Reverse Culture Shock or Normal M.O.?
Well, this is my fifth week at home and I am still not sure if I am experiencing reverse culture shock. For the first two weeks, all I really wanted to do was hang out in my house and spend time with Pocky (Bob). Not so different from my normal M.O. I did have extreme jetlag and woke up at 3:30am the first morning in my own home, 4:30am the next day, and so on for a little over a week. Pocky did manage to pry me off of the couch with tickets to the touring version of Memphis, which was amazing. And in an …
A look into JMRC Rotation Support
Just a quick peek as to what’s been going on the training area. Our team supported the Bulgarian Combat Service Support team in their preparation to deploy as an Observe Mentor Lead Team [OMLT]
With the snow falling out the window as I type, I’d say this gentleman had a good day for training as the sun is out.
What are you up to this week?
2.6 pounds down – still Inspired, now Determined
Ok so whoever said the scale was your friend during weight loss – hasn’t stood on a scale weekly. Or felt frustration at the tiny fraction that it recorded you had “succeeded” in losing.
What about the great diet I’ve stuck to?
How about the calories staying at 1200 or below!?
I gave up my nightly glass of wine … for .6 lbs?
YES – the healthy eating IS working, and counting calories makes me think about putting that cookie in my mouth, and the glass of wine? ‘Eh, I have the weekend and a good amount of money going into my vacation account.
So in ONLY losing .6 lbs, what have I gained? I gained a HALF INCH of space back in the waist line of my pants 
Oh what? Did you think I would let the scale be the master of my motivation? Oh no … no no no … always measure yourself to help you remember its not all about that awful and mean scale you step on.
Also according to the nifty little gadget that records your BF% I went from 26 to 23!
- I feel better, I gained the ability to pull more of my body-weight on the pull up bar.
- I look better, drinking more water each day is keeping my skin moist and glowing. Of course I learned a bit the hard way – the sweaty workouts at lunch require me to wash my face before AND after – skin doesn’t like sweat in the pores. Especially mine – I hate having sensitive skin, but its what I have to work with.
I kept a log book, this week I will record some of my thoughts as I worked out but a few things come to mind from last week:
Wednesday – 35 minutes of Spin. Oh yea lovely bike seat butt for two days after but WOW does it make you work.
One of my team mates sitting next to me made a comment about being uncomfortable with the mirrors in front of you. I have been working out in classes for so long I guess I’ve just stopped caring. Yes – you will occasionally lock eyes with someone in the mirror. Take a moment and SMILE at them! They are enduring the same torture as you!! No worries – its a BONDING moment.
Thursday was lower body – Body BLAST!
Ok have you ever done leg lunges, 4 counts down, ahhh, 4 counts up = Ohhh. 2 counts down, 2 counts up [ yes you're doing more than 1 rep ] then she brings in the big guns. Put the weight down, stand on a step and PULSE that lunge. I thought my butt cheek was on FIRE! Ohh the agony – but dang… I think my butt is looking firmer!!
Friday was Circuit training
Our instructor has a sick sense of humor and one of the stations was a 25 lb plate wrapped in a towel, you’re job? Get down in the mountain climber position and RUN that plate back and forth across the classroom floor. I swear this week I’ll have someone get a video or picture of this one. The other crazy heart pumper? You lean down hands on a step – and then donkey kick your feet over the step. Again I have to video this for you to understand. Lets just say my lungs attempted to leave me by my lonesome on that one.
Saturday I rested.
Sunday I was back with Marianne Kane @ MyOMyTv and worked one of her routines as well as 30 minutes on the Elliptical.
PHEW!
And back to Tuesday:
My first TABATA – all I can say is Oh….MY …. GAWD! My thighs were burning, my heart pounding, and I didn’t think I could make it two rounds.
But I did! From myomyTv: Marianne Kane is the bomb:
Section 2 – TABATA!
Reset your Gymboss Interval Timer for 8 cycles of 10 seconds rest and 20 seconds MAX EFFORT. Complete 4 rounds of the following 2 exercises:
Heavy Kettlebell Swing [ I used 1 25lb KB ]
Dynamic Squats [ Squat down, tap the ground, and jump up out of your squat - REPEAT! ]
Week 6 of 52 I AM Determined!
and I AM on the right road…. 2012 Just seems to be a year to point myself down the right road and go for it. I think its going to be a great year!!
The Army is pushing my mind and making me grow career wise, I’m pushing myself at the gym to not only lose some of my 2011 “gains” but to gain the strength I wish to have to tackle an unassisted pull up [ or 2! ].
The prompt for this year said to choose one word – mine would be
I AM : DETERMINED.
Determined to stay focused
Determined to grow in mind and spirit
Determined to be true to me …
Tonight after work I did something that was a bit of a stretch for me, I went out after work and watched the sunset. I know – that doesn’t sound like a stretch. But this time of year with the sun setting at 1700, you tend to come home from work and put on your PJ’s and that’s all she wrote! But I really wanted to try and capture the gorgeous pinks I’ve seen on my way home. Of course tonight – the pinks didn’t show their blushing faces like last night, but it was still a fantastic evening. Standing on a hilltop, tripod at the ready and just watching the colors change. Sad to say how many times you miss that quiet moment and just enjoy nature in its glory.
What would you say to a prompt that had you complete I AM ____
2 Pounds Down! Continuing My Inspiration
So I did it… I joined the local base Lose 2 Win program. Yes, I’ve gone consistently [ 4- 5 times a week ] to the gym since I had my melt down. In fact if you haven’t gone to her site, MyOMyTV has this kick butt workout that I did on Sunday that had muscles in my body crying on Monday [ in a good way! ]
But why not add to it the social aspect of joining with others in a joint goal? I’m not on a team but that’s fine. People like my next door neighbor, the crazy nurse at the clinic, and others I see all the time on post have joined, and we KNOW the other is enrolled in the program. Gives you a little reason to chat about the latest challenge you have had… mine was getting my BMI. Ugh.
Jan. 10: The popular 10-week team oriented Lose 2 Win program invites you to get a three person team together and have some fun shedding weight. The competition kicks off Jan. 10 and ends on March 23. Team points will be awarded for pounds lost and percentage of body fat lost. Exciting prizes will be awarded to the top teams, so get your team together now! The entry fee is $25 per person and includes unlimited early morning and lunchtime group exercise classes free of charge for the duration of the contest. For more information or to sign up, stop by the Post Gym, Bldg. 88, or call DSN 466-2883. Registration begins Jan. 2.
So today was the day to weigh in. SO in keeping with pushing myself towards my bikini goal, I’m going to be real. And share:
Weight 138.4 [ Down 2 Pounds since I started this goal 18 to go! ]
BF % 28.1 [ Which is AVERAGE, my IDEAL is down at 25% - I get to add, for my Age
]
BMI 23.8 [ You are in the NORMAL weight range. ]
YIKES! Figuring out my desired BMI and Fat percentage and comparing it with the electronic gadgets reading of my hands gripped to its arms? Jeez I thought seeing pounds on the scale was a kick in the pants. I realize there is nothing up there that screams I’m going down a path of overweight distruction, but for me? Maintaining a healthy and physically fit body isn’t just a goal for that bikini, its a requirement for my job.
Image Thanks to Falcon Parkway Express
Regardless, today was actually fun! At lunch I joined the Body Blast workout, which consists of a barbell with varying weights you slide on and off. She warms your body up with dead lifts and rows. [ 7.5 lbs each end ] then you move on to biceps and a great burn to your triceps [ 5 lbs each end ]. Each workout lasts as long as the song, so you’re getting about 5 minutes of focused burn in each group! Burrrrrrrrrrrn. On to your back to ensure your chest muscles got to play along, and don’t forget those pushups! Finishing it up with some weighted Ab work and I felt pretty good. I’ve been going to the gym but it seems I always push myself just a wee bit harder in a group environment.
Working on it!
What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
Do you find working out on your own at the gym motivating
or do you enjoy shaking it up and adding some social workouts to your mix?
Torchlight Procession
The opening event of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/12 is the spectacular Torchlight Procession. Join thousands of torch carriers as they create a river of fire from the historic Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiére and fireworks finale on Calton Hill.
Torchlight Procession, a set on Flickr.
We had no idea what we had stumbled upon heading back to the Royal Mile. Coming up the hill we saw this amazingly lit building, the colors shifted from this gorgeous burgundy to a plain white.
I ended up finding a place on the road right where the Viking group had set up, preparing to lead the procession through town:
The gent with the white beard captured my eye … he had a twinkle to his eye.
I’m not sure after the torches were lit, he was too happy. That heavy club now had to stay up in the air:
Circling up they broke into song.
And with a blast of fireworks in the sky they marched out, to the glorious sounds of bagpipes and drums. I love to hear the swells of music as they approach and pass:
What a fantastic annual event. Though I was a tad bit nervous with the number of kids running about with flaming torches… Guess its better than a bottle rocket right?
Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour
As we were planning our 4 day to Edinburgh, my hubby, a lover of the fine malts of Whiskey … found a tour that would get us out of the city for the day and out on the road with a tour group of 16 or less others. Hosted by Rabbie’s it sounded like a great way to get out and about and see more of Scotland on our short tour there.
Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour, a set on Flickr.
We awoke at 0730 to ensure we had time for some breakfast, the tour meet up location was literally a half block walk from our hotel entrance. [ Really a fantastic package we got from First Festival Travel ] – we were excited to see the sky had a lighter look, promising possibility of sun.
Highlights:
~ Ancient capital of Dunkeld
~ Hermitage waterfalls
~ Pitlochry
~ Queen’s View
~ Dewar’s World of Whiskey Distillery
~ Loch Tay
~ Killin and Rob Roy country
A journey through the Celtic heartlands in the central Highlands taking in the aterfalls in Birnam forest, Pitlochry, the Queen’s Viewand the splendour of Loch Tay, an area steeped in ancient history. You also visit the Aberfeldy distillery for a tour and tasting.
Our first stop in Dunkeld was a 40 minute explore stop, we were told a meet up time then set free to wander:
Open field with a lone tree
For more photos please go to my Flickr site to view this gorgeous Cathedral
We headed first to the old Cathedral, the back portion is under reconstruction,
but you still feel the power of the building:
Coming into the town we had crossed this old bridge, I love the architecture:
Hermitage in Macbeth’s Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst
spectacular waterfalls and the tallest trees in the country.
We began our hike and soon came to Ossian’s Hall, which is an interesting building that you can walk into and have a balcony view of the waterfall from.
Fletch and I stop for a moment next to the waterfall
Unfortunately the moisture in the Woods kept the lens on my camera from getting clear shots, all had this glowy blur.
Truly breathtaking to walk through this spectacular woods, there are links to many footpaths in the woods, some with paths over 30 miles long dating back to the 18th Century.
Our hike ended to quickly and we returned to the entrance of the park and our tour van to be escorted to our next destination, which would include time to enjoy lunch.
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
Happy New Year from all the staff at the Old Mill Inn
Stopping for lunch at the Old Mill Inn
The town itself consisted of a road with all of the quaint shopps lining the left and right side of the road. We didn’t explore it much as we spent most of our time enjoying our lunch choices, I got the fish and chips, and Fletch enjoyed a burger that was incredible! Great food, and the staff was so incredibly friends. I can’t say this enough about our visit to Scotland… the people were fantastic, so friendly and warm.
Our tour guide was quite keen on leaving on time since we had an appointment to keep with the Distillery, so we arrived back at the tour van and departed for our next stop. Between the town of Pitlochry and the Whiskey tour there was a planned quick stop at the Queens View.
I really need to find a way to keep notes while we spend weekends like this, there are so many tidbits I swear I’ll remember that I wish I could share. It was truly a relaxing day. We finished our day at the Glenturret Distillery, the oldest working distillery [1775]
Welcome to the Whiskey experience. I thought it was ok, but it really was a push for Grouse Run. And the end of the tour had some cheesy video room where you “flew” over Scotland, and the “Grouse” mascot had some interesting video shoots. Most of us on the tour were looking around in confusion to each other hoping the other might understand the purpose [besides possibly just adding time to the tour ] for this video. We were finally taken to the tasting room, the Black Grouse was really the only one my husband would pick [ if he had to ] … with so many amazing Whiskeys in Scotland that he’d already had the chance to taste, Grouse Run wasn’t in his top 10. But it was a fun stop and again – friendly!
No worries dear, I won't be stealing your Whiskey
Our tour was pretty much at a close, the tour guide Kevin kept up a series of stories and tales on our drive home which he broke up with traditional back pipe music as we road through the darkness. Sites were called off but by 1700 darkness took our view of the Highlands. We returned to our hotel with plenty of time to find some eats before meeting up with First Festival to join the thousands of New Years party goers at the Street Festival for Hogmanay.
I think I liked this type of tour, Rabbie’s keeps its tours to 16 and below… I prefer the smaller groups. While the title stated Whiskey Tour, it was definitely geared toward a little bit for everyone.
They have a tour in Ireland Hmmm…
2011 in review
I had this nifty email in my box and when I opened it I was surprised at the stats for something that I started as a travel blog to keep family and friends in the know on what we were up to. Living so far from home life tends to get busy … sending newsy emails home became cluttered so I found that blogging was the way to go [ its funny it was actually Linda @ gymnotes that got me started! We worked together in Manteca, her style spirit and attitude just clicked and I fell in deep "friend" with her, we don't talk much but stalk each other blogs and recently live vicariously through FB updates - she's a fantastic lady ].
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,900 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 7 trips to carry that many people.
Loony Dook 2012
A freezing cold dip to start the year off.
