Fit With Flash

TRX Instructor Summit!

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's time again for our annual TRX Instructor's Summit.

You know all these weekends where I travel to other cities and teach other trainers how to use TRX? Well, there are several of us (Course Instructors) floating around the country and once a year, we all get together to learn, bond, and have a sweet-ass good time. This was the photo from last year's Summit in San Fran and our flag football game.

This year's Summit is being held in Colorado

so that's where I am now!

I'll be back on Tuesday with some fun photos from the weekend!

Happy Friday, guys!

From Warm to Cold

2012-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's been SOOOO nice here this week! Every day in the 60s or warmer has me thinking lovely thoughts of an early spring and has Tang thinking of park visits EVERY day of the week again. We've made it there the last three days in a row and are soaking it up.

So, naturally, it's time for me to head somewhere cold ---> Granby, Colorado.

Be back in a few days!

Kickass Tunes: The Mend

2012-02-29T13:53:00.006-05:00

Who loves kickass, folksy tunes? ME.

Especially when they're written and performed by kickass people... and especially when those peeps are from Kentucky... and really especially when I happen to know the artist personally, and can vouch for his awesomeness.

May I present:

Jason Tyler Burton

So sit back,

kick your feet up,

pretend you're in Kentucky for a hot second,

and have a listen:

*my fave is #9

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://jasontylerburton.com/album/the-mend"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Mend by JasonTylerBurton&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

WINNERS.

Taking advantage of the sun...

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

YAY FOR SUN!

The weather's awesome this week

so Tang and I are taking full advantage.

There's an old plantation home not far

where I live, so we like to cruise down there

to be off leash and run amok.

Him running amok:

Me kicking amok:

That's right. That's my leg (on the right).

Booyah.

Old brick walkways are the ish:

Checkin' it all out

We love the sun.

And the warmth.

And breaks from work.

A trip, and victory...

2012-02-27T11:51:00.002-05:00

Sunrise from my hotel room in Chicago yesterday:

Sometimes when I travel I just want to chill the F out. So that's what I did this weekend. I had to teach a TRX course in Chicago Sunday, so I just pulled into town Saturday, posted up in bed with room service, and read my book!

And guess what?

I FINALLY finished The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo...

It only took me 6 months.

Victory is mine.

now I just have to read the next 2 in the series...

Hope you guys had a great weekend.

Get after it this week!

Never Stop Learning

2012-02-22T09:08:00.000-05:00

People ask me all the time how to become a trainer, what makes a great trainer, how to you get to be a presenter, etc... My answer is simple: NEVER STOP LEARNING.

Step 1: Buy books that pertain to your industry.

Step 2: Shove the info into your brain.

Step 3: Learn like a mother* and be smarter/better!

*photobucket is being a B so forgive the missing #1

Sure you need a degree and a certification to get started/hired, but the great leaders of any industry are always pushing themselves to know more, stay ahead of the curve, and THAT'S why they end up being the leaders of their industry.

Yes, I have my degree,

a couple certifications,

and years of experience,

but I'm far from knowing it all.

And if you think you already know it all,

you're dumber than you know.

So invest in yourself. Especially if you're a business owner. I spend lots of money on continuing education each year. I go to conferences, I take courses, I read books. And THAT'S what separates me from Joe Blow down the street that just likes to work out and has a good body, so he became a trainer at Bob's Gym. I try to get a new book every month and my reading goal is to spend about 20 minutes a day reading for my profession. It's a small goal, easy to hit, and I usually end up engrossed and reading more...

What am I reading now?

So take that $10 you might spend on a couple days worth of Starbucks and go online and buy a book today. Trust me, you'll thank yourself.

Happy Wednesday! Make it a good one! : )

Goal Setting 101

2012-02-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

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Anybody else's to-do list look like this? Mine usually starts with things like "take a shower" or "eat breakfast" because it makes you feel good to know that you've made a small accomplishment in your day, right? Small accomplishments feel GREAT, mainly because your big ones are too big to get done all in one day. So keep that in mind when you're trying to figure out how to reach a HUGE goal for yourself... sometimes it's best to break it down into smaller goals first.

For example: One of the biggest mistakes my clients make when they set their goals is that they make a really big goal and then stop there. They don't reach it as quickly as they'd like, get frustrated, and quit. Which then makes it harder to start up again, which then makes it harder to achieve their goal. So if their big goal is to "be skinny like they used to be" we make that the big one, then make smaller ones that will serve as steps to take in order to reach the big one.

Exhibit A:

Big Goal: Get skinny like you used to be.

Too big to do really fast so let's make smaller goals to get there...

Goal #1: Figure out how much weight you want to lose, how much time it will take, and be specific.

"I want to lose ____ lbs in ____ weeks."

(remember that you're only able to safely lose 1 to 2 lbs per week so be realistic!)

check.

Goal #2: Join a gym or hire a trainer. Either of these will work, but make sure your gym is close to your home/work or your trainer can train you at convenient times so you'll actually attend sessions without having to rearrange your schedule too much. (You'll have to rearrange a little bit, obvi.)

check.

Goal #3: Commit to working out at least twice per week to start.

Go take a group class that has strength training involved. Pick two different ones during the week so you can see which you like best so you'll actually go. Or schedule two sessions/week with your trainer. Either way, put them on your calendar and GO. Make it just as important as a meeting you have to attend for work, but don't tell yourself to go to the gym EVERY night during the week, 'cause it ain't gonna happen. And you'll just set yourself up to feel bad later.

check.

Goal #4: Get at least 2 servings of veggies per day.

Notice I didn't tell you what NOT to eat. When you look at eating healthy like taking away things that you like, it makes you not want to stick to it. So, just start by adding in the things that you know you should be getting. If you can add these things in, you might not be so hungry for other things (mickey d's) later.

check.

Goal #5: Get 7 or 8 hours of sleep at least 3 days during the week.

You sleep in order for your body to have a chance to re-charge the batteries, get back to its normal operating state, and for your muscles to heal. If you're not allowing yourself time to sleep, you're asking for trouble; getting sick, staying sore, being stressed the f out. It doesn't have to be every night, but try for a couple nights a week of hitting the sack at a decent time.

check.

then all the sudden...

"HOLY SHIT, I'm losing weight, getting stronger, and feeling better simultaneously!"

*angels singing*

*clouds parting*

Remember:

Not all these goals need to happen at once.

Maybe work on goal # 1 for week #1.

Add in or focus on a new goal each day/week.

Eventually you'll get to the point where doing all of them will come naturally...

just not the first day.

When you start making small changes, it'll eventually add up to help you reach that big goal, but make sure you're being realistic in the steps you're going to take to get you there. Your goal may require 10 small steps to get you to the next level and that's FINE. There's no limit on how many goals you can have, so make your to-do list achievable.

This goes for ALL types of goals.

Say you hate your job and want a new one, but it's in a different field than you're already in. Damn. You might need a whole new degree or certification. Seems daunting at first, but break it down...

Goal 1: register for class/test. Goal 2: study x number of days per week. Goal 3: update resume. Goal 4: take 20 minutes per day to search for new jobs/internships that will give you experience in that field. Goal 5: apply for new jobs. Now it's still a lot, but much easier to wrap your head around.

Get my drift?

Make small goals.
Smile as you check them off your to-do list.
Get better.
Achieve goal.

Booyah.

Ballet: Getting back on the horse...

2012-02-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

Or I guess I should say, back to the barre.

I am a fitness instructor, but first and foremost: I am a dancer.

I started dancing when I was 8 years old because my mom wouldn't let me play softball. I ended up falling in love with ballet and eventually other forms of dance as well. I went on to dance at a performing arts high school, (yes, just like FAME) and then onto a college conservatory. After so many years of too much movement and not enough rest, my body turned against me and my heart fell out of love with dance, especially ballet... well maybe not out of love completely, but the spark was definitely gone...

... and that's where fitness began for me.

Although I've been able to enjoy a career of movement and helping others, I still really miss getting to dance every day. And not performing in the last 6 years has been weighing on me a lot lately. I've had my mind on ballet a ton the last few months and it was awesome that the Louisville Ballet School had an online deal for 11 classes. I scooped it up immediately, but was really scared to get back to class. I've taken only jazz classes for the past few years because it's safe, fun, less daunting, and I was just too intimidated to get back to ballet. It's still dance, but there's just something different about ballet class.

The discipline.

The focus.

The heart.

It all needs to be there to have a successful class

and I just didn't know if I had it in me anymore.

But I finally got my ass to class last week (TWICE) and had the most amazing time. Aside from the 3 horrendous foot cramps I experienced... I wasn't as bad and out of shape as I thought I'd be, (thank you, fitness career) And even though my feet and calves weren't as strong as they used to be, my technique was still there and it all came back to me quickly... like riding a bike. Being at the barre, jumping and turning in the centre, and floating across the floor: Yes, my legs were shaking. Yes it was harder than it once was. But I was home.

It was the most amazing feeling I'd had in a while. I don't know why I waited so long to get back to ballet, but it definitely reignited the spark and I can't wait to start taking class regularly again. One of my goals for 2012 was to perform again and to do so requires me to get back into the routine of taking class. I told myself to dance at least once a week this year, more if my schedule allows, and I've done pretty well so far. I just need to keep at it. I hope to perform with my roommate's dance collective at the start of summer and this is just what I need to get my ass back in the game... or my feet back in the shoes.

Is there anything you guys use to do that you've longed for lately?

Happy Wednesday!

A day for love...

2012-02-14T09:51:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a kid and Valentines Day just meant picking out cards for all your friends and classmates and exchanging candy?

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It wasn't this fuss over whether or not you had a date or were alone.

