My beautiful mama.
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Recapture…
October 19th, 2011 
mrs.b Coconut “tortillas” and a word (or two) on nutrition
October 17th, 2011 mrs.b I’m a trainer. I love to workout. I workout (mostly) for performance but I swear you would not find one person who doesn’t look in the mirror and check out the rips, or lack there of. Crossfitters are notorious for saying they don’t do it for the look…right.
People at my gym as a general rule are pretty hot. We mostly want to go faster, lift heavier and be better at everything- but the ripped bod does not hurt. Even married people want game. Trust me on this. My husband loves me- pregnant or otherwise and I know this, but I want him to think I am hot. For real. Not just “I made vows…of course you’re hot” hot. But actually something he wants to look at.
Jared doesn’t care if I can back squat a medium sized adult or run a sub 7 mile. He might ACT like he does but I know he’s just humoring me.
So, on to the food…
I’m going to be honest. I don’t really care about eating that much and I don’t really enjoy cooking. I asked my dad in 11th grade why we needed to eat…”it’s such a waste of time” I argued. I don’t believe I had broken 100# by then.
I still eat as a necessity, but things have happened. I like stuff that’s not good for me. Doritos. I buy bags of them because the bag looks cool . My kids aren’t eating them. As much as I would like to use them as an excuse. Nope. It’s me.
Ok back up…”things have happened” like I went through some change and “oh no, now I like unhealthy food, whatever shall I do?” You don’t think those mini donuts and Diet Dr. Pepper everyday for lunch in 10th grade had ANYTHING to do with my messed up head regarding food?
Funny thing, when you take birth control, have babies, hormones go wack a doodle and eat whatever you please- suddenly you are 30 with an extra flap of fatty flesh hanging over your jeans. Yeah. I know the words you are saying in your mind, or perhaps out loud.
Here is where being faster and stronger is not really an advantage…unless you are this guy…
Holy Mother…if you don’t believe there is a God that created this and it came right out of a random explosion… sorry, you’re an idiot. I know his wife believes and says thank you baby Jesus every day!
I want to eat right, I strive to eat right and I know I feel MUCH better when I make good decisions. But, I will admit, It’s about 80%. I’ve done the hardcore tuna and asparagus. I think I’m good. I have a couple(8) triscuits with my tuna. I eat beans on my burrito. But I TRY!! I’m getting stronger and faster, I look in the mirror and I’m happy. I feel good. That’s what it’s about, right?
Tonight I attempted a coconut flour tortilla. From this recipe.
I must say, it wasn’t awful, but it is not a ‘tortilla’. I live in Southern California where Mexican food is an art form. this was more of a crepe. I imagined it with yummy berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Can’t you?
I piled it up with steak, salsa, some cheese and sour cream and it passed – more as a tostada of sorts.
So, suffice it to say, as diet goes, I’m trying. I still have a glass of wine almost daily. I eat Doritos occasionally. I’m ok with my 80%…for now. who knows what will happen when January rolls in? Crossfit Games Sectionals are coming…I wonder if I could make the team? Dreams.
Who knows?
Until then, I’ll continue to do my best and I hope you will, too.
Mobility Magic
October 12th, 2011 mrs.b About 6 months in to my Crossfit “career” I hurt my back. We did some Snatch wod and I was certainly not very good at form in the early days. So, I cranked my back. I can’t remember who sent it to me but I got an email from someone with a link to San Francisco Crossfit with instructions to stretch my psoas. My WHAT? I had no idea I had a psoas and that it needed ANYthing.
But as a certified kool-aid drinking Crossfit addict, I obeyed without question. What happened? My back got better. No, really. It did. What I thought was my old lady back telling me to stop doing this crazy “snatch” crap, was actually my middle aged back telling me to stretch and pay attention to my joints, muscles and such since they were under some pretty high tension.
Since then, tight back = psoas stretch FIRST!
I had a shoulder issue about a year later, pain when I lowered weight. What did I do? Used a lacrosse ball to roll out my sticky, lumpy parts. Do I feel that shoulder when I workout? Occasionally, but a good roll out and some ice now and again really fixes it up.
I tore my calf muscle last March due to overworking it. What did I do? Massage, ice, lacrosse ball, rest from calf intensive movements. Back at it full bore 5 months later. Yes, that one took awhile but I didn’t do NOTHING, just nothing calf intensive (running, jumping/landing).
Doctors? No. Ibuprofen? No. Massage? Yes. Mobility? Yes. Fish Oil? Yes.
This is not to say that EVERY pain or “injury” is that simple, but I’m willing to bet, A LOT of them are. So, get to it. Take care of your body, sticky spots, muscle soreness before it turns into a bigger deal.
Magic? I think so. Check out the WCSC site for new mobility videos to help you out.
The Resiliance of Rayne
October 11th, 2011 mrs.b The last two weeks have flown by…for me, anyway.