The world Famous Loony Dook raises lots of money for good causes, and you get to watch lots of LOONYS jump in the sea on New Years Day
The Loony Dook takes place at the Boathouse steps in South Queensferry every January 1st following the grand parade which starts at the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry.
Loony Dook 2012, a set on Flickr.
What a way to start 2012! Meeting up at 0730 [ yes... we woke up at 0700 after a night of New Years festivities... and yes ... the first word of the morning was more of a grrrooooan! ] We arrived with a group from the First Festival Tour Group… Really fun people!! Our Tour Guides set the mood for a fun and crazy morning. We arrived at the River Forth bridge and checked in to get our bracelets [ the money collected is towards various charities, so its all for a great cause! ]
We all joined up in the Two Bridges Pub by 0900, enjoying a glass of Baileys while Fletch enjoyed a Whiskey to warm ourselves a “wee’ bit before the Dook we listened to the laughter around us, as well as we couldn’t help notice those that weren’t quite revved up for the Dook, several Hogmany party goers were not feeling the joy of the moment. Heads on tables, or leaned back on the couches to grab a few more moments of sleep.
By 1030 the stirrings began, signalling the preparation to exit the pub, and brave the chilly streets:
A Grand Parade alright. A band beat the drums and provided some traditional old world music as a throbbing back drop, soon people were seen bouncing and dancing to the beat – not only in a festive joy as the cob webs & alcohol were wiped clean from the cold, but also just to keep WARM as the chill settled in.
With the signal of the bag pipes we began to walk forward, a joyous cry arose knowing we were moving on… as well as a bit of a nervous laughter and smiles from those of us new to this little adventure with the fear of the unknown.
I was surprised at the number of people who had come out to watch our crazy parade, they lined the streets and peered from windows as we walked past. Finally reaching the steps down to the river, I thought to myself… “THIS is it!” Really was I going in? I was already freezing, though not as bad as the poor little girl who had zero body fat [ there are benefits to those few holiday pounds ya know? ]
Fletch and I approached the river, grateful for our shoes as the rocks surfaces weren’t always the smoothest on those who had bare feet. A few steps in my Polar Bear moved faster and next I knew he had dove in.
Hubby comes up from his dive ... See the evil elf in green?
The look on his face as he came back up was enough to tell me I’d probably stop my heart if I submerged!! So I took my tentative steps in, and had gotten thigh high the cold water a numbing and skin biting experience, only to come face to face with an evil elf … yes evil! He was bent on ensuring I got more than my legs wet, he began his splashing as I wheeled about to escape the torture… I still can’t believe a search on Flickr found the photographer who was happily snapping away as I exited the river:
A candid shot of me coming out of the river, much thanks to Gareth Harper for posting on Flickr!
Amazingly enough, I think its the adrenaline that kicks in, but I felt a warmth, like it was warmer in the water than on the shore. Having gotten over the first entry, I handed my camera to a shivering girl on the shore and surprised Fletch by asking to go back in:
All in all an experience I’m SO glad I didn’t back out on…
a memory and surprise addition to the bucket list. It has set the bar for my year.
Have you ever done a Polar Bear plunge?
I’m thinking it would be fun in the future to try again!
Linking up with Focus52|2012
Theme is NEW! Definitely something NEW for my New Year…
Week 5 of 52 Knock Knock
Taken during the week, I’m a bit late in posting…. its interesting because the prompt for this week
“Knock Knock (Nobody’s There!)”
“…. Of course, there is a catch. For this week, your photos should feature no one in them. The doors have to be old. There should be some sign of life, without anyone present. They should be the center of interest, but not take up more than about 1/3 of the image. This allows us to work on our composition and placement, as well. I hope this isn’t too much, given the season. Perhaps that will actually work to your favor, as seasonal decorations can make nice features in your photograph.”
I could go back to Scotland and photograph hundreds of amazing and unique doors! Red, Blue, Green … wooden, glass! Oh the varieties of doors that the country sported. I could have just spent a day with my camera snapping shots of these entryways.
This particular door I found in Dunkeld, a quiet little river town we stopped in on our tour of the Highlands. I loved the wreath still on the knocker, the panels of wood. Also up in the left corner you can see where a store sign may have once hung. I kept the door centered in the photo but not taking the entire frame to kind of give it a home still. I don’t think I stayed with the 1/3 on this but backing up even more would have lost the wreath.
Edits include:
Vignette added to edges
A tweak to the vibrance of the colors
Happy 2012 to all… I have a bunch to catch up on this weekend. Enjoying a quiet weekend home. Hope you all enjoyed your holidays!
