Don't Die Holdin' on to Your Words

"Now they said, 'Don't forget where you come from. Don't die holdin' on to your words. Cause you know, you got a whole world to change, but understand who you gotta change first.'"

- Macklemore

Little Miss. Fancy Pants (that's me) learned some things over the past weekend. I learned something about myself, other people, and how the world should work. 

This may not come as a shock to most of you that read this blog. I assume its mostly family. For anyone who is not super close with me, I will open up just a bit...

My father's side of the family and myself have not been getting a long for quite awhile. For the past couple of years it has been a battle and long winded struggle between us to see eye to eye on anything, or even just be in the same room without feeling judgment.

The debate over family issues came to a head last February and I have not really spoken to them since. Well, until recently. People on my mom's side have stepped up to bat for me, purely out of love, not realizing that they were causing more pain the help.

About a month and a half ago, my cousin Blaine snapped me out of my stubborn pride. I had been holding my ground in what I thought was a principle worth fighting for but in the end it was all made up out of anger and poorly justified. Because of my phenomenal cousin and his step-mom, I made a move everyone thought was outrageous and hoped it would lead me in a step towards reconciliation. 

Now you are up to speed a bit. Over the month of November, I had been in correspondence with my grandfather. My dad's father. He was itching to meet with me and chat. We finally made that connection this past weekend.

Before walking into Tully's on 108th and Main St in Bellevue I had to prepare myself for two scenarios. Either this was going to be an argument, and I would have to get up and leave, or this was going to be a conversation I wanted. My hope was that we could forgive, forget, move on, and live our lives together the way it had been for the previous 26 years of my life. I'll just tell ya right now, we had a very favorable conversation and  I could not be happier. :) 

I did not get into specifics for a reason but I did want you, the reader, to understand that there was a struggle, hard feelings, and stubbornness in this painful time of my life.

Back to the quote that started this whole thing off. I have been listening to this song by a local Seattle hip-hop artist named, Macklemore. He is amazing and writes about relevant topics to inspire, teach, and entertain his audience. He taught me something very important that day. "Now they said, 'Don't forget where you come from. Don't die holdin' on to your words. Cause you know, you got a whole world to change, but understand who you gotta change first.'"

"Don't forget where you come from..." I come from a home where I was taught how to be tough. How to never let the world see your pain but to always be there for those people who couldn't be as strong as me. To help others and to know when it is ok to be right and when it is more important to be friends.

"Don't die holdin' on to your words..." We all say things we don't mean. Sometimes, when we say things in the heat of the moment we actually believe what we are saying is a solid point. After time you begin to realize that maybe what you think you believe in is dumb and it is causing you more pain than you realize. Be able to admit your faults or that maybe what you used to believe in has changed. It is ok to change your beliefs. We learn more as we get older. What did I learn? If your belief causes you pain every time you think about it, change it and accept the response you might get from others. It isn't about who is more valid than who, what matters is that the world around you gets better.

"Cause you know, you got a whole world to change, but understand who you gotta change first.'"

I'm a teacher and a coach for a reason. I want to change lives. I want the world that me and my family live in to be full of love and respect. In order for any of that to happen, I need to be sure that I am putting out what I want back. I need to be as understanding to others as I want them to be with me. I need to do the same with the effort I put in relationships, forgiveness, making others smile, etc. I must do things sometimes that might be really hard at the time because of what I feel and know that what I am doing will help in the long term. It isn't about finding answers fast, its about what is best down the road. So often we become selfish at the wrong times and then wonder why life sucks. Well, it is probably because we let our pride step in and take control when what we should do is relax and place ourselves in someone else's shoes. Believe the best people and in situations and you will receive the best.

The one person I want to thank the most through all of this, is my husband. He had a hard time with his grandparents too. Then he hit a point in his life where he realized his grandparents will not be around forever. He talked with them and shut the door on the past and moved on with them and rebuilt a relationship that had made is grandparents feel happy and loved. He did not make up with his grandparents for him, he did it for them. Really, deep down, I know it affected him positively too. He taught me how important it is to make decisions with other people in mind. The well being of your family is more important than your anger, pride, and sometimes even principles. Because in the end, it does not matter who was right and who was wrong. That is not the meaning of life. Being there for your family when they need you is what is most important because you never know how long you have with them.

I love my grandparents dearly and I can move on from all of this and start over with a free and clear heart and mind. I want to thank my cousin Blaine and Aunt Charlotte, my siblings, my mother, my in laws, and my husband for teaching me how to love the world and the people in it more than yourself. It's good to have a reminder once in a while and I thank you all for that.

Boston Day 2

I fell asleep the night before my last day at about midnight. I can't believe I was able to stay up so late! I didn't eat enough that day and only had about 4-5 hours of sleep. I was runnin on fumes!

Around 8:30am I slowly crawled and lifted myself off of the air mattress. At 9am I hit the gym on the lowest level of the apartment building and put together a CrossFit workout. Felt good. I successfully worked out 4 out of the 5 days I said I was going to!

Once I showered, I got a few things together to hit the sidewalks for a stroll to Fenway Park. It was very sunny out and the walk was literally a 10 minute, IF THAT of a walk. We took tons of pictures and bought some memorabilia.

To back track slightly, we were walking up a street that ran parallel to the stadium. Foolishly, my sister and I are in t-shirts and it was colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra outside! This man walking down the street stops me and asks, "Wow, do you train?" Now, mind you I'm in a t-shirt, I'm toned, and I egotistically assumed he was asking about my "impressive guns". Haha.

I asked, "What?"
Dude: "Do you train to get like that?"
Me: "Um, yeah all the time."
Dude: "Wow, what do you do? How do you stay warm?"
Then I think to myself, Oh crap, he is wondering how I'm not wearing a jacket..."Well, I'm from Seattle. This is like great Spring weather for us!"

I kind of felt like a moron but this dude seemed very serious about my warm training regimen. I should invent one!

On the sides of the park there are World Series banners and banners of the names of the most memorable players of the franchise.

Also the park has tours every hour. I thought that was only during the season. so we missed it. Oh well! Next time I want not only a tour but to go to a game. BOOM! Next trip there already planned.

Here are a few more pics from the park:

Once we did that, we cabbed around to a grocery store and back to the apartment to pack and go home.

Did I learn anything that day, you ask? Why YES!

1. Only take cabs that label they can take you to the airport. Otherwise it is illegal. I waved a cab down and two pulled over. One laid on the horn to get the other to leave. Then the guy told me why. CRAZY.
2. If you recently got married always triple check your IDs and travel info match up. My maiden name was on my ticket. The only ID I had with that name was my Costco card. The ONLY reason I got home was because I had my military ID and the TSA guy said, "If you weren't in the military, I wouldn't let you through." Wow right? Its like no one believed my mistake. So check your shit!

My entire east coast trip was awesome. I saw my best friend Ashley, Boston, Fenway and had a blast with my sister. I learned quite a lot about traveling solo and navigating unknown territory but I survived. It has me totally pumped for Japan!

Now it's back to the daily grind. I had a blast but I was ready to see my hubby! I miss his face!

Boston Day 1

Listen. If you have never been on a subway before STUDY  BEFORE YOU GO TO BOSTON OR NEW YORK! Holy hell...the T (Boston's subway system) kicked my little tooshie!! If you are headed to Boston ever, here are a few basics to know:

• The different subway routes are indicated by color.
• Within each color are different cars marked by a letter.
• Make sure you are on the right color/letter subway train and then decide if you are going outound or inbound

There are plenty of maps though to reference your info. Be prepared to take multiple trains. Each color relates to a different district of Boston. It won't cost more...well maybe a few brain cells...

Be thankful for this information cause I did not know these things when hitting the subway! I thought there was one route. Yeah, I'm a moron. I called my sister, Tracy about six times in four minutes to make sure I was getting on the right subway. I had one transfer to make...ONE! I took the wrong one and got off at a stop that was about 1.5 miles away from the apartment I was supposed to be at.

As I sat at the stop, I weighed my options. I could either wait for another subway car to take me back to where I started and risk a second fiasco, or I could suck it up and walk. I figured since I do CrossFit, walking will not kill me. So walking I chose.

Well that was really stupid. I was raining, I was pulling my lyggage, and my phone nearly died before I could map out where to go! Half a mile into the hike I realized I should have challenged the subway one more time. Although, at that same moment I had a self-checking realization. I thought, Torie, next year this time you will be in Japan. Not only will you be figuring out the train system there but you will have to read it in  goofy picture language! So I stopped complaining and actually enjoyed my walk through the Brookline neighborhood of Boston, Massachusets.

After a brisk 30 minute walk, in the rain, I made it! I laughed and told my sister my story and we walked up to her friend's apartment. We then changed and mapped out our day's adventures!

First thing we did was hit the freaking subway! Oh, you know what else had me crazy?! Had I taken the RIGHT rail, it would have stopped right in front of the apartment complex. How do you like them apples? (Name that movie that line is from and where it was filmed? Then congratulate me on my sense of irony and wit!) ;)

Here is what we did and what we learned (with pictures) in downtown, Boston:

1. The cops are very nice! One called me "Miss". Cops in Seattle usually yell, "Let's Go! Move it!!"
1. We also witnessed an officer help an old man in a walker fross the tracks. Then he offered to pull this man's car around for him! I mean, this officer stopped what he was doing just do help this guy. So sweet!
2. When they say "light" rain in Boston, they mean heavy and constant. FYI

1. There are 2 Cheers bars - go to the real one near Boston Commons!

1. The Freedom Trail is a MUST! You tour all the major historic spots in Boston!

1. Someone had a sense of humor when they made one of our Founding Fathers and signers of the Declarations of Independence , John Hancock's, memorial monument...it is in the shape of a freaking penis!! Lo at this picture and tell me I'm wrong!

1. We went to one of the oldest churches in the U.S.. King James Chapel. It contains the oldest pulpit still in use today in the United States.

1. Paul Revere's house is in the north end of Boston. When you walk through his 'hood you will feel like you are in Italy. Seriously!

1. The classic architecture of Boston/east coast is phenomenal. I loved every building!

1. I hailed my first taxi! Took me, honestly 5 seconds and It hink I"m ready for NY!
2. If you do CrossFit, plan ahead and call the box to find out 1) how to get there 2) if they have room 3) do it on a day you are not flying home. Give yourself time! I wish I did.
3. I went to a FANCY French restaurant. I have no pics for this but I was in a UW sweatshirt, jeans, and had an Under Armour bad as my purse. Very under dressed.

My first day in Boston was awesome! We did some tourist stuff, got drenched, laughed our butts off and savored every moment we could. Nothing was taken for granted.

The whole time I kept Japan in the back of my mind. I contemplated how much trouble I will probably get myself into, the people I'm going to meet the history I'm going to learn, and the stories I'll get to share!

Nice work Boston! You won this trip though between the downpour and subway confusion. Thank you!

*If you are at all interested, there are a lot more pictures on my Facebook and I might try to set up a slideshow later. Within the next couple days I will fill you in on my last day in Boston!

Live Free or Die!!!

I'm writing to you right now from Portsmouth, NH! Yeah, I'm on an east coast excursion and it is awesome. I cam to visit a super good friend of mine Ashley and her hubby Andrew. Ashley and I met when we were about 12 and grew up together playing select softball. We have stayed in contact ever since! Then she fell in love and moved with her husband (who is in the Coast Guard) 3,000 miles away!! All good, I'm finally visiting the east coast!

My trip started last Wednesday, November 7th. I flew into Boston then drove out to Kittery, ME. Kittery is located across from Portsmouth, NH and the state is partially separated by the Piscataqua River. Yeah, weird ass name right? People think Washington has some pretty crazy names! This place rivals what we have.

Thursday was my first full day in Maine and I didn't do much. Ashley and Andrew both worked. On Friday, Ashley and I hit up most of New Hampshire. We rolled around on the White Mountain Highway which loops around the "rockies" of New Hampshire. We saw Mt. Washington, the highest peak on the east coast, visited a very prestigious hotel and saw a few other random sites along the way. Took LOTS of pictures. I will have those posted when I get back home. Some are on my phone and some are the computer.

Here are some things I have learned so far about the east coast:


1) Live Free or Die is the New Hampshire state motto. They back this up too. The drivers are insane and you do not have to wear a seat belt if you are over the age of 18. Apparently you do not get to "live free" and you do not have the option of "dying" in pursuit of that until you are an adult. ;)

2) There are no "mountains" here. Just very big hills. (Sorry Mt. Washington).

3) They have TONS of Moose out here. Every few miles there are signs about watching out for Moose. We saw one!!!! We were literally 10 feet from a very young, yet very large Moose. We named him Marley.

4) You know what a round-a-bout is? They call them circles...real creative New England.

5) EVERY free-way has a toll. I no longer will complain about 520. Ashley hits the toll twice a day!

6) There are tons of covered bridges out here and Ashley and I tried taking pictures of every one we could find. We found 4! Why they are so cool, I don't know. All I know is that Washington state doesn't really do the covered bridges thing so it was awesome to see so many!

So far that is it. I'm on my way to Boston right now. I plan on hitting up a CrossFit affiliate while I'm there. This morning actually. Well, sometime today. I'm not to sure with my schedule. Anyways, my sister VERY RANDOMLY has a trip the same exact time as me! That is who I am meeting up with. She is staying in Boston and we plan on hittin the town today. I couldn't be more excited. We will do a little bit more tomorrow too before we head out. I want to see Fenway, the original Cheers bar (yeah there is two), and do the 2 mile Freedom Walk and get my history on. I know there is so much more, but we are going to fly by the seat of our pants on this one! Woo hoo!!!

Before I go, I want to leave you with a few pictures Ashley and I took while on our White Mountain Highway loop!

My next post will be a slideshow of all I saw and did out here! Can't wait for this day to really get goin!

CrossFit Level 1

Last weekend I took a CrossFit Level 1 Seminar and it was amazing! I'm hoping I passed the test. With all of my heart, I hate multiple choice! For about 90% of the questions, I knew the answer before reading the answers on the test. However, when I read the answers they all started to sound good. I went with the answer I thought of before I read the rest so I'm hoping that that pans out... :)

The seminar was at Rainier CrossFit in Sumner. They have a fantastic facility. There were trainers from several boxes (gyms) in the area and they did a wonderful job. They had the perfect combination of intensity, passion, and humor in their lectures and direct teaching. Very fun bunch to work with for two days.

Saturday was Day 1. We went through the basics of 6 out of 9 functional movements as well as learned the philosophy and methods behind CrossFit. After a couple presentations, and some hands on instruction, we performed the Workout of the Day (WOD). It was Fran. There are a multitude of benchmark workouts and they all have a name. This is what my WOD consisted of:

FRAN

21-15-9

Thrusters 

Pull-Ups

I won't get into detail on the workout. Click on the link above (FRAN) and you will see what it is. To get below 6 minutes for a female is awesome. The chick in the video did it in under 3 minutes. SHE IS A BEAST!! What did I get? 5:25 and it felt AWESOME. However...this is what my right hand looked like afterwards....

