Be great. Be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

With the swirls of hustle and bustle permeating the air, I want to take this moment to reflect on what I am truly thankful for.

Family. Let me not even downplay it. I have an insanely fabulous family. Dysfunctionally typical yet uniquely wonderful.

Friends. As I've grown, I've held onto or I've taken on some really great friends and have met some truly amazing people. It's not the quantity people; but rather, quality. The word 'friend' is not a term to be used loosely.

Faith. Without it, where would I be. You have to believe in something. Whether it's religion, butternut squash, good karma, or the power of prayer, we must channel our beliefs, wants, and wishes into something that keeps us hopeful and looking up and onward.

Health. I complain on a daily basis how much my knees, lower back, high heels, or eyelashes hurt. Behind all that nonsense I have my health and am probably the healthiest I have ever been. For that I am grateful.

Strengths. I am thankful for the tremendous graces that I have been given. Whether it's my big heart, my creative passions, or the hard stretch I have overcome physically, emotionally and mentally, I am grateful. Oh and my amazing singing skills. My voice is like an angel sliding down a rainbow. Especially right after I wake up. Divine.

Clown capabilities. I take pride in my ability to humor others and I seek to entertain. My sarcasm may come off as a little dry but it is not to be taken seriously most of the time. I heart all of you dorks.

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Feast vs. Famine

Thanksgiving is 3 days away! I know, Icanbelievable! This holiday season is darting right at us and our waistlines. Now we find ourselves teetering between two extremes, feast and famine. How do we find a nice balance that won't put all our hard work to shame? Five seconds in your mouth is not worth feeling like a tranquilized grizzly bear moaning on the living room floor.

Here are my tips for all the looming abundance of meals and holiday parties, which I will also struggle to follow. It's worked for me so far.

• Ladies, do not wear loose clothing. Keep it snug, keep it uncomfortable to the point where you can't even imagine minor bloating or feeling full in the outfit you're wearing. That will keep you in control and keep you sucking in. Also, wear shoes that keep you sober. The tricky, painful ones that force you to a one drink maximum. You will save on empty calories and probably salvage the remnants of your reputation as well. You're welcome.

• Skip the nonsense.  Pass up the hor d'oeuvres, croquetas, and sodium-saturated pre-snacks. I'd rather have  a glass of wine to carry me into the main course than take in 1,000 calories before we actually sit down to eat. 

• Don't go to a dinner/party/both starving. I am guilty of not eating at least 4 hours before an event, that way I feel skinnier in my outfit (girls are ridiculous I know) and have to battle my hunger once I leave my house. Grab a protein bar, some nuts, or something lean that will hold you over for a couple hours. We tend to eat with our eyes so when surrounded by an excess of treats, we find it hard to control our cravings. Go mingle with people rather than post up next to the food tables. Having a conversation will keep your mouth talking, not chewing.

• Eat what you really like. Do not just try everything to be a courteous pushover. Go with your favorites and have a little of them. I'm a meat and veggie lover. I'll indulge a little more with the turkey and green beans instead of the mashed potatoes and yams. I'll take a tryptophan coma any day!

• I'm not a huge dessert person. I thank baby Jesus for this. I'll take a piece of dark chocolate over pies and cookies. Many of you love sweets so again, stick with your favorites. A nice piece of pecan pie or maybe you just want a good post-dinner coffee and maybe a biscotti. I also don't go for the just-out-of-the-package desserts. I mean, you can try a pumpkin pie from Publix every holiday season; it never changes. Try the treats that are homemade by a member of Paula Deen's lineage at least! Prioritize people.

• Snooze the booze. Stick with the clear drinks, dark wines, and maybe a glass of bubbly. My go-to cocktail is vodka/seltzer with lime. Minimal calories and straight to the point. No excess sugars, additives, etc. Monitor your intake and remember that you are most likely surrounded by relatives, co-workers, in-laws, etc. so don't be disastrous. Wines are always a good option because they require slow sipping. Champagne can be fulfilling after just one glass too. No need to down the whole bottle Miss Lohan. 

• Remember that life continues after the holidays, meaning you will have to live with the guilt of your excessive holiday party habits. If you were the disaster walking barefoot around the marble staircase of your boss's home, or if you can't even look at your workout clothes anymore, shame on you. It's just not worth it. Thankfully I have a half marathon right between Turkey Day and Christmas so I really can't just blow it. I think New Year's resolutions to "get fit" and "lose weight" are so overplayed and overrated. My spinning classes will be packed up to February, then as expected, attendance dwindles. The same happens in the summer during bikini season.  

Keep it healthy all year. Blowing it during the holidays is just not worth it. We want to look and feel our best during those times. Time to show off your new dress, button-down, whatever it may be.

YOLO.

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Nerd Alert!

This is a PSA to let all you know that I am officially sucked into a little show we know called "Glee". I'm a gleek. Carry on...

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ALMOND BUTTER'S #1 FAN!