Or if you had a date, what gift to get them.

It was just fun.

And sweet.

And everybody was happy.

Let's go back to that.

'cause we could learn a lot from kids...

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So whether you're loving a significant other,

a family member,

a best friend,

a pet,

a child,

or just yourself...

Celebrate the LOVE.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

my fave:

Chi-town in February...

2012-02-13T14:54:00.004-05:00

... is REALLY COLD. Like 18 degrees as the high, cold.

I had to teach a TRX course yesterday in Chicago, so I decided to make a weekend out of it, like I usually do when I get to go to fun cities. My friend Brian*, from San Diego decided to come visit the same weekend so we made a road trip from KY to IL and then did tourist-y things all weekend. Good times, for sure. : )

The drive north:

The snow that was really fun to drive in:

Taxi that had my nickname:

our reflection in The Bean in Millennium Park:

freezing our asses off, but enjoying watching

the ice skaters fall:

enjoying the view from the cafe at the top

of the Hancock Observatory:

Even though it was only 18 degrees out, (which is about 60 fewer degrees than I prefer) we had a blast! It's rare that I actually get to experience the tourist side of a city so I'm glad we got to run around this weekend before I had to work and he had to jet back to SD. So long, Chicago!

actually, I'll be back in two weeks... so... until then, Chicago!

*and just so everybody knows: yes, brian is hot. yes, we are great friends. no, we're not dating. 'cause i know what you're thinking. 'cause i've already been asked. a lot.

BFF Trip 2012: Where to go?

2012-02-08T14:09:00.009-05:00

So, here's the deal: Me and my two BFFs are planning a girls' trip in April. It'll be just the three of us, and will probably take place between a Thursday and Tuesday. We've been trying to plan a European trip for quite some time, but between Bonna's work schedule (at a bank) and Amanda's work schedule (for a Virginian school system) our time slots available are slim and consist of about 5 day spans. Notice how I just blamed them... When you work for yourself, like me, you can take off whenever you want! Muah ha ha ha ha

Since we decided against a four day Europe trip... we opted for Montreal, Quebec. However turns out, to cross the Canadian border you take the normal price of a place ticket ($300ish) and add 500 to that number. We couldn't find tickets for less than $800 which is a bit much when you've only got a few days...

Then, we decided on Central America since it's close, but still out of the country. BUT then we discovered that week is spring break then and every touristy city along a beach will now be packed with high schoolers drunk off of Smirnoff Ice and Boonesfarm. Not really how we envisioned our trip...

So now, we've had to change our game plan.

Again.

We're trying to decide between these 3 fine cities.

All close, all interesting, and

all places we've never been:

Savannah, GA

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Austin, TX

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or...

Charleston, SC

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All three of these cities we've been dying to see,

should be fairly easy to get to (i.e. flights costing LESS than $800)

and all in the South.

Which, let's face it, will be fab no matter what.

So I'm asking for help, ladies

(or gentlemen, if you're reading).

Where should we go?

Vote now, please:

Churchill...

2012-02-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

As you may know, we have 5 animals in our house.

My dog, 3 cats, and Churchill.

Churchill is Tamara's dog and he's... special. ; )

If nothing else, we stay plenty entertained.

Churchill gets this burst of energy every night around 9:30pm.

I filmed this (do you "film" with your iPhone?)

after he'd already been at it for a few minutes:

And this is what he and Cash like to do

on a regular basis:

(I promise Cash isn't being hurt.

He loves this and could run off, if he wanted to, at any time)

Makeout Sesh

2012-02-05T09:51:00.004-05:00

Making the decision to boycott dating for a while after my divorce was a good one. I don't feel like I'm ready to be getting involved with anybody still and there's no such thing as "casual dating" as somebody, on either side, usually always gets their feelings hurt. SO no dating for me. Which is fine because I'm actually catching up on sleep, traveling like a maniac, reading books I've been meaning to read for months, and making my workout routine fairly regular. All because I get to focus on me.

However the one thing I REALLY do miss sometimes:

A good, healthy MAKEOUT SESSION.

Can I get an amen?

Preferably like this:

I could watch that clip 5 times right now...

Even though it's of my boyfriend, Ryan Gosling with another woman.

It's ok though.

They did a movie together.

They had to portray a certain appearance.

Whatev.

Cutest Skating Party EVER

2012-02-01T17:03:00.003-05:00

Did you guys have skating parties when you were in elementary school?! We did and we went to almost EVERY one. Well my nephew's school had his skating party last night and skating parties haven't changed in the last 20 years! At least not around these parts...

We did the Hokey Pokey,

they called out door prize winners with your ticket stub numbers,

and they had RACES!

Real. Good. Time

This poor girl kept trying to skate with Jaxson and he wasn't having it...

AND I managed to film the Kindergarten-3rd Grader race.

Presh.

GO FOR IT.

2012-01-30T10:12:00.004-05:00

"Don't wait. The time will never be just right."

-Napoleon Hill

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Take this quote and do what you will with it today.

Whether it's quitting that job you hate to chase another that might not pay as much,

or putting the first foot forward to training for the weight you never thought you could reach,

or leaving the bad relationship you're in to be alone, but happier,

or going back to school, even though you'll be the oldest in the class,

or leaving your hometown for another where you don't know anybody.

Whatever you WANT to do with yourself, GO FOR IT.

Start working towards it. Today.

Because it will never be the "right" time.

Be bold.

Be Brave.

You've got this.

Have a great Monday, guys!

I've been scared shitless about many of the huge decisions I've made in my life (most against the wishes of my family/friends), but I've always been happy so I don't regret a SINGLE one. Sometimes you just gotta leap. The net will appear.

Tough Mudder - Nor Cal 2012

2012-01-29T09:58:00.005-05:00

I just signed up for this with some other TRX Team Master Trainers...

Most people think since I'm a fitness professional that I must run a lot. I'm not a "runner". I don't compete in marathons/triathalons. I'm not knocking anybody that does them AT ALL. For me, I don't see the point in paying money to wake up early, on a SATURDAY, to fight your way through thousands of people, and run a distance that you could run any old time if you just stepped out of your house and went for it (kinda like Forrest Gump). Plus, doing the same movement for hours at time with no variation makes me want to punch somebody... but that's just me.

I AM, however, an obstacle course person!

Fire?!

Mud pits?!

12 ft. walls you have to scale?!

Jumping off things into water?!

Count me in.

This sounds way better than running in a straight line for 3 hours...

Any of you done a Tough Mudder before?

Any of you going to be at this one?

; )

Welcome home, Mom

2012-01-25T15:25:00.004-05:00

It sucks to have to leave Tango at home when I travel but it's nice knowing he gets to stay home with my roomie and has Churchill to play with while I'm gone.

The best part about being gone is the welcome I get when I come back home:

Him racing out of my room,

peeling out on the hardwood floors,

jumping 360s as I put down my bags,

sometimes a little pee on the floor out of excitement,

but all around a CUTE moment.

I got home late Monday night, excited to be off the plane and to see Tang.

I almost asked Tamara to video the welcome routine so I'd have it to view, but couldn't wait.

I let Tango out, he runs over, does a few 360s,

then lays on his back so I can pepper him with belly rubs.

And then he pees.

A lot.

And the pee HITS ME IN THE FACE.

And the pee goes UP MY NOSE.

...wish I'd asked Tamara to videotape it. Coulda won 100k from that one.

Thanks, Tango.

Love you too.

I guess that's what I get for leaving...

What happens when I go to San Fran for TRX...

2012-01-24T13:42:00.002-05:00

I have to go to San Francisco... a lot. We have training weekends where I learn/present/workout for several days in a row. Then I return home smarter than I was before I left. So right now, at this very moment, you're reading a smarter blog than you read last week. Just so you know. ; )

The days are long (11hrs for 3 of 'em, 9 for the 4th one), the workouts are intense, the amount of info we're taking is in ridic... but somehow we always have an amazing time. The TRX instructor cadre is so close and we can't have a bad time. Here are some photos I snapped throughout the week and below that is a video my girl, Shana put together yesterday.

Good times... Fo Sho

A little TRX/Thigh Master Fusion:

A little Ping Pong Break Action Shot:

Just a few pages/books worth of info to remember:

Day 4, almost done:

A well deserved Team dinner:

Hallelujah, we're done.

And the video... in case you care.

You can tell how much smarter I am already, right?

: )

Make It Count, (bitches)

2012-01-22T20:49:00.002-05:00

Sorry I've been M.I.A this week. I've just completed 4 crazy days of training at TRX Headquarters in San Fran. After multiple workouts, several presentations, and too few hours of sleep, I'm BEAT. But getting to hang out with SF friends is making up for it... even if they're making me watch football. (I hate football)

BUT I just saw this Nike commercial

and it made me want to jump up and down

How are you going to move this week?

However you do it,

Make It Count

Long Distance Relationships...

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Anybody that's gone through a long distance relationship knows how hard it can be... I mean, not getting to see my boyfriend, Bradley Cooper every day just kills me. But my job requires me to travel, so that's just all there is to it. He understands and does his best to be supportive of my career. He's so great that way.

He keeps himself occupied while I'm away,

so I don't feel as bad...

A little b-ball here and there:

You know,

the occasional photo shoot...

Just workin' on his French...

(Sara, is he legit?)

And... uh...

What was I just saying?

Even though he's my boyfriend,

I'll let you check him out.

You're welcome.

I'm off to San Fran for the rest of the week. Holla!

image 1, 2, 3

Book Buzz: Past and Present

2012-01-16T21:15:00.004-05:00

Since I did such a shite job with the Blogger Book Club I started (5 months ago), I'm just going to tell you what I'm reading when I'm reading it, and you guys can comment if you want. I just finished Pride and Prejudice last week:

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It's one of those books that you HAVE to read at some point in your life and everybody talks about how fabulous it is so I gave it a whirl... espesh since it was free when I bought my Kindle a couple months ago. And since I've always wanted to know what Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail was going on and on about... and Jane Austen does use words like thither and felicity. It was all very exciting for me.

Bridget was also just talking about classic books the other day and asking why we don't read them just for fun anymore... (Like without being in middle school and reading only the parts that had the answers to the worksheet questions your english teacher gave you. That's not what I did or anything, but I've heard of people doing it.) This book was really enjoyable. Glad I got myself started!

~Moving on~

And I know I'm a year or more behind on every series of books there possibly is, (Twilight, Hunger Games, etc.) but because I want to see the movie so badly, I've gotta get my ass in gear when it comes to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo:

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I actually downloaded this on my iPhone about a year ago and tried reading it then, but just COULD NOT GET INTO IT... and at the time, I was on a really long flight and it was killing my phone battery only 30 minutes in. Sooooo it got the boot. But the movies look amazing and I've been reading work books for a bit now and just want to read something entertaining that I can get sucked into easily.

Everybody keeps telling me that the beginning is slow,

but to just keep going.

So I guess I will.

Stieg Larsson, you get one more shot to lure me in, buddy.

Let's hope it works.

What else is good out there, peeps? Send me your recommendations and maybe I'll get around to reading them in 2013...

; )

Happy Monday

What your trainer is REALLY thinking...

2012-01-11T17:13:00.015-05:00

Today's post is inspired by this video. It made me laugh out loud at a few points because I've heard a lot of these things several times over the years from personal training clients and group fitness participants alike. You don't need to watch the whole thing, but have a listen:

As trainers, we hear all kinds of excuses/complaints from our clients.

This is what your trainer is really thinking:

if your trainer is me...

"I've been training with you for a year (or other amount of time) and I haven't lost any weight!"

Oh really? I train you for 1 hour, twice a week. I'm in charge of you 2 hours per week, you're in charge of yourself the other 166 hours. You're right. It's probably my fault. All the stuff I'm giving you to do the rest of the time that you're not doing... can't be that.

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"I don't like vegetables!"

Oh well in that case, you should keep eating those potato chips, made from a factory. Those are probably definitely better for you. I have no idea what I'm talking about. And what you've been eating is doing great things for your body... is that why you hired me?

"Why am I even doing this exercise?!"

I'm just f***ing with you. Thought I'd see how funny you looked doing it. It's not for your benefit in any way possible.

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"I hate lunges!"

Remember when you told me you wanted a better ass? Well, this is how you get it. You build glute muscle and that's what gives you the shape. Do the lunges, or don't complain about your flat butt.

"I hate cardio!"

Yeah? I hate paying bills. But I do it so I can have a car, a place to live, etc. You don't like being overweight/weak? You gotta do some work. Sorry. When your body gets to a place where it's used to doing work, it works more efficiently.

"If I eat more fruits and vegetables I'll have to go to the store more often."

Which do you hate more: being overweight and unhealthy, being at risk for Type II Diabetes, have high cholesterol/blood pressure, etc from eating CRAP.... or making the trip to the store (to buy fresh) once every 4 or 5 days? You decide.

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"I don't want those heavy weights! I'll get bulky!"

You're right. Because those 3 lb weights you've been using are doing SO much for you. Lifting weights burns calories (gets rid of fat) and builds muscle (makes muscle visible... i.e. TONE). The more you challenge yourself (safely), the stronger you'll get. Unless you're injured or rehabbing something, you don't need 1lb weights... promise.

"I want to be back to the weight I was at 5 years ago... in 2 months."

Well if it took you 5 years to get out of shape, it might take a little longer than 2 months to get back to where you were. If you're dropping weight correctly, it'll be at a rate of 1 or 2 lbs/week. Soooo do the math.

"This is hard!"

You're absolutely right. You should stop right now. Don't do anything that's hard. That can't be good for you. Keep doing what you were doing (easy/nothing). See if anything changes.

"People have been eating bread for centuries."

People have also been smoking opium for centuries... not everything that's been around forever is good for you. It's not that you can never have bread/alcohol/cheese, but you'll lose weight faster if you eat less of it.

"You hurt me yesterday, I was sore."

There's a difference in pain and discomfort. Sore muscles aren't hurt. They're sore because you haven't used them in a long time. Keep going! You'll be less sore as you go on. If you stop, you'll just be sore every time you start up again after a hiatus. And so what if you're sore? You won't die. Your muscle fibers heal and get stronger. That's how it works. You think I'm never sore? Riiiiight. If you're in actual pain for more than a couple days, we'll talk.

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"I'm not going to stop _____. It's my thing."

Whether your "thing" is having a giant Starbucks latte every morning, or beers with the coworkers after work every night, those calories add up and it's not helping your cause. And if you've been doing it every day for the past few years, nothing's going to change in your body if you don't change your current habits.

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Trainers don't tell you to add something or drop something from your routine just to see if we have power over you. We don't tell you to exercise because we want you to be miserable. We don't push you because we're on a power trip and we just want to see if you'll do whatever we say (well, most of us don't). We do it because it will help you with your goal. We try to be as supportive of you, empathize with whatever road blocks you've faced in the past, and push past those to get where you want to be. Whether it's losing weight, building strength, or making you healthier we give you advice because YOU hired US for help and WE know how to help you reach your goal, whatever that may be. But you have to listen to make it work...

*I know this was a pretty sarcastic post, but in all reality I'm this business because it's amazing to help somebody reach their potential. I've had people complain and yell and even curse me up one side and down the other... but if they keep going and work hard, I don't care. : ) Most of my clients (especially the ones I'm training now) are very hard-working individuals and put a lot of effort into reaching their goals. For these peeps: I appreciate and respect who you are and everything you do!

Travel Thoughts: Duluth

2012-01-09T06:21:00.005-05:00

I'll have to admit that I ~~effing hated~~ wasn't too keen on the fact that I had to travel to Duluth, MN and Superior, WI this past weekend for TRX. I hate being cold and I'd have to go to the coldest cities in the country... in January. Awesome. Not to mention there can't be that much to do there. I was trying to keep an open mind that it might be interesting, but really I was just being a judger. A big one. Lucky for me though, Sarah is from Superior and she hooked me up with one of her best friends to hang out with for the evening.

So I went on a chick blind date!

I met Dannae at a local bar

(after Facebook stalking her to see what she looked like)

and we had a great evening!

How can you go wrong with local brew and tiger striped seating?

And I had this view to wake up to

on my way into Superior yesterday.

I bet this place is gorgeous in the summer.

And it wasn't the -30 degrees I pictured in my mind...

Oh it was still 16... but that's way better than what I had envisioned.

Duluth, sorry I judged. You're not so bad.

I confess...

2012-01-06T08:01:00.001-05:00

As brought to you by Carissa...

I confess:

That instead of putting air in my tires myself (in the freezing temps) this week, I went to get my oil changed... 'cause I knew they'd do it for me. I don't look at it as lazy, I look at it as resourceful. Whatev. Charli needed an oil change anyway...

That I heard Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror song, on shuffle, right as I was driving through Gary, Indiana (his hometown) on Wednesday and I take it as a sign that we're connected...

That even though I know I'm not overweight or anything but the idea of having to be in a fitness photo shoot yesterday still made me feel a little self-conscious... so I worked out a ton leading up to it.

That I may or may not have ordered Monte Carlo on Netflix this week because it looks really cute and my inner pre-teen just had to have it...

And that even though being single is the best thing for me right now, it doesn't help/hurt to watch sappy chick flicks and tons of Grey's Anatomy. Still the best scene of the whole series:

Ah... I remember watching that live, back in college. When it was still on Sunday nights...

The good old days...

What do you confess this week?

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4

Travel Essentials:Trip It App

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you've followed my blog for at least a month or so, you know I travel. A lot. I present all over the country for the fitness company, TRX and when I'm not doing that, I like to take trips any time I can. Soooo I'm usually gone most weekends of the month.

That means lots of flights,

lots of hotels,

lots of rental cars,

and LOTS of confirmation numbers to keep track of...

One of the things that's kept me organized is the Trip It app.

It's my jam.

It keeps all my trips in one place, then breaks them down so you can see your plans and confirmation numbers for flights, hotels, rental cars. It even gives you maps from each place, weather wherever you are, and suggestions for things to do while you're there. As soon as I get my confirmation email when I've booked a flight or hotel room, I just forward it to plans@tripit.com and it goes right into my phone. If I add a car or stop along the way, it automatically updates.

I pay a little more for the PRO version ('cause I'm such a travel pro) and it will send me reminders to check in for my flight, let me know if my flight is delayed or cancelled, and offers me details on other flights to take if that occurs. (This is the bomb because I've had a cancelled flight before and it just pops up a screen with all your other options and the phone number to call and switch your flight. It took about a minute and half to have a new flight. ) And, if that weren't enough, it also keeps track of all my frequent flier miles and hotel points. Boom.

Trip It is like my travel personal assistant.

...makes me feel somewhat fancy and important.

This is what my Trip It home page looks like right now:

yes, Duluth... in January... I know.

Tuck

2012-01-04T11:07:00.003-05:00

Churchill is currently in puppy obedience school...

which, turns out, is VERY entertaining.

Tuck is my new favorite puppy from class:

I'm off to Chicago and then Duluth.

Let's pray I don't freeze to death...

2012: Hitting The Ground Running

2012-01-02T08:16:00.003-05:00

Or not, because I feel like ish...

So many holiday parties, so many germs,

so much snot.

