Category: Balance

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.94

Today went fairly smoothly – but unfortunately, no workout.  A few hours after getting home, by back hurt TREMENDOUSLY.  It is my low low back and on the right side oh my goodness.  Felt as bad as it did shortly after the car accident.. *ugh*  It has mellowed out a BIT, but I still feel it when going from sitting to standing, vice versa, try to move too quickly, bending down & over.  

But, it is only a minor setback & not a complete halt.  I would rather take a seat on the bench, then to be taken off the court in a gurney! 

Tomorrow is another day, another opportunity to get it in.  Until then, rest & hydration.

#Countdown5toGo!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 760 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 310 minutes stretching
  • 185 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 94/99:

  • 1400 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1400 squats & 400 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 1000 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1240+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 1020 calf raises
  • 380 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 330 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.93!

Yes yes yes, workout complete! Day 93 & it was a good one. 

Work was simple per usual, but it is always interesting to get to know them more.  Obviously, with all of the craziness in the world, there is always a myriad of things to discuss and today it was the Starbucks situation.  Very interesting indeed to hear points of view, reasoning, which stance they take & how their views, history, culture, ethnicity, & biases play a part.  Not going to delve any deeper than that, nor put my perspective out there… yet.

In other news…

Have a few people to do the 30-day water cleanse also (not my image, found online)! 

12821355_1053888147987336_5439255519756836814_n

Basically you do this everyday, just one bottle before bed.  In the bottle you take a few sips and then put:

3 Tbsp of ACV 
2 Tbsp of Lemon juice 

I will probably make a full 5-days on Sundays or Mondays & do it Mon-Fri.  Have 2 people looking to do it with me, just not quite sure when I will be getting started.  I have been wanting to do a fast; step back from the sweets, breads & sugary cereals (oatmeal or non-frosted shredded wheat only), pasta, and potatoes OR eggs.  May even do it in conjunction with the above, we will see.  This is why I am trying out new recipes so, so that I can have a variety of options. 

Baby girl continues to shock me with how far she is coming, how much she has picked up, and how amazing & complex her thought processes are becoming.  I am in love with watching and supporting her growth.  It is also forcing me to step my game up on all fronts… Challenge accepted!

#Countdown6toGo!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 760 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 310 minutes stretching
  • 185 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 93/99:

  • 1400 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1400 squats & 400 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 1000 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1240+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 1020 calf raises
  • 380 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 330 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.92

7 days to go!  Workout complete (modified – due to physical therapy).  Who know physical therapy was such a workout on its own?  But my core is going to be impeccably strong by the time summer gets here.  

Also got to catch up with my (almost) b-day twin from high school, which was awesome.

Most importantly, today I posted about my business asking for feedback and I had a LARGE number of participants and that warmed my heart!  I do not really care for people to “like” or “comment” on my posts whether they be information or images.   But when I have such a strong feedback regarding my business venture, that is what means the most to me.  So thankful for the quality people I have around me that are pushing me towards greatness & others that continue to inspire me to feed the drive and creativity within.  

Last week of challenge & its already starting beautifully!

#Countdown7toGo!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 740 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 300 minutes stretching
  • 180 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 91/99:

  • 1380 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1380 squats & 400 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 980 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1240+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 1000 calf raises
  • 375 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 320 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.91!!!

Damn, cannot believe I have just over a week left to go in this challenge!

I have already begun thinking about the next challenge and it will be a dietary challenge, a fast of some kind & then I will transition into another physical challenge when we get back home from visiting family.

I am still on a semi-high from those model homes yesterday.  I am racking my brain trying to figure out ways to get a home, lol.  All roads are honestly telling me that I just need to be patient because my personal best leverage will be the business to offset the cost of HELLA expensive California living. 

So, if nothing else, I have found a home layout that would work PERFECTLY with what I am wanting to do and still have the majority of our home feel just like OUR home & no one will have access to those parts. 

