It's Been Awhile

Well this summer so far has been crazy ass busy it seems. Between working, working, and working, there has been a few evenings with friends (not nearly enough) and a couple rather challenging events that I have participated in. To keep it short and sweet I have found myself busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest! I would like to somehow drag out the 1 1/2 - 2 months of summer weather that we get. But every year it goes by in the blink of an eye and once again I find myself questioning the winter gloves and jackets already for sale at Costco. It almost made me sick to my stomach the other day. I am not going to lie:)

The Crossfit regionals that were held in Vancouver this year were amazing. With Reebok throwing money into the pot it has taken the sport to a new level it seems, and it is even more evident after watching the World Games in California. It has been awesome being able to grow with such a great community and see the drastic changes year to year as the interest in the sport is just exploding. The potential seems to be endless at the moment, and I think Reebok is smiling about getting on board. While I believe the majority of people are happy to see a large company take notice of this great "sport." A sport that encourages people to not just exist, but to try and live each day to its fullest, while throwing the attitude that " I am too old or out of shape" to the side, and just try.

In the middle of a deadlift, box jump WOD at regionals.  

Sure there is the elite side of it where the athletes are almost unbelievable. Completing tasks with astounding speed, grace, and strength while still cheering for, and coaching their fellow competitors on to victory. But at the end of the day it is still about being better for today, tomorrow, and further into the future. To prepare yourself for life. To take it head on, and enjoy every beautiful second that you are fortunate enough to live.

I think that is one of the major reasons that I have fallen in love with Crossfit. You have people at the extremely high/competitive end that open your eyes. Not so much to the fact that they are extremely fit individuals, but rather that it is possible to be better. That you can accomplish things that you may have thought were impossible. That fitness is not about looking better in the mirror or to others on the street, but is actually about FEELING and PERFORMING better in life. That as you age, you should NOT slow down and stop playing. That if you have never done something or that if you find something challenging, it should be something that you do on a more regular basis, and NOT avoid like the black plague. Because continually challenging yourself through out life is what living is all about. Being better and better, day after day, until your time comes. To NEVER QUIT, because no matter what anyone tells you.........YOU CAN!

My shoes framing Jenn during a WOD at regionals. Great competitor and even a better person and friend. 

The lessons learned through out each WOD seem to enrich your life and breath confidents into everything you do. Things are going to be hard..................they may hurt...............but I promise you  they are always possible:)

Don't Choke!

Well I am officially on vacation! Not that I need a vacation from my job, but it is going to give me a chance  to head to the home land for a visit with friends and family. Something that I have not done for 2 years now. A little too long probably.
We hosted the 6th and final WOD at the box on Saturday of the CF Open. It officially wrapped up last night. An amazing experience to be part of, and my hat is off to CF headquarters for putting together such a unique and memorable event. Now to get set up for the Regionals in Vancouver at the end of the month. It is going to be 3 days of ass kicking WODs with a boat load of great peeps. Two words ...............................WICKED AWESOME!
I am going down there with the intention of having a great time, and that is it. It will be the end of my games season this year, but I would be lying if I was not shooting for the top anyways. It is all about keeping it fun and staying healthy. At the end of the day my health is numero uno. Competition second. And that is how it should be. Although next year I have got my sights set a little higher and hopefully will have a date with the worlds.
It is a big arse goal, but broken apart properly, it is quite manageable. By not taking a huge ass bite, I will keep myself from choking. Little bites keep ya satisfied and moving forward continually, while always ensuring your getting closer to the big picture.
People have an easy time setting themselves great big goals, but usually do not do a good job of putting a plan together to reach them. Breaking it down so to speak. It is easy to get stuck like a deer in the headlights staring at the big picture and never really getting anywhere. Not to mention the progress can sometimes be very tedious and motivation tends to slip. Having a path to follow is key, as opposed to being out in the vast sea with no real way of telling what direction you may be going, or how fast you are travelling.
I am extremely fortunate to be a trainer at a great box where I see, and experience, a lot of these battles being fought on a regular basis. Although, on a smaller scale where the consequences do not seem as dire, the outcome and lessons learned from each one of these personal battles during WODs rolls right over into life. This is something that I whole heartedly believe.
You see, quite often people will look at the WOD and say I can't (a word you should never use or even think!) do 100 pull-ups/push-ups/etc. But........ I am sure you can do 1, 5, or 10. Why not focus on that goal and crush it? Then set a goal of another 1,5, or 10. While meeting each one of these smaller goals you fill yourself with positivity and belief, pissing in the face of self doubt. All the while getting closer to the big picture. Having your old think tank on the right side of the fence and truly believing that you are capable of the task at hand is 80% of the fight. Before you know it you'll have 100 reps of nastiness in the bag, and are moving forward, chest held high.
Every task in life is attainable. Just make sure to get a good map laid out in front of you first, rather than running off blind folded. Although by never quitting I am sure you will eventually find your way,  following a good map/path is a sure fire way to reach your destination.
So while feasting on this big steak(vege/tofu burger for you not so carnivorous types) I like to call life, take down small manageable bites. Chew the fuck out of them and then tear into the next satisfying bite, rather than choking while trying to jam the whole 16oz porter house in your yapper:)

You will find yourself continually satisfied with life while constantly improving yourself. Go take a bite!

Selflessness

Well here we are again in the snow. I can't do anything but laugh about it now. Watching the news and seeing all those poor people down in the southern states getting their ass's whipped by tornados, makes me almost delighted to see the snow and clouds. At least the snow does not re-park my truck for me on the neighbors roof, like some nut job valet driver! As much as I am ready for summer, I'll takes the snow any day over tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
A little while back I was saying I was reading about this fella by the name of Pat Tillman. Well I finished one of the two books written about him and am half way through the second. The first is written by Jon Krakauer  and the second, his mother. It is heart wrenching to read, but at the same time, I can barely put it down. I am so impressed by the type of person that Tillman was before being snatched from this world. I can't remember how I stumbled upon his story, but I can honestly say it is one of those life changing events that takes place in your life. Truly amazing how a person that no longer walks through the world can have such a large impact on my life. And I never even met the guy! If only each one of us could leave such an inspiring legacy hey?
Well we can. Don't forget that. Your life is yours to do with it as you see fit.
Among many things that his life has made me really evaluate in my own, is his selflessness. I mean really caring for people around him. Trying to make their lives better in any way he possibly could. From family and friends, to the cashier at the grocery store. Trying to make sure everyone that crossed his path felt that they were really appreciated for adding to his day. Ultimately, this led to his early departure from this world. His need to "do something" with life to help people around him, and not just himself.
Passing through life day to day I seem to be worried about my life for the most part. Which is good, in the context of self preservation..............but is it really all that I can do to improve the world around me, and the people that I continually share it with? A question that everyone should continually ask themselves. Obviously a certain amount of self respect is needed to make it in this world. But when exactly does that start to turn into selfishness? That question, is for each one of us to answer on our own I guess. Everyone's idea of what it is that they exactly need for life is different. But if you take a good hard look at what is important, you will find that it is very little, and believe it or not, you can not buy it.
I do my best to impact people's lives positively all the time, but am going to try a little harder. Good is good, but I do not think Pat Tillman would ever be satisfied with just good. And we should not be either.