Neti Pot because it's attractive? NO

Neti Pot because I want to feel like I'm drowning? NO

Neti Pot because I want the water to go in my nose, then down my throat? NO

Neti Pot because it's amazing and makes you able to breathe? YES

...even if it's only good for 30 minutes...

My plan of making 2012 my bitch isn't starting out as strongly as I'd hoped...

p.s. I'm sorry if this is your first visit to my blog.

I swear I'm better than this.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Awesomeness

2011-12-30T11:24:00.001-05:00

These guys are my fave.

XMAS - B&W

2011-12-26T22:10:00.004-05:00

Me and my brother, Nathan

his wife, Amanda

Tango, of course

Mom and nephew, Jaxson

me and Jax

Dad and Tang

and the best shot:

Nathan and Jax*

*this is Nathan ~~stealing~~ showing him how to use his new Nintendo DS

Hope you guys all had a great holiday!!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

To my family and friends

(of the blog world and beyond)

With Love & Hope,

Ami and Tango

Christmas Tree: Part 3

2011-12-24T09:34:00.004-05:00

Once we realized the old tree had seen the last of its days... we had to break down and go buy a live one. We* wanted to go to a Christmas Tree Farm and cut down our own tree, with a saw and everything, but the farm closed at 7 and it was 6:30. So we opted for one from the pre-cut assortment. It was freezing.

Blurry photo makes me look like

somebody from The Ring

But we got it home.

Got it up (dot com).

And decorated it.

An ornament I bought from one of my trips this year:

The star:

And the finished product,

no longer janky:

Merry Christmas Eve, everybody!

Hope you're enjoying yourself with family, friends, or both.

I'm off to finish (start) my Christmas shopping... 'cause I'm that girl.

*When I say we wanted to cut down a tree, it was really just me. Tamara thought I was trippin'. But she was willing to go anyway, 'cause she's awesome like that

Shit Ami Says...

2011-12-22T17:20:00.003-05:00

My friend, Scotty D, is one my favorite people. He's effing hilarious and was one of the first people I showed the Shit Girls Say video to, because me and my roomie say half of that ish to him... on a daily basis. He wasn't really phased because he'd actually shown the video to Tamara himself first, like a week before I ever saw it... whatever. That's neither here nor there. He did however, send over this list this morning of shit I say. And I'll admit, it's pretty spot on. And pretty hilarious.

(I'll go ahead and apologize to those of you reading this

that don't actually know me or spend time with me...

it's probably not going to be as entertaining for you.

My bad.)

Can you open this?

I got this shit.

Do you have heated seats?

This song is my JAM!

(followed by spontaneous dancing)

I slept for 10 hours last night.

Food baby.

Girl, I got these shoes/this purse/this hat for FIVE dollars.

Boom!

It's super fun.

It's so cold.

(teeth chattering, arms straight down at her sides)

I'm out of town that weekend.

Punch bug!

Bye buddy, I love you, I'll be back

(to Tango)

I was with my boyfriend, Ryan Gosling/

my boyfriend, Matthew McConaughey/

my boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, etc.

Can I have a mint?

Knock that ish out!

Dot Com.

Pull your car in forwardwise.

haha... good job, Scott. good job.

If you had your own list, what would be on it?

Christmas Tree Part 2 - The Jank Continues...

2011-12-21T08:01:00.000-05:00

So after we put up the old family tree, and after we tried to fix the janky stand, we decided that maybe it's time to retire the fake tree and go out and buy a real one. It would smell better anyway... But by this time it was late, we were tired, and it wasn't going to happen that night. We still needed some sort of Christmas decor though... we'd been SO excited to get a tree up.

So why not plug in Tamara's grandmother's ceramic tree she'd given us?

OMG even this tree is janky!

Note the light that looks a little different from the rest:

Anybody missing any Lite Brite pieces?

Wow.

to be continued... again...

Shit Girls Say - There's an EPISODE 2!!!

2011-12-20T09:45:00.003-05:00

I saw this video on Monday from Krissy over at Miss B and Hustle. It has since become my favorite video in the entire world. I've shared it on twitter, facebook and watched it myself probably 50 times since then. "I'm not even joking right now." If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor:

and now there's an EPIDODE 2!

These 2 videos have made my week.

How many of these are you guilty of? I'd say about %60 for myself...

McMullen - Begley Christmas Tree: Part 1

2011-12-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Me (McMullen) and my roomie Tamara (Begley) have been dying to put up the Xmas tree for weeks now and I finally remembered to go grab it from my previous house (left it in the attic). Last year my dad let me have the family tree that we've been putting up since I was about 7 or 8 years old.

Total score, right?

Well we got it all put together

Then put some lights on it

and realized something was a bit...

off.

The tree was completely crooked

because the 20 something year old plastic stand

was janky and broken.

So we had to fix* it.

That didn't go over so well...

which is why there's a part 2 to this story...

*tape it together with masking tape

Park Bench

2011-12-14T14:17:00.003-05:00

Since it's an unseasonably warm day (66 degrees!),

and since I overslept and missed my ballet class,

me and Tang went to the park to run.

The best part about the Wilderness Loop

is the bench at the top of the hill,

at the end of the loop.

It's nice to cool down,

stretch, sit, and chill for a few...

and catch your breath...

I have the best running partner:

How's your Wednesday going?

Hope you were able to move today!

: )

Beach Plank

2011-12-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

I spent most of my weekend in the Bahamas just layin' around...

Happy Sunday.

Relax.

Put Your Back Into It

2011-12-10T20:59:00.006-05:00

One of the biggest workout mistakes people make is only working their 'mirror' muscles. These are the muscles you see when you look in the mirror; chest, abs, biceps, etc. Most peeps forget about the backside. Here's why that's bad:

When you work one side of the body and neglect the other, you get muscular strength imbalances. For example, if you do a ton of push ups and chest work, but don't work your shoulders and upper back, you'll get really a strong but tight chest, and really weak shoulders. The result is shoulders that hunch forward or rotate inward and a back that's rounded or hunched because of stronger muscles pulling the bones one direction and the weaker ones not being able to reciprocate. This isn't healthy (or attractive).

What can you do about this, you ask?

Stretch the muscles you tend to work more,

then strengthen the muscles you neglect!

Do you work at a desk? Chances are you're leaning forward all day and don't have the best posture. You need to stretch out your chest, biceps, abs, and hip flexors. Then you need to work your rhomboids, rear deltoids, erectors (heehee), and glutes. Try a few exercises for the front of your body, then try a few with back side... see which is stronger.

Moral of the story?! Put your back into it.

You'll be stronger.

And sexier.

'cause what's better than a sexy back?

Cue Justin Timberlake...

*The thing I'm holding in the photo is a TRX Rip Trainer. See the sport cord attached to the bar on the left side? That makes it hard, because that resistance is pulling me to the left, so I'm resisting it with my core and using the right side of my body to keep me facing forward. It works your core like a mother. Just sayin'

**Photo taken of me by Adrian Li

Blates are the ish...

2011-12-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Blate: Blogger Date

Last weekend I had to go to work in the ATL where my buddy Ashley, from Run With Me, lives. YAY. We planned on going to dinner. Guess who was ALSO there?!

Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds

and Chelsea from Choose to be Happy

4 Bloggers

4 Brunettes

4 cinnamon whiskey shots (but that's a whole 'nother blog post)

it was a great evening!

Ashley was way cooler than me and posted about this evening in a POEM.

Sigh.

Some people are just better... check it.

TRX: Kelly Combo!

2011-12-05T15:15:00.004-05:00

Anybody that's ever taken a fitness class from me knows that Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" is my favorite workout song. I choreographed this TRX core combo to it a while back and was finally able to film it. If you have your own TRX Suspension Trainer, try it out and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Special thanks to my buddy, Fraser for doing the hard part:
cutting the video,

cueing music,
adding in movement cues,
and ish like that.
Goodness knows it would have taken me forever...

My Jam(s)

2011-12-01T13:33:00.007-05:00

Things that are my jam right now:

Getting hooked up with 11 Dance Classes at Louisville Ballet School for $49. Holla.

Listening to Christmas music 24/7

Going to bed early with a glass of wine last night.

Having just been to Thailand and the Bahamas in the past month.

Seeing Ashley in the ATL this weekend.

The prospect that there could be snow some time soon in the 'ville...

The new show, Revenge. (not the best show out there, but certainly entertaining).

Random, spur of the moment trip to the shoe outlet with Sarah this morning.

Scoring 2 pairs of boots from said outlet for $98.

Things that are so not my jam right now:

The below freezing temperature (that I wasn't prepped for).

Frost on my car this morning.

Not knowing where the H my scraper was.

Being late (not really) because of scraper incident.

Not being with certain friends/loved ones around the holidays.

So glad the top section is longer than this bottom one. : )

Glad game. Boom.

photo 1 via, 2 via

Mellow Christmas Tunes

2011-11-30T11:14:00.005-05:00

I've only heard one song from this album before this year but I don't know how I missed this thing.

I am in love with this entire album.

Favorite Song:

Winter Song by Sarah McLachlan/Sarah McLachlan on Grooveshark

Second Favorite Song:

Song For A Winters Night by Sarah Mc Lachlan on Grooveshark

They make me want to cry.

They're so beautiful.

~Mess~

photo via

A Little Stretchy Stretch

2011-11-28T14:50:00.004-05:00

on the beachy beach...

it was a rough weekend in the Bahamas.

; )

anyway...

TRX isn't only for strength training. It's a great flexibility/mobility tool. It can assist you while you work through your own limits with range of motion. It's been a while since I've gotten into the splits. Partly because I don't use them anymore (what, you don't bust out the splits daily?), partly because I just stopped stretching as much. Putting one foot in the foot cradles, that leg in the air, then slowly making my way backwards allowed me to work at my own pace and stay supported at the same time. After about a month... nailed it.

