A Good Note

This was a note worth posting! Be safe tonight y'all and have fun! I know I will:P


Everyone,soon the new year starts, so now's a great time to:

1. Wipe the slate clean.
2. Focus upon what you really want.
3. Chart your course.

Right?

Well... only if you want to risk having to repeat these steps for the same wishes next year! Maybe this is splitting hairs, but here's an adventurous alternative:

1. Give thanks that life is... just as it is (and that it's been... just as it's been). Because of it, you're now "READY."

2. Define what you want in terms of the end result. Don't worry about the hows, or even the course. KNOW that what you want is ALREADY yours in spirit, by divine LAW, just focus on the certainty of this ownership, understand it, claim it, and "it will be on earth, as it is in heaven (spirit)."

3. LET THE UNIVERSE show you the way via your impulses and instincts that appear as you take inspired action. Don't worry that your first steps seem silly or futile. And if you don't know what to do, do anything! Go! Get busy! Do not insist on intermediary successes, only upon the end result.

2011 is going to be your year (it already is),
The Universe




B

:)

Seeking Advice

NYE will be fun! I haven't been excited about a NY Eve party in years but this one will be all my SA friends and just maybe a certain someone:) Can't beat a heated pool party in Dec with a bunch of FUN zany people who will get naked at the drop of a hat. Going to be interesting...



I'm finding a certain reality hard to swallow. My thighs...:/. Let's break this down piece by piece. I grew up overweight, a true fattie who was teased daily. After college I got into running and dropped down from 196 to about 132...whoa! CRAZY skinny at 5'10 and a size 2/4. The attention I got was nuts! Then over the last 10 years my weight has been up/down/up/down but my legs have generally remained lean from running.



These days I can do Deadhang Pull-ups, Power Clean 95lb, Curl 70lb and run 5 miles under 40 min....I'm NOT a weakling. In fact at 36 I'm the STRONGEST I've ever been! I LOVE BEING AND FEELING STRONG!



BUT....Since I squat my ass off(literally) these days AND lunge til the cows come home my thighs have taken on a new .........................fuller shape. They don't fit in most of my jeans. What surprises me if that it's NOT my outer thigh getting built up...mainly in inner,thoughts? I NEVER want to be a sick skinny Minnie again but I'd LIKE to build up my outer thigh more than my inner.



Does this make sense? Any advice? If it takes sprinting an hour I'll do it. TRUST ME I WILL!




I dub 2011:::::::::::::::::::::::: YEAR OF THE DAVIDS::::::::::::::::::::::::::

What is a DAVID?






It's the sexy lower ab/hip that shows when you get your body fat to an athletic lean state.

I also know that "Abs are made in the kitchen". It's time to eat clean, drink a ton of water and take my ACV/LJ like the good ole days:)

B

So True

Today's WOD: 7 mile run


B

A Good Place

Dare I say I'm in a better place?

I WILL. I AM.
the weather is lovely here btw...



Here there is abundant opportunity, options and happy thoughts. I play the "What if" game with life. I'm stronger mentally than I was months ago. I can view train wrecks from a distance, shake my head and be thankful I'm not a part of it. Daydreams come and go...but they aren't as far fetched as they once were.




Sometimes you just need to believe that things happen for a reason.



Do you think things happen for a reason?



Today's workout:


(15 min) of cardio kickbox
15 min of sprint work or 2.5 miles worth

1 hour muscle pump class.



*Funny...the instructor walked over to me and said on the mic, "Now class be careful with your squat load. I see people overdo it all the time".Yeah..I still kept my 50lb bar which is light for my squats these days ;-) Crossfit WILL make you strong. It makes you believe in your own strength.

B

Amen!

Chipper

Today's WOD-

Leg crank(20 squat, 20 walk lunge,20 jump squat, 20 jump spit squat)
50 SDLHP with 40lb DB
40 Knees to elbows
30 Thrusters(50lb)
20 Renegade Rows
30 Burpees
40 Various sit-ups
200 jump rope singles
1 Leg Crank

then 3 deadhang pull-ups
tri dips, sit ups and back work:)

It's sad when someone you care for completely lives up to the ugliness you never wanted to believe in. Extraction. I'm better than that bullshit!
B

Power

Real Power-


Real power is about being able to transform results into a sustainable
reality.
It is also the capacity to translate your intention into reality.
Webster's definition ; the ability to act or produce an effect.
Real power is revealed by its absence of fear.


