21 Day Meditation Challenge...

Look at me!
3 blogs pretty close together eh?

I have been meaning to write about this but as with anyone, life happens.

A few weeks ago - pretty much the Month of March - I did the Oprah/Deepak Chopra 21 Day Meditation Challenge.  I had seen a couple of my friends share the link on FB and when I looked into it, it sounded pretty cool.  It was free and I'm always looking to improve my body, mind and soul.  I also have more time on my hands so I figured - why not!

I did quite well too.  I only missed maybe 2 nights, but actually made them up at different times.  What it basically was, was you signed into your account and Oprah yapped for a minute then Deepak Chopra comes on.  He then talks about whatever subject is that day.  These ranged from diet to exercise to soul searching to kindness to all sorts of things.  There would be the phrase of the day, the yogi/meditation and then what the meditation means or symbolizes.  I wrote them all down each day, so I do have record of them.  Then Deepak would begin a guided meditation with you with trippy yogi music playing in the background.  He would then talk briefly, getting you "centered" then leave you be with the music and your own meditation.  A soft gong would ring about 10 minutes later, he spoke for a few more seconds then you were done.  Afterwards there was a little daily journal you could fill out.  I missed the deadline to print this out, but I don't recall writing anything too deep.

I really found myself enjoying these.  There were nights I didn't want to do it, but more often than not I would happily dive in.  I always did mine at night before bed.  I would have my face washed, PJ's on and ready to crash. I would  then pop on my laptop, throw a hankerchief over it to dull the glow and curl up on the couch in the best criss-cross position I could muster with my screwy hip and angry knee. 

I am not a good meditator.  I'm sure you all find this shocking.  My mind wanders a mile a minute and having 2 cats doesn't help.  (One night Tweaks leaped up on my shoulder scaring the shit out of me and giving me a mild heartattack.  Needless to say my meditation was shot that night).  I also found I always seemed to try this when Disneyland was shooting off it's fireworks.  My new place - LOUD.

But - I did my best.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a few nights where I actually got into a pretty decent calm.  Those were the nights that the meditation actually seemed too short.  It was like "Damn - I was just getting there!'  This gives me hope though that I may actually be able to pull this off once in awhile.

What did I learn?  Not too much, but I did find I seemed to sleep better at night.  I also have decided I want to try to incorporate meditation into my life on a more regular basis.  I know I won't do it every night, Hell, I haven't even tried once since the challenge ended but I'm going too, tonight, and I'm going to try some different methods.  I have an album on my ipod that a yogi friend of mind loves and it's yoga like music.  So I want to try and just sit in silence with that music and see if I can do this.  I'm not sure it will help but I'm confident it will do something.

I was pleased to hear one of my friends who did it is still doing it.  She said she has found she's calmer and more focused in life.  One of the days had this mantra: My little changes amount to big benefits.  The meditation is Ram, Ram, Ram which was one of my favorites.  That mantra has really stuck with me lately.  I've been keeping up with my metas or affirmations in the shower in the mornings, I'm trying to eat better - no diet - just small changes, I'm keeping active and trying to do things I enjoy, not that I HAVE to do.  Nothing major - all small.  I am noticing little differences.  I want to start noticing big changes and I think I will if I keep trying new things.  I really want to find my balance and live a life of perfect health!

SO - in conclusion - I'm really glad I did it.  I truly do believe if you sit in silence, whether meditating or not, but just chill for a little bit, once a day - you will be happier.

Baseball...

I love sports.

I do.

I used to play them.  I'm still very active.  I'd like to say I'm not that competitive of a person, but that would be a lie.  I will admit I'm not as angry/competitive as I used to be, but I still am quite competitive.  Usually with myself.  This happens when I watch sports as well.  I forget this is the case until I go to a game.

Like last week.

My dear friend Tully had fancy baseball tickets from his company.  He invited a couple that are good friends of his and me.  The gal had to back out last minute so we invited our friend Dave who is an avid Angels fan.  Now, I am a Cubbie fan 1st.  I know.  But it's a hard fact.  I'm an Angels fan 2nd.  I'm not one of those sports fans who watches them on TV all the time.  I keep abreast of my favorite teams and how they are doing, but that's about it.  BUT, I do love a good live sporting event.  So I was so excited to go and have such awesome seats.