Rayne came home on Thursday September 29th. Her mommy was a little nervous and wouldn’t you be, too? What a crazy two weeks they had!
The next day I was able to hang out with her a bit to give mom a much needed rest since little miss was having to readjust to living at home and wanting to party all night.
She slept a little while I was there. She has bounced back like a little champ. I’m so happy and relieved, aren’t you?
These two weeks have been super encouraging. Rayne has gained over a pound and is more alert and interested in her surroundings. The cardiologist is very please with her improvement but is going to keep tabs on her just to keep some things in check. It has been mentioned that she may need heart medication her whole life but I’m believing that it won’t be true and she will have complete healing.
Honestly, I don’t have much to say except that we are enjoying Rayne immensely and that is an understatement for her mom and dad. Thank you for your prayers and support of the family. They (and us, too) are deeply blessed by your outpouring of love.
One thing we know for sure about her; Rayne likes to party with the best of them.
Proof.
She slapped on this mustache all on her own.
My Dad
October 8th, 2011 mrs.b Miss him. Wish he could be here to see his grand kids and how amazing they are. He would be proud. I can’t find any pictures of him on my computer. Trust me when I say, he was a pretty crazy, cool cat.
The Beauty of It
October 3rd, 2011 mrs.b I’m posting from my phone! How cool am I? Yeah I’m on the late freight but at least I got here.
I’m at Lake Casitas on carpool duty again and it has gotten blustery. It makes me think of a woman standing somewhere in a midwestern field, her skirts blowing around her ankles as she quickly pulls the sheets from the clothesline, calling the children “a storm is blowin’ in, get on inside.”
This is what it looks like:
This is what last week looked like:
I’m so in love with these few hours I get to spend here. This place, two different days, displaying so much beauty.
I don’t know what next week will bring but I’m treasuring today and hopeful for tomorrow. Always.
Next post: Rayne’s Homecoming and Prognosis
Also, keep your eyes out for my store opening. Workout plans for purchase as well as a few other items.
Rayne Report 3.0
September 27th, 2011 mrs.b Hello! I’m glad to bring you the latest in our series of updates on Raynes recovery and return to normal. Well, as normal as she can expect to become in this family of nuts!
On September 24th (Saturday)
The doctors were trying to lower her blood pressure meds and wean her but her heart was still having none of it and kind of freaking out. So, they had to put her back on a medication called Nipride, a pretty serious high blood pressure medication.
Here she is after being released from her oxygen tubes sporting the lovely hat (turban?) that the ICU nurses gave her. Look at those eyes! I swear if she could talk she would be all “hey, let’s wrap this up and go home. M’kay?”
On September 26th (Monday)
Her pressure was much better and they began the weaning process from a drug called Milrinone another fairly strong vasodilator. (I sound smart, huh? Thanks Google!)
She also began tube feedings of breast milk and her heart seemed to be tolerating the stress well which also means her digestive system is doing ok!
Also on Monday Kristi’s family arrived and brought much needed support and relief. There is nothing like having your mom around in a crisis. I’m so glad they could come since Randy had to get back to work. Not to be petty but doctor bills on this won’t be cheap. But, we know God will provide-one way or another.
September 27 (Tuesday)
At last Rayne was allowed to try a bottle feeding and according to mom, she inhaled it! This is great news for so many reasons. We want to see her continue to eat this way and gain a bunch of weight, of course, but priority is that her heart and digestive system can handle it.
Things continue to look up for little Rayne, but keep praying. We still need to get her out of the ICU and then, eventually home to real life. This has been a roller coaster ride for sure…and not a fun one- the scary kind you wish you hadn’t sat down and you close your eyes and pray for it to be over quickly.
But, we will rejoice in the end and be grateful that all things Do work together for GOOD!
Looking for a Rayne-bow
September 24th, 2011 mrs.b Cheesy title I know, but I can’t resist!
I wanted to give you an up date on our beautiful Rayne. Rayne’s mommy and daddy asked me to stay the night with her on Thursday and I was blessed to do so. If I didn’t have to work the next day I would have stayed up all night just to stare at her and pray. (Actually with all the beeping and buzzing I probably ended up doing that last part anyway.) As I watched her, I was overwhelmed by the technology that kept her going and people who dedicate their lives to keep these little ones breathing and in our arms. I’m thankful for that.
She was holding steady after surgery. They kept her sedated and on a ventilator for the next 2 days to allow her time to begin healing and for her blood pressure to regulate. It fluctuated quite a bit.
God has been in control of this situation from the start and even though it seems so confusing that such a little one has to go through this, I know that ALL things work together for good. sometimes it’s hard to see in the midst of the pain and fear of the unkown, but that is where faith comes in.
Kristi (Rayne’s mommy) said that a team of trauma specialists had been called in for a trauma and arrived right before they brought Rayne to the ER. Had they not shown up when they did she may not have gotten the immediate care that she did.