I'd like to congratulate my fellow Jungfitters who completed the Miami Man Triathlon on Sunday, especially to Miss Khania Contreras (and her hubby too - he completed the half Ironman portion!)
I've followed her along her trials and tribulations as she prepped for the race. From practicing how to take off a full wet suit (not so easy people), preparing for the questionable Florida weather conditions, and her fancy schmancy home-cooked meals and treats (Whole Foods must know her by first name already).
She will be my go-to guru as I eventually embark on triathlons myself.
Follow her adventures and recipes at http://khaniasjournal.wordpress.com/
CONGRATULATIONS!

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TGIF!

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Your Argument/Life Is Invalid Once You See This.

 3D street art by Peter Westerink, Remko van Schaik, and Ruben Poncia.

November 2011, Sarasota, FL.

Inspired by the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. In honor of the arrival of Ego Leonard and to support his release out of his custody.

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Siri Can't Do What Mari Can Do!

Have we all met the newest form of artificial intelligence that has taken over Apple software? If you're ever lonely, just install Siri and brace yourself for the beginning of a beautiful and pathetic relationship.
If you're not an Apple user or cannot handle Siri's recent menopausal outages, Mari is here to keep you in her loop!

It's the beginning of a winter chill so you know what that means...Knauss Berry Farm is back for the season! Gooey goodness and waist thickening milkshakes have returned to pile on to your already gluttonous holiday season.
Open Monday through Saturday 8 am to 5:30 pm. They are here till April guys, so all of Miami need not rush and go this Saturday, thanks.
15980 SW 248 Street
Homestead, FL 33031

The Canes 'Occupy Tally' this week to hash out their rivalry. Best of luck to my boy Lamar Miller! It's Miller Time!

Jay Z and Kanye West are set to take the stage this weekend in South Florida for their "Watch the Throne" tour. I know some people who are going and I deeply envy/despise/hate all of you! ::sticks tongue out::

Your Monday nights need to be dedicated to Brian Williams' new show "Rock Center" on NBC. I am in love with this man. I always have. I don't know if you've seen his interviews or have just been a fan, but it's a shock to most people how hilarious and liberal he really is. His appearance on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" was ridiculously funny and his sarcasm and unique twist is channeled through to his new evening show.  Love you Bri Bri. Monday nights at 10 PM.

Did you guys see the most recent SNL skit mocking the Kardashian/Humphries divorce? So on point. Now the Kardashians are tweeting about how it was so funny and life is too short to not laugh at yourself blah, botox, boobs, blah. Yea, I don't believe it. They live their lives based on the public's opinion set forth for them. Anyway, it's hilarious. Check it out below:

 

This time change has me feeling all sorts of messed up. Power nap time! Love you followers!

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"Slow Motion For Me."

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His Perspiration Is My Inspiration.

So my brother Brandon finished the Ironman 70.3 this past Sunday. No big deal. Just your everyday 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. After multiple attempts at completing the race, he finally passed that finish line and I was there to see it. The jitters I experienced as I saw him speed walking down the final loop with his girlfriend jogging by his side were overwhelming and documented through my nauseating, Blair Witch-like filming skills. Backed up by my mom and sister's squeamish chants, you can hear me begin to tear up as I cheered him on towards that finish line. The short convoluted clip shows a pained yet proud look on his face as he saw us all there serving as his last wind helping him sprint through that finish line, Cheshire cat smile and all. Words cannot fully express the sense of completion and achievement he must have felt; but rather, they were exhibited through his throbbing knees, soggy exterior, and dried up tears.

Brandon worked hard for that moment. He changed his whole life for that moment, tattooing the Ironman symbol on his calf (there's permanent motivation right there!) pulling two-a-days, converting to a 'religious' vegan (he's in the best shape he's ever been), and fulfilling a promise to his friend Liz who passed away in his arms in a biking accident. He didn't think he ever wanted to ride again after such trauma but knew that this would be a major factor in his emotional and physical rehabilitation. He mentions the physical and immense psychological battles he endured during this race. He had to be his own biggest cheerleader and supported by thoughts of gratitude and positive reinforcement, he told himself, "DO NOT GIVE UP. I AM AN IRONMAN." He spent many moments pleading with his pumping heart, his overworked body, and the fragility of his equipment (he never got a flat, or wiped out). With a mere one mile left, as his body begged to shut down, he began to cry as he thought of Liz and how they had promised to complete an Ironman race together. Backed by the spirit of Liz, I believe Brandon did finish that race with her.

This was a monumental accomplishment for my brother and it's only appropriate to say that it was also one for his family and friends. We were and still are all so proud. The fact that a physical race could evoke so much emotion was an amazing thing to see as we all cried seeing him come through that final chute. With flashbacks of his bike accident, just to see him panting and worn out, was a blessed reminder that my brother is healthy and alive. Seeing my mother's eyes light up as she nervously screamed and cried for him was bittersweet. To her, he's still and will always be her baby. Brandon's girlfriend wore a "Team Brandon" shirt that she had made, trained with him during all these months, and his best friend for over 20 years showed up with his family and put simply, it was just all really special. My brother had his biggest fans there during one of the biggest moments of his life and if I could have frozen that moment in time, trust me I would have. As he has been there for me when I have crossed those knee-buckling "finish lines" in life, I was more than pleased to be there for his.

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