2011 is the year where my emotional intelligence will grow beyond measure. I'm going to allow myself to become that which I have always sought yet never allowed. I've been operating under false power for years now. These statements might not make much sense to you, dear reader but I'm declaring a personal mission statement through them.


Fears will be snuffed, Dreams will be had and Love will be given and received.

Hello Chutzpah:)

B

The Feeling

Moving forward is such a powerful feeling.

Thankful for that.

B

Whew!

What a weekend!

It was full of good times with friends, awkward moments and WAY too much booze. Cleanse here I come! How I managed to not have a hangover Sat is beyond me....

Friday G invited me over for a come cooked Christmas Eve dinner, YUM Lamb, veggies and wine, wine, amaretto, wine...LOTS of laughter and good times. NO. Family. Drama. None! It was beautiful and after that Thanksgiving crap it was needed.

That morning I met my crossfit friends on the southside for a burner wod then ended up adding the "12 Days of Christmas" wod. You start at 1 exercise then add more but ladder back down each time. BRUTAL.

My "12 Day O' Christmas"

1-Thruster
2-Burpees
3- 35lb KB Squat
4- Push to plank
5-KB Swings(50lb)
6- Push Press(50lb)
7-Push-ups(nasty sequence)
8-Plyo wide leg squat
9-jump jax
10-Tri Dips
11-Ab air thrusters
12-Sit-ups

27:00

Saturday-Rest Day

We hung out and ended up and San Antonio

Sunday Tribe WoD-

800 m run W/Up

2 rounds:

50 Wall Ball
25 Tarzan Pull ups
(That effin bar was soooooooo cold that my hands were burning.)
25 Jump squat
25 Knees to bar
25 burpees
200 Jump Rope

We didn't sweat at all due to it being about 30 degrees.

I'm making a pot of chili and off to do a little run or power walk:)

B

Workouts

Yesterday I showed up a week early to the Crossfit Central Free WOD. Slightly embarrassing but in true Barbara form because I'm ALWAYS early....

I hit the track for this baby-

20 - 200 M sprints
10 Hill sprints...Murchinson hill so it was a mighty bigazz hill.

Didn't time it...just wanted to survive it.

Today we have Mel's annual Christmas Eve Wod @ Gillis Park on the South Side. Always a good time.

Make sure you shake a tail feather today and earn your splurges.

B

Happy Holidays

2010

2010 had it's share of ups and downs but certainly more good than bad. Here are a few highlights. It's been a pleasure and mighty therapeutic to share bits of my life with you guys.



2010

*I Am Crossfit EPOC.
(Crossfit in general was a highlight for me)

*SNOW in Austin:)






*An angry man flew his plane into the IRS building next to my building. I STILL remember how that sounded and felt.



* Offered/Accepted an Acting Role:)This lead to a truly wonderful friendship and learning experience for me.





*SXSW craziness all in character:)




*Napa with my Bestie:)



*Met a boy and had the time of my life:)



NYC in a 5k a night Suit at the Waldorf Astoria..need I say more? So much fun and laughter!



Balcony TV



*Birthday Brunch with many wonderful friends!



*Awolnation Interview and Bob Schneider Interviews






*MOUSTACHE THROWDOWN -My 1st Endurance CF event.


.......so so much more.

* Facing fears and moving forward have been themes for December 2010

I'm excited to see what 2011 has in store for me.Thank you for reading and supporting me!

Stay tuned..

Babs

Freaky Dreams

I LOVE 3 day work weeks:)

My dreams last night were really something else.

The first one was a thriller; I was in a house with a friend and we narrowly missed a fire bomb. We then tried to recreate the fire bomb episode complete with the "bad guys". It was scary and intriguing. Would make a good movie if only I could explain it properly..

Then next dream was a theatre kind the Alamo Draft house yet it was set for the Oscars. All the movie stars all dressed up in a dive-like theater. I must say it was pretty cool to be amongst all those incredibly talented people. At one point I even talked the door midget into letting me go backstage.

