right!?! but nah....that one we'll leave untold. 

........

Oh a good ones is when we were playing drinking games and he mixed his drinks and started puking all night till morning.....but that ones kind of gross so we won't go there. 

........

O there was the time I was in labor....and he got 'food poisoning' and got more medical attention then me (don't mind me I'm just the one trying to push out a 9lb baby....go right ahead dr. see if my husband is 'feeling' ok, no rush)....ok ok thats no fair....i'm sure it was a long night....for him.

.......hmmmmm.....

Alright I don't really have much stories to make fun of him so I'll just tell you about what I've witnessed in him since he has joined RFM. 

To start, the people here are truly an extended family for him.  He is one of those gym members that goes to all the class times....yes even the 6am classes on occasions.  Making friends with all the people of RFM...what a guy!

He stays up until the WOD is posted the night before so that he can plan his day around gym time.  He has even bought gym equipment for home so that if for some ungodly reason he misses a WOD he can make it up at home.  So special yeah?

I have been trying for years to get him to take serious steps into a healthier lifestyle....and he finally committed to it when he found Derek and Bumper.  (The 2 healthy guys)  I could spout facts about form including scientific/medical backing but until he hears it from Bumper what I say doesn't mean a darn thing.  And everything I say about food and nutrition isn't true unless he talks to Derek.  There has been numerous times where he starts talking about what Robert (bumper) or Derek said....and I cut him off and say, "yea, pretty much what I told you last week...." and he starts making faces at me.  

Even his 'muscle up' that Frank, Lori, and Kehau helped him to accomplish has been huge in his overall confidence in the gym as well as in every day life. 

Anyway, he has made much progress in the short time here at RFM, thanks to the great members and owners of the gym.  You all have accomplished what I could not.  And not only has he done well for himself but have also been a huge help and inspiration for me to get my big ass in the gym and start taming some wild body parts of my own.  Thankfully, I am finally....yes finally, confident that he has found a permanent hobby that he will actually keep for a long time.  

So Thank You RFM, for being so special to the birthday guy! 

PS:  **ANNOUNCEMENT!*** we will celebrate properly with all of you RFMers soon.  Standby for party updates....(and don't worry Kehau, Mary, and Kristi, we won't celebrate without you!) 

Careful the native is getting restless.....

Attack of the "GRAMMA ARMS"!!!!

THE MONSTER ARMS! (and o my we have the same elbows too...)

Me and my mom have the same back....yikes.

The woman who started it all.....Grams!

Built in Wings....

Three generations of the monster arms...

So this is a follow up blog on the "monster drumstick arms"......this is where it all began.  The 2 older women in me and Randi's life.  They are the cause of all this humbug... lol, crap!!!  My Mom and my grams.  Those are the only 2 people that are still alive and have evidence of this generational curse....so I can make fun of them as much as I want.  

 Family time has been really wonderful this weekend visiting my Waianae ohana.  My mom recently moved to oahu to take care of my grandparents....which makes me the last person still on Maui...(excluding my wonderful cousin Nainoa and his parents).  I have always had lots of family around me all the time so these short trips are always bittersweet.  And with the recent move back of my sister to the islands from middle america I feel like a part of me has come back to complete me.  There is nothing like reuniting with your brother or sister after years of separation.  Having your siblings move away to the mainland for long stretches of time kinda make you feel like the only child sometimes.  It's a weird feeling for sure.  But I am soooo happy to have my sister back.  Maybe one day we can actually get her back to the right Island...RFM we shall pray for that. :) 

anyway, enough with the making fun of Randi....time to tie this into my crossfit life.  

I am happy to report that I have done........zero crossfit anything while on vacation. ha! just kidding I did demonstrate my progress on doing a pistol squat for my sister....but thats about it.  Kaika brought his 'Abmat' and jump rope so that he can still feel like he did something while here.  But not me.  All I did was eat, shop, sight see, eat, eat, eat........o my.  Good thing this trip ends today because I really need to stop this destructive cycle of gluttony.  

Although I did find me some PINK CONVERSE SHOES....I can't afford Oly shoes yet....and probably ever because In just a few weeks I am going to be jobless....so this pink find was a blessing.  Plus, because they were children size, it was only $24. O YEA! I'm ready now....bring on the SNATCH.....or not. ;)

Anyway, see all y'all tonight at the gym! I'm excited to be coming back.....if these pictures aren't motivation enough to get my ass to the gym I don't know what is.  Dips, pull ups, push ups, squats, lunges, and yes even Burpees....here I come!