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.

Who Should I Listen To?

Holy molly did it get chilly again! Woke up this morning after a good nappy nap, the usual for my first night off, and wowzer...........it is full on winter again. Calgary weather makes me laugh. Back home it is colder than a well diggers arse, but it stays that way for the majority of winter. Here in cow town it is like a teeny boppers mind, never made up. Hopping from one mood to the next. Gives you a break from the cold I guess, but I am still not too use to it. Not too sure if I will ever come around. That being said, we are going for a run around the reservoir this evening. Should be a good time. Just need to put on a couple extra layers:) No excuses for getting out.
In both my careers/jobs I am always dealing with people and trying to help them out in some capacity. From athletes/clients/friends in the gym/box environment, to patients at emergency scenes. There is much to gain in both circumstances by examining the way they look and move, to how the environment looks around them. But above all, listening to what they are saying trumps all. I mean truly listening. Not just asking questions, because it seems it is the right thing to do, and not really listening to the answers......... but listening and analyzing the answers and seeing how they are effecting the current situation and lives of the client/athlete/friend/patient.
I apply this to myself. By listening to myself BEFORE heeding anyone else's advice. I am the only one that can feel what is going on in my body. Sure I can put that barbell over my head, but it feels like my shoulder is going to dislocate! Or I have not been able to sleep, for whatever reason, and can barley keep my eyes open, but am suppose to train today. No one except for me can feel how I am feeling, and I have to listen to my body and what it is telling me. Explaining what I am feeling to a trainer, coach, Dr., etc., gives them a bit of a window to look into my body and see what is going on with a little more insight. If they choose not to listen to what I am telling them, I will be finding a new Dr., coach, trainer, etc.

Listen to yourself.

I see it quite often with people who are standing on unfamiliar ground. New to weight training, Crossfit, running, or even in an emergency. People are looking for someone to tell them how they are suppose to be feeling, rather than listening to what their body is telling them. In the case of training, all of it should be hard, that is a given. But........ there is a big difference between being difficult and being painful. The latter is something you should not be experiencing. The feeling of pain is your bodies way of telling you something is wrong. You must listen.
I think my career with the Fire Department has taught, and will continue to teach, me the importance of the little details when dealing with people. Quite often when the small details are not given the appropriate attention, the big picture starts to get quite blurry. Without correction, the big picture is eventually unrecognizable. This lesson I find transfers directly over to training people at our box and to life. The details are the base. Without a strong base your building a house with a deck of cards, that is inevitably going to come crashing down.
Advice is always good, but as all of you know there is always someone willing to give you some "good advice." So take it lightly and always take into consideration the source. Above all listen to you. Those gut feelings are 99% accurate, and all those feelings need to be listened to. They are advice being giving by the most reputable source. Yourself. They are the small details that construct a healthy you.

One person can accomplish more by listening and doing, than 10 people running their mouths:-)

The Best Day

Wow! Busy tour at work. Had a couple fires and some other shat going on. So much fun. Hate to see people's possessions being destroyed while they sit by helplessly, but we do our best to help out a shitty situation. That is all we can do. Sometimes I wish I could turn back time for them, but that just is not in the cards.
As long as everyone is okay, stuff is just stuff at the end of the day. It is replaceable.

Derek, Cripps, and I doing a little overhaul after a fire on my birthday.  Pic out of the Clagary Sun. Can you say celebrity tax:)

Well today is my better halve's birthday. It is weird that we were more than likely in the same hospital at the same time. I was joking with the guys at work yesterday that I was laying down my groove from my clear plastic little bed way back then:) Planting the seed, so to speak!lol!
I must say I was a cute little kid, but I don't think I was picking Uyen up after just a few days in this world!
Whatever it was that brought her and I together, I will never have enough money/time to repay, or the right words to say thank you for it. I have been so blessed to have found my soulmate at such a young age. I quite often forget how fortunate I am.
People go through there entire lives without finding that special person who quite literally "completes" them. That person you could spend eternity with and it still seems like you do not have enough time. That person you can have the best conversation with, while not saying a word. A person who gives you confidents, strength, and a sense of calmness in your heart. With just their presence, what ever may be weighing you down, is suddenly lifted off your shoulders. While looking into their eyes from across the room, you can feel the warmth of their love. As you stand beside them, you know anything is possible.

Maybe people are too busy focusing on their career or some other facet of life, and let that special someone pass through there fingers. Although, when things are meant to be, I truly believe they will be.....as long as you make the effort and allow them to happen.
Having someone to share your love and life with is another one of those things that fulfils life.
Everybody has that one person who "completes" them. The key is to constantly work for "it." Like everything else in life that is worth it's weight, a person's love must continuously be worked for. There is going to be some hard days and some easy days, but it never comes for free. And shouldn't. You should always work for your partners love and devotion. To the last beat of your heart.
Sure it will be there most days, without you lifting a finger. But the moment that you get that attitude, you are taking one of the most precious things in life for granted, and it will be taken from you.
To share the ups and the downs, the good times and bad, and come out the other side more in love than when you started, is one of the most memorable and sacred journeys of life I believe. The reason for this belief? You get to share it with someone. No one else. Just that one amazing person.
My one, amazing gal was born 30 years ago today. That is why this is the best day. This was the day that my life in this big ass world was completed.
We now have been enjoying it together for 17+ years and I can not think of one other person I want to spend the rest of my days waking up next to.
I will grow old working for her love, and loving every minute of it:-)
If you don't already have your amazing person that completes you..............keep your eyes peeled cause you never know when they are going to pop into your life. Then hang onto each other and get ready for one hell of a ride!

V-Day, B-Day

I have been rocking around this earth for 30 years as of 08:36 this morning! CRAZY! It seems like yesterday I was causing my poor mother a lot of grief in the DC hospital. Craping out a 9 pound 6 and a half ounce kid can not be an easy task! Not too mention I got stuck on my shoulders. Shortly after I entered this world I made sure to let the whole hospital know I had arrived by screaming my head off. I was the loudest little sucker in the incubators!(so I am told) After 1 year and 10 glorius months as an only child my parents gave me the best Christmas gift I have ever, and will ever recieve..............my baby sis.

My family and I, what seems like just the other day. Bottom is a pic of my mom bringing my sis home for the first time.

About 11 years after that I started grade 7 at the middle school in good old Dawson Creek. Amongst cigarettes, booze, and weed, I was also introduced to the love of my life. Or she introduced herself to me. As most of you know, we have never looked back:) A couple good hiccups along the way but here we are, from age 13-30, and still going strong. And always will. I love you with all of who I am babe.
I have made so many great friends along the path of life so far, and each have helped me become me. Wether they know it or not.
Seeing how this is Valentine's Day, I hope you are letting your love ones know just how important they all are. Most of us do not let those who mean so much to us know it nearly enough. We let days pass without talking to friends and family or don't say I love you before we hang up the phone. I don't believe anyone does it on purpose, but life has a way of preoccupying us. Then, sometimes before we get a chance to say the things we should have said everyday, they are gone.
With my gig, I have seen it first hand. You can see the hurt in someones eyes, as they are wishing they had just a few moments to tell their husband/wife/daughter/son/GF/BF/friend/family member just how much they mean, and how much they are loved.
So take the time to share your feelings with those you care about. It is the most important thing you will ever do. Everything else will still be there when your done:) I promise.

A guy can love a thousand girls...but this guy can love one girl in a thousand ways.

Anyways, the first 30 years has flown by in the blink of an eye, and I am sure the next 30 will do the same. It just reminds me to enjoy every second, because before you know it,  all those years you thought you had in front of you are gone.
Gone is probably a little too strong of a term. Actually the wrong term all together. I like to say lived. Each one of those days that I have lived, has sculpted me into the person I am today, and I would not change anyone of them. Not for anything. No regrets. Not ever.

Now go give someone a hug and a kiss and tell them how much you love them. And never stop doing it.

No matter what words are used or what meaning about love is delivered, love quotes are said and written out of inspiration and to emphasize each person’s purpose for living…and that is to give love. 

Staying Keen

Had a blast last night! Joined a great group of friends for a murder mystery party and had nothing but a bunch of laughs. If you are ever looking for something to do for a party, look into this. Uyen and I hosted one a couple years ago for Christmas and it was a hit as well. Great way to get a bunch of strangers chatting and involved with one another rather than sitting and asking awkward questions for the first half of the evening. Not too mention you get to dress up! And who does not like a good game of dress up?
In the end Uyen ended up murdering a fella by the name of Ace, her recent husband! Too funny!
Not drinking seems to make things a little less amusing at times, but I am not actually bothered by it too much. Not to mention the mornings, who am I kidding, the next DAY is much nicer as well:) There is something to be said about being able to remember the evening and not laying on the couch eating DQ and pizza wishing someone would put me out of my misery.
Back to work this AM with a little less sleep than I would like. But on the upside, it is Sunday. Our sleep in day, and I will crash this evening right good!
Going out to these social gatherings with friends and not drinking with everyone has been a little weird to say the least. But I am committed to seeing this Paleo diet through with no cheat days until Uyen is done her challenge. The I may have a cheater day or two:) Although I will be sticking to this lifestyle indefinately I beleive. It just feels to good.
Rather than giving in to having a drink last night, which would be more than acceptable to everyone, including Uyen, I stuck to my guns. It makes me feel pretty good about what I am doing for myself, and I see others looking at me and thinking to themselves that eating right and taking carie of themselves may not be as hard as they make it out to be. Which is more than I could ask for.(Inspiring others to try eating a little healthier) Not feeling like shit the next day just confirms the obvious, and keeps me more focused on my nutrion and what it is doing for me.
Aside from just the diet thing, it generally reminded me how important it is to stay keen and focused on the tasks at hand and in life as a general rule. By becoming complacent, wether at work or play, you open the door for injury, error, and above all laziness. I find that my mind becomes disengaged, if you will. Unfocused and just tagging along for the ride with the rest of my body. That sense of purpose (in life) is lost, and you seem to just sit there in limbo. Spinning your tires and not really going anywhere.
Many of life's goals may take awhile to materialize, or may already have been reached. (Just because one of your goals has been reached, does not make it any less important) But in either case, staying keen and dialed in to the task at hand keeps you truly involved with life........not just sitting on the side lines watching it go by.
I find the the biggest tell tale sign of losing this keeness/focus, is laziness. The minute you leave something for someone else to do, when you could do it yourself, or you start making excuses for yourself not to do something, is a good indication you are losing that keeness that keeps you involved in life. It seems small, but these characteristics snow ball rapidly.

Funny. But this is the start of the snowball.

When I catch myself passing up something I should be doing.............................me, myself, and I have a little come to jesus meeting and I straighten myself out:) I made a promise to myself a long time ago to always stay keen and make my way through life with a sense of purpose. Never sitting on the side lines watching life go by. So everyday ask yourself if you are staying keen, engaged, focused, and involved. If you are truly honest with this question and more importantly the answer, life will never get boring and you will never get caught sitting on the side lines: -Carpe Diem

The Comfy Zone

Another great sleep last night after a great hot yoga session. Ya that's right.............I am giving Yoga a go. Thought my dad was going to have his second heart attack when I mentioned it. The tone in his voice was comical. You? Yoga? Is Uyen still with you? Are you alright? LOL! Too funny. I quite enjoy it actually. It is a great way for me to work on my range of motion and flexibility without actually thinking to hard about it. It makes "stretching" fun for me:) Not to mention the warmth of the hot yoga studio helps limber me up a little, if that is even possible! Will let you know when I can do the splits! I mentioned the splits to a buddy at the gym the other and he just laughed saying, "do you know how long that will take you?" I say, "challenge accepted!" For the record, it is going to take awhile, but I will do 'em. Mark my words.
As like most males out there I do not bend very well. It is kind of like trying to stretch out a frozen elastic band I am sure. Things are going to snap before actually stretching out any! Kind of sad that I have let it get to this. But steps are in place to rectify my current non-bendy state.
My first experience in a yoga class was much like a first experience with anything. Staring around in awe not know wether to shit or go blind. (sorry about the saying, but I like it) In other words, I had no idea what I was doing or what I was suppose to do. Looking to a few of my friends for some guidance, I was quickly shown the basics and how things were suppose to go. As the warmth of the room slowly warmed my body and the calmness in the instructors voice helped relax my "soul", I found myself in my own little world. AJ land if you will:) Completely relaxed and loosening up all those tight muscles and joints. Quite in tune with how my body was feeling and what needed to be done to relieve some of the acts and pains I was dealing with. By the end, it feels like a combination of confession (or what I think confession would be like if I went), a hot epsom salt bath with my favourite snack, maybe Coconut chocolate ice cream and fresh strawberries, and a great massage. Sounds pretty awesome hey? It is.
My point in this little story is that Yoga is great, but more importantly, it is way out of my comfy box and I am tackling it anyhoo. Challenging myself to do something that I am no good at, at the moment, and that I am completely uncomfortable with. Almost like getting up and doing karaoke completely sober in front of total strangers. Not my cup of tea.

A little after midnight waiting at the top of a zip line spanning a waterfall that we rappelled down . 18 hour adventure race a couple years ago. Never had done any rappelling until this evening! 

I find that I get the most personal growth and sense of satisfaction when I do things that I am scared of. Things that are not in my comfy zone. I do not know how these things are ever going to turn out and how I am going to react to them, both physically and mentally. But that is what makes them so fun and enjoyable. It is like re-discovering yourself and who you are each time you step into your un-comfy zone. You never know how you're going to react until you're actually experiencing something. I find it really cool.
Although quite often it is the most challenging thing to do. (try something totally new that you may be petrified of) The benefits that come with over coming your fears and stepping out of your comfy zone to experience something you never thought was possible, are benefits that you will find no where else. They help you grow substantially, and let you know that you are quite capable of anything that you set your mind to. There is nothing quite like looking back at an event that you never thought you could have participated in, and saying to yourself, "ya..........I just did that. Bring on the next one."
So knock down the walls of your comfy little box and challenge yourself to do something that is not your cup of tea. Wether it is going for a longer walk, trying some different food, running 10km instead of 5km, or bungee jumping/sky diving. No matter what it is, throw yourself into it and hang on because I believe you will start discovering a new and better you:-) You're capable of anything and everything!

Start of 1/2 ironman in Sylvan lake. My first ever open water swim.  Can't stop thinking of Jaws. JJ.

PS: a couple tunes you have to check out that I am digging. "Blow" and "Falling Down" by Atreyu. So good.

Do it for YOU

Well I got some sleepy time in last evening. It was saweet! Did not get much done this morning due to my head being stuffed under a pillow, but man I feel better. Even have a couple loafs of Banana Coconut Nut Bread in the oven baking away. Yummy! Who says you can not have a nice loaf of bread on the Paleo diet!
Speaking of Paleo, Uyener and I have been munching like cave men/women("people" not to offend the politically correct) since January 2 of this year. Has been going great thus far. I went with the Zone for all of last year pretty much and found it a little tedious with all the measuring and weighing. Not too mention you still ate grains, dairy, and legumes. After reading the Paleo Solution and being an avid Crossfitter and CF coach I figured I should give this Paleo Diet a try as well.

Can you see where our diet took a bit of a wrong turn?

I am not one of those people that says "do what I say, not what I do." So If I am telling people to give something a try I better be able to do it, willing to continue to do it,  or have damn well tried it out first.
Anyways, as I said it has been going great so far. A few tense moments at home between the better half and myself over the first couple weeks. (I was thinking I would end up sleeping in the garage or at the fire hall!) But after that, it has been a wonderful experience. Not to mention the health benefits that we are both getting from it. There is something special about getting to share certain things with people that you love that make them that much more enjoyable/special. Maybe it is seeing positive changes in their lives. Not exactly sure what it is, but it is just neat:)
When changing things up in your life, wether it be your clothes, hair cut/colour, career, diet, or gym regime...........do it for YOU! Sure it is great to be inspired by others around you to try something new, but when it comes down to it, it must make YOU happy.  Period. Not just the "I'm going to smile and put on a good face" because that is what would make others happy, but that really deep down in the gut kind of happy. The one that you can latch onto and sink your heart and soul into. You must believe in whatever it may be and that you want to see it through, no matter how many ups and downs may occur along the path.
I think that when you feel strongly about certain things, the so called "sacrifices" that you have to make are not longer "sacrifices."
I hear people always asking about these sacrifices when it comes to the Paleo diet. "You can't eat candy,pizza, pasta, processed meat (if you can actually call it meat!), Mcdonalds, KFC, Chinese food, or drink pop, beer, booze, juice that is crammed with more sugar than sour soothers or a chocolate bar?" Seems like sort of a stupid question when it is actually written out:) The answer is "I can eat it, I just CHOOSE not to stuff that crap in my body."I have chosen to eat right and improve my overall health, mental and physical performance.....................my life. And when YOU choose to do something, these so called sacrifices are not really sacrifices but personal choices about how YOU want to live.
They are steps made in the right direction on the path to your constant goal of improving your life.

Ginny and I rolling out the hammies and glutes.

By truly embracing these changes you decide to make in your life, it makes them YOURS. So be proud of them.
YOU have to love YOUR life. YOU are the one living it. So make decision based on what YOU would like for YOURSELF, whatever that may be. Loving YOUR life is what living is all about:)
-Carpe Diem

Sleepy Time

Another tour in the books. Still makes me laugh at how up and down the job goes. You can be getting run right off your feet one moment and then nothing shortly there after. Keeps ya own your toes!
As usual, I am pretty sacked today. First day off is always a little bit of a killer for me and I find myself pulling around my glutes in a wagon. I do not sleep to good during night shifts and it tends to kick my ass a little. Will sleep like a champion tonight though:)
It is funny how I watch what I eat, make sure to go see the masseuse when I feel the need, physio/chiro when things are not moving right, and make sure to stay good and active, but often forget that sleep/rest is probably the biggest part of the "healthy" equation. Right after good nutrition of course.
Although I love dreaming about running on the beach, skydiving, riding around on a tiger by the name of Madagascar while eating grapes from the vine.......................this is not the part of sleep that helps me out in my daily endeavours.
While your sleeping, your body is in mending mode. Repairing and preparing itself to take on the next days challenges. The amount and quality of your sleep directly affects every aspect of your life. From your mood, attitude, physical and cognitive skills, energy levels, health, relationships, etc. There is nothing that your down time does not affect.
I could go into the how sleep affects your hormones, immune system, and so on, but in the end all that really matters is how you are feeling and performing day to day, throughout your life. Besides we all have google and wikipedia and can look up the affects of sleep ourselves.
Most of you can attest to the tired feeling you get after spending a night or two where your sleep has been less than optimal. You do not have the energy it seems to wipe your own arse let alone cook a healthy meal or heaven forbid get out of the house and actually do something other than your job/career. I know a person needs his or her sleep, and days off from the physical/mental assaults that your careers and lives can lay on you, but you must try to be proactive rather than reactive.
A bit of a strange concept I know (it is to me anyways) but by avoiding the problem in the first place the wrinkles usually iron themselves out without any of our input:)

Funny how when you were young and tired you'd just sleep. So smart! Where along the way did I lose sight of this simple fact?

Rather than taking a few days off to catch up on what is lost, and losing out on more while you are catching up on the lost. Why not make it a priority to rest up and avoid all this losing, catching up, losing stuff?
There is certain circumstances that throw a wrench into the gears of ones perfect sleeping machine, but in general, I am sure by giving a little more precedence to our "tiger riding" time you will feel, perform, and live each one of your days to it's fullest.
What's more important.................watching another episode of some reality show/surfing the net aimlessly/seeing who has updated there FB status in the last 5 mins, or being able to get up feeling refreshed, make a healthy breakfast, and PR your 5km/WOD tomorrow? Should I even need to ask:-)
"You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can decide how you're going to live now." --  Joan Baez

Remember Yourself

Wow! Good sleep last night. Was out a little late for dinner and a movie with friends before the day shifts started and I just played catch up. Feel much better getting out of bed today.
How about the Bowl game? I am really starting to like the NFL. It is like watching the super modified football players! 300 lbs and can move like a cat. Amazing really.
Something that I see quite a bit is people letting themselves get shit on, for lack of a better term. (This includes myself) Being too nice almost. I am all for helping others as best as I can, and whenever I can, but you have to draw the line when it starts to look like someone/group is taking advantage of your kindness.You know, more takey then givey.
Over the past while I have been helping out some people that are clearly forgetting that they, themselves, need to be treated as well as they are treating others. I know there is some surrounding circumstances that cloud up their perspective of what is going on, but in the end you can not help out anyone if you are hurt yourself. You must keep this in mind, especially when some of those people that you are trying to help, depend on you.
As hard as it may seem sometimes, some people need to be left to fight things out on their own. This can, with my personal experience, pretty much permanently cut you off from this person. But in the end, it is better for the both parties involved.
You know that saying if you love someone, set them free. If they come back to you, it was meant to be? It is a great quote/saying I believe. BUT! If they are coming back to shit on you like a dirty pigeon, take care of yourself and move on. They are not worthy of your precious time.
My mom, aunty, and a scrappy fella that is like a second father to me, Bill Shore, have this saying when referring to people. It is simple. "They are good people." It truly embodies what I look for in family, friends, acquaintances, and others that I frequently cross paths. Among other things, a common characteristic of these "good people" is that they work hard and make both small and large sacrifices for those around them. The people they care about. These sacrifices are not asked, or requested by the receivers, but are just done because they need to be, and because they help that person out. They are then returned in the same fashion when the need arises. It happens pretty much subconsciously amongst "good people". They just help out without a thought.
Don't let the pigeons build up a pile of crap on ya.
Always remember to take care of yourself. The "good people" in your life will always be there to remind you to. Just make sure you do your best to listen, no matter how hard it is. The truth sometimes stings a little.

"Good people" are willing to pick you up and carry you. Even when their own legs are not working. They find a way.

In the end you will come out the other side better and stronger for it. Life is a series of challenges continuously linked together. Testing you mentally, physically, and emotionally. You should grow and become stronger, faster, smarter, and more compassionate, from every obstacle life puts in your way. No matter how big or small. You WILL CONSTANTLY be evolving into a better person each moment of each day, for the rest of your life. Keep your head up and a smile on your face:) - Carpe Diem

Replace "I can't" with "I'll try"

Great day at work, but a little slow for my liking. Although that is better for everyone else though:) The Crippler and I blasted through the Prisoner's Workout. Okay maybe not blasted, but had a good slug out with it. I think there is more burpees in that workout than anyone would care to do........ever, but that is what makes it fun.

The old think tank, brain, has quite the control over the body I find. As soon as it starts to think something should be making you tired, or something should hurt. Batta boom batta bing..........it happens. Even when you have lots of gas left in the tank, your grey matter is capable of making you think that you are dead tired and can not take another step. I bet if we put a hungry lion behind you your brain would change it's tone before you could say Simba! 

Even when it comes to food. Do you really need that bag of M&Ms that you are craving? Your brain would have you believe so. Like life as you know it will end if you do not ingest that sack full of diabetes causing sugar.

My point here is simple. The minute that  those 2 or 3 little words start to slip into your mind. I can not/can't, tell them to piss off cause I am going to try anyways! Wether that is in the middle of a run, a hard workout, when your faced with the infamous triple cheese bacon double cheesy burger pizza with all the fixins', you are always in control.......... so tell that little voice in your head, "fuck off, I got this!"

Ginny and I running up the ridge to Moose Mountain lookout. Thanks for the photo Kev.

I promise you that by giving it a TRY you will open the door to limitless possibilities and surprise yourself everyday. Carpe Diem

Wants and Needs

Great day yesterday! Had a good sleep, workout with the Mrs., and finally got up to the university for drop in gymnastics. The best $10 I have spent in a long time. It is like being a kid again in there! The ground is forgiving and you are encouraged to flip and jump around like you are 4 years old again and haven't a care in the world. So much fun. Strongly suggest going to check something like this out if it is available in your area.
Planning on taking a Adult Recreational Gymnastics class in the next couple months, so I will let you know when I stomp my first back flip on flat ground!
Uyen made some Paleo Pork Fried rice last night as well as some Paleo Brownies! Both are pretty darn good I must say. A person could gobble up the whole batch of brownies in one sitting I am sure! Must be careful:)
Was flipping through the paper this AM and found myself, as usual, looking over the electronics adds. I love technology and all the little gadgets that are coming out these days. Some make your life run a little more seamless, while others seem to add to chaos. At the end of the day though, most are wants, not needs.
I am not one who can lecture anyone on good money management or spending, but finally think I am getting a bit of a grip on it, 30 years into life! I have definitely spent my share of money throughout my life on useless crap or things I did not need. I would love to go back and invest even half of it in some sort of savings plan, but the past is the past. Nothing I can do about it now other than learn from it, rather than dwell on it.

All you need. Family,

I have found in the past few years that looking at purchases from a want or a need perspective, really helps curb unnecessary spending and debt. Although a few things have slipped by, it has really helped out. I like to justify things to myself all the time. While looking at things this way I have a hard time justifying buying certain things, because I can't justify the need for them.
For example, a $100.00 pair of jeans. Really? They got some yuppies name stitched in the waist line and this makes them worth that much. Ya, I know I do need some sort of pants, but not these particular types. You see I am a bit of an active person and look at the practicality and more importantly the functionality of all my clothing purchases now a days.

Family,

If I can't move, jump, squat, and run in them...........they are not for me. I want to be able to go out in them as well as go for hike and walk the dog in the same pair. And I am sorry, those designer, skin tight, ball huggers that would probably slowly saw a hole in my man hood if I needed to walk more than a city block, don't cut it:)
Sorry, a little off topic. A bit of a rant:) As I was saying, I try to break down purchases to wants and needs. I need GOOD food, water, a reliable vehicle, gas, a roof over my head, means of communication, and so on. These are quite obviously needs. A new TV, new cell phone every 6 months, alcohol, junk food, 23 pairs of shoes, going out for dinner 8 times a week, etc., are some examples of wants. These wants are things you can always go without.

The funny thing I have found while looking at all these wants, they usually are unhealthy for you in the long run. Wether it is some crap that you are putting in your body (candy, alcohol, bad food, etc.) or an excess of stuff that will just pile up around your place that you will have to deal with and worry about. It is all bad for you in the long run. Not to mention the debt that can come with some of these purchases. It's like adding a 1000 pound block to your back that you have to pack around everyday. Physically and mentally draining.
If it is not going to improve my life each and everyday, it is not worth it. No matter how good the sale is.

Be honest with yourself and you will find that less is really more most of the time.

Family,

And friends. None of which cost you a thing.

Small Accomplishments

Another great deep tissue massage today. Starting to feel much better, and my ability to train good and hard is coming back quite nicely. Thanks a million Peter!
With my recent injury I have had to take quite a lengthy leave from training regularly and even the WOD's that I have participated in were at less than half speed/intensity. I find it really hard to gate things back and tend to get quite impatient with myself. Pouty almost! Pretty funny when I stand and look at myself. I put on a smiling face, but find that I am getting down on myself mentally for something that is completely out of my control. When your hurt, your hurt. It takes a little time to heal.
After finishing the WOD yesterday at the box, I was working on the gymnastics WOD for the day. (Which on a side note I am really diggin'.) After about 1/2 hour of playing around with handstands I linked 3 freestanding HSPU's together! To say the least, I was pumped. I have a goal of 10, so 3 after 1/2 an hour I was psyched. Not saying it was easy, or that I could do it again after the next hour, but I was quite pleased with myself:)

HSPU's on an aerator in Mackenzie Lake. 