Don't ask....

Trying to get motivated to workout. The only thing that sounds appealing today is rowing and lifting..

B

Red Moon

For anyone who missed this...like me:)

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

enjoy!

B

The Weather

It doesn't feel much like the holidays in Austin, TX. We have a high of 83 today ;/
Say what? 83????? Yep.


Workouts...

Mon-Spin class
Today- Seven

"Gym Seven"

7 rounds

7 Jump Lunge
7 Thrusters (55lb)
7 Knees to elbows
7 Deadlift (95)
7 burpees
7 KB Swings (50)
7 Pull-ups

It hurts just typing it....

Edit...28:38..faster than last time and heavier weight:)
Bonus..met a hottie in the gym that crossfits:P

B

I'm Awesome

Why?! Because I say that word in EVERY BalconyTv shoot.

Apparently "Awesome" is not so very awesome in Ireland or Europe. Awesome is as awesome does. Is it AWESOME or awe..........some? Clearly Amercians, like myself have a love affair with this silly word. There have been new twists on it like "Rawsome" and Frawesome" but it's still just plain awesome. Or not. You decide...

Awesome = Good or Bad.
Should it die with "LOL"??

LOL does need to die soon.

Personally I feel the need to bring back words like "RADICAL". Yes, I feel RAD today! That's so F'ng RAD! All I know is this host needs a new word to say in place of AWESOME.

Suggestions appreciated:)

Here is one of my FAVORITE BalconyTV shoots thus far. Please note that this wasn't shot on a balcony. We ended up taking our show to the Parish for AWOLNATION's soundcheck.Doesn't matter to me..they sound great, it was fun and I say awesome like 2-3 times.

HA!



Aaron, lead singer = hottie:)

B

Oopsy Daisy

Houston...Ya kinda fucked up.

Two steps forward and one step back for me. Let's just say I wasn't thinking and got put in "check" so to speak. I'm not perfect but I AM pretty badass! It's a good thing it happened because when you try too hard to hang on to something, generally you end up pushing it away. Friends included. I'm fairly sure this wasn't an accident as I KNEW I'd fudged up on boundaries.


*I have WAY too much good stuff happening to focus on what I don't have or the negative.


Things I'm thankful for today:



FRIENDS



HEALTH



Strong Body



Lots O Dates



Confidence



BTV



Opportunities





Upcoming Trip to Ireland...this invite made me feel very special:)



Today I'll be meeting with my CF Tribe at 9am and battling the colder temps on those dang FROZEN pull-up bars. Our workout is a nice short sesh.



4 rounds

8 Power Cleans(105 RX woman). I bet I can do it!
12 Pull-ups
18 Box Jumps

Short and Sweet.

B











B

What a Start!

I'll just say it...I feel fucking empowered these days.



My numbers keep going up in weight lifting without much effort. It makes me wonder just how much I REALLY am capable of doing. What ARE my limits in lifting? I know I have mine but they haven't presented themselves yet..they will.


Today I met Bonita at the track for this--

WoD


1 mile run 9:08
30 thrusters
30 Pull-ups


We did different variations on Pull-ups called Tarzan and something else. VERY tough and all about the dead hang. I executed my Thrusters at woman's RX 65lb:) AND got in 3 at 85 lb !!!! Holy shit! 85?! I'm SO pleased. Other areas are opening up due to this new level of confidence in my life. Auditions, MEN, work, BTV...it's making me feel amazing.



After the track I walked over to the community CFC workout under the Town Lake bridge for a Kettle Bell workout. I MISSED my CF central friends and Coach Zach. We worked on form( my weakness is KB) and then did a WOD.



CFC WOD


21-15-9


Clean and Press
KB Swings
Sumo Deadlift HighPull


6:57
Finished first..I think? Who cares..I felt good about it.




Drove home, threw on a twirly skirt and danced to 80's music for a while. It's good for the soul:P
I'm doing a shoot with a friend then hanging out with Georgia for girly time. Beautiful day!

Old video

Babs

It's a Bob Schneider kinda Day!

Here is the Bob Schneider video we shot last Friday ;-)




I think it turned out quite well.

Today I managed to pump my tree trucks into a new running PR. 3 Miles under 20 min. (Yes, on the damn treadmill). I'll now have to take it to the track and try to duplicate it. I plan to do weights tonight before our company shindig.

Weekend plans? Parties, Shoots, Pub Crawls, Dates, Crossfit, Friends and Shopping.

B

It's Decided

Nothing in this world turns me on more than a man who sings. NOTHING! So I've decided the the man I marry will have to be a singer. No problem....ish.

Just saying:)


BalconyTv Austin is moving along full speed ahead. I've taken over booking and we are now booked into Feb 2011 with GREAT talent. Booking is FUN! I love hosting but as a friend told me, I'm about 3% too rigid and 15% not hip enough. It's true and I'm OK with it:). The other two hosts are younger and beginning to get VERY comfortable on camera. It's cool to watch them blossom! That being said, I'll still host here and there but let the others have their moment to shine:)

Workout?

REST Day today. I've had a headache for 2 days :/

Babs

"Barbara"

Yes there is a Crossfit workout names "Barbara", and it's a real bitch! Fitting;).The actual wod is 5 rounds but I cut this down to 3. It was plenty!

"Barbara"

20 Pull-ups
30 Push-ups
40 Sit Ups
50 Squats

3 rnds 17:30

BTV is shooting tonight!

B

Yoga

Ahhhhhhhhhhh relaxation.

Ohhhhhhm.Ohhhhhm Ohhhhhhm Ohhhhhhhh crap I still hurt.

I manged to crank out 30 min of sprints/running this morning. Not sure how. There after I was hobbling like a little old lady who took a crap in her pants. Sorry, but that IS how it looked. My lovely friend Alicia invited me for Hatha Flow Yoga tonight. It was wonderful and stretched my muscles in a very good way.

It was Delish! I love my friends!

Tomorrow the plan is some lifting with spin class. We have a great line up for tomorrow's Balcony TV shoot.:) Excited!

B

I Like It!

My body is feeling rather ancient today. My legs feel like they are two times their regular size(I swore this morning when I had to take the stairs). My arms are now feeling the pain from Saturday's overhead carry x10. My lats hurts when I breathe from pull-ups. My ass is on fire from squatting til the cows came home. Calf pain from those 400's.

You're probably scratching you head and asking "Then why the hell do you DO this to yourself woman?! "

Because I like it! The sense of accomplishment I have FAR exceeds any bodyache. And YES..my body hurts like a Mother F#$%ker! Worth it!


(Crossfit Coach Crystal McReynolds)

She taught me elements and is a general badass.

Here is a blog post EVERY woman should read! I'm tired of mentally beating myself up over the fact that I no longer fit into my skinny jeans. SO WHAT?! I'm STRONG, Fit and mentally capable of handling tough endurance. How do you like them apples Mr. skinny jeans? You can go suck it!



I'll just go lift...



B

The Office:)

I NEVER get tired of this clip!

The Office: parkour from Cris Castillo on Vimeo.

I want someone who makes me laugh :-). Oh Steve, why must you be taken??!

B

Thrusters :/

I HATE them. What is a Thruster?




Yuck!

Today we braved the cold weather at Austin high track.

WOD:

3 Rounds-

400 m run
15 Pull-ups
25 Back squat(55lb)
25 Thrusters(55lb)
15 Pull-ups

30:59.

Running after you hit thigh/quad fatigue is NOT my idea of fun. Thanks Bonita and Lory for cheering me on. Damian did a great job of toughing this one out with me. It was NO JOKE!

A guy driving a city garbage truck stopped, watched and asked if his daughter could join us. Yep...ANYONE can come out. Do it for YOU! It's never too late to get in better shape.


B

Bring The "A" Game

We had a shoot last night with a celebrity, Bob Schneider.

Things didn't go 100% according to the plan from the start but our team pulled together. FYI, This was supposed to be my night off. Our team asked me to be there for back-up hence I showed up. I'm starting to "show up" more in life:). As the shoot unfolded things happened and before you knew it, I was interviewing Bob. Plans change.