We arrived early and when we walked into the Diamond Club I squealed with excitement.  The boys were laughing at me the whole time, but I am never quiet about my excitement.  Our seats were fucking amazing.  I have never had such awesome seats for a ballgame.  I didn't even need my glasses.  Take a look at this:

I was so friggin excited!!!!  So we got to our seats quite early and had a waiter!!!  That's right - a dude actually served us!  I ordered a wine, which was actually good wine, and a giant hot dog (which I promptly regretted later) and of course some peanuts.  I'm mean what's a ballgame without peanuts!  Now, I admit, this is not the way I usually watch baseball.  I actually am annoyed with Angels stadium because there's a waterfall and weird sponsorships everywhere and little girls shooting T-shirts, etc.  My experience at Wrigley Field years ago was a real baseball experience and my favorite to date.  But - it's nice to see how the 1% live once in a while.  So, I savored every second.  Here was our crew:  Me and the boys.  I'd also like to point out the hilarious little photo bombing girl in the back:

The game got underway after many sponsorship plus and I found myself getting super invested.  There were a couple of old guys behind me - an Angels and A's fan, so it was hilarious to listen to the 2 of them all night.  Sadly the Angels played like shit.  I didn't know who the pitcher was but was heartbroken it wasn't the cute one!  Le sigh.  He sucked.  As did the kid that replaced him later.  Harris (don't recall the 1st name) who played shortstop was awful.  He missed so many easy balls that he should have had.  I found myself screaming from my seat and getting quite angry.  Oooooohhhh, that's right - I'm competitive!  The boy were cracking up at me the entire time.  I'm so glad I can still always entertain.  There was also a short fellow who you think would run fast, but no.  Every time he hit, he got out at 1st base.  I turned to David and shouted.  "Why is he running so slowly!!!!!?” 

Anywhoo - this was me the whole game.

Some interesting happenings - a foul ball got hit and came over the net - right at us.  Normally I would try to catch it, but after the whole June incident I found myself diving for cover while everyone around me jumped for the ball.  It bounced off Ed's hand and into the hands of the jackasses next to us who were only there for 2 innings.

Another foul ball ricocheted off the level above us, then off the wall in front and slammed into a poor woman's face.  Blood spurted from her mouth and security came running down.  Poor lady.  She seemed to be ok, and more mortified by the spectacle being made.  I about died when a kid who looked to be about 15 years old showed up with an oxygen tank.  "Just get the poor women some ice!" I shouted.  I watched her sign her life away (I guess that's a big ol deal now a days) and then she was ok.  The funnier thing - the gal who was singing the take me out to the ballgame song ended up standing in front of the poor face women.  Here's the camera guy and the singer and the poor bloodied woman just trying to go unnoticed.  I couldn't help but laugh.  All the crap happening outside the game was way more interesting than the game itself.

The Angels were slaughtered but deserved it.  And I was reminded how much of a sports fan I really am.  I had so much fun and just absolutely love watching a live game, no matter what sport - nothing beats live!!! 





Warrior Dash 2013

3rd year down.
This time the race meant something completely different.


April 6th, 2013.  Here it was again.  The Warrior Dash.  The race that started our kick into signing up for all kinds of random 5K's that have some sort of interesting element to them, usually obstacles.  Our usual crew: Tully, Julie, Court, D and I were in and a newbie this year named Holly.

The girls drove together and Tully and I headed out together.  6:30 Sat morning, Tully arrived at my door and off we went with a rather large mug of coffee.  We flew there with no traffic.  I found that I was a little nervous this time.  Tully assured me that I would kick my usual ass and to remember to take it easy.  I still found that my stomach was a bit jittery than normal.  We arrived way to early and it was way too cold, and we found ourselves milling around the area since the check in had not yet opened. It seemed the Dash crew didn't quite have it together. 

We finally were able to check in, they had my birthday wrong, sent me to information where no one was and I was starting to get a bit annoyed.  Finally a surfer like chick showed up, got it squared away and we were ready to go.  We found the girls and took advantage of the no one around to snap some photos at the Warrior Dash sign.  This proved to be a brilliant idea since after the race the line was never more than at least 30 deep.  Back to our cars to shed our warm clothes, drop off our goodies and get in gear.