It looked worse than that but if you do enough pull-ups in a row, these things happen. :)

Day 2 was a little more relaxing. We covered the final 3 movements, worked out, then had a lecture on nutrition. We then broke for lunch, covered some last minute things and wrapped up with a test. Man I hope I aced it. It was 50 questions. Out of 50, 5 did not count but we don't know which ones those are. Overall we are scored out of 45 questions and at least 35 of those have to be correct in order to pass....EEKK!! I hope I passed!!

I should know either by the end of this week or next. I will keep you posted!

Quick Update!

Wow, it has been a looooooong time since I have posted something. My bad! Since my last post a lot has been going on. Let's catch ya up a bit shall we?

School started (duh Torie) I know know, but for me that is a big deal because I have been getting a TON of substitute jobs! It has been fantastic! Along with the sub jobs I have been signed on to work at my local box,  CrossFit Unbound. I coach our boot camp classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. I am also in charge of the box's marketing so I write blogs daily. It is so much fun. That is a big reason why I am not doing well on here! Anyways, I am not a certified trainer quite yet but I am heading to get my cert at the end of the month. I couldn't be more excited!

I feel like I have finally found my niche! Took me long enough but I made it. It has become very clear to me that my purpose on this Earth is to teach, inspire, and motivate people of all ages and of all backgrounds. One of the things that fills up my heart the most is helping someone achieve their goals and watching that smile light up their face!

Well, I guess that is about it right now! Just subbing as much as I can, coaching, and training hard! I frequently have 15 hr days but it is worth every second. ;)

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up on life. I have two more posts coming up. One about family and how I have dealt with some recent issues as well as one on where Jordan and I will be stationed next August!!!! You are in for a treat! Maybe not but I'm excited to write about it. Have a great night!

My box had a BBQ a couple weekends ago. Here is a video I made about it. It isn't the best, but its fun!

Forging Ahead

"The night is darkest before the dawn." - The Dark Knight

I quit my part time job at Old Navy. I held it for a whole year until I just went completely insane. Lately, I have been feeling like an absolute failure. I have two degrees that I can't pay on right now and I hardly use them. I've applied to teaching jobs and have failed to get an interview. I was working part time at a job that had nothing to do with any goal or passion of mine. I never can afford anything on my own and even though Jordan is there to help me, I crave the ability to be able to just do my own thing.

With all of that running through my brain on repeat I just absolutely lost it. Cried and cried and just let it all out. The very next day, I quit my job at Old Navy and immediately started applying to jobs that involved passions of mine. I have two passions. Fitness and mentoring youth. I've applied to several jobs. Heard back on a couple but they just are't hiring. Ugh...then opportunity knocked on my door and I invited that bitch in, sat her down, and am ready to wait on her hand and foot!

Alright, that metaphor made NO sense...yeah no sense at all...lol.

The crossfit gym that I am apart of had a recent change-up of sorts. Trainers have left and that opened the door for me to come in, hopefully make a positive change, and earn experience running and programming crossfit for people of all ages. As of right now I am interning. Since I do not have a Level 1 certification to train people, I will be helping with a certified trainer to run boot camps, regular classes, nutritional seminars, and updating our blog. Hopefully in October I can go and actually get my certification. The only hiccup there is that my husband isn't sure its worth it....ugh...so that's a challenge.

Now check this out, if I get my Level 1 cert, the gym will pay for me to get a CrossFit Kids certification. That means we can open up our gym and reach out to the youth! Look at that. I would be killing two birds with one stone!!! Mentoring kids AND fitness!!!

That's where I stand right now. I'm about to be apart of something I have always wanted to do. When my time is done here, and Jordan and I move somewhere else, I can sign up with a gym and get to crackin on gaining even MORE experience!!!

Just saying, all this really excites me. I love CrossFit and I'm so grateful for this opportunity. If Jordan says, "Yes," for me to get my certification then I will be the happiest person in the world!!!

Buckets, Food, and Jars!

Well that title makes NO sense right? Yeah, I'm not sure if I ever make sense but if you know me, you know that isn't to out of the norm!

I've been trying to get a few things started around the house lately. Aside from cooking almost every day, and having a few awesome recipes on regular rotation...I have also made things involving buckets, food, and jars!

For the bucket. Here's what I came across online the other day. Pinterest would be the site I found this on. (Of course, right? What don't you find on there these days?!) This will be obvious; it's a bucket list. Except for me, I will create a few different kinds.

1) Bucket list for Jordan and me. Stuff we want to do together!

2) Bucket list for just myself. Your standard list if you will.

3) Bucket list for America. If Jordan and I actually get out of this country, we have about 10 months left in the states. We/I have so much to do!!!!

I think it would be cool to have an actual bucket with clips on it. Then when we complete it, we toss the clip in the bucket and see what we have left to accomplish!
Just like this pic!