P.S. last day to get %25 off and FREE shipping on one of these bad boys... SHOP

Island Christmas Tunes

2011-11-26T15:20:00.002-05:00

Since I'm officially allowed to listen to Christmas music now, I've been burning through my Xmas playlist like it's nobody's business. A new addition to this year's playlist includes this album, perfect for our weekend getaway in the Bahamas:

With artists like Jack Johnson, Matt Costa, and G Love, you're bound to have a mellow music listening experience. And if you happen to be laying on a beach somewhere in the world (like I am) you'll appreciate it even more...

Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

photo via

Too much turkey...

2011-11-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

The tryptophan proved to be too much for the Tang... : )

*note the amazing T-day bandana he got from the groomer this week

Here are some of my Thanksgiving workout/eating tips

from last year to help you

stay out of the same boat as Tango.

Happy eating!

Tango and I hope you all have the best holiday weekend

and hope you get to spend it with ones you love!

(If you happen to be in the U.S. and celebrate Thanksgiving)

I'm off to the Bahamas tonight

to hang with some friends

after I celebrate the holiday with my fam.

See you guys Sunday!

Tips from a Figure Competitor

2011-11-22T23:12:00.005-05:00

Shana Martin is a fellow TRX Master Trainer and also a nationally ranked fitness competitor. (She's ALSO a 5 time Lumberjack Sports champion - how effing cool is that?)

She's also my bud... here's proof:

Here she is talking about 3 TRX moves you can do to improve your strength. A common misconception that women have when wanting to "tone up" is that they want to drop fat around their muscles, not build muscle so they don't get big/bulky. Well, you actually need to build muscle first. You don't have big muscles to start with, so building them is what makes them show. Also, building muscle burns fat in a serious way. So if you're spending all your time on the treadmill or walking, instead of lifting your own bodyweight, don't expect to "tone up". You need to build some strength! Just sayin'

Girlfriend, Shana here has some serious strength,

is super lean,

but doesn't look creepy or bulky.

Case in point.

Watch this:

So that's Shana. And those are a couple tips. Go do some work!

She also does a lot of work for the Huntington's Disease Society of America.

You can donate here if you're feeling awesome and giving today.

Time to get RIPPED!

2011-11-22T12:45:00.004-05:00

I've already have one, but I got 2 more in the mail today! Woo hoo!

Such a great, useful piece of equipment for your toolbox...

Wanna see it in action?

Want one for yourself?

Click it:

My Workout JAM(s) of the week:

2011-11-21T20:01:00.005-05:00

This song:

These shoes:

Because they're attractive? No

Because they're the most comfortable shoes ever? Yes

And because this happened:

(Thanks, Churchill)

What's your workout goal for the week?

Mine is to work HARD the next few days

because I've got a lot of eating to do Thursday,

and then 3 days of Bahamas after that...

WOOT!

Get after it!

Darien, CT

2011-11-18T18:30:00.003-05:00

So the day that I got my times mixed up in CT turned out to be OK. I got to cruise around the town and was told by some locals to go check out the scenic shoreline. So I drove around, got a little lost, but ended up finding it. They were right... GORGEOUS.

Getting lost usually turns out ok,

if you know how to go with the flow

and have the inclination to go exploring...

Look who I ran into:

2011-11-17T16:17:00.004-05:00

I've run into people I've known in NYC before... why not Chicago? J/K. We didn't run into each other. But it would have been way cooler if we did. I tweeted, she emailed, I emailed back. She called. We planned it. Even though it was a last minute thing, it was still great to meet another blogger! I'm sure you know Ashley Nicole Catherine, but if you don't, you want to. Trust.

It was so much fun to have a #blate, I think I'll have another one.

In two weeks.

With another Ashley.

In the ATL.

Booyah.

#blate - blogger date. thx , Meg. Even though we missed you, I'll still use your hashtags

*photo via Ashley's camera and a random lady at Argo Tea

TRX Travel - Connecticut/NYC

2011-11-14T08:36:00.003-05:00

Right before I went to Thailand I had a TRX course to teach in Connecticut. Whenever I have to go anywhere even close NYC I fly into JFK and stay with my friend, Annie. Since Connecticut is such as easy drive from New York, I can easily make it a weekend with my old college dance chum. It was great to see her, go to wine tasting, and have a dinner party with my dance buds.

My TRX certifications usually run from 9-5 and I show up at 8 to set up. Since I was driving from NY, i needed to wake up at 6:30, drive an hour to the Equinox in CT and get ready for the day. Funny story: I get there, and the course DOESN'T START UNTIL NOON. Somebody didn't see that part of the prep email. So, with several hours to kill and no point in driving all the way back to NY, I stop and have breakfast, drive around Darien, and take photos of myself by the lake in a the park. Because that's what you do when you have a blog. Right?

Work Break...

2011-11-10T11:48:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, you just need a break in the day to lay in the sun...

even if it's inside sun,

since it's now cold as balls out.

Me, Tang, and Emmy

Climbing in Krabi

2011-11-08T17:29:00.004-05:00

It shouldn't be a surprise that I went on a climbing trip while in Thailand and neglected to bring my climbing shoes... 'cause that's how I roll. (I never remembered my dance costumes for competitions, I brought my cap to my graduation but not my gown, and forgot the video camera for my wedding... just to give you some perspective)

So guess who got to pay 500 Baht

to rent broken down climbing shoes

that a bunch of nasty people

have put their grody feet into.

Yay!

But it was totally worth it.

The hike up to the Thaiwand Wall

Checking out the sweet climb we're about to do

... and the kick-ass view

The only photo we took while climbing...

'cause you're kinda busy with your hands

An insanely amazing trip that I'll never forget

Faves on a Monday...

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's Monday. Here's a list of my faves. Hence this blog post title...

TV Show: I Love Lucy

via

I've talked about this before, but really, there's not another show that I could watch whenever I see that it's on...

Food: Hamburgers

via

I never make my own burgers, but I seriously love a good one. I like 'em with just lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. The best one I've ever eaten came from the Ritz Carlton at LA Live. It was fucking $17, (which I didn't know until I got the bill) but completely worth it.

Movie: An Affair to Remember

via

This movie is actually my 2nd fave (behind The Parent Trap) but I'm mentioning it here because you've already heard me talk about the other. Besides the infidelity, this movie is the most romantic film I've ever seen. Watch it.

Song: Over The Rainbow

It's the first song I ever danced to. I have a million versions of it on my iTunes. I even have an Over The Rainbow playlist of all those versions... weird, I know.

Flower: Daisy

via

'cause it's cute. And happy. And simple. And goes for any occasion. And hell of a lot cheaper and cliche than roses...

Cocktail: Rasberry Vodka (or rum) and Lemonade.

via

Yeah buddy. Although I usually only order vodka tonics, I LOVE this cocktail. These can be deadly for me since I can slurp them down in about two seconds. This is why I rarely have them. But they're my fave. Closely edging out the Margarita...

Candy Bar: Snickers

via

It's got the chocolate, it's got the peanuts... you get the sweet and salty taken care of all at one time! And don't even get me started on the ice cream version...

Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

via

I could read this book a thousand times. I just love it. It makes me laugh and cry every time I read it. I can't wait to be able to share all my favorite books with my kids one day!

Kind of Travel: Road Trip

via

I think you're all well aware of my ~~fear~~ severe distaste of flying. Road tripping is my absolute favorite. You can leave and stop when you want, see cool ish along the way, and fit in as much luggage/snacks/drinks/buddies as you want! And most importantly, if the engine dies, you won't go plummeting to the earth to die a horribly scary, gruesome death. Road trip playlists are my favorite to create as well! ; )

Color: Yellow

via

It's changed many times over the years (pink/purple/blue) but I've been set on yellow for quite a few years now. It's beautiful in nature/decor/clothing, any shade will do, and everything looks good in yellow...

Coffee: Hotel coffee!

via

I actually don't really like coffee at all. (Whenever I meet somebody for "coffee" I get a smoothie or hot chocolate) I have to put so much sugar/milk in it to make it drinkable that I don't really see the point in even drinking it. However, I do enjoy the mini coffee makers that are in my hotel room every weekend. I don't know what is about them, but it's SO much fun to get it going when I get up. It tastes terrible so I don't actually consume it, but it makes the room smell marvelous and that helps wake me up! : )

Board Game: Catchphrase!

via

I know there's not an actual board with this game but it's so much fun to play in a group. Nothing makes me laugh harder than seeing people try to describe something when they have no clue what it really is. I get crazy competitive with this game ~~because my team always wins~~ but it's all in good fun.

That's enough for now... you'll get more later, when you've earned it. ; )

'cause who's gonna buy the cow when you're giving the milk away for free?

Am I right?

Happy Birthday, Nathan

2011-11-05T05:39:00.004-04:00

Even though you used to hit and torment me all the time...

Even though you tried to ruin Christmas every year by finding and showing me my gifts...

Even though you're the reason I have false teeth...

Even though you try to steal every bite of dessert I've ever had...

Even though you insist on people calling you Nate, when your name is Nathan...

I love you.

Because you're always there for me...

Because you'll give me a ride anywhere...

Because we got busted sneaking out on the babysitter to play kickball in the mud... together...

Because you drove 34 hours across country with me and my janky car...

Because we had some of the best food fights in history...

Because we can do crosswords puzzles like it's nobody's business...

You're the best big brother I could ever ask for.

Happy 30th Birthday, Nathan!