There were no nerves. There honestly wasn't time for nerves. We are on a serious time limit and things HAVE to get done. PERIOD. I brought my "A" game. I simply had no choice but to SHOW UP and DO THE JOB!

I DID THE JOB!

Ya know what? I felt fucking Amazing. Accomplished. I'm proud of myself. There was allot of pressure but it didn't phase me.

but wait..there is more...

This morning we had a hardcore workout with the Tribe. I smoked it. Fucking A took no prisoners and killed the workout! I'm NEVER first! I was today :)

A door has been unlocked in me. I BELIEVE in myself. I AM talented. I CAN handle pressure. I WILL get the job done. The FEAR is leaving me.

It's a great feeling...

B

Breakthroughs

Yesterday was the 6th conference call for Leading Change, my emotional intelligence class. I can't stress the importance of this class in my life right now!!!! It's a big deal for me.



This week I had a breakthrough in understanding how I operate as a human. Sounds really technical and it is but it isn't. I've been operating under fears for much of my life which kept me from experiencing much life has to offer. The main fear....GUILT. Kinda makes sense because I'm Jewish ;). GUILT has been joined by a LARGE dose of ANGER which creates some rather ugly moments. Moments I regret in hindsight.



Hindsight is 20/20



I won't bore you to tears, if anyone is still reading....Bottom line is that I'm open to change. I'm ready to stop letting fear dictate my life. I need to stop overcompensating and seeking approval from everyone. I must approve of myself.....period!



Working on yourself is possibly the hardest work you can do as a person. It's downright painful, uncomfortable, and exhausting. It's also beautiful and full of potential. I'll get there. It won't be today or tomorrow...but I WILL get there.



What are YOU doing today to better your tomorrow?



B

Thursday WOD

Thursday's workout was this little ditty...

1000 m Row
200 m run
100 Flutter Kicks
50 Squats
25 burpees
20 Jumping Lunge
25 burpees
50 Squats
100 Flutter Kicks
1000 m row

24:01

Notes:

* I now row a 1000 m in 4:29 PR
* Flutter kicks hurt the legs more then the abs.
* I'll NEVER enjoy burpees but they are getting easier-ish

Today is a R.E.S.T. Day. A what what? Effin REST day! :)

B

Musical Soul

One of the most beautiful aspects of BalconyTV for me is it's intimate glimpse into music's raw vibrant soul. Either you are deeply involved with music or you are not but EVERYONE loves some type of music. It is truly the universal language of this world. I'm not sure if you're like me but I LIVE, BREATHE and EMBRACE MUSIC!


Our BTV team is pretty damn fortunate. We get to connect with our artists in a way many people won't ever understand. It's a lightening fast process yet the residual effect is long lasting and leaves a smile on my face. Last night a guy asked me who has been my favorite on BTV Austin. Honestly....I really can't pick. I won't lie....there have been a couple that make me scratch my head. SWEET DIVERSITY. The diversity that we "Austin, TX" brings to the table is rich in sound, age, ethnicity and culture. There is no black and white, just all shades of the intricate human rainbow. Beautiful!



This endeavor feeds my musical soul in a way I haven't felt before. It makes my own music beast hungry to create. Must create!

Munford and Sons on BTV.:)

B

Flashletics ShoutOut!

Awesome products, awesome company and Sarah is a doll! Check them out HERE !







I mean how can you not LOVE these socks? They are SO thick and comfy too.


B

Buck Furpees

I HATE BURPEES! I'm not alone.

Today's workout was ripped off from Cedar Park CF and affectionately called "UGGG"

3 rounds

400 M run
21 Burpees
500 M row

20:55

I Do NOT recommend this bad boy after lunch unless you wish to see your lunch again.

Check THIS video out..SCARY technology on Fraud.

I have an audition tomorrow so wish me luck!

B

All Natural My Ass

Wendy's is brilliant. They know what it takes to completely reinvent the FRENCH FRY. Behold...SEA SALT. Amazing..it actually transforms into a completely different food.

So here is the deal...


They now have natural cut fries with Sea Salt. Holy shit? Sea Salt! Well stop the press, they MUST have created the healthy french fry. Right? All natural MUST mean intended for mass consumption. It MUST mean it's "healthy". Right? Right? Um please.