Always take time to lend a hand. Whatever you are doing can wait:)

Remember, you can always do more. Be better. Never except your current situation as the final step in life. Continually search for self improvement. And share 110% of that with the people around you. Give more than you get. I think in a weird way that the more you give the more you get, and grow. There is just something about helping someone out, saying thank you to a server, having a deep meaningful conversation with someone, or just sharing some laughs over a couple pints with friends, that does more for you than anything you could ever buy. And that goes both ways. Everyone walks away better for it. Even the strangers!
Try to go through life a little less selfish and see what happens. I think that you will steadily become more and more wealthy. Maybe not with material things, but with what actually matters.

PS: Pick up "Boots On Ground By Dusk, My Tribute to Pat Tillman". If it does not change your life, check your pulse:-) I promise it will be one of the best investments of your life.

"Is beauty a pretty face, a nice smile, flowing hair, nice,skin? Not to me, it's not. To me beauty is living life to higher standards, stronger morals and ethics and believing in them, whether people tell you you're right or wrong. Beauty is not wasting a day. Beauty is noticing life's little intricacies and taking time out of your busy day to really enjoy those intricacies. Beauty is being real, being genuine, being pure with no facade - what you see is what you get. Beauty is expanding your mind, always seeking knowledge, not being content, always going after something and challenging yourself." - Jake Plummer talking about Pat Tillman during Pat's memorial service.

Me, myself, and I

I think the snow may just be on it's way out with any luck. I best knock on wood now, or I will wake up to another 3 feet of the lovely stuff tomorrow morning! I really do enjoy riding from our place to downtown for work. There is something about it that just puts a smile on my face. Not too mention the health benefits of riding a minimum of 240km a week. Should really help the legs for this long little jog I have planned for myself in late July. The CDR is just over 3 months out and I am already quite stoked! It is going to be a life altering experience I believe. I love trying things, when you have no clue what the outcome is going to be. I can prepare as best as I can, but there is plenty of unknown variables that will come into play that will test my mental toughness and physical capabilities. All I really know is that I am 20x more capable of things than my mind would have me believe. I believe in that................. but seem to always need to remind my body, and consciousness of it all the time.
That is what I wanted to rant on about today. My belief....................in me. I am not trying to attack anyones religious beliefs/views, so hopefully this does not offend. I think everyone has the right to believe in whatever it is that they like. That is one of the joys of life. The freedom to be whoever you would like, and to believe in whatever you would like.
On a daily basis I see people placing a lot of faith in many things that they believe to be worthy of their devotion. While this is all great, I think they are misplacing a great deal of their faith and belief. They forget about the most important person to believe in. Their self.
You may pray to your "god" every day and go to a certain place of worship regularly to pay your respects, but quite often forget to put some belief in yourself.
I see this all too often. "I can't do that." "I could never do that." "That will never happen.""I wish I could do that." Etc, etc., etc. Sometimes it is not even words, just body language or a simple lack of will to just try. They all are events/times that you are not believing in yourself.
Like I always say.................your capable of anything.
The minute those words cross your lips or run through your conscious/subconscious, you are setting yourself up for failure. This may be related to how you are approaching the task at hand, or the way you have, or are thinking of, setting your goals. But either way, you are not placing nearly enough faith/belief in yourself. Sure you will find support from your other beliefs, but if you can not help or believe in yourself......... you are in for a long fight.
There is always a way and you just need to truly believe in YOU while taking the steps to prove it.
I am not afraid to admit that I do not place much faith in anything but myself, the people in my life, and the world around me. I believe I was plopped down on this earth by two very loving parents, and have become who I am today by going through thousands of experiences in my 30 years of cruising. Taking lessons from every experience, constantly growing through each one.
I guess I am maybe what you might call slightly spiritual? I am not sure. I think that I am here on this planet to make it better, in whatever way I can. Maybe that is why I made the career choice that I did?
So this is how I try to live. Try to make a positive impact on peoples lives continually, and a positive impact on the world continually. And when it is all done.................. make sure I have been eating a healthy paleo diet so I make good fertilizer and worm food:) LOL! I actually want to be lit up for the record! But the ashes I am sure will be good for the earth in the end.

"Shorty" and I on the river during the summer. I could not have asked for  a better  person to spend life with. "Blessed" does not even scratch the surface on how lucky I am. 

Keep your chin up in all life's adventures and a smile on your face. The most rewarding things in life come through hard work. And never stop believing in yourself and the capabilities of the world around you to be great.

Closing and locking the back door.

Well just got home from work this morning after a B-E-A-utiful ride from downtown, aside from a few little kinks with the bicycle, and just jumped out of a warm shower. Great way to start the day. I have burnt over 1000 calories before most people have gotten out of the line up at Timmy's. So sad. Pretty excited about being able to ride back and forth to work again. Really do enjoy it. Just some good tunes and fresh air. Super sweet. Made the mistake of checking the weather a few minutes ago and to keep it short, I will not be riding into work tonight:( Or possibly next tour. Out of the 5 days in the long range forecast, 4 of them have got snow! Blah!
Anyways, my little topic today I am going to briefly yack about, is like the winter months around here. Tenacious.
Awhile ago I was suggesting that you remove the words "I can't" from your vocab, and hopefully you have given it a shot and seen the amazing results that just "trying" can provide. If not, what is your excuse. Like I am going to listen:-) Excuses are like assholes..............everyone seems to have one, and I usually do not want to hear it. It is what I am going to call leaving the back door open................so you have somewhere to tuck tale and run when things get a little hard. I do not want to hear why you are unable to do something. You "can" do it, your just giving yourself an excuse not to. Wasting your time, and mine, if you are trying to tell me about it.
I had a great chat last week with a gentlemen at the gym about how people can push themselves so hard in Crossfit WODs and life.
On a side note, that is something that I love about the box and couching/training there. Always engaging in these great conversations with people and learning so much about them, and myself, at the same time. Often I find myself sitting there for an hour or two just chatting with someone. Not even about training most of the time. Just stuff. Great stuff.
Back on track.......he was amazed at what some of the athletes in the open are capable of. Just turning off the pain and agony, and pushing through to the end. Holding back the feeling of nausea and the ever present tunnelling of their vision, as their bodies are fighting for every little bit of oxygenated blood their cardiovascular/respiratory systems are capable of providing. Focusing on the next movement and the next breath..........that is it. Never quitting.
We had quite a lengthy chat about this and many other things, and I have came to this conclusion. As small as these little personal battles are that we go through in the gym, while out for a run or ride, at work, and through everyday life, the need for us to press on and see it through to the end, at all costs, can not be over emphasized. Never let yourself give in and quit. Do not go running through the back door with your tale tucked.

You see if you start closing this door, locking the SOB, and throwing the f'in key away..............you remove quitting as an option or way out. It's just not there anymore. Kapeesh!
The only way to go is forward. The more you do this with all the small things in life, the better you will be when the shit hits the fan and your faced with crucial decisions in not so good times. The option to quit is gone, so you find a way to make it happen. Simple. If you do not have that back door locked with the small battles, I am willing to bet as soon as something substantial rears its ugly head, you will be gone out the back/easy way before you have had time to even think. Making a crucial error in a decision that could cost you something as important as your life. Sound a little severe................just think about it.
So build a solid mental base with all the little battles and challenges you face in your everyday life. Locking the back door and removing quitting as any sort of an option. You may get physically and mentally tired and sore, but do not quit. You will soon find yourself doing things that were once out of your reach..........or so you thought:-)
Apply this to anything and everything in life now, and prepare yourself for an amazing future.

The blue or the red pill?

Making a quick trip to Red Deer this weekend to visit some great friends. It is amazing how fast time goes by between visits, and how little I get to see them. I keep saying it, but we have to make it a bit more of a priority to get together. That busy "life" thing keeps getting in the way:) Do the best that we can do I guess and let the cards fall where they may.