Since her surgery they have found that in addition to or along with the tight aorta, she has some quite odd anomalies about her valves. They are like that of a sheep. Yes, baa baa. The doctors are using her case as part of a study. I had no idea that could even happen. Did you? I also found out that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect affecting 8 out of every 1,000 babies.
Normal Human Aorta
Sheep Aorta
Today they removed the ventilator and her parents got to hold her again. This is the first time since Tuesday night night that they have had her in their arms.
The next step in the process is to make sure she is ready to eat. The doctors have been evaluating her intestines and digestion, sucking reflex etc. because when her heart was failing, the organs were essentially dying. Our precious girl was really in dangerous territory. Thankfully her mother followed her instinct and knew that something was not right.
Looking towards Monday when she may be released from ICU. The clouds are parting and the sun is beginning to shine through. Exhale…
Pray for Rayne
September 21st, 2011 mrs.b One month and two days ago this lovely creature was born…my great-niece, Rayne Estelle.
This precious angel was a long time coming. Her daddy and mommy (my nephew and niece) went through countless tests, treatments and types of infertility probing. After 5 years, God chose to send her.
I had the distinct honor and privilege of being there when she made her debut and her official birthday. Something I will never forget and always cherish.
Last night Rayne became very ill and her parents took her to the ER where she was immediately intubated and hooked up to many machines. After many tests the doctors found a defect in her aorta causing her little heart to have to work overtime.
Rayne will have surgery today or tomorrow to repair this defect.
If you pray, please won’t you pray for Rayne and her mom and dad? We love them so.
It’s decision time! Plus- 3 New Workouts! (and scary before/after pictures)
September 16th, 2011 mrs.b Hey there!
As we move onward in our quest to find time to move more even when there seems to be no time, I want to touch on decision making.
Who decides if you have time? Is it your family, your job or you?
When I looked like this…
I was letting my life dictate what I looked and felt like. I made a decision. NO MORE! I spent a year following the Body For Life diet and even entered the contest. I didn’t win but it led me to my next decision. I decided to compete in a Figure Competition – like bodybuilding but more sparkly.
It was a tough road. I decided I needed to do my workouts before the kids were up for school. I would be at the gym door at 4:30am when they opened and home by 6 to get ready for work. I did added cardio in the afternoons. I was hungry and tired, but I had made a decision and I was NOT going to give in. Even when people scoffed at me and said I was crazy (which in hind sight, I was a little crazy) I kept going. It was MY goal and no one was going to sway me.
Then I got here….4 weeks away from my competition. I knew I had to look a certain way for the stage and it wasn’t something I could ever maintain, but I was happy to have made it to my goal. I walked that stage knowing I had finished. This is probably way more of my butt than any of you need to see. Ever.
I can’t say it was the most healthy road but it was a means to where I am now. I found the gym that I not only would workout at but the one that would eventually house my career and passion.
I decided to make it happen. I decided to become uncomfortable – during workouts, during training, avoiding unhealthy foods, working two jobs. I WANTED this and could not stop until I got it. My faith put the brakes on many times. I never wanted to do anything that would harm my husband and family or make them suffer in any way. They still come first, always.
Now, here I am to tell you a LOT of decisions went into me getting to this place I’m at now. A healthy, strong, and HAPPY place. It wasn’t one big decision, but it started with ONE and then ONE MORE and so on. You body doesn’t move itself. Your mind is powerful. So, change your mind. Change the way you think. Everyday might not be perfect or your best day ever, but it doesn’t matter. It only matters that you stay the course. When you go on a trip, if you make a wrong turn you don’t give up and go home. You go back and keep trying until you get there.
Here is where I am now. Getting stronger, faster, more flexible, more agile – and yes,
-
I’m 40
and still lot’s of fun to hang out with. 
Here are three workouts to keep you going toward your goal. Make a decision. Do it for today. And then tomorrow, do it again. Repeat for life.
Workout 1
For time
30 Singles- Jump Rope
30 Air Squats
30 Sit Ups
20 Singles- Jump Rope
20 Air Squats
20 Sit Ups
10 Singles- Jump Rope
10 Air Squats
10 Sit Ups
Workout 2
AMRAP in 3 Minutes
12 Lunges
10 Dumbbell Push Press
8 Pull Ups (Any Modification, if strict do only 4)
Rest 2 minutes
AMRAP in 3 Minutes
12 Box Jumps
10 Burpees
8 Dips
Rest 2 minutes
As Many Jump Ropes as Possible in 2 minutes
Workout 3 (This one is a little longer. Save 30 minutes for it)
Ladder (Keep working until you finish or hit 15 minutes and stop.)
12 Burpees
12 Sit Ups
10 Second Plank Hold
11 Burpees
11 Sit Ups
10 Second Plank Hold
10 Burpees
10 Sit Ups
10 Second Plank Hold
9 Burpees
9 Sit Ups
10 Second Plank Hold
etc…you get the idea.
All the way to 1.