Sending out positive thoughts and energy towards bringing this home into existence & being able to work doing my dreams and provide for family in a way that brings me absolute joy and balance.  Let’s go! 8 more days left in the challenge 🙂

#Countdown8toGo!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 740 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 300 minutes stretching
  • 180 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 91/99:

  • 1380 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1380 squats & 400 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 980 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1240+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 1000 calf raises
  • 375 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 320 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.90!

Workout completed at the gym today with my mother after speed-walking the greater part of an hour on an inclined (4.5) treadmill.

After that, was able to grab sushi with the family and then see some AMAZING model homes that were staged beautifully.  It has me SUPER motivated to get my ducks in order so that we can transition into our home that is going to enable me to run my business.  I am beyond ready to step up my work 2 notches to bring this into fruition like asap!

Well, until then, going to enjoy this amazingly beautiful weekend and awesome start to Spring 2018.

#Countdown9toGo

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 720 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 290 minutes stretching
  • 175 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 90/99:

  • 1360 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1360 squats & 370 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 960 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1220+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 980 calf raises
  • 370 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 310 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.89

Workout complete!  Just TEN MORE DAYS TO GO!

I am thankful I kept track of the days / totals below at the bottom of each post as a visual marker.  Getting to that closing point and already looking back at the growth & it is exciting to review my process.  Although the last 3 months totals are nothing to call home about, it is several times over the amount I have done in the past 3 years.  And, headed back to my mother and I’s weekly Saturday gym sessions in the morning.  It is something that I have truly grown to appreciate, just a solid time with my mother walking & talking on the treademills.  I would love to one day be able to buy us both homes with our own mini-gyms so we can walk for hours in the comfort of our homes and truly spend quality time.  Hopefully, in the months ahead, we can even transition to my mother allowing me to take her through my work-out after I finish on the treadmill.  One step at a time though 🙂

My sister-in-love said she is down to continue being ongoing accountability partners & I have another mother who shared that she is down to join whatever the next challenge is that I embark on.  If you all have any good ideas, let me know!

Shower + bed time so I can get an amazing start to the weekend. 

#Countdown10toGo

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 700 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 280 minutes stretching
  • 170 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 89/99:

  • 1340 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1340 squats & 370 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 940 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1200+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 960 calf raises
  • 365 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 300 minutes of stretching

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.86

Whooo hooo, workout finished!

Long night cooking & playing with this super active little girl!  I cannot believe how much she is growing & how intelligent she gets with each passing day.  I cannot wait to get her into a few organizations when she is a tad bit older to support growth in other areas as well.

Some news of potential growth, challenges, and changes on the horizon.  Putting good energy towards that & hopefully it comes to fruition.  Until then, still pushing forward in these last days of the challenge.

#Countdown13toGo

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 660 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 260 minutes stretching
  • 160 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 86/99:

  • 1300 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1300 squats & 310 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 900 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1160+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 920 calf raises
  • 355 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 290 minutes of stretching

Level Up #1 | Level Up #2 | Level Up #3 | Level Up #4 | Level Up #5 | Level Up #6 |      Level Up #7| Level Up #8 | 

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.83

Gym day today with my mother, workout complete!  I added another leg exercise to my routine and I FELT THE BURN!

Just 16 more days left until challenge is completed.  I am a little bummed that there have now been 3 days that I was unable to get a workout in, but if over 3 months, there have only been 3 days that I did not actively do my set workout, I will take that as a win still.

Its been an adjustment having this little girl sleep in our room this weekend (since she has become an expert parkour enthusiast these past few days *sigh*

We ordered a couple things that should be in tomorrow to help with the situation, so we will see *crossing fingers*

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 640 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 250 minutes stretching
  • 155 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 83/99:

  • 1280 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1280 squats & 270 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 840 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1140+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 900 calf raises
  • 350 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 280 minutes of stretching

Level Up #1 | Level Up #2 | Level Up #3 | Level Up #4 | Level Up #5 | Level Up #6 |      Level Up #7| Level Up #8 | 

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.81

As the days dwindle down on my 99-day challenge, I find myself much more mindful of what I am doing, where I stand on the path towards my goals, and firm in my steadfast journey into my becoming.  Yet and still.. I cannot say with absolute certainty what that will look like.