After ripping home early on Saturday morning Uyen and I will be heading straight to the box to compete in (myself) and help out with the 3rd of the 6 Crossfit Open WODs. It is going to be a doozy! 5 minute AMRAP (as many reps/rounds as possible) of a 165 pound clean and jerk. Or in Crossfit terms, pretty much ground to over head with a front squat somewhere in the movement. Regardless of how I tackle it, it is going to be great. And by great I mean hard as fuck:-) Throwing around that weight is pretty hard for me, and is one of my fitness goals that I will be working hard at all year in prep for next years CF games. How does that saying go? What does not kill you,  makes you stronger.

That brings me to what I was thinking about lately. Pill poppin'.

Every place I seem to turn, wether it be a magazine, sign somewhere, gym advertisement, or even the radio.................... there is some goomba telling me that if I take this/these pills that all my worries will fade away and life will be perfect:-) I use goomba in place of a more nasty term that I would like to use. 

Was chatting with a buddy of mine the other day about this and we both came to the same conclusion. Get your diet, sleep, and exercise on track. I mean really dialled in, and then maybe look at additional supplements if something is still askew. I would be willing to bet that 99.9% of people could cure whatever is wrong with them by really getting on top of those three things. Although all the self proclaimed pharmacists in GNC, Popeyes, and wherever else you find yourself, where they trying to shove pills and other shit down your throat............ would love to convince you otherwise.

Although the human body is a wonderfully complex organism that is capable of amazing feats, I like to dumb it down a little. Like I do with everything else. And I think that I am right on the mark.

Keep in mind this is me chatting with me. Opinions on most topics usually do not come up against much resistance. But I do try to keep an open mind about everything..........how else do you grow?
First, my body needs food for energy to go about my daily adventures, and to help repair damage that is done while on I'm on these adventures. This food is much like drugs at the end of the day, as it affects different parts of my body in different ways. Put shitty drugs in, and expect shitty things to happen. I do not think you would sniff anthrax expecting it to get you high like cocaine would ya? Hopefully you are picking up what I am putting down here. Secondly, I need to rest up and give my body a chance to maintain and heal itself from my adventures. I mean really rest up. Not like 2 hours a night, but like a minimum of 8 good, solid hours of nappy nappin. "I don't have time." Make it. I am sure you do not want to commit suicide, but robbing yourself of this precious nappy time is taking years off your life. Slowly wacking yourself. (Thanks grandma J for the saying) Third, I must be a little active. Use my heart, lungs, muscles, arteries, veins, eyes, nose, brain..............body each day. We were not designed to sit at a computer or on a couch all day long. Those 2 long sticks protruding from just below my waist are legs. Believe it or not, they are designed to transport the rest of me around:-)
That is me simplifying things. For me and you. Get those three things in check and watch and feel the magic your body is capable of creating.

Pill pusher/poppers are being extremely reactive. Period. No question about it. They see a problem and treat the problem with something else. That quite often can create other problems down the road. In which case they will treat the new problem with  something else and so on. Always reacting to the signs and symptoms that are being exhibited by the most recent issue. 

Fat burning pills vs. steroids. Is there a difference? I think not.

Let us back up to the beginning of that whole train wreck of events that just occurred, and see what put it all in motion.

It is quite obvious that making a "knee jerk" reaction to a problem we may be having with are body, has created a whole host of other problems, while masking/temporarily delaying, the underlying issue and not actually fixing it. 

Classic Example: I am a big fatty fatso and want to lose some weight. There are pills for this. So I go hard on these pills while not changing anything else. WALLLLLLAAA! I am losing weight. It is falling off me. I think I should be on the Biggest Loser I am doing so great. I hit my goal weight and I am pumped. Off the pills I go because I reached my goal and am sick of lining some drug pusher's pockets. KAAAABOOOOOMMM! 2 weeks later, I am fattier than the fatty fatso that I initially was! WTF!

"BING!" Hopefully the light bulb just turned on:-)

Why not be proactive and prevent the issue/problem in the first place? Or take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation. 

I can guaran' damn' tee you that it is going to take longer and be harder than stuffing your chops with synthetic crap that manipulates your body for a particular short term outcome, but the long term benefits will FAR out weigh the short term satisfaction. No questions asked.

Like I mentioned before, YOUR body is an amazing creature. It is capable of doing anything that you ask of it..................... as long as you give it the proper tools to do so, and the chance to do it.

EAT RIGHT, SLEEP RIGHT, EXERCISE/TRAIN RIGHT, and you will live right. 

Winter Storm Warning!

Great time with the games WOD last night. Man I love cranking out those suckers! Just like a regular WOD, but a little juiced up. The fact that you are training with a bunch of other Crossfit peeps from around the globe just adds to the fun:)

Woke up this morning, after a good sleep, and checked the iphone forecast. Winter Storm Warning is flashing across the top of the screen. I shake the shit out of my head hoping that I am just not fully awake and am seeing things. Nope. No luck. There it is. SHEEEEOOOOOT! I think to myself. Serves me right for reaching for the old iphone as soon as I get up.
I have been trying this slightly different approach to my morning routine lately, and it has been working wonders. Getting up, having a big glass or water with my vitamins, and getting some fresh air (when it is not -40 below!) Following that I cook up a nice healthy breakfast and get ready for the day. After AT LEAST an hour or so, only then will I check the phone/computer. By that time I have got my day fully under way and usually have accomplished one or two things that I had planned for the day, before being sucked into the digital world that we all rely so heavily on these days. Sure checking emails for some is part of their work and is a must, but taking care of your basic needs should come first. And checking Little Johnny's Facebook status and things of the sort are not work related...................so don't lie to yourself:-) Wether you believe it or not, being properly fed, rested, and watered will make you 10 times more productive than being fully caffeinated and under nourished.
Back to the storm warning that started to ruin my day, before it even had a chance to start. Laying there feeling sorry for myself and this never ending winter that I have been forced to endure. Thinking how much I dislike the snow and all the cold weather that accompanies it. Then I had a thought. More like a good slap of reality up side the head. It could have said "Tsunami Warning", "Earth Quake Warning", "Hurricane Warning", or "Tornado Warning".
"Quit your bitching Johnson and get your f'ing arse out of bed and get to it! Snow is not bad at all. Stop being so self centred and have a good look at the real big picture dumb ass!" is what then went through my head. Just a little snip it of my conversation with myself.
This conversation is one that I will have quite regularly with myself regarding the "poor me attitude" that sometimes sneaks it's way in to my conscious. I have a pretty great life, I think, and sometimes I need to kick myself in the buttocks for a little reminder.

We had this little gal in for dinner quite awhile ago. She was SO young and was battling cancer.  Just think how lucky you are.

Anyhoo, those of you that live in Calgary and the surrounding area..............don't get your panties or manties in a bunch over the weather. "A" you have no control over it, and "B" it is not that bad. Not great, but it could be so much worse.
I encourage you to try this little morning routine that I have been experimenting with lately. You will be surprised how better your day goes. It is like trying to quit crack at first. Not checking the internet the minute the sleep has cleared your eyes, but once you start to do it everyday, you will reap the benefits. I am sure of it.


P.S. I know hate is a strong word.................but that F.M.L.(fuck my life) shit that I see and hear all over the place has no place in your vocabulary. I really do hate it. It is the most unproductive saying that I have ever heard, and think that it just beats people down. You apparently have a phone and computer to broadcast your displeasure about whatever seems to be bothering you, so things can not be too bad. STOP YOUR WHINING! Instead, try saying "I LOVE MY LIFE! This little set back is nothing I can't handle and I am going to come out the other side stronger and better for it. So there suckers!"