Deep Water Soloing

2011-11-03T07:00:00.003-04:00

Our last couple of days in Thailand were spent rock climbing in Krabi. I'll post photos from the sport climbing later, but first is the good stuff: Deep Water Soloing. No gear, just you, the rocks, and the water. How it works:

You hire a dude with one of these long-tail boats

to drive you out to where the water's really deep

and the rocks are sah-weet!

It's pretty exciting.

We are pumped.

Then you climb up.

And jump down.

And here's one of the videos...

Equal parts scary/fun.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:32:00.003-04:00

So I know you guys all had your Halloween parties this weekend, and you took your kiddos (if you have them) trick-or-treating tonight... yay! But there's not sense of the holiday here so it's like I'm missing it all together. Anywho... guess what happened to me a couple days ago?

It all started out on our first day post-work.

A free day to relax and hang at the pool.

Then a little ocean time

like we'd been doing every day since...

then a little pain.

On my back.

Here:

Turns out... there were lots of these guys

chillin in the water that day.

F'ers.

Contrary to popular belief,

and to the disappointment of all my buds,

you don't piss on a jellyfish sting

to make it ease up.

Unfortunately.

But the sap from these leaves help:

And a little visit from the hotel doc

who puts vinegar solution

ALL OVER YOU.

So you get stung by a jellyfish,

then you get to smell like salad dressing.

It's a good day all around.

Luckily though, it wasn't as much pain as I thought it would be. And it was over in about 45 minutes. I think treating it quickly helped. And the fact that I wasn't in Australia at the time... I hear their Jellyfish kill you dead if they sting you... That would put a damper on my vacay. Fo sho.

Happy Halloween!

: )

Flying for 23 hours sucks.

2011-10-28T02:57:00.004-04:00

But it's totally worth it to come to Thailand. Unfortunately, I didn't know that until I got here. My 14.5 hour flight from NYC wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it still wasn't awesome. I then got to Tokyo and had a 7 hour flight from there to Bangkok. That one was better because I scored a row of 2 seats to myself. Yessss. Then the last flight to Phuket was a quick 1.5 hour jump. No biggie and by then, I was just excited to get here. Here are some photos I took with my phone:

If you follow me on twitter, you saw this post.

My plane had a 2nd floor.

This thing is huge.

And completely too big to stay in the air.

It's just unnatural.

The view is kind of nice though...

We had 3 meals on this flight!

All pretty yummy.

Yay for free wine.

Good to know that in Tokyo,

you can always get your ish

sprayed off after you use the bathroom.

More to come...

I'm not dead.

2011-10-25T17:58:00.003-04:00

I'm just here.

At the TRX Global Instructors Summit.

In Phuket, Thailand.

On the complete opposite time zone (12 hrs difference here).

As in, it's already the next day here.

As in, I'm in the future, bitches. ; )

I haven't had time yet to upload any photos. Today's schedule has us going from 7am - 10pm (hence the no time). But I have a couple free days on Friday and Saturday and you will be entertained, amazed, and enthralled at the posts coming your way... Or you'll just have more ish to read in the a.m. when you get to work and are trying to avoid reading emails. Either way...

Get ready.

photo via

I got a new toy!

2011-10-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

So I bought a Kindle last night...

I'm so not a gadget person, but in preparation for my flight to Thailand (happening this weekend) I'm trying to find as many things to keep me occupied as possible... other than alcohol.

Flight #1: NYC to Tokyo - 14.5 hours

Flight #2: Tokyo to Bangkok - 7 hours

I've never sat for 14.5 hours straight. I'm not sure what the hell I'm going to do. (Other than pop some Tylenol PM and hope I pass the eff out for most of it.) Since I don't really need an iPad, I settled for the Kindle. I like to read. It has 2 entire months of battery. I can buy books wirelessly. All good things, right? I should be good to go. I've already bought a few... this is going to be just like when I first got iTunes: BAD for my bank account.

Here's what I have so far:

Pride and Prejudice ~ Jane Austen

Seriously... I'm Kidding ~ Ellen DeGeneres

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo ~ Steig Larsson

Presentation Zen ~ Garr Reynolds

What? Shut up, I'm a presenter. I have to work on these things

Any votes for November's book club book?

Since I've pretty much screwed October's book.

Pumpkins, Punkin

2011-10-19T08:01:00.003-04:00

We had a pumpkin carving party the other night...

Guess which one is mine?

Have any of you carved a pumpkin lately? It had been a really long time for me and I was pretty excited. I even grabbed a kit that had a bunch of different designs and all the tools to help you out.

Surprise:

It was way harder than I remember.

Or my pumpkin kit was just janky.

Either way... after a lot of sweat and frustration, my pumpkin is finished and on my porch. We'll see how long it takes the neighborhood kids to come steal/smash it... Happy Wednesday!

Tango Friday

2011-10-14T11:11:00.002-04:00

Us at the park

Ran through mud

like he's OUT of his

damn mind.

He was asleep

right before I took this.

It's like they know as soon as you grab your camera.

Or phone.

Alright kiddos. I'm headed to Cinci tomorrow morning, NYC tomorrow night, New Canaan, CT Sunday morning, and back to the 'ville on Monday. Holla.

And Happy Friday!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-13T11:19:00.002-04:00

I'm missing Halloween this year! What a drag. Buuuut I'll be in Thailand, so I guess it's not so bad. Still. Dressing up is fun. Especially when you go as a group. This is my costume from 2009 - The Barry's Bootcamp crew. So much fun!

The first season of Glee.

I was Quinn, back when she was preggo...

EPIC.

Maybe we'll throw together something in Thailand? We'll see...

Flying Squirrels... In Progress

2011-10-12T15:37:00.005-04:00

Every Wednesday my friend/colleague Chris and I meet up in the park for a little trainer jam session. We do a workout, tell stories, talk ish, and try to one up each other. It's a good time. He sent me this video of a "flying squirrel" suggesting we add it to our routine... It looks like this:

nbd.

Here's my first attempt:

sidenote - it's harder when you're laughing.

I'm almost there.

...should have it by Friday.

Other sidenote - he wouldn't let me post his video. I'm hoping his wife, Kara will talk him into letting me show it...

Last sidenote (swear) - I don't have a man-voice in real life... was trying to imitate the first video

Start 'em young

2011-10-11T07:46:00.004-04:00

This video is for ALL you bloggers out there busting out babies like it's your job.

I have no doubt that your babies will be beautiful.

Here's some motivation to make them ~~badass~~ coordinated as well... from the start!

Here's my friend Fraser's little boy learning to ride a bike.

He was two when they filmed this.

They can do more than you think...

Booyah.

This kind of makes me want to procreate more, just so I can have a kid that will one-up his. ; )

Moral of the story:

Remember not to shelter your kids too much. They will fall down the stairs if they don't know how to navigate them and control their body. So start 'em young (well at least when they can walk). I once had a 20 month* old that go up and down stairs like whoa, because she had to. Her room was on the 2nd floor. I also knew a 3 year old that still couldn't do stairs because his mother never allowed him anywhere near them... Their bodies have to learn movement, so make sure they're exposed to it!

*Oops! Sorry I left out the fact that I had kids in this whole blog experience. PSYCH! I nannied a lot when I was younger. Several families, several kids of all ages. It's almost like I was a mom in my high-school/college years... weird.

Friday: Love On Top

2011-10-07T09:43:00.003-04:00

Before you do anything, press play on this song:

Cue Dance Party

This song is my JAM right now. I love it. I wish there was music video and dance to watch like the Single Ladies video. I would learn it. And video myself doing it. And post it here. Maybe... This is now my ringtone. I dare you to listen to this and not dance. Can't be done. This song is what my classes have been doing abs to all week. Aaaand probably will be using for the next couple weeks.

Do you guys have any must-haves right now on your playlists?

In case you didn't see it.

B-town sang this song at the VMAs

and announced her pregnancy.

Uber cute.

I'll probably do the same thing whenever I get preggo.

You probably want to listen to it again already... Am I right?

Enjoy:

2011 VMA - Music - Beyoncé

Happy Friday!

Book Club and Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T09:22:00.008-04:00

via

As I type this blog post out on my Macbook, I'm thinking of all the ways this man that I've never met has made my life so much easier. Having iTunes and my iPod to select music, make playlists and transport my music from gym to gym. Having this awesome computer that has never once, in over 4 years, acted up. Having my iPhone with all these insane apps that makes it effortless to run my business and travel all over the world without a single worry of missing an email, getting lost in random city, missing my connecting flight info, or making a purchase, all with the touch of a screen in my hand. I can't imagine what it must have been like to know and interact with Steve Jobs, but it must have been insane. I have the utmost respect for anybody that has a vision (no matter how crazy it may be) and MAKING IT A REALITY. He's done this more than anybody I'm aware of in the past couple of decades. Kudos, Mr. Jobs.

Job well done.

**************************

Moving on:

Book Club, September book,

The Hunger Games!

via

If you would have told me that I was going to read a futuristic/sci-fi/government conspiracy GUY book and absolutely love it, I would have told you that were straight trippin'. But it's true. I did.I actually read all three books in the trilogy. In two weeks. Who am I?

So, Blogger Book Club members: Who actually read it? Who read all three books? Who now can't effing wait for the movies?! Although I'm thinking they're going to be a bit violent and I'll have to not watch some of those scenes... I'm so glad I heard about these books once all three were out. Same with Twilight. I would have hated ending one book, having those HUGE cliffhangers, then having to wait another year for the next one to be released. Too bad I'll have to do that with the movies.

Dang.

Pumped about the movie.

Not pumped that this kid is playing Peeta.

via

What?! I mean, I'm totally for this guy in the movie... maybe as a tribute? And he's from Kentucky, so I support him even more for representing... I just don't see him as Peeta. What do you think?

But YAY for Jennifer Lawrence.

I think she's a great Katniss.

AND she's from the 'Ville as well.

Holla!

via

There's just something about those peeps from KY...

They're just so cool.

; )

OK. Thoughts on the book.

And suggestions for October's book.

Go.

Happy Birthday, Jax!

2011-10-05T08:01:00.000-04:00

My nephew Jaxson is adorable.

He also turns 5 today.

This is actually from my bday.

And Tang's in a headlock.

Whatev.

My brother, Nathan, Jaxson, Amanda.

Happy family.

^That's my new favorite photo of them^

October-November Travel

2011-10-04T07:22:00.008-04:00

South Carolina was SO pretty! I wish I'd had more time to spend wandering around, but I was pretty beat from waking up at 4am, flying, then teaching 8 hours of TRX. Hopefully next time I'll get to stay a bit longer... and maybe Ashley will be there to show me around! : )

So I got my travel schedule for the next two months... this is all mostly work, but I'm really excited to make the most out of each of these trips:

South Carolina

(I know I already went, but it still counts. Hush.)

via

Northern, KY

via

New York City, NY

via

Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi Thailand

via

Chicago, IL

via

Grand Bahama Island

for fun,

not work.

via

I think it'll be a good couple of months...

Now if I can just remember to take some photos.

TRX Travel: South Carolina

2011-10-01T04:52:00.004-04:00

South Carolina! C'mon and raise up! Take your shirt off, twist it 'round your head, spin it like a helicopta! OK, I know the lyrics are for North Carolina, but it works here too. Plus it's 4:30 a.m. Don't blame me for being delirious...

A 5:20 a.m. flight sounded WAY better when I booked it...

right now, not so much.

Oh well. Hope you guys are enjoying your Saturday morning. I'll be back tomorrow!

photo via

Featured! Today's Woman Magazine

2011-09-29T11:21:00.003-04:00

I couldn't decide wether to use my Blue Steel or my Magnum...

so I flipped a coin.

Blue Steel it was.

You can check out Today's Woman magazine here.

And read the article on pg. 44 here.

Thanks so much to Today's Woman

and photographer Chet White for featuring me and my work.

All of this... and tomorrow is Friday.

It's a good day.

Serious Post: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

2011-09-28T09:16:00.008-04:00

Last night my personal training client had a heart attack at the end of our session together.

We got him to the hospital quickly

and he was treated and is going to be just fine.

Even though we were able to go through the treatment protocol

at the gym and get him aid, it was still

scary as hell.

For both of us.

As a trainer, I have to get certified in how to do CPR, First Aid, and use an AED. I have to re-certify every two years. Going to that 4 hour training at 8am on a Saturday is always SO annoying but shit am I glad I've gone to so many. It allowed me to recognize symptoms and get my client help as quickly as possible.

Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack?

Chest Dicomfort

Most heart attacks start with pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or pain that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath

With or without chest discomfort.

Breaking out in a cold sweat.

Nausea

Lightheadedness

These are listed by the American Heart Association . If you've never taken a CPR/First Aid/AED course before, it's definitely worth it! Check the AHA or your local chapter of the Red Cross for courses in your area. It's usually a 4 hour course and it'll cost about $25-$30 depending on where it's hosted but it's completely worth it. Getting help as soon as the signs pop up can save a life! We can't all be as cool as the doctors on Grey's Anatomy, but we can definitely help the process until they can get medical help. Minutes matter in a heart attack or stroke.

photo via

Versatile Blogger Award! And some fun facts...

2011-09-27T10:30:00.010-04:00

I have received the Versatile Blogger award! Thanks so much to P!inky over at Pinky Persistence for this award. I now must tell you 7 things you didn't already know about me:

1) I was named after a song.

Yep, Pure Prairie League's "Amie" is what I was named after. (Minus the 'e' at the end. 'cause it's cooler that way) My dad knew it from the start. He knew he'd have a girl named Ami so badly that when my brother was born first, he didn't have a name for 5 days. Never heard the song? It's your lucky day:

2) Count Chocula is my all-time favorite cereal.

Even though I don't eat it anymore, Count Chocula is and always will be the ish. Chocolate and marshmallows?! Lucky Charms, eat your heart out.

3) I have false teeth.

Hot, huh? Not all false teeth, but the bottom halves of my two front teeth are fake. My brother and I were wrestling in the driveway one night before going to visit my grandma. He put me in a headlock and then tripped. And I went face-first into my mom's Buick. Effer.

4) I have never been to Disney World. Or Disney Land.

Our family trips were always to the lake or beach so I have never been to either of these places. Did I miss part of my childhood? Maybe. But I'll make it there at some point!

5) I hate Pineapple and Coconut.

I don't mind the flavors of these so much (hello, Pina Colada!) but I can't handle the textures! Same goes for shrimp. It's solely a texture thing. Can't explain it...

6) Classic Rock and Classic Country are my favorite music genres.

I grew up listening to all older music on the radio, thanks to my dad. See #1 for reference. I'd be getting ready for elementary school and singing along to the Rolling Stones, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, and Led Zepplin.

7)I hate the feel of feet.

Except for a baby's foot, everybody's feel are cold, clammy, and disgusting. If you touch my bare foot on accident, I'll cringe. If you touch my bare foot on purpose because you think it's funny, I'll cut you. Deep. Same goes for if your bare feet touch my skin. Barf. If we have socks on, everybody's safe.

I will now pass this award on to these awesome ladies:

Maddie Jacks over at Spidatter

Barbara from Dooley Noted

Elyssa, The Wellness Doer

Krissy and Taryn, aka Miss B and Hustle

7 more exciting/random things about me can be read here!

Warning: F Bomb.

2011-09-26T14:39:00.006-04:00

Wanna know what your trainer is going to tell you when you come to them asking for help on how to lose weight, get lean, tone your muscles, get faster, or perform better? Strength Train, Stretch, and CARDIO.

Oh you don't like to run? You can dance.

Oh you have bad knees? Grab a bike/elliptical.

Oh you don't have a gym membership? Outside is free.

Oh you don't like to sweat? GET OVER IT.

For your body to get at its best (or at least better than what it currently is) you're gonna have to do some work. And by work, I mean SWEAT. Get outta your comfort zone. If you wanna change what you are, you have to change what you're doing. Or not doing... So please, don't look up ways to get in shape and look for something that's easy. Because it's not easy. It requires getting after it. So when I ask if you got your cardio in this weekend and you tell me you walked your dog Saturday I'm not going to be impressed. Did you breathe hard? Did you feel like you were pushing yourself?

That girl with the awesome ass? She does lunges.

That guy with the amazing abs? He works his whole body and doesn't eat crap.

The people that have awesome bodies WORK FOR THEM.

And they do cardio.

So when you're thinking of how to work your body this week, make sure your work it so you're breathing hard*! Make your heart work while you make your body work. When the whole thing works as one, you're getting the best workout.

And for the love of all that is holy:

Don't hire a trainer to get you in shape and ignore everything they tell you.

We don't appreciate that.

You won't get better.

And you waste your money.

This post brought to you by somebody who's really tired of hearing excuses. Make it a good week! : )

*not too hard, obvs. don't die.

Photo via

Freakin' Weekend...

2011-09-25T10:50:00.003-04:00

Is this anybody else this weekend?

I need to catch up on Grey's, watch a couple eps of Entourage from last season, go to yoga... oh, and prep for the week ahead. New bootcamps starting, new clients, assessments on all the standing clients, South Carolina travel prep, etc. It's gonna be a pretty big Sunday. Might go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Not sure if I'll have enough time...

Also, the winner of my Personal Training Giveaway is:

Joann Mattingly!

Thanks to Crystal V. for entering you! : )

Tango Friday

2011-09-23T08:31:00.002-04:00

Tango is working on his shavasana this morning.

Namaste, bitches!

and happy Friday!

So I learned to Wakeboard this summer...

2011-09-22T09:02:00.003-04:00

and then I posted half-nakey photos of myself for all the blogosphere to see. Alas, it's proof that I stood up! For a little while...

This photo makes me wonder

how many times a day

a make this face:

"OMG I've got this ish."

"think I'll just surf the wake.

or maybe I'll fall."

"no. I can save it."

"nope. definitely gonna fall."

Thanks, Shannon, for the awesome photos!

So I think I'll deal with my divorce now...

2011-09-21T10:12:00.007-04:00

Who's been to a therapist?

Is it weird?

I'll bet it's weird.

It's been 3 months. I guess it's time to start dealing with the ish. I'm not really a talker when it comes to really personal stuff. I'm more of an "act now, think later" type*. And that's probably not the best characteristic to have when you're trying to figure stuff out. So I'm going to a shrink today. For the first time ever. Because that's what you do. And because mind health is just as important as body health. At least that's what I tell my clients... Now I have to follow my own advice. I hate when stuff you say comes back to bite you in the ass.

Do you really lay on a couch?

Do you get sleepy?

I kinda want a therapist like Sheldon

from Private Practice...

*How very Scarlett O'Hara of me: "I'll think about that tomorrow."

photo via

Travel Thoughts: Cincinnati

2011-09-20T08:01:00.001-04:00

When I travel for TRX, I usually pull/fly into town, get to my hotel, sleep, teach my class the next day and go straight to the airport to come back home. Every now and then though, I get to go to cities where I have friends. This is awesome. This time, I got to meet up with my old college chum, Matty.

Our Background:

We had a class together called

Teaching Individual and Dual Sports: Tennis, Golf, and Badminton.

An entire semester of listening to our professor say the words

shaft, shuttlecock, balls, head, etc.

I'm not lying.