AND I am okay with that…

Okay with just pushing myself towards certain goals and trying not to assert a false sense of control over what that is supposed to mean & look like.  If I have learned anything in these 31 years of mine, it’s that planning is crucial to serve as a compass, but nature’s winds have the final say in which shores you find yourself at bay.

There are always so many more things I would have liked to do by the end of the day, weekend, or even month – but I am learning to be thankful for what I did and who I shared the time with, rather than obsessing about it not “going as planned.”

I sit her freshly finished with my workout about to jump in the shower at 11 p.m. & braid my hair afterwards.  Would I like to get things done sooner? Absolutely?  Would I forego the time I spent cleaning the kitchen or reading to my little girl? Absolutely not! So, I am okay with where I stand and know that I am blessed beyond measure.

1612165-Eve-Best-Quote-Time-is-about-the-need-to-control-Let-go-of-control Here’s to the last 18 days!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 620 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 240 minutes stretching
  • 150 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 81/99:

  • 1260 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1260 squats & 270 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 820 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1120+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 880 calf raises
  • 345 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 270 minutes of stretching

Level Up #1 | Level Up #2 | Level Up #3 | Level Up #4 | Level Up #5 | Level Up #6 |      Level Up #7| Level Up #8 | 

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#Igot5onit99 | Day.80

Workout complete!

Ya’ll I am in the teens now, just 19 more days left of the challenge.  This third leg seems to be going by super fast, but I definitely feel stronger, my yoga pose is soooo much easier & I am able to lift my legs higher.  Soon, I think I am going to practice straightening my arms more so I do not lean on them so much for support.  I am definitely feeling the growth and think it is about time to take a progress picture & video to see where I am at now.  Basically, I am about where the woman on the left is, striving to where the woman on the right is.

This weekend, I am thinking about transitioning into bigger and better things as far as my workout is concerned, especially with having my daily physical therapy exercises to complete as well.  In fact, this just may be my “challenge” weekend starting after my gym session on Saturday. That may be my thigh / booty day & go from there.  

My goal mainly is to get my body back in alignment, back healthy, strong, and combat this fatigue and body aches from the car accident and anemia.  Looking forward to seeing the outcomes in the near future!

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 600 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 230 minutes stretching
  • 145 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 80/99:

  • 1240 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1240 squats & 210 seconds holding seated squat
  • 370 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 800 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 1100+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 860 calf raises
  • 340 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 260 minutes of stretching

Level Up #1 | Level Up #2 | Level Up #3 | Level Up #4 | Level Up #5 | Level Up #6 |      Level Up #7| Level Up #8 | 

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Day.78 | #Igot5onit99

Workout completed!

Still feeling sore, but a tad better & it should be gone by tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning. 

I also had first day of physical therapy for my back, hopefully this doctor puts in the recommendation for my left knee as well, does not appear to have been put in by my doctor.

Feeling great about my progress on my financials as well as class work.  I am looking forward to knocking the work out a few weeks early, so I can spend the remainder of the time completing the small pieces to build up my portfolio with the information learned in class.  

Been a busy weekend, looking forward to the rest that this sleep will bring 🙂

2018 = 5 million!!!

Second half of challenge totals:

  • 560 each of: 
    • push ups
    • squats
    • calf raises
    • (seconds) holding plank
    • (seconds) holding yoga pose
  • 210 minutes stretching
  • 135 minutes deep breathing

Totals for day 78/99:

  • 1200 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up” #1)
  • 1200 squats & 180 seconds holding seated squat
  • 350 plank rotations (+20 for the “Level Up #2)
  • 760 seconds holding forearm plank
  • 930+ seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)
  • 820 calf raises
  • 330 minutes of deep breathing (+20 for the “Level Up #3)
  • 240 minutes of stretching

Level Up #1 | Level Up #2 | Level Up #3 | Level Up #4 | Level Up #5 | Level Up #6 |      Level Up #7| Level Up #8 | 

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Day.77 | #Igot5onit99

Oh man, today was a day!