Inevitability

The weather has been wonderful the last few days. Finally getting a little warmer and spring is actually feeling like spring. Year after year, I find myself enjoying the summer months more and more. Not that there is nothing to do throughout the winter, but I just love the sun and the warmth that it brings. Not having to put on 10 layers and let the truck warm up for a good part of an hour is pretty sweet too. Although, if the weather man is right, we are getting another dump of the white stuff Saturday. Keeping my fingers crossed that he is way off on that prediction.
The second workout of the Crossfit Open(Quarter finals) was released Tuesday evening and I am tackling that tonight. They are having more than a few issues with the open site, but all in all it has been an awesome experience so far. As expected. Hard WODs with the entire globe. It is pretty neat to be part of a fitness competition that has over 20, 000 contestants. Even if you end up last, being a part of it is a pretty cool thing in my eyes. Really shows you what Crossfit is all about.
Browsing away on the net awhile back I came across this saying that I am getting stamped in the front of my left leg in the near future. It goes like this. Memento Mori. Latin for remember your mortality. It came with this sort of calendar of your life. Uyen is not much of a fan, but I think that it is fantastic. Gives you a good visual representation of where you are along the path of life. Like a journal of sorts. But rather than writing down everyday or two on how you are feeling and what has been going on, you just simply colour in a small box each week.
The impact of colouring in this small box every week is quite apparent when you really think about what it represents. You see, this "calendar of life" is broken into little boxes that represent 1 week, 7 days, or 168 hours (how ever you would like to think of it) of your life. Each time you fill in a box, it is done. Finished. Capeesh. You are left with the memories of that time, but you will never get it back.
Now I do not want to sound depressing or doomy gloomy. That is not my intention at all. But I think that once you accept the fact that life is not infinite, and that it does come to an end, the better you can appreciate what time you have today. Death is inevitable and life is truly a gift, not to be wasted.

I think that many people forget that you only have so many years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds on this wonderful earth. The key is to squeeze as much into this sacred time as humanly possible, and spend every second living how YOU want to live. With a smile on your face and warmth in your heart, while sharing it with as many people as you can. Try not to hold out for tomorrow or dwell on the past. Focus on today and the people that you get to share it with.
Live life being thankful for what you have and who you are. Take nothing for granted and tackle any obstacles that are placed in your path with reckless abandon.
-Memento Mori, Remember Your Mortality

Your Gifts.

After getting off work this morning I made the decision to stop by the gym on the way home for a WOD. Tired as usual after a night shift, but I know once I get home, eat, and piss around a little like I always do, it will be time to go back to work. No workout. This is not an option. Not too mention I am cooking dinner tonight for the guys and need to grab the grub, which will take up the majority of the afternoon. We are having these apple and onion stuffed chops that are off the widget on my blog. They look tasty! Going to try the meatza on days off:) Meat.................veggies...................more meat=HEAVENLY!
So I had an interview with a gentleman from the Calgary Herald awhile back and the article finally was run in paper a few days ago. Needless to say, I have picked up desert for the boys for our nights. Good ole celebrity tax. I am going to have to get a third job if my mug ends up in the paper anymore!  Pretty cool little article, but embarrassing at the same time. Take the good with the bad. Not that it is that bad anyway.
I want to make the world a better place for everyone and try to enrich people's lives in whatever way that I can. Not having millions of dollars to dole out, or a famous face to draw attention to certain subjects, I thought that the opportunity to do this story/article was a great chance to reach out to people. With any luck it will encourage a healthy and happy way of working through life. I was in no way doing it not for personal gratification. But rather, I did it in hopes of touching as many people as I can with my passion for living life to its fullest, and the importance good health is to your quality of life.
"What better way to get your point across, than slapping your face across the page of a major paper in your city?", I asked myself. Hey, if nothing else, at least I can get a good laugh at myself in the end:) Which has happened:-)
 Like I have said a million times before, your actions speak louder than any words that can come off your tongue, and leading by example is the only way to go about life. I try to keep this in mind each and everyday, in hopes that the people that I surround myself with my take note, and try something new. At the same time, keeping my eyes open for new and inspiring things for myself.
I guess what I am trying to say with this little blahdy blah blah, is that in this journey we call life, I believe that the biggest goal for anyone should be to positively effect as many peoples lives as you can along the way. Do take care of yourself, but do your best to encourage others to do the same. Friends, family, and even total strangers. Touch as many peoples lives as possible.
I am not in search of hero biscuits everyday, and for someone to blow smoke up my ass with a pile of thank-yous and such. I just strongly believe that using what I/you have been given to help others, in some capacity, is what life is all about. Don't be stingy.

It can be as simple as cheering someone on, encouraging them to try something new, or keeping a positive attitude, when everyone would understand if you did not.
Everybody has been GIVEN some gifts to give back to this world. The moment that everyone steps back, realizes this fact, and puts them to use............... the world will continually become a better place.

Be Contagious

Pretty quiet tour at work this time around. Usually when your driving the aerial you prepare for a bit of an ass kicking. Especially through the nights. But for whatever reason, it was not too bad this time around. I will take it:-) Don't get me wrong, I love being busy, but not doing 8-12 calls in a night is sometimes sort of nice. Reduces the first day off Zombie status I usually title myself with. Still may squeeze in a nap today if I can though! Rest is important:)
When I hear the word contagious, I think of some sort of sickness you contract from someone. Like the common cold, the flu, flesh eating disease, and so on. Maybe not the flesh eating disease, but you get the picture. These types of thoughts pop into my head 9 times out of 10, as I am sure they do with you as well.
Well I would like to shed some light on a more positive side of the word, in my eyes anyways.
I find myself always trying new types of training, diets, and other things that I think improve my life in some capacity, while making me a better person as a whole. Quite often, more than not, these little missions, (cause I like to think of myself as a super agent or perhaps a ninja! LOL!)

put me under the microscope and scrutiny of my peers. Not quite understanding the way my brain works, not that I have a good grasp on it either, the people that surround me on a daily basis often challenge me on what I am doing. I am not sure if it is because it is slightly out of the norm and off the beaten track, or just that it seams too hard or too much of a pain in the ass for them. Either way, I am met with questions and more than a few raised eye brows most of the time.
I like this "challenge" to be quite honest. When someone questions what you are doing it makes you actually step back and really evaluate your current actions and path. Perhaps seeing a missed placed step, or in contrary, confirming that what you are doing is right on. I think I find more encouragement when someone tells me not to do something, it will be too hard, take too much time, or that I can't do something. Once my mind is made up, I am sorry, but your just throwing fuel on my fire and solidifying that it can and will be done! Not only am I going to do it for myself, most importantly, but now.........also to show YOU that it is possible. So hop on the train or step aside, cause if you don't, you may get run over:-)
This way of travelling through life is contagious I think. You see a big resistance, so to speak, at first. But after awhile the questions start taking a bit of a different form. More like curiosity. You start to see the gears turning and the thoughts that perhaps they too could give whatever it is your doing a try. "Cause hey, if you can do it, and it seems to be working and your happy, then why the hell can't I?"
This happens with all sorts of good things. Whether it be keeping your nose to the grind stone and working hard, to something as simple as a smile. Not all things contagious are bad. A matter of a fact, there are a million times more good/positive contagious things than the bad. It comes down to what you focus on throughout  each and everyday, and how you carry yourself about. Keeping a positive attitude towards everything, the half full look at life, as apposed to the negative half empty perspective, is all it takes. You will find yourself smiling more and quite simply more happy with life. And that is what it's all about. When your happy, the hard work of continuous self improvement, and life in general, does not seem that bad at all.
So be contagious everyday. Then watch the world and people around you become infected:)

One of my fav shirts. Simple and to the point. No BS.

It Is Game Time!

Well the Crossfit Games 2011 season is officially under way. We held our first of 6 open WODs today at the gym and man was it AWESOME! Still have hair standing up on the back of my neck from 13:00 hrs. Think I forgot how fun it is to be in a room filled with a bunch of good people all volunteering to put ourselves through 10 minutes of "hell" for fun:) Tunes are cranking, sweat is flying, and you are surrounded by people wanting nothing more than for you to do one more rep, or just to keep moving! Fucking LOVE it!
This year is all about the fun rather than competition for me. I would be lying if I was not trying to be competitive, but know that the training that I was able to do over the past year is not quite equal to the task of making it to Cali this time around. Never the less, I will give it my all each and every second, of each and every WOD. In the end, it is about me beating the biggest challenger I will ever face. Myself. He is always stronger, fitter, and faster. Just how I will always strive to be. Never stopping to feel sorry for myself.
Next year on the other hand, I really do plan on making the Crossfit World Games. With the proper prep, I know I can do it. No ifs, ands, or buts. If I am willing to dig in and put in the work, it is mine for the taking:-)
Anyhow, check ths stuff out in some of your spare time. It is absolutely amazing. There is over 20,000 people competing from all around the world. Where else do you get the chance to workout with that many people? Simply magical. I leave you with a poem, sort of, that I came across last year while surfing OPT's blog. It is crazy good, and I will be reading it all year in prep for 2012:)
I know you...
I know you're bigger, faster and stronger than me.
I know your Fran time is lower, your 5k is quicker and your deadlift is heavier.
I know you have 1,000 views on YouTube.
I know you're a "WOD" warrior.

I know you, but you don't know me.

You don't know what's in my head, what's in my heart, what's in my soul.
You don't know that pain is my ally.
You don't know that sweat and blood are my training partners.
You don't know that I'm unbreakable.

I know you train in your temperature controlled gym with the tough sounding name while I'm training in garage exposed to the elements. In the heat and in the cold, in the humidity, rain and snow, I'm forging mental toughness. I'm tempering my resolve. I'm fueling my passion. I'm getting ready for the day that we meet.

I know your 1,000 YouTube views won't mean shit in front of 1,000 spectators. I know when the heat goes up I go big and you go home.

I know you don't know me...but you will. - Dave X

The car door.

Been quite busy the last few days. Very actually. Uyen was out of town at a dental conference and I found myself running around a little more than the usu (short for usual!). Not too sure why that surprises me? When someone that does half, okay more like 70%-30%, of the chores is gone, I have to do more. Weird! lol! Needless to say I missed her tons. Kind of strange not having her in bed with me.(Get your head out of the gutter, this is not going to turn into some sort of soft porn romance novel/story. You know the kind with a half dressed dude on the front caressing some lady:-)
Truthfully I can not imagine being without her. I would be lost to say the least.
Was out for dinner with a bunch from the box a week or two ago. Went to this Open Sesame restaurant in town and stuffed the guts full and then some. REALLY TASTY! You can even get away with eating nice and healthy there. Anyways, it was T Huggins, "too tall's" day of birthing and we were out to celebrate it caveman/woman style. No booze, just a lot of meat,  vege...............and of course a friendly game or two of laser tag to finish the evening off. Too fun!
After leaving the restaurant, almost crawling due to the quantity of food trying to digest in our stomaches, we were heading to the laser tag joint and I witnessed something that made me proud, and somewhat guilty, all at the same time.
My buddy Dano the mano Dr. bringin' the pain Rogers(haha) was strutting (cause that is what he does! Not in a bad way, he just has this Dan strut, swagger if you will. Or at least that is what I call it) over to his ride with his lovely lady, when I noticed him hurry over and open the door for her.
It made me smile right through.
It is something that, here is the guilty part, I do not ever do. I hold the door at mall entrances, restaurants, and just about everywhere else  for the Mrs. and total strangers, but never the car.
This attention to detail blew me away, while at the same time solidified, one more time, what a good person Rogers is. No ass kissing, this is the first date, I am trying to get into your pants move. It is just what he does. He mans up.
This is not a brag Dano up marathon, but rather was an eye opener to me, to man up. Take care of your lady and pay attention to the little details.
When you have someone you love, those little things can not be forgotten. Especially after many years, that is the good stuff. Finding pleasure in still pulling out her chair, carrying her purse/bags, putting her coat on, holding an umbrella or your jacket over her head in the rain, cooking her a nice dinner, and opening the car door for her. All those little things are part of manning up and being the man your gal deserves.
The woman in my life does an endless amount of things for me. She would do anything to put a smile on my face, and does.
Although I would give my last breath to ensure her safety and happiness, apparently somewhere along the way, I have forgotten a few of these small little details, like holding the car door for her after dinner. Boo for me.
Good news! I am not worm food yet and will be paying closer attention to those details:) Manning up as I call it. Being a better man for the lady that I will die loving.
You owe it to the person you love to pay attention, not only, to the large things in life/relationship, but ALL the little details as well. At the end of the day, the big things tend to iron themselves out, and paying attention to the details is what makes that happen.
True love is in the details. Even things like holding a car door.

Thanks DR for reminding me what it is to be a true gentleman. Guys.............take note.

Preparing

Couple of goods days training lately, and a little PT. I find it quite rewarding to help people start to move correctly. Although I tend to use a story to explain the smallest of things, it is great to see someone getting what I am trying to say. It is a constant learning curve that continually keeps going up. Never will know everything, but that is half the fun of it.
I was reading this article the other day about "luck", or being "lucky." I have also been told that I am lucky that I can do this or that, or lucky that I have my job and other things in my life. The fact of the matter is, it has got nothing to do with "luck."
Winning the lottery, a house, vehicle and such is lucky. How your life pans out in front of you, and usually what happens from day to day is a direct result of your own actions and how you have prepared for things.
If there is something that I would like to accomplish, I figure out the steps required to make this goal a reality, and get cracking on it. Not letting up. The more I work, the faster these goals materialize. Quite simple.
People see the end result of some of these goals and do not think about the work and preparation that was put in prior. They just say, "your lucky." Like hell I am lucky. Do you see a horse shoe hanging out of my ass? I worked my butt off for that.
"You're lucky you have such a good job that allows you to do that." It is not luck at all. I decided that I wanted to be a fire fighter a long time ago and spent a number of years working towards that goal. "Your lucky you can run." Again, no luck there. I prepare for running by running and working at it. People work for things that they are good at, or the lives they live. Never take away from them the time and preparation that they have put in, to achieve their current state.
By passing it off as luck, your lying to yourself and making, whatever it is that you are talking about, almost unattainable. If your not "lucky" you could not do/have it. "LIKE HELL!" I say.
Recognize and respect the work that has been put in, and cowboy up if it is important to you. Like I always say, you can do anything you dream. Just get your mind wrapped around it. No luck needed. Just some time and preparation. Although many goals may take years to accomplish, as long as you keep a positive attitude and keep working at them, they will become reality.

Going through "Fran" with full gear on air. Gloves, boots, radio, flashlight, you name it. Crazy to some, PREPARING for the worst, to me.