We gathered at the starting line, start stretching and prepping Holly and I found myself getting nervous and excited.  An interesting encounter happened when Julie asked who was running with who.  (Tully and Julie are amazing runners and always kill it and meet us after).  D stated her and the other 2 were staying together which put me alone.  I was perfectly fine with this since the race meant a lot more to me than they realized.  The man revved us up and the fire was shot up and off we went.  I did my usual - trot until my knee swells and the pain starts to shoot up my leg.  This works out well since there is always a big group at the start and eventually weens off. I always trot to the right and start my power walk when my knee begins to go.  I've come to terms with the fact that most people will pass me at this point, but funny enough I usually pass them later on.

Once my power walk began, and most people had passed me up, I set in to my usual pace.  The girls passed me up but I met back up with them on the 1st few obstacles.  For awhile we were playing the game of, they pass me on the course, I pass them on the obstacles.  The 1st few obstacles I honestly don't remember, but I do remember the one I lost the girls on.  There were mud hills then you drop into water, then up a mud hill, drop into water, etc.  Four times.  Great.  Water already.  So in I go.  Yet I realize no one is able to climb up the mud hill.  It's like scrambling in one place.  The guy in front of me swished aside and said "You try".  It wasn't happening.  So, we mosied over to the side where you could grab the lip and help yourself over.  Once I figured that out I passed up a bunch of people and onto my pace again.

Here's the thing.  I am not a runner.  Mostly due to my knee injury but even if I didn't have that, I'm no runner.   But - I'm strong.  I will smoke you on the obstacles :)  So, when I popped out of the water and started up my power walk pace again, this is where I started to pass people.  The 3 girls also never caught back up with me.  I was a little surprised but also secretly stoked.  Look at me go!  So - I was now totally alone.  Off I went.  Loving every second.

Next we came to a balance beam like obstacle.  I was surprised to see so many people inching along.  It wasn't that thin.  I hopped on the empty one and sailed across.  Next up was a cargo net thing you walked under.  Now, it was a bit of a bitch by yourself, but a darling little gal and me teamed up and powered right through. 

That was awesome.  Next up was another balance beam like obstacle.  Sailed past everyone.  Now - my moment of triumph was when I approached the rope wall.  It was a big wall with ropes that you had to climb up, then you climbed down the other side.  Using only the rope.  There were about 8 across so I stood down by the 1st one and was surprised to see so many people struggling.  Was it hard? I wondered?  Am I not seeing something?  I thought.  I also noticed a few marine looking guys having issues.  So, I grabbed my rope and up I went like a monkey.  I heard a bunch of people yelling "Look at the pink girl go!!!" (I was wearing a hot pink tank).  I beamed with pride then scaled down the other side.  One of the marine fellows was on the ground and stopped me.  "Do you rock climb?" he asked.  "No" I laughed.  "You are all just a bunch of pussies!"  He roared and his friends laughed.  It was awesome.  And off my little power walk went.  Then it hit me.  The pressure in my head.  I stopped.  Held it.  Rubbed it.  I'm ok.  I'm ok.  But, that was a scary little moment.  Ease up Jami.

Later on they passed me and shouted "Yay!  It's the hard core pink girl!!!"  I felt like a million dollars.  Then I walked what seemed like forever with no obstacles.  I realized I had passed up a bunch of people and they hadn't passed me back up. I found myself chuckling chanting "Slow and steady wins the race!"  Along the course was a random photographer.  So I liked the pic and I bought it.  Yes.  I am a dork.

Then I found myself rounding the bin where the lake is.  I saw the big water slide that I loved last year, but as I got closer realized you walked up it, not slid down it.  Um ok.  That was lame.  I also noticed there were no lake obstacles at all.  WTF?!  Then I saw the fire and the finish line up ahead.  Man.  I was super disappointed this year in the obstacles.  There were barely any and they really weren't all that challenging.  Oh well.  So, I power walked towards the fire.  



Here it comes.  I thought.  My moment.  My jumping over the fire.  My triumph over conquering the hemorrhage.  Of surviving.  I started to get nervous again.  As I approached the fire my body ignited.  I was so excited. So happy.  So grateful to be here.  To be doing this again.  I was beaming when I approached the fire.  I saw the photