Krav Maga Anyone?

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

It is the start of week 5, on the new exercise life style (not program), and I am totally in love with 24 Hour Fitness! I have already lost 3 pounds and gained some serious muscle. I am excited to see what my body is capable of accomplishing. So far, on the weight machines, I am using about 40-50 pounds of weight. However, my leg press is kicking butt at 90 pounds. I can only keep going up from here. Some of you might wonder if I will start to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger… I wondered the same thing. Doing some research and talking to a few trainers, I found out that weights won’t turn you into a body builder (especially females) over night. It takes A LOT of workout time, nutrition (mainly protein) and dedication. Female bodies don’t get bulky without hard work. So, ladies a little weight training is not just for the boys! I like using the weight machines because I know my posture is right. Some people like doing free weights but I know I am not comfortable using them… yet. ;-D

Talking to Mr. Awesome Boyfriend, we want to do Krav Maga classes; once we are in shape. This is the official self-defense system of the Israeli Military. Krav Maga is a no-nonsense realistic approach to personal safety. It is based on rapid responses that are simple but effective for realistic situations. They do have different levels just like other martial arts. I would of course start at the beginner!

Where is Krav Maga taught? Well, there happens to be a class in Dublin at the Combat Sports Academy. There is even a two week free trail! Reviews on Yelp highly recommend this place. The instructors are bad-to-the bone and highly qualified; there are female instructors too! They also do more training in other fighting techniques and martial arts.

I am super pumped!

-girl in pigtails

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Frozen Yogurt!

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

Berry Delight is a great little frozen yogurt place in the mall. I got the strawberry frozen yogurt with fresh fruit. The calories are not too bad and the strawberry flavor is sugar free and non fat. Frozen yogurt also has more protein and nutrients than ice cream.

Enjoy!

-girl in pigtails 

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Everyone Needs a Goal!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

I am striving to loose a little weight that I gained during the holidays. I also want to get a little muscle but all this won’t magically happen overnight. Today, marked week 4 day 5 of our new exercise program at our new gym. Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I are lifting weights on Mon, Wed, and Fri. Then, we tackle the elliptical for at least 35 minutes on Tues and Thurs. Saturday is the day we consider a free day… this is were we go on a long walk or hike. Sunday is a complete rest day! It has been a challenge because it is a new routine. The soreness is not as bad as P90X and it is a program we both have done in the past. I was a dedicate long distance runner since high school and Mr. Awesome Boyfriend served in the military. So for, my pants are fitting better (I lost 3lbs in four weeks) and my biceps are starting to peak through. Going to 24 Hour Fitness has paid off! There are  a lot of nice people, the equipment is top notch and it is not crowded. I can’t wait for the next four months!

Have a goal and reward once you get it!

-girl in pigtails

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My 100 Post!

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

Wow, this is amazing! I can’t believe that I have been blogging for a year and a half; and now I have made it to 100 posts. For this blog, I wanted to go back to the inspiration for this blog… hiking in Sunol. The picture of the old black and white barn was taken on a hike in Sunol one and a half years ago. Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I have wanted to go back but time slipped away, winter came and we never went back… until now! Last weekend, we decided it was time to tackle the hike again and document it. The weather was perfect and we hiked our butts off and it ended up being a 10 mile hike in about four hours. It was cool, we used our Endomando sport tracker but the GPS wasn’t that great for documenting the map. It also did not document our stats toward the end. However, I was able to get our route from the internet map search on BING. The little green “A” is our start which is the parking lot. Just a quick tip: bring $5 cash because there is a fee to get in. 😀

Sunol Hike

The first time we hiked here, we did not have proper shoes or enough water. We were prepared and had two bladders full of ice water and hiking shoes. In the bigger bladder, we brought extra socks and shirts. We knew this was not going to be a short hike so we also brought some snacks. The best part about Sunol is the diversity in the trails. There are trails that are short for families with kids or older people.  There are some trails that are a bit harder but short. There are also trails for people riding horses. Then, there are the trails for the experienced hikers. We like to mix it up and have found a route that starts off a little difficult then, gets really crazy and then, at the end; is easy as pie.

This is the beginning of our hike on McCorkle Trail and Canyon View Trail. It is amazing that in just a few feet the environment can change from super forest to bushy then grassy. Some of the hike reminds me of the Jurassic Park movies.

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Hello… is there anyone out there?

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We finally made it to the beginning of Flag Hill Trail. This is were is gets crazy! You are literally climbing a mountain!

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We are half way there…

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YAY! Made it.. the view is so worth it! This is were we take a break to rest, eat, and change. You will want to because you will get sweaty! FYI: there is a bench. On my BING big map, this is letter “B”: Flag Hill Peak!

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See I told you… there are people riding horses.

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We started making our way down Flag Hill Road (the easy way that the horses take) and made our way to High Valley Road. This is were the old barn is and on the  handy dandy map it’s called High Valley Camp.