"The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to prepare to win. Preparing to win is where the determination that you will win, is made. Once the game or test or project is underway, it is too late to prepare to win. The actual game, test or project is just the end of a long process of getting ready, in which the outcome was really determined. So if you want to win, you must want to prepare to win. Once you prepare to win, winning is almost anti climatic."
-- Edward W. Smith

Stick To Your Guns

"I thought it was suppose to chinook this AM?" -23 is not a chinook in my books. Brrrrrr. Can not wait until I can get up and go for a jog in my shorts:) Soon enough I guess. It is like waiting for a kettle to boil. If you are watching it, it takes 100 times longer! Wonder why that is?
I had mentioned a few days ago that the movie/documentary on Pat Tillman is a must watch. It is, and the book "Where Men Win Glory" is a must read! If you do not like reading, get the audio book if you can get your hands on it, or find someone to read it to you. You will not regret a second of it.
I am not quite done reading it, but have had my eyes opened/reminded just how important it is to stick to your guns. Live by your rules and what is important to YOU.
In everyday life our values and morals are challenged and leaned up against by society and the world around us. Not necessarily trying to break us, but to see just how easily we can be pushed off of what matters the most to us. Sometimes not even knowing it, our actions or decisions can be in direct conflict with what we hold dear. All of the sudden our actions have planted us on the other side of the fence, staring back at what we stand or want to stand for.
This is where many of us, including myself, need to gather our strength and admit, sometimes only to ourselves, that a mistake was made...........and rectify it immediately. The hardest part. Admitting you were wrong and showing the fortitude to fix the problem, no matter the cost.(pissing someone or people off, embarrassment to yourself or others, loss of money or things, etc.)
Being a little more proactive to this whole situation and to avoid crossing the line in the first place, is of course a better option all together. Think how your choices and actions are going to effect those around you. How they are going to reflect on you and how you want to live.
Things as simple as laughing at someone's expense rather than lending a hand. Stranger or not. Opting to take the easy way out, because it is easier, when the hard way would be acting true to yourself and your beliefs. Trying to change peoples point of view, of you, by sacrificing your life for stuff/things.
That last one sounds absurd I know, but I see that more often these days than not. Sad I know. Let me explain.
I decided quite some time ago that to enjoy life, I needed a career that I loved to go to everyday. It was not so much a job, but somewhere that I needed to be at certain times of the day,  certain times of the week and so on. A career I was happy at, and glad to go to every time I was scheduled to be there. Secondly, I needed "me" time incorporated into it. Time to spend with Uyen and Ginny, the family, friends, and just myself. In general, time to actually live. Third on the list was getting/having a sense of self fulfilment from it and the ability to continually learn and challenge myself. (I find my main fulfilment comes from helping others. I believe we are all here to help one another in some capacity.) Lastly, I needed enough of a wage to live "comfortably" and have a family one day. Simple.

Working over a fire prop at school call the "Widow Maker." Summer 2006

So in short,  4 years ago I took a little over a 75% pay cut, went to school for my career, and got a job with the Calgary Fire Department.
You will notice if you go back, money comes into the frame last rather than first. I see many people embarking on their path of life with the "how much money will/can I make attitude" spear heading their search for self fulfilment. If you take a step back I would bet that having enough money to wipe your arse with, would be nice, but is not on the top of your list of what is important to you. And if it is, perhaps you should re-evaluate what you are, or are, trying to be all about.
You see people sacrifice what is actually important to themselves by losing sight of who they really are and what they are all about. "I need this, that, and the other thing.""I want so and so to notice me.""The Jone's have this, so I have got to get that." Wether that be a newer car,larger house, bigger truck/trailer, fancier clothes, going out for dinner every other night, getting some promotion at work, that requires you to do things you may not normally do, to get it, etc. You are truly pimping yourself out for shit. To put it plainly.
Take a moment and look deep down into your soul to see what makes your heart beat faster. What gives you that euphoric feeling and excitement when you just think about it. The stuff that pulls at your heart strings and can bring a tear to your eye by the simple presents of it in your conscious....................
That is what matters. Always let that weigh in on all decisions.
Stick to your guns and you will never find yourself standing on the other side of the fence having to apologize for something that should never of happened. Not to mention you can not always take things back. This is life.........you get one chance at it........live it as right as you can, for there is no rewind button. Be true to yourself, always, and what you are all about and that "perfect" life will always be there waiting for you.

Live life by your rules. Stick to your guns at all costs.

Wellness

Went through my annual physical today for work, and all things are a go for launch! I am pretty lucky that I landed a career here in Calgary. There are many things that people find to whine about in regards to our department, but all in all, it is pretty damn good. Among such things, we have a Wellness Centre that is nothing short of fantastic.
Each year all the guys/gals get put through a pretty thorough physical exam that tests everything from our aerobic capacity and how the ticker is tocking, to how thy nuts are hanging:-) And everything in between. A lot of the exam and tests are something that you would see in your general annual exam, but they also look and test for certain problems that arise specifically from our job. So I feel pretty fortunate to be involved with one of the few departments in north america that have such a program.
It is not only a great way to ensure that I am healthy and happy from head to toe, but also helps me judge how my training and diet is affecting my body. I feel that I am quite in tune as to how I am feeling and what works for me, but it is always nice to see some medical data backing up my thoughts. Ensures that I am on the right track.
Did not get to run a full VO2 today, as the cardiologist that looks over our ECGs for diving wanted them done a little differently this year. So that was kind of a bummer, but they are going to get me in again later in the year to see how that is. Always fun running till ya yack!
Got into a good chat with the Doc today and we were discussing the difference between a lot of the people he sees in his line of work. I always strive for being in the best shape that I can. Sometimes wavering from my goal, but always coming back on track. I always seem to go for broke with the majority of things that I do. All or nothing it seems. Just the way I am. But this conversation that I had today made me think a little. Just be well. You don't necessarily have to be nuts about it. Eat healthy and be active. Period. It is not really my mentality, but is some of the best advice ever. You do not have to go crazy and run 100 miles a week and do 1000 pushups every night before bed. Just watch what you munch on and how much ass time you are grabbing. (Not ass that your grabbing!lol!)
The easier you make it for yourself, the more likely you will ensure that you keep it up for the rest of your life. I find that people try to take on too much of a change sometimes and it results in them not quite keeping up with their end of the bargain.
When you decide to make a change, especially one regarding health improvement, do it for life.  Make your changes something that you can live with, day in, day out. Lifestyle changes as apposed to short term fixes.
Small steps that you can continue with until you develop enough momentum to start running. Then there is no stopping ya!

Give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach him to fish..............