It was supposed to be my homework day, but today I feel like I failed as a parent, lol.

She threw up (reason still undetermined, possibly putting her hand too far down her throat because she is teething something fierce & knawing on her fingers is her best option apparently).  She is not sick and she did not do it again all day.  Very energetic, not overheated, no runny nose, no coughing, no diarrhea. 

Tried putting her down for a nap, she would not sleep.  Check on her.. Oh, it looks like your ENTIRE HAND IS COVERED IN POOP… Oh, there is some half an inch from your upper lip, did you eat it or try to shove it up your nose? (thankfully, none made it to her mouth, still washed her mouth out as well).

Grab the bucket & fill it with warm water.  Sit her over the toilet & pour the water over her little rear end to get all the poop off & finish with wiping / drying with toilet tissue.  Place her on the floor so I can flush toilet and then wash my hands.   Oh, what, you’re peeing all over the floor?

Great.

So, now I have to put her in the tub, go wash my hands, use Clorox wipes to clean up the pee, then wash her lower half in the tub (among her alphabet mat that we had to wash the puke off of not even an hour earlier). 

Great, so now she is clean – immediately put on a diaper & release her to run up and down the house.  Whew, what a day – glad the craziness is over.

WRONG!

She actually naps for a little over an hour and upon getting her, her pants were off & yes, she leaked through her onesie, tiny baby shorts, & needs to be cleaned yet again.  But that is it, it’s late, she will eat dinner and wind down to sleep, no more situations.

WRONG!

Not even a couple hours later, she climbs up on her toy box, reaches up for a toy, which falls onto her head.  Great, now she has a little knot.  No crying, just vigorous rubbing and slight confusion on her part.  Not too bad, but that is it, noooo more today!

WRONG!

Last trip to the potty so she can sit on her own mini toilet and try to go pee.  Get into the bathroom & I walk towards her potty to get it ready.  After 2 steps, I look back just in time to see her fall with her mouth open and what happened?  Yes, she bit her lip with one of her only 10 teeth and now she is bleeding.

What in the hell is this craziness of today?  I am too sore for this.  My entire body is still aching from the over exertion of the 5K mud run (which was utterly cold & did not help with my recovery). But she is down at the moment, and I am praying for a quiet, dry, and restful sleep for all parties.

Meanwhile, homework did not get done today. *sigh*  will try to squeeze it in tomorrow right after (or before) physical therapy. Today was one for the books! 

Respectfully and humbly submitted    ~Mai

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Race Day! Mud Run – Day.76

So, today’s workout was actually enough of a work-out for the entire weekend to be honest!  

My mother and I completed the 5K Mud-Run, which, is basically an hour or so worth of boot camp.  The course was riddled with rope climbing, huge mounds of dirt, at least half a dozen pools of MUDDY (quick sand feeling mud), water that you either had to crawl through a maze, climb up and over something, or simply dunk your head all the way under in order to get through.  Then there were the huge beam like things that you had to climb over.  

20180331_081324.jpg

Needless to say, I am super sore and I took a serious nap after I showered early this afternoon when I got home.

I was actually originally a little bummed that we were in the first early 9am race, because there was SO MUCH fog & clouds, so it was definitely cold, especially after.  But, when we finished and were heading home at 11 something and saw the sun never came out today, I was actually really glad to have gotten it done early. 

This is the second run I completed with my mother, the other run we did a few years back was the Wipeout Run (you know, the show with the big red balls?).  That was SUPER fun!  This was definitely fun as well, just much more of a challenge, especially being post baby.  I enjoyed it and I am sure my body will thank me.. in a week or so once the soreness wears off.  

Although I did not do my typical work-out, today was still a success because I got a serious workout in, and literally used all the muscles in my body to get through the obstacles.  Not to mention, the host playing music and leading some stretches while we were lined up and ready to go.  

There was not anyone we knew there to take our pictures, but if they end up posting pictures in the next few days, I will post some on here.  Below is the official video:

Respectfully & Humbly submitted    ~Mai