~* Competitive Bitch *~

Who, me?? Nahhhh.

Ok, maybe just a little.

Okaaaaaay. Fiiiiine. Ya got me. I am a competitive bitch. Usually, against myself, but tomorrow I have the opportunity to compete against the world. Not even an exaggeration. I signed up for my first Crossfit competition, and it's part of the Garage Games Series called World Wide WOD Aftermath. I will be competing as a beginner, and have no hopes of doing exceptionally well, but I do believe it will be worth the experience and I'm kind of excited about it. A little terrified, but also excited.

Along other lines, I have had some interesting run-ins with the male species since I moved in. I had an overnight guest, because he was bored and lonely. I solved the lonely problem that evening, not the bored. I do enjoy sleeping next to a man. I've been hit on by a married man- whose wife I adore. Slime. I gained a cheering section for the competition tomorrow in J, who I haven't seen since I moved. And, I have had dinner with my gorgeous neighbor. Possibly, probably more on that in the future. I'm liking 30 so far.

~* The New Average *~

I saw a post on FaceBook yesterday from ABC News that H&M clothing stores are now using a plus-sized model. This model is depicted in a 2piece swimsuit, is said to be a size 12, and is said to be a "normal-sized" woman. This is what average in our society has become. Have you seen this picture?

I read through the comments regarding to this picture. The majority of them were along the "Finally, a real woman" or "at least she's healthy, not skin and bones" lines.

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME???

How can you misconstrue this obesity as healthy?? This girl has a gorgeous face, but she is at least 30% body fat. If she is 180lbs, that means 60lbs of her body is pure fat. 30% is obese. Not healthy. High risk for diabetes and heart disease. And sadly, the new average.

Fashion and society have adapted to accommodate the laziness and vanity of our physically growing population, and it's disgusting. It happens in so many aspects of life- second example that comes to mind is the new means of grading for the majority of students these days. Just pass them so they don't feel stupid or left out. Well, folks, some kids aren't all that bright. Harsh, but true. Some parents don't put in the work, some kids don't put in the work, some teachers don't put in the work- it all leads to the same end. Dim kids.  Just as some women aren't healthy and attractive. Same kind of truth.

Why is it so out of vogue to show physically fit women as models? These aren't just fashion models, these are role models for young girls, and shouldn't a role model be someone who puts in effort and takes care of the only body they are given? Not overweight, or underweight for that matter. I'm not at all saying girls should be self conscious or anything that may lead to low self esteem or an eating disorder. I'm just saying that it shouldn't be a bad thing to advertise health and effort and hard work.

Did you know sizing now is different than it was in the past? Sizes are at least 2 inches larger now than they were 20 years ago. Marilyn Monroe may be a size 14 by today's standards, but in her time, she was a size 8. This is the kind of adaptation that I mean. Sizing to accommodate vanity. Nobody wants to take care of themselves, but nobody wants to be classified as fat either. You can't have your cake and eat the whole damn thing. Well, you can, but you shouldn't be able to still be called a size 6 when you're done.

***disclaimer- this is my blog, and therefore, my opinion.

~* There's No Crying In Crossfit *~

Bullshit. I bet there's a LOT of crying in Crossfit. I did a bit myself today.

J and I went out to SoPi since we both had the day off, and today's WOD was awful. Well, it wasn't really. I just kinda fucked it all up. 3 rounds, for time, of: 9 overhead squats, 18 kettlebell swings, 9 ring dips, 18 sledgehammer swings, and 400m sprint. So, it would have pretty much sucked anyway, but I made it a lot worse for myself.

First round in, I dropped the damn barbell. Twice.
Then, I got hung up on the ring dips. I'm a newbie, so I use a band for assistance, and I kept getting it all backwards. Lost probably 4 minutes trying to figure that shit out. There was a 20 minute time cap. I made it out the door for the sprint in the 20 minutes, but was so winded that I know it probably took me 25 altogether.

I got so mad at myself that I cried. Just a little bit, but it still happened. I know I could have, should have, done better.

"Progress is not made without struggle. Do not wish for it to be easier, wish to be better."

I will be better next time.

~* NOW Can I Take A Breath?? *~

I am officially a NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist!!!

Finally!

Now, maybe I can breathe for a day or two before I start my next course. I had been working on the FNS certification since September, through the redeployment, separation, and two moves. I am so fucking relieved to be done with it!! All that for just a few extra words on my resume'. Now, I'm going to celebrate with a Red Bull.

~* Blog-Blocked *~

I wanted to post yesterday, I really did. But every time I opened the computer, I got blog-blocked by my guilt. I always have Facebook and Pandora open in the background, but I have been really cracking down on my studying. Every time I use the computer, I guilt-trip myself if I'm not studying. And yes, I'm experiencing a little bit of that guilt at this very moment.

I'm working my behind off to get this course finished. It's my Fitness Nutrion Specialist certification through NASM. It's a continuing ed credit, but it also happens to be a whole extra certification. I am so passionate about the nutritional aspect of fitness, and I've discovered that most people really don't understand what their nutritional needs are. However, I am incredibly frustrated with this particular course. It's not broken down to relate to fitness. It's just plain, simple facts about food- macros, micros, and everything in between. Well, not simple, but it doesn't relate to people trying to improve their fitness levels. It basically takes the MyPyramid, breaks it down into pieces, and says "Yep, that's how everyone everywhere should be doing it". Ugh.

So, I'm trying to get it finished ASAP. Then, I can get started on my next course- Senior Exercise Specialist. That should be interesting. I'd like to have a little niche like that. Not what I want to focus on long-term, but it will be nice to have both of these to set me apart at work. And then, I can focus on other things- like my own workouts and blogging- without the guilt.