Sprinkling Sea Salt on your fries doesn't make them healthy or even healthiER. It's makes Wendy's desperate to find some shred of healthy in their SEA of unhealthy crap. It makes me angry and sad at the same time.

I'm off to create a spinach based green glaze for donuts. Clearly THAT will make them healthy and me a millionaire. :)

B

Pics from Sat

SORE

I'm Sore.
My booty aches
My shoulders are pissed
My legs hate me

So what did I get up and do today???

Butts and Guts CF with the Tribe

2 rounds

35 Squats
35 Knees to Bar
35 Squats
35 sit-ups
35 Squats
35 Walking Lunge

13:55

Then walked and now 30 min of cycle class.

I'm not right in the head.

B

Brutal

That was today's event in a word. BRUTAL. It took all I had and then some...I have nothing left to give today.

Gems from today:

-Wearing knee high socks attracts men like ants to sugar.

-There is a VERY big different between a 30lb sandbag and a 60 lb sandbag. Like ALLOT!

-You can do anything if you mentally say you can.

-Having a support system is sooooo important.

-Bear Crawls hurt.

-100 mBurpee broad jump was fun;)

-My Tribe is AWESOME!


Time was 64:01. If you want to know the workouts...read post below. It was 10 workouts in 1 hour.It was the toughest event I've ever taken on and won't be my last.

Shout Outs:

BONITA, ANNIE, LORY, MELISA, CHARDONNY, MARK, JAMES, AND BERNIE.Love you guys!!!!

B

Rest Day!

Taking a rest today because I have THIS monster tomorrow. Wish me luck!




Events:

1. 100 meter - Burpee broad jump

2. 3 rounds - Kb Swing 30 reps then 300m shuttle run

3. 3 rounds - Mini Leg Blaster then Bear crawl 50 meters

4. 4 rounds - Overhead Plate carry 75 meters + 20 situps

5. 400 meter - Sandbag carry

6. 3 rounds - Sandbox Lunges across and back the sand pit + 10 push ups

7. 200 meters - Med ball chest toss and run + 3 ball slams

8. 1200m run

9. 15-10-5 Thrusters @ 65 lbs + 200 meter run

10. 6 rounds - 6x renegade rows each side + 30 jump rope skips

Proceeds go towards fighting Prostate Cancer.

B

Awolnation

Hells yeah. Fun interview and supremely talented band!
Mmmm and that singer...holy yum.

AWOLNATION - Burn It Down (Official Music Video)AWOLNATION

Proud

I'm so proud of what BalconyTV Austin is doing! It's turning out to be a wonderful project.


Why ?


-Our core team is great...they work hard, play hard and are invested emotionally in this endeavor.


-The videos are getting better and better with each shoot.


-We are being exposed to such lovely new talent and it makes my creative heart very happy.




What has BTV done for me?


- LOTS of on camera experience.

-I've learned how to handle pressure while shooting and turn it into a positive. It can actually make me a better host.


-Ad lib is an art form I'm learning


-PARALLEL PARKING DOWNTOWN. nuff said...it took me 36 years to get there but I'm here now.


-Learning about negotiating with bands.


- LOTS of cool perks! Like grammy winning bands calling and placing you on their guest list:)



In short..BTV is rocking my socks these days. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy ....it wouldn't be coveted if it were just handed to you. I'm proud of BTV, the team, the videos and the direction we are heading.

Listen to this kid play....just beautiful. (YES, I was looking at the wrong camera--ignore that)

B

The Hint

It looks like people are finally getting the hint...American needs to shape up. It's all the processed laziness that is killing us.



Congress may soon pass a bill where schools will begin to provide healthier meals to kids. FINALLY! Does anyone else remember Salisbury Mystery Slop, greasy (yummy) Enchiladas, Fried Chicken strips? I can't remember one stinking healthy meal I ate in school until High School.



Want to know what they eat? Read THIS blog.



Did you know that ketchup is considered a vegetable in schools?



Um wha?

Seriously?



Our Military is now replacing soda machines with milk/juice.The emphasis is now on healthier foods and more exercise. Sound thinking if you ask me.


Slowly but surely..they are chipping away at the mountain. It's working!



B