I am probably one of the fortunate ones that enjoys to cook. Lucky one may say. I find many people do not see the satisfaction of preparing a great meal to stuff into their gullet. Not too sure if that is something they inherit from their parents, or just a straight up dislike for the kitchen and what enjoyment, and health benefits, it can bring to your life. Or perhaps, god forbid, that old friend....................laziness.
"I do not like cooking for only me.""I never have time.""I do not know how."
Let me get a few things straight........  first,  if you do not eat, you die. So if you can not eat without company, you may have some problems, and I am not too sure how you made it this far:-) Secondly, you have to make time. Not literally, but sort of. Make time for your priorities. Good grub should be. And last but not least, learn. There is a gizzallion (that means a lot) videos, recipes, tutorials, blogs, books, apps, and whatever way else you can think of for learning how to cook. Hell, you could even go take a couple classes. Don't be scared:) It is quite amazing how fun it is when you start to get the hang of it, and can whip up a little more than good old KDT (Kraft Dinner and Tuna)! Although that is pretty delicious.
Not too sure where I got my love for the kitchen, but my mom always told me I was asking questions about how to cook since I was a little gaffer. She once told me the bay leave flew right in the window and landed in the pot! I have since figured that one out. Probably have to give most the credit that ta way for the lessons when I was young. Thanks mom.
Nowadays it is definitely my attention to my nutritional needs, as well as my curiosity, that drives my passion to always try something new in the kitchen. Sometimes you win..........sometimes you lose, but like anything else in life, learning continuously. Never gonna stop. Life lessons never tasted so good. (or not so good.lol)
As with most things, learn to walk before you run. Don't take on a 7 course meal for 10 guest and expect that it is going to come out like something off Iron Chef. (not that you would..........or hats off to you if you are that ambitious) Find a recipe out of a fitness mag or reader's digest that you think sounds delicious and give it a go. What's the worst that is going to happen? You may just surprise yourself.
Go at it with lots of enthusiasm and a positive attitude and before you know it, you will find yourself enjoying cooking/baking and all the tasty creations you have come up with. Best of all you know exactly what goes into it, and it more than likely cost a fifth of the price of having it served to ya. Not to mention you may just have some leftovers for lunch! Imagine that. We are starting to save time and money. Who would have thought:-)

Be original and let your ideas fly! Above all have fun with it G. Ramsey.......... and don't pass out at 3 am Saturday night/Sunday morning with the Deliciseo (?) pizza in the oven. We make fun of that almost every weekend and it will ruin your oven:)

Whipping up some paleo icing for Uyener's B Day Carrot Cake. (also Paleo)

Happy and healthy cookin' and feedin'!

Why I Crossfit

Well, feeling better just in time for "Elizabeth"(Crossfit WOD consisting of 21-15-9 reps of 135# Cleans and rings dips) to pick me up, give me a couple good swats on the bottom, and wipe the floor with me. "Here is your ass Aaron. It has been officially handed to you!" There is something about going into a workout knowing it is going to be hard as hell, still tying into it like a Mint Oreo Blizzard (We will meet again one day DQ) finishing it, and then thinking it was harder than I was initially thinking! So hard.............yet....as always.......so fun:) Will never get enough.
Speaking of which..............the Crossfit Games get fired up here in 2 weeks time! Stoked! For any of ya that are not familiar with Crossfit, and those that are, make sure to check this out. The Worlds are help in Cali at the end of July and are streamed/televised over the net. Well worth sitting down and watching.
After just getting over my booboo, and swollen mangina, I have just started to get back to training a little more consistently and with a little more purpose and bite. Long ways to go, but back on the ground running at least. Puts a smile on my face every time I am in the box alongside everybody sweatin' and chattin'. No place that I would rather be most days. Even better to have the lovely lady of my life enjoying it with me now:-) It is amazing to be able to share my passion for this stuff with her now as well.
Was thinking of all the reasons and why it is that I have been so drawn to this "sport." Fitness regime, training, call it what ya want. Aside from the obvious physical and mental benefits that come along with any physical activity or training, I believe...............that me re-phrase that......I know that Crossfit brings a lot more to the table. I have personally experienced it, and have witnessed people literally transform their lives, a complete 180 degrees, because of it. No exaggeration.
That is right. I said lives back there. Crossfit is not about what is happening on the outside. It is about improving what is happening on the inside. Improving your power, strength, speed, agility, coordination, balance, accuracy, flexibility, cardio/respiratory endurance, and stamina. Changing up what you put in your yapper to improve how you feel and perform. The looking good naked part is just a side effect of learning how to take care of yourself properly:-)

My recent addition to the wardrobe. What Crossfit is all about. Don't just look good. BE GOOD!

I have been working out for a little while now and am well aware of the normal weight room atmosphere and attitude. Nothing against it, but one step into a Crossfit box while a WOD is being smashed out, tunes cranking, no mirrors to check the hair, bars crashing, sweat dripping, chalk flying, etc., and even a deaf and blind fella could feel the dramatic difference. The energy surging throughout the entire place is quite often electric. There is nothing quite like it. You have young and old, big and small, strong and weak, all working equally hard on a variation of the workout of the day. As each athlete finishes his/her WOD they continue to push all others who are still battling, until no one remains. A never leave a man behind type attitude.
Everyone knows your name, just like Cheers! And you hear it when you are sandbagging, and hear it when you are killing it. They are all a part of this unbelievable community. The Crossfit community. And it really is a community, built of some of the best people you could ever ask for.
I refer to everyone as an athlete. That is because they are. Athlete's specializing in life, and getting the most out of it.

Top Ten Reason's I Crossfit:

10.) There is nothing better. Figured I would get that out of the way. Obvious....I know.

9.) There are no mirrors! Say what?No place to check the hair, flex the pipes, self indulge. Waste time. On a more serious note it actually teaches you how to lift properly. You actually have to feel your body moving rather than watch it moving. You do not have some pool boy chasing you around with a mirror all day do ya? Maybe ya do. 

8.) Cells phones are used to prop the door open if it getting to warm inside or to snap a quick pic of a sweet sweat angel or video of a PR. No idea what a sweat angel is or a PR? Stop flapping your jaw and texting while you should be working. 

7.) You can use chalk for olympic lifting and not get the boot. 

6.) You can actually drop bumper plates. "Weird, thought they were designed for that weight room monitor?"

5.) Useless advice from your 1/4 squatting neighbour is obsolete. Full ROM jack ass, or header home.

4.) Everybody is actually sweating. I mean really working. No time to walk to the water fountain a half a dozen times between sets/reps. I actually think some guys think that is cardio:)

3.) There is a real lack of hair product and make up. Dudes and Chicks. Everyone is there to work. No confusion about it being a fashion show.

2.) There is no "I am bigger/better/stronger/faster" attitude floating around. Just never ending encouragement and support from every angle.

1.) If it is too damn hot and you feel like dying. Gear down. No shirt, no shoes..........SERVICE! Just keep moving, we are glad to have ya. 

Self Reflection. Don't do the easy thing, do the right thing.

Feeling a little better today but that little troll in the guts still seems to be fucking around with his hot poker every time I eat something! I thought he would have came flying out with all my food the other night. He is a tough little bugger I guess. lol! Oh well, he will eventually lose this battle!
Watched a great documentary/movie last night. "The Tillman Story." FANTASTIC! I try to finish reading the book before watching the movie, but could not resist with this one. And I am glad that I didn't. The book, Where Men Win Glory, has been great so far and the movie has just made the book that more real. Putting faces to the names and such. It is a true story based on the life of Pat Tillman, and his tragic end in this world. It reveals the brutality of war and the deception that people can be capable of, in the most trying times.
Although the movie uncovers a massive cover up that the US government and military is responsible for, that rocked me to the core, I took away something far better.
While watching the film, I could not help feeling like I would have loved to had the chance to meet Pat Tillman. He seemed to embody what I think every person should strive to become.
Compassionate...........loyal............modest...........respectful...............confident...........successful..............fair..........motivated..................and above all, true to oneself and their values.
It made me look at myself, yet again, and reminded me to always look for what I can do for this world, rather than what this world can do for me. To try and learn as much as I can about others and the world around me. To try and understand things, as apposed to criticize them. To always try and give more than I receive. To always make the world around me better, because I am here.
I do a lot of this self reflecting on a fairly regular basis it seems. It is like measuring myself up against an invisible meter (yard if you are in the States) stick that is constantly changing for the better. You know you will never quite measure up, but life is about constantly striving for it.
I read somewhere that you will never obtain perfection, but throughout your search for it, you will find excellence. So true.
While examining yourself, always insure you are doing the right thing, not the easy thing.

http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/who-we-are/

To still be affecting peoples lives, well after you have passed from this world, for the better is a testament to how you spent your days living. I can only hope that I can live my life with such passion and commitment that it inspires others to do the same. Now and in the future.