It got me thinking about all the small accomplishments and gains in training and in life. You see, if we let ourselves thoroughly enjoy these tiny steps in our lives, all the big ones just seem to fall in place and happen. It is like breaking big projects down into a whack load of more manageable small ones. They get banged off quickly and before you know it..................wham o..........it's done!
Quite often after you have conquered a huge goal that has taken a lot of time and hard work, you look back on what took place along the journey. For example, if you think back to when you graduated, I am sure that day there were many thoughts of the past 12 years of your life and what all took place for you to be standing there that day. Wether they brought a smile to your lips or tears to your eyes, you were re-living some key moments of your life that made a difference.
I think as we begin to grow older, we get wrapped up in the big picture and forget how to celebrate the small accomplishments through out life. You want to lose those last 10 pounds, but do not get too excited with losing the the first 1, even though that is a step in the right direction. Or you are simply "feeling" better with your new diet that your trying and have not lost a thing yet. That "feeling" is something to celebrate, and is more important than any number on a scale I may add.
By not enjoying and celebrating all life's small accomplishments you are robbing yourself of what life is all about.
It's all about journey, not the destination. Corny I know, but so true.
So be elated about finishing that 5km run without being too out of breath, or shaving 1 second off your "Cindy"(Crossfit WOD) time. That 1 pound you lost and that feeling of just feeling better is a reason to jump for joy! Live your life and enjoy every second while learning from every upset or set back.
-Carpe Diem

TRUE devotion

Just finished my tour and we had a great end to it. Were crazy busy going from call to call, one after the other. When it rains it pours, as the saying goes. Makes for a longer night, but sure is fun. Love being busy! Will sleep like a champion this evening:)
Had a great WOD yesterday. Fantastic group of peeps showed up for a noon WOD, and it just worked! Just like old times!
On the front page of the paper today was a terrible story about a bunch (100) sled dogs out in BC that were "murdered" because their "care givers" were greedy. There is a bit of an explanation as to why the dogs were executed, but at the end of the day, it was this companies greed that led to the tragic end of these poor pups. If I had my way, I think these owners would be lying next to their dogs. Last time I checked, when an employer runs out of work for an employee, they are laid off and not killed.
As sad as this story is, it reminded me of my happy waggin' tail pup at home. She seems to be able to put a smile on my face anytime of the day with her crazy antics and loving attitude. I can not imagine something happening to her. Pets become part of you and your family. Just like a child, only they grow up in about two years!
They just naturally take on  a responsibility to guard your home, contents, and family with everything they have got. Never needing directions or lessons, they just assume the position of a guardian. Willing to lay their life down to protect you and ensure everything has been done, in their power, to make sure you are kept safe. They will stay with you through thick and thin until the very last beat of their heart, never asking for anything in return.
This type of devotion we should all learn from and apply to our everyday lives. I can not count all the times that I have heard people say that animals/dogs are stupid or that they don't understand certain things. To people that run their mouths like that, you should take a long look in the mirror. I believe they have a better handle on what is important in life, compared to most of us. Their capacity for love and unwavering commitment to there family and friends is astounding and should be strived for by all of us.

If we go through life trying to imply this type of true devotion to our family, friends, health, and careers I believe you would remove 100% of the worlds problems. You see, greed and self pity are missing from this equation. Looking at everything with the attitude, "what/how can I put in/help with this?" as apposed to the "what am I going to get out of this?" or "how is this going to help me?" will help you become the person that you are capable of being. This encourages the same attitude in all those that our lives touch. Pay some of this devotion forward and watch how it will transform the world around you:)

I can not remember where I saw this, but it is good.

He/She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
He/She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his/her heart.
YOU OWE it to him/her to be worthy of such devotion.

-Kaizen (改善), Japanese for "improvement" or "change for the better", refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement.


Carpe Diem and go give your pets a smooch!