It was amazing.

Fast forward to Friday night and him taking me to a restaurant called "The Senate" because ~~he loves to go to himself~~ knows his friends/visitors will love it when they come to town.

Introducing: "The Senate"

where they make abnormally large

gourmet hotdogs

with fun names.

He had the Trailer Park.

I had the Lindsey Lohan.

I'll admit I wasn't expecting to like mine because ordinarily, I eat maybe 1 hotdog a year. At a baseball game. With ketchup only. But it was pretty fantastic. I'd go back in a heart beat. And they had an awesome mix of music playing, classic movies on a flatscreen, and amazing warm/modern decor.

Since I didn't have a ton of time to hang, and because I needed to be in bed by 10, we stopped for one drink at a bar called Japps. It's been around since the 1800s. Old as ish.

But just so you all know:

Don't ever order a drink with Rose Water as one of the ingredients.

It sounded whimsical.

It'll just mean your drink is going to taste like perfume...

but it'll look pretty.

Giveaway! Personal Training

2011-09-19T09:42:00.006-04:00

I'm where I am today because at various times throughout my life, people have given to me, asking nothing in return. Every so often I like to give away 2 Free Personal Training sessions.

Because that's what I can offer.

And it's time again!

Maybe you want a personal trainer but can't afford one.

Maybe you already workout but you just want some new exercises to add to your routine.

Maybe you have a friend whose b-day is coming up and you've haven't gotten a gift yet.

Maybe you want to start working out and you just need a kick start.

Either way...

How do you enter?

Well I'm glad you asked! : )

1) Live in or around Louisville, KY... or be willing to travel here.

2) Leave a comment below with your email addy.

3) Shoot me an email with your name.

((Don't worry. I don't even have an email list so you won't go on it.)

fitwithflash@gmail.com

4) Tweet about it.

5) Facebook about it.

Winner will be drawn Friday, September 23rd.

Then it'll be Friday,

and you will have won something,

and you'll be really pumped...

'Cause winning is awesome.

Good luck!

photo 1, 2

Friday!

2011-09-16T13:41:00.003-04:00

Hooty Hoo! It's Friday! Has this seemed like a week that was entirely too long? Good. Agreed.

Cue Jazz Hands:

I'm headed to Cincinnati today to pass a new stage of certification and teach an entirely new kind of TRX course than I'm used to teaching. Which means that in order to pass, I'll be teaching it UNDER OBSERVATION. Which means I'll be presenting for 8 hours, and my colleague will be sitting nearby, scrutinizing my every word/move. Then writing it down on her score sheets. No pressure. NBD. But I've been studying my ace off so hopefully it will go smoothly and I'll be moving on up the TRX Course Instructor Bad-ass ladder.

Hopefully.

To ease the nerves though, I'll be meeting up with one of my college buds, Matty, tonight. He's apparantly taking me to a "gourmet hotdog" restaurant. I had no idea such a restaurant existed. Apparently the have a hotdog named, "the Jesse Spano." (I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so... so... scaaaared. Anyone?) Thoughts? Anywho, he's a hot mess so it's sure to a fun night.

Hope you guys have an amazing weekend ahead of you! Woot woot!

Aaaaand scene.

Goal: TRX Suspended Press

2011-09-15T10:49:00.006-04:00

I have a dream! Well, that's being a bit dramatic... it's really just a goal. I want to be able to do 10 FULL TRX Suspended Presses. With my head nearly to the ground. I'm giving myself a month. Here's what I can do now:

Not full range of motion, but I'm workin' on it.

You gotta start somewhere... don't hate!

I swear I'll be able to move more than 3 inches later!

What's your goal?

Instagram makes everything look cooler

2011-09-13T10:14:00.004-04:00

I swear, I almost wish that I hadn't dropped those few hundred bucks on my camara because I hardly ever use it anymore.Yay for the iPhone app, Instagram. I'm sure we'll all be over it in a few months, but until then...

Me and Sarah (friend/boss)

Flowers she got me for my birthday

Cash curled up with my legs in bed, passed the F out

My bedside table/trunk

And the ever-handsome Tango

Good ones, huh? And I think that app's $.99? Maybe it's $1.99. Money well spent if you ask me. These are taken with the Lord Kelvin filter. Happy Tuesday, guys! Hope you're being productive with your time today and not playing with your phones... ; )

I confess...

2011-09-12T08:33:00.009-04:00

Today, September 12, I confess:

That I haven't cooked dinner in a week... been eating at restaurants ever since. Good-bye, money. I didn't need you anyway.

That when I finally went to the grocery this morning I bought a lot of produce. And then I bought a package of 3 candy apples. One for me, one for the roomie, and one more for me. 'Tis the season, eh?

That I'm way behind on Bachelor Pad and kind of upset about it. I hate not knowing what people mean when they tweet about the previous night's episode.

That several times this past weekend, when I attempted to work on a big presentation I have to give Friday, I stopped to check Facebook, read the 2nd Hunger Games book, or just stare off into space. #attentionspanofafiveyearold

That instead of being thankful for what I've done, the people in my life, and the things I have at this moment in time I'm really just sad today. Today would have been my 2nd anniversary.

Didn't see that one coming, huh? Sorry to be a downer.

Moving on...

Cheers, friends. To making this a good, productive week.

Deep breath.

Photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

"I confess" theme from Carissa.

Salutation Nation!

2011-09-10T15:13:00.004-04:00

I'm completely and utterly excited that a Lululemon is going to be opening in the Ville soon! Yesssss. Not only do they have amazingly flattering fitness clothing, but they do a ton in the community as well. The company hosts a variety of complimentary classes throughout the year, but they also do Salutation Nation, a once yearly, country-wide yoga class that happens on Saturday, at 9am. So people are gettin' their down dogs on all over the place, simultaneously. I don't mean that in the dirty way it sounded... or maybe I do...

This was us at 9am today!

Namaste, bitches!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend. I'm off to a wedding tonight so I'll be gettin' my dance on. All night. Yeah.

Chilly Weather...

2011-09-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Goodbye Summer and hello Fall and chillier temps. On Saturday I was wakeboarding on the lake. In 100 degree weather. This week, it's 50 degree weather and I'm teaching bootcamp outside in pants, a jacket, and ear warmers... dumb.

Oh well, it's a good thing I have my boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds.

He helps keep me warm

when he wraps me up in his abs.

... I mean arms.

It's a good thing my boyfriend is so hot.

I can take photos of him and show them to you.

Helps to keep you warm too, right?

Yup. You're welcome. ; )

photo 1, 2

Hike and Bike... and a Hot Mess

2011-09-07T07:18:00.005-04:00

This Labor Day held the annual Mayor's Hike, Bike, and Paddle, a family-friendly active event in Louisville. You can come out and ride 15 miles through downtown on your bike, hike 3-4 miles through Waterfront Park, or paddle 2.6 miles on the Ohio River. This was the first time I've participated with my buds and we had a good time.

However, the night before

I did laundry and forgot to dry my workout clothes.

Which meant air drying my bike shorts

on the way to the event...

Hot Mess

Exhibit A:

And wearing them over

the rest of my clothes...

Hot Mess

Exhibit B:

Short iPhone video

taken before we got started

Tamara and Scott:

Untitled from Ami Scouton on Vimeo.

And a short video

taken after the race.

Tamara was standing still.

And upright.

And then she wasn't.

Hot Mess

Exhibit C:

I hate hearing my voice.

Hope you guys had an awesome Labor Day Weekend!

Blogger Book Club

2011-09-01T07:58:00.007-04:00

Anyone up for joining my Blogger Book Club? I've been wanting to join one for ages, but I never can make the schedule. And we can all make the schedule here, right? I mean, I'm sure we're all reading the same things anyway; The Help, Twilight, The Hunger Games, etc...

Besides, I need something new to read while I lay on my dock,

on that pond in my backyard,

in my black dress and red shoes,

lookin' all fancy and hot and whimsical and stuff. ; )

I'm talking a FUN Book Club. Where we read light/funny/romantic/sarastic/inspirational chick books. No deep/depressing/dark/I was abandoned by my family/ I was kidnapped/I was kept in a dungeon and raped repeatedly-type books. (I swear, I'm so pissed that people raved about the Kite Runner. I hated that book. Different day, different post for that one... )

So what do you guys think? We pick a book, once a month (maybe on the 1st?) and then we discuss it on the last day? And when I say "discuss" I mean, I'll post a photo of the book cover and we can all write our comments of love/adoration/disgust? (And if y'all are as into Google+ Hangouts like I am, we can have a group video chat about it?! You can have up to 10 peeps in one "Hangout")

I'll start. First Book of the Blogger Book Club:

The Hunger Games (Book 1)

(because I'm already reading it and I think everybody else has too)

It'll be a good first book in this trial run.

And we'll have it read by the time the movie comes out!

Thanks, Bridget for reminding us about the movie!

Who's In?!

photo 1 via

photo 2 via

Thank you, Netflix.

2011-08-31T13:12:00.005-04:00

for being AWESOME. Just so you all know:

You can get Clarissa Explains It All on dvd!

I used to wish a had a best friend that was as cute as Sam and that could get to my room via ladder outside my window. My bedroom was on the first floor, about three feet up from the ground.

Boo.

Was anybody kind of jealous that she had a sandbox in her bedroom with a reptile in it? I didn't really want the pet, but I just loved the fact that there was a a sandbox....

And no matter how many times I tried, I could never get my "tights under the rolled-up jeans" look to be as good as hers...

Sigh.

Oh Melissa Joan Hart, you made my awkward pre-teen years great. Thank you. And thanks to Netflix I will now be re-living those years in 1 to 2 business days. : )

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