Risk Benefit

Have taken a turn for the worst in the past 24 hours. Started feeling like shat just after lunch yesterday at work, and it definitely did not go up from there. After taking what seemed to be a 4 hour commute home from work cause of a MVC on Deerfoot, I progressively began to deteriorate. By 20:00hrs I was throwing up like a champ. Felt like there was a little dwarf in my stomach with a red hot poker playing pin the tail on the donkey! Not good all around. On a side not, and rather funny, I was yacking so hard it was coming out my nose! Gross I know, but I almost found it sort of funny, all things considered. You have to make light of even the crappiest situations:)
Needless to say, I am hunkering down in the house for the next couple days and am going to get back to 100%. I believe the worst has past, and the boys at work would string me up if I came in feeling like this. No need to pass on this stuff to the fellas. Just hope the wifey does not catch it.

AJ at 3am! So sweet! LOL!

The other day I ended off saying that without risk there is no reward. Which I believe to be extremely true. I sort of wanted to elaborate on that slightly though. I think to gain anything in life, you must be willing to risk something. Whether that be personal failure, losing money, friends, family, and sometimes your life. There are many things you can risk. All depending on what you hold dear and important to yourself.
All gains/periods of personal growth I find that have occurred in my life, have came from me willing to risk something.
Feeling/looking stupid, in my eyes, while doing something that I have never tried, and then coming out with a new skill(s) I would have never learnt without that risk. Doing things that scare me half to death, but after they are all said and done, I find that I am capable of more than I previously had thought. Even pushing myself/being pushed through WODs to the point where I honestly think I am going to pass out or puke, only to find a new level of "performance" that I am able to obtain. Not only do you find the instant gratification associated with risking something and coming out on top, but you also gain confidence in yourself and your abilities."If I just did that, I could do anything!"
The hardest part, I find, of learning anything or trying something new is getting your brain to buy into the deal. Then all that is left is doing it. It is easy peesy, as long as your brain is fully onboard.
All that being said, one must look at the risk vs. benefit. It is a big part of my work and is something that we do everyday and on every call. You must look at the situation and try to ensure the gain/benefit is worth  the risk involved. And be honest with yourself. Risking your life for next to nothing is obviously a no no and probably would never be a question for you. But risking your life for someone else? Then you have to do some quick calculating!
That is an extreme case, I know, but is an easy way to explain how you must make sure the risk(s) you are taking, are well worth the price you may pay.
So go chase the ball across the road, but have a quick look both ways before you do:)

-Audentes Fortuna Juvat: fortune favours the bold/brave.

Complaining

Quite tired today and have a not too desirable feeling in my stomach. Makes being at work a little tough. Dano! If me gets the flu...............LOL! Hopefully not. Going to get a good sleep tonight and see where that takes us.

Had a great workout yesterday. Have not had a good lung burn going on like that for some time. Could not stop coughing until earlier this AM. Going to look into what causes that and will get back to ya. “Fran” popped up today at AI, but I am not going to go in and do battle with her this evening. Not feeling that good, as stated, and she deserves my full and undivided attention. It is time for some of that rest I promised to make a priority to myself.

I am going to go on a little rant about bitching. You know, the whining and complaining about stuff. Whether it be something at work, life, the way you look naked, how your food is not quite the right temperature when the waitress brings it over, or that you had to wait too long in the Timmy’s drive through this AM for your morning cup of crack. Which by the way, could have been sped up by at least ten minutes if you had gotten off the hiny and walked in to get it yourself:)

Hopefully this does not come across as whining, bitching, or complaining about the whining, bitching, and complaining. It is maybe going to sound a bit like that, but in the end shows you that by directing your energy in a more positive direction.....................things are not all that bad. A matter a fact, they are probably quite good. And usually all  of those things your complaining about can be rectified by applying some of your energy in to fixing them, not whining about them.

All around me I see and hear people bumping their gums about issues that affect them. Sure the complaints are usually legit, but the kicker is they have the power to fix them. Rather than take the initiative to correct  the problem, they waste their lives away whining about them.

Think for a second. If everyone in the world said, “hey, I have a problem with “x” and I am  going to work on getting it fixed.” As opposed to, “why is “x” this way? It is so stupid.” I have never in my life seen someone driving around with a flat tire every day, and complaining that it is flat and there vehicle does not handle quite right. They stop, analyze the problem, fix it, and get on their marry way. Seems straight forward to me.

So why is it, that when it comes to other issues, do we drive around on the flat bitching?

I am not sure if it is laziness, or maybe not realizing that we in fact can fix all of the problems in our life, one way or another. The term, “think outside the box” describes how we must approach life most of the time I believe. It is, nor ever will be black and white. 99% of the time we live in this grey area that requires our input to bring about a positive outcome for ourselves and others around us. The key word there is “our.” Our/your/me/we/I  input. Yes.......... that means we/you/I  have to do something in order to improve the current debacle we are faced with, and feel the need to whine about.

Everything in your world you have control over in a sense. Except your expiry date of course. Although you can make yourself spoil a little quicker than you would like by not taking care. So in a “sense” you have some control over that as well:)

Uyen and this "puppy" we saw this summer while visiting my sis in Kelowna. He was a biggin'

The sooner you come to that realization, the better off you are. You control you. So you control all that happens in your life. Remember that.

*post from the 22nd.  Got too sick to get out of bed:( On the mend now.

Making Mistakes

Good training session this morning with a few of the peeps that are entering in the Crossfit Open and Team stuff starting in March. It is going to be a great time! I am excited about seeing how everything comes together with the way Crossfit HQ is setting up the qualifying rounds this year. It opens up the competition to almost the entire world. As long as the athlete has access to the internet and some sort of camera you are good to go. It is going to make it interesting to say the least:)
Everyone today was picking at a few of their weaknesses. Like picking a scab, it can be painful to say the least. It is sort of humorous watching everyone, including myself, flailing around with certain movements that they are not to good at. Amongst the frustration, cursing, and erratic limb movements we are all getting better though at things that "scare" us. Those things that we hate seeing on the white board. And the more we work on them, the better we become all around. End of story. Your only as strong/fit as your weakest link. Just like the chain.
You could see the frustration building with everyone has they fought through their own personal battles with each movement. Trying to get the body to do what the brain is asking is often quite a daunting task. But most rewarding when it starts to finally listen.
The biggest part of taking on these new movements, like any new task, is trying to stay positive and focused on the small gains and lessons. Even when it seems like you are taking steps backwards. Take the good and learn from the bad.

Walking Mister(Mandy&Nick's Pooch) out on Vancouver Island. Will have a home there one day.

You must learn from the mistakes you are making with everything. You are kidding yourself if you think you can walk the balance beam of life and never fall off. Nor would you want too! Half the fun of living is pushing yourself to be better, and risking taking a wrong step and falling along the way. The important thing is that you learn from the wrong step and do your best not to do it again. As long as you honestly admit to your own mistakes, without excuses, I think you learn more about yourself then you can anywhere else in life.
So do not think of mistakes as a bad thing. They are opening your eyes to weaknesses within yourself, and giving you the opportunity to correct them, making yourself that much better.

Life=Risk. I truly believe in the tattoo that runs down my shin. Fortune Favours The Bold. With out risk, there is no reward.