On to FOOD!!! Eggs are a STAPLE in my life. I eat them every day and contrary to popular belief they are not bad for you. Anyways, I eat them all sorts of ways. Although, I don't always have the time or energy to make them every morning. Here's a solution I found on a Paleo website. In fact...I don't even need to write a recipe it is SOOO easy...here we go:

What do you like to put in your scrambled eggs? Veggies? Meat? Alright then, cut all that stuff up. If you use any meat, cook it first before you do anything else. You can also use leftover meat from dinner or something. Alright, did you chop it all up? Ok, now go grab at least 6 eggs. You can get more depending on how many cups you are making. You'll see what I mean in a minute. (while you are doing this, pre-heat your oven to 350)

Ok, combine your eggs, veggies, and meat. Mix it together of course. Alright, now go get your muffin tin and start filling up the cups! Just remember to grease the pan first. Throw your muffin pan(s) in the oven for 45 min and WALLA! I call them Egg McMuffins....the better version! lol. Anyways, keep an eye on them cause I know all ovens work differently!

Alright...lastly...on to JARS!!! So I have this mason jar. I super glued the word "Love" on it with an outline of a heart around the word. Then I spray painted the jar white, peeled off the glue, and painted the lid red. Inside, I wrote 100 date ideas on popsicle sticks! I found ideas online and in my brain and I couldn't be more excited to do it! Jordan and I have been pretty busy though with tons of other things we have already planned for summer, so we haven't needed to get new ideas. I can't wait till we are bored! Haha. I didn't do the best job with mine, but there are tons of tutorials online for this. You'll have better luck than me I'm sure!

Alright there you have it. My title makes sense now! Hope you all have a WONDERFUL day!!!!

Mushy Gushy Time!

There's so much to share! Man...not that a whole lot has been going on in my life, but every once in awhile I just get a high on life. Even if the day didn't contain anything real exciting. Sometimes, I just have enough time to myself to reflect, take a deep breath, and know that even though I'm not out scaling mountains every day, or competing in major events, or traveling around the world, there is still so much to enjoy and take in right here at home.

Alright, so here's what my day consisted of just to give you an idea:

At around 5am, my husband woke up and went out with a buddy to set some crab pots in the hope we could have a fresh and delicious (also classic NW) meal. (and he has 5 he is bringing home right now!) When he came home, around 7am, I woke up and kind of milled around the house. Got online, checked the required social networking sites, and then got an awesome text from my best friend and cousin, Blaine. It was very simple too. Just a pic of how he is pushing himself to get better mentally and physically with a message that said, "Thank you for keeping me motivated with your workout pics and comments, cuz." That was it. That's all I needed to say to myself, "Hey, you make a difference and maybe you aren't so crazy for posting your personal progress online all the time. Haha" Yeah I laughed at myself.

After that I had a doctor's appt about my toe. Still have 4 more weeks to heal before I can run. Went grocery shopping, got home, did the dishes, ate a snack, made a kick ass letter to my friend Ashley Charters, ate lunch, walked my dog, talked to a fitness coach, met my husband at home, spent some time with him, did the dishes, worked out, and now I'm here. Just relaxing.

See? Didn't really do anything! But I thoroughly enjoyed my day! Love my dog, LOVE my husband, and love that the sun was shining! The success, happiness, and constant moving and constant smiles are largely dedicated to that one little text message from my cousin. Who is, by far, one of the best motivators there is for me as well as my best friend.

I'm not saying my husband doesn't make me happy hahahaha. He is flat out amazing, EVERY day. I can write more about him later, ;) Yet, do you ever have those days, where you aren't in a bad mood but you feel like it's "just another day", until someone completely flips it around with just one word or sentence? For having the goals that I do right now, I sometimes catch myself wanting to take a day off and I always find a way to never do that. So a day like today was perfect to just keep me going without missing a step!

If you have someone in your life that is that motivator for you. That voice of persistence and the will you sometimes need to push on, tell them thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate their support, whether or not its vocal. My cousin and I don't always talk, and we go in spurts of talking all the time through FB or texts, but we know that in the end we will always be there for one another. If I need advice he's there and vice versa.

That is your challenge! Tell that inspiration in your life THANK YOU! Never give up. Because every day you don't challenge yourself you take a step back. Keeping stepping up!

Thank you, Blaine!

* I definitely have more posts coming soon! Amazing food recipes I recently found and love! Maybe a photo challenge to share and some updated info on some up-coming events!

The Pursuit of Ultimate Health

I'm on this quest you see...and it is a tough one. I'm on a pursuit of ultimate fitness, health, and athleticism. With those 3 elements come a plethora of bonuses such as happiness, motivation, and energy just to name a few.

Since 2009, I have experimented off and on with CrossFit. I didn't join a gym right away because of the fees and instead, investigated the popular new fitness craze and made my own work outs. I ate the best I could but failed constantly. I just LOVED pizza, cheeseburgers and beer WAY to much!! Haha. Well, December 2011 I made the leap and joined a local gym here in Oak Harbor. I have never regretted the decision.

So..once I got that down and worked out 3 times a week, I was starting to see some crazy awesome results. Increases in stamina, energy, and a clear mind even! Then I was introduced to my second photo above, Advocare. It's a line of supplement products designed for energy, overall health, and optimal strength. Guess what I did? Began what's known as a 24-Day Challenge!

Let me tell you...the challenge + working out = AMAZING things. I was skeptical at first but shit, I lost 5 lbs and a pant size in less than 10 days. To be honest, I didn't work out but 2 times cause in those 10 days cause I broke my toe. How awesome is that? And the bonus? You can EAT!!!! This isn't your average, water and lemon juice diet. This is a deal where you eat 6 times a day and STILL lose weight.

Anyways, long story short. I feel awesome. I was thinking about it today, just doing normal day off stuff. Cleaning, prepping some meals, playing on FB...playing the guitar...the whole time feeling just awesome about life!

It took me awhile to get committed to it. It took me awhile to understand how to really use my day and do things I want to do and how to mix that into things I didn't want to do. Also, how to have fun doing whatever it is I didn't want to do. Haha. I typically go in spurts with motivation and "making the most" of my day...but with my new goals athletically and physically, and really taking charge of it like I did when I was kid trying to get a scholarship, I am motivated EVERY day to do SOMETHING. Your idea of a great day and my idea of a well used great day are going to be completely different and that is ok. Every one has a different opinion!! But as long as at the end of the day you can honestly say with a smile, "Man, today was a good day!" then you won! Hell, yesterday my idea of a great day was not doing a DAMN thing!!!

All I'm trying to say, is that if you are on the fence about taking charge of something in your life, or you don't think you have time, or whatever the excuse, I just want you to know that you CAN at ANY moment take charge. Even if you just start off with taking charge of eating something in the morning EVERY morning, or you take charge with taking a walk every day, or maybe its an emotional thing. Maybe you are too quiet and need to speak up more in situations where your opinion is needed! JUST DO IT! ;) I bet you $100, you've never heard anyone say they regretting trying something (unless its a type of food. That "trying" situation can go bad sometimes. haha)...just some food for thought. ;)

Hey! One more thing. If you are interested in trying that 24-Day Challenge, or even a 10-Day version, or just need more energy, go to my website: https://www.advocare.com/120612944/default.aspx

At the top banner, click SHOP. If you are looking for more energy that is 100x better than coffee, click on ACTIVE on the left and the product is called Spark. If you are curious about the 24-Day Challenge and want to start a competition with friends then click on TRIM on the left, and you will see the bundle package.

If you are working within a budget and are curious how to still lose weight, email me @ toriec318@gmail.com and I can get you hooked up with whatever you need! Also email me when it comes to ordering the product, I can walk you through the process!

Here's to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!!! Hope you all had a great 4th of July!!! Talk to you soon!

Love Life

I seem to think I start new chapters of my life ALL the time. Although, that is kind of a fun way to view things. Keeps life fresh! Alright, well I guess I have to explain these "new chapters" of mine. So much has happened in the last two months! First of all, I am no longer the head coach at MVHS. Reason being has nothing to do with the struggles I faced with teenagers, but it has everything to with my future and my family. There is about aN 85% chance my husband and I are getting stationed in Japan. We move next June or July. I just KNOW that in the months leading up to that (the spring time) is going to be crazy and emotional. The last thing I'm going to want to do is spend 12 hrs a day away from my husband and taking away opportunities to be with friends and family. I also won't be able to focus on the team. Kind of a downer, but I am so excited about Japan!!! So...what am I going to do in my spare time? I have applied to 2 teaching jobs, so let's cross our fingers for a phone call about an interview! Old Navy is still a part time job so I can have some sort of income. The number one thing, CrossFit. I have a goal to participate in CrossFit Regionals next year in May. Qualifiers are next February I believe. I definitely have a lot of work ahead of me. What excites me most about this, is that it is probably the second biggest athletic challenge I have ever dedicated myself to. Number 1? Competing to earn a D1 softball scholarship. Done and done, moving on! ;) Seriously, have you seen what they do in the games? YouTube it. It is insane. The CrossFit Games actually start up next week I think. After that, there are going to be a bunch of local competitions. I hope then in a month, when I'm fully healed, I can compete and see where I stand! About that fully healed thing...yeah I broke my big left toe pretty bad about a week ago. I have 5 weeks to go to be fully healed up. I hope I can start running in 4 because I signed up for the Warrior Dash July 21st....hm... A plethora of things are happening right now. I am about to embark on one of the biggest adventures of my life (Japan). I am in the process of training to be one of the most fit people in the state. All of this at the same as trying to savor every moment I have here with my friends, family, and my puppy Mya. Yeah, she won't be coming with me to Japan so I have to say good bye to my best friend on four legs. Through every struggle, big or small, there is so much to remember and be thankful for. There isn't anything any one CAN'T do...in fact I do everything I can to not even think or say that word. With that, I leave you with this quote. It can be applied to any aspect of your life whether or not you are an athlete..."The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self improvement, about being better than you were the day before." -Steve Young LIVE LIFE!!!

Coaching: Take 2!

February 27, 2012, I started my second year as head coach for the softball team at Mount Vernon high school...

Last year was tough for numerous reasons. It was my first year and I got the job 3 weeks before the season started. I had to make some disciplinary decisions that were not popular but I knew were right, and towards the end of the year it felt like, at times, it was the seniors vs coaches. This made things fairly difficult.

I believe I am a player's coach. I understand when a player gets frustrated and why and I tailor some of my practice plans around what the TEAM wants to do. I think its important for the players to feel some ownership in their program and not so much a dictatorship from the coaches. Let's face it, in fastpitch years I'm over the hill and I can't play anymore. I often ask opinions and ideas from the team because ultimately THEY are the ones running the team from within and they know their needs better than me sometimes. They got the inside scoop!

Before this year started I was so motivated and ready to rock! Minus some errors in ordering equipment and uniforms, all was in place. The season started off pretty strong the first few weeks but for so many reasons the season quickly slipped away. This program is trying to find their place as individuals and not as a team. It's pretty tough to get 14 kids..i mean girls...to be together as one.

So..yesterday for practice, us coaches hit the "reset" button. We had a good ol' bitch session. We expressed our concerns, what we don't like, what we need to do, and shared very deep experiences we have had as people that have made us who we are so far. There were three people who chose not to say a word...so while the practice itself, I feel, was a good start to a new chapter in our season, I hope these three find strength in their team; to let go of the negative emotions and push themselves to a higher level mentally. I believe in this team so much and I wish they could feel the effort I put into every one of them.

Coaching/teaching has got to be one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Getting a team of 14 girls, or a program of 24, to mesh and fire on all cylinders is down right impossible. Yet, that word impossible is only temporary and I'm not going to give into it. I don't always have the answers and I make mistakes, but I know where to find the answer and never make the same mistake twice. This year has been the hardest...still trying to figure out why...

I think my biggest strength as a leader is my humor and compassion for others. I'm a player's coach. I cut them breaks when they need it or ask for it, I ask their opinions for practice plans on occasion, I give rewards for accomplishments in not just softball, but school as well.

My weakness? Probably my awesome ability to over internalize and dwell on negative scenarios. Even though I rarely show that side to a team it's still a weakness. When situations get over repetitive, I stay angry about it and my brain wants me to make such rash decisions. I think when I hit a brick wall, and feel like I can't help a kid I loose my rationale part of my brain in frustration. I'm still young, I'm still learning, and soon I will make this a strength. I have to be successful and strive for it every day.

Everything I do is seen by the world. My actions and my words reflect who I am. For the most part I'm great in how I represent myself. Although, my passion and emotions hit extremes and it can be difficult to control.

LIFE! Crazy huh? I love what I do. I love the every day challenges. Even on my worst of days, I know its making me stronger.

My team is still in reach of play-offs. Never to late to turn things around! Doin' it better than it has ever been done before! Go Bulldogs!

Honeymoon!! Bow-chicka-bow-wow!

Alright, get your head out of the gutter! Listen...Hawaii RULES!

Jordan and I spent a week in Waikiki, and it was pretty legit. Just sayin...:) Here's a peek from our hotel room...

So, let's start with the flight there. First Class baby! Not sure if you've ever flown First Class but you gotta do it at least once! They serve you non-stop the second you sit down. Of course, Jordan and I had some adult soda pops. They didn't cost anything so I will leave it up to your imganination what happened with that. ;) We even got a free bottle of champagne! Yeah honeymooners!!!

Needless to say, we spent the first full day in Hawaii spleeping, relaxing, and did a little shopping. We even came across a free luau on the beach! The rest of the week we spent keeping very busy. So much to see and so little time! Here's a re-cap:

1) Went to North Shore. Grabbed lunch at a shady lookin' shack and took it to a nearby beach. Off on the horizon we saw TONS of whales jumping out of the water!

2) Swam with dolphins!! Seriously! They pulled us by their fins and pushed us out of the water with their noses. They are SOOO freaking strong. We swam with a Wholphin too! Dolphin + Whale = Wholphin...NOT LYING!
(the Wholpin is on the right)

3) Went to a Luau. Not the free one but another one that was super legit. We made crowns out of leaves, played some Hawaii'n games, drank Mai Tais, and saw a dude climb a coconut tree! To start dinner, we gathered in a small theater like area. In the ground was our pig that was cooking all day. It was awesome. Later that night, during the show, they played a Hawaii'n wedding song and all the newlyweds that were there danced. Jordan did a much better job that night on the beach than the wedding. ;)

4)Snorkeling/Whale watching. Amazing. We saw a Humpback Whale, no more than 50 yards away, breach! Then for about 20 minutes there were 6 of them swimming right in front of our boat. SOOO cool. Then we headed to our snorkeling spot and swam with a Sea Turtle. Loved it!!
(this is a sea turtle at the aquarium...haven't made a pic of the one we swam with)

5) Pearl Harbor. It was such an amazing museum and the monuments were incredible. The more incredible thing was to see a lot of Japanese people there. I feel like that says a lot about their culture. I learned quite a bit that day! Just absolutely amazing.

USS Arizona Memorial

USS Bowfin

USS Missouri

There are more pics, but these are the ones I grabbed off my phone. LOVE HAWAII.

Jordan and I talked about getting stationed in Hawaii. Only reason why we wouldn't is because Jordan wants to be on a carrier. Pearl Harbor doesn't have ony of those, only small ships...but a girl can dream!

Goin to a Chapel and We're, Gonna Get Married!

Wow! It's been awhile since I have posted anything! Well, get ready cause I have some major life moments to share!

Married life...so far, no different than before. Yet, before I can impart any of my limited marriage philosophy, letm e tell ya bout the wedding!

The entire MONTH of February was INSANE! How about I just share highlights? Cause to really explain it all will take forever!

1. Bridal Shower Game: Make a Wedding Dress out of TP. My neice Eva looked like Mother Mary, hahahahaha!

2. PRESENTS! (enuf said ;)

3. Bachelorette Party: ROCKING ON STAGE with an 80s cover band to Panama by Van Halen!

4. Meeting "Trojan Warriors" on the streets of Seattle the same night! lol

5. My sisters literally planning and doing EVERYTHING for me! (yes that is underwear (not mine!) they are holding. Jordan pulled those out from my dress first before he pulled out the garder belt. lol)

6. My brother Brandon being there after an 8 year absense!!!

7. My nephew Dmitri, playing my bridal song during the ceremony.

8. My handsome cousins, Blaine and Evan being there!

9. My other nephew, Joe catching the garder belt and putting it on his head! (he took it off right before my friend could get a pic!)

10. Dancing with my other brother, Jimmy!

11. ESPN style intro to the reception for the bridal party.

12. Seeing my Mom have the time of her life!

13. EVERY ONE of my bridesmaids helping me go pee!! lol

So many great things happened! Oh! Almost forgot...over 200 people showed up! Wasn't supposed to be that many but who cares! It was a freaking party!
Some time this weekend, I can put up a slideshow and share it with ya! There are SOOO many pictures!

Love. Truth. Courage.

If I had to choose three words to describe me right now, those would be it. Recent events have sparked this post. I also haven't written one in awhile so it is about time I do!

LOVE
I choose this word because I try to use it and display it as much as possible. You don't have to show love with just kisses and hugs. It can been shown with a appreciation, compassion, and humor. Every day I tell Jordan I love him. Every day I try to make someone laugh. Every day I try to let someone know they are doing a great job.

I have bad days where I don't do my best at these things. We all do. Yet it is those bad days that I need to try the hardest. Love is never using the word hate. Love is stepping into someone else's shoes and not passing judgment. Love is understanding. Love can look past conflict and find resolution. Sometimes love can mean being silent. You can love by simply being there for someone and not saying a word. Love is listening. Love is being someone's shoulder or someone's foundation.

I feel love everywhere. I love my family, my dog, my fiance, my siblings, my extended family, my parents, my co-workers, my teammates, and the people I have lost contact with. I'm not a hippie and there are days I really wish could end right away but those feelings only brush the surface because deep down I care a whole lot about everyone that is in my life or has passed through it.

TRUTH
This word was chosen because of how hard I seek to find it. Truth to me means a lot of things. I don't lie. I used to all the time as a kid until I found out how pointless it all was. For me, if someone tells me the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear, I completely respect their honesty. I know the people I talk to will respect me if I tell the truth as well.

Being true to yourself. Again, growing up I always tried to be someone else. I wanted to be like so many people and do so many things. Recently, I just asked myself, "What's wrong with just being me?" I'm a pretty cool person. Have I got flaws? Hell yeah. Name me one person who doesn't. I accept those flaws and I accept myself and now I have nothing to hide behind. Between that and telling the truth, I feel pretty liberated. Am I always in a constant state of happiness and good well being? No. I have terrible no good very bad days. One day doesn't ruin an entire life. The next day is a recharge and I get right back on that path of truth.

Truth is never letting your family or friends down. Saying you will be there and actually BE there. Telling them what they need to know instead of what they want to hear. Lying takes up so much energy emotionally and mentally. You tell enough lies or make up enough stories and you'll start to lose track and feel like you are in a constant state of contempt inside your own brain. Let go and see what happens. I bet someone is going to catch you.

COURAGE
I feel like this is a big assumption on myself. However, it is true in many ways. It is another word that has more than one meaning.

People need courage to step outside their comfort zones to experience new things. To meet new people, to start a new life path, to challenge opposition, to fight for their beliefs, or to just wake up to live the day...

I have the courage to tell the truth without fear of ridicule. I have the courage to tell someone what I believe in because it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I have the courage to put my fiance's career ahead of my own because of love. (and I get to travel around so that's awesome. lol) I have the courage to change my life path and goals because it's what I want to do. I have the courage to stand up for myself because I believe the bond I share with you goes deeper than a silly argument. I have the courage to push through pain and laugh because that is what truly heals. I have the courage to lead an organization because I made a promise to never give up. I have the courage to stay strong because I have a family that will never let me down. I have the courage to seek compromise because I don't always have to be right. I also have the courage to write this because maybe someone out there needs a little inspiration to make it through just one more day.

I don't know who reads my posts. I don't know if its just Facebook friends or others around the world wide web. I just know its a great outlet for me to just write. I suggest if you get upset or need self affirmation, writing is a great tool. Or you could stand in front of the mirror like little Jessica on youtube. That's pretty awesome, and if you do it please record it. Haha.