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This barn is really old but some Boy Scouts still use it as a camp. There is a fire pit and picnic tables.

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We decided to try a different route and found ourselves on Cave Rocks Road going toward the Cerro Este Road and lookout point. This was a bit of a climb but it was gradual compared to the intense super climb of Flag Hill.

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This had the best view of the park. Everything was in full bloom for spring!

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We made it and luckily there was a nice little bench to again rest, eat and change socks! On my BING big map, this is letter “C”: Cerro Este Lookout Point!

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We started our way down Cerro Este Road toward McCorkle Trail. Everything from here is pretty easy… and mostly downhill.

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There are some may little attractions to see here that you can’t see them all in one day. This makes Sunol the best for multiple trips. Every hike can be different.

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The smallest sign ever! LOL

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YAY we are getting closer to civilization! We take Backpack Road to Camp Ohlone which will lead us back to the car. This part of the hike is so easy. It is a dirt road that has no up hills! On my BING big map, this is letter “D”!

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I think this tree is totally WEST Coast representing!

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Little Yosemite! Finally, back to the car and pooped! On my BING big map, this is letter “E”!

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I would highly recommend coming here but be smart and bring water, food and clothes. I found that even though it was sunny, I still needed a light jacket.

Thanks to all my blog followers! I can’t wait to see what the next 100 posts will be!

-girl in pigtails

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This is Funny!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails
Again, from my favorite science gal, I Fucking Love Science on facebook, posted this funny little fact:
Pareidolia is a mental phenomenon that allows us to see faces and other objects in completely unrelated settings. Carl Sagan theorized that this provided evolutionary advantage, as it would allow humans to better recognize each other, even under poor visual circumstances. 
The important thing to remember is that even though these images may seem significant and life-changing, they aren’t. At all. We can all rest a bit easier knowing that these are mere bell peppers, and not vegetable zombies, ready to exact their revenge on the living. Pareidolia is a mental phenomenon that allows us to see faces and other objects in completely unrelated settings. Carl Sagan theorized that this provided evolutionary advantage, as it would allow humans to better recognize each other, even under poor visual circumstances.

peppers

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Molting Birdy!

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

Once a year, canary birds molt which basically means they shed some of their feathers. It is kind of like when a dog or cat sheds their coat; for summer or winter. Since, we have a red factor canary, her feathers can become a deeper red-ish color but only if she eats certain foods. Doing some research, we bought some red food that we sprinkle on her treats and daily seeds that promote her color. We also found out that kale and carrots helps promote the color in red factor canary’s too! During this time, the birds are very sensitive to illness and emotionally. I would too if I knew I was loosing my hair! So, we have been putting her bath out everyday just so she has an option. She LOVES her bath and I think it makes her feel good to be clean… I know I do! LOL  I am super cleaning her cage as well and making sure she has plenty of food and water. We will see in a few weeks if she gets any red-er.

-girl in pigtails 

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I am Officially Accomplished!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

Cert

 

I have been working hard, every day, on my typing (at typingweb.com) and it has paid off! After completing the beginner and the intermediate courses (2 times), I took the certification test and scored 41 WPM with a 95% accuracy! They have an official certificate that can be printed… that is awesome! I am still wanting to get to about 60 WPM or higher but this was a nice confidence booster.

 

Just Keep Going!

-girl in pigtails

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Happy Easter!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

Today was a great day! I worked a short shift in the morning then, had dinner with friends. We made our ultimate banana bread (recipe is one of my earliest post). The bread is very healthy and low in calories … whoot! 
-girl in pigtails

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What Every New Gym Member Needs… a New Bag!

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

nike 3

nike bag 2   nike bag

 

We found this bag online for only $35! It has so much room for all my workout clothes and accessories. The color matches my new gym shoes; which is awesome! The strap is comfortable and the zippers seem durable but time will tell. My last Nike bag lasted me through high school and college track and cross-country so, I believe this bag will last for years to come! There is one side pocket that has vents which could be used for shoes or dirty clothes. The main compartment is so big that it could hold a small dog… lol This is going to be the best gym bag ever! Although, I could see taking this on overnight trips too.

 

Pretty in Pink!

-girl in pigtails

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Cleaning Tip

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Girl In Pigtails

I usually loath cleaning the bathroom… I think a lot of people do. The worst part isn’t the sink or toilet, those I can handle. It’s the shower/bath that I dislike! Mainly, the glass doors because there is always a build up of soap scum and hard water stains. BUT,  I think I have found my dream cleaner… Lime-a-way! I found it at Safeway in a spray form. After the first use, my icky glass doors are dramatically cleaner! When using this cleaner, use gloves and keep the fan on and a window open… the fumes are pretty strong. It was easy to use and cleaned my tub in no time with little scrubbing! WHOOT! 

A clean bathroom is a happy bathroom!

-girl in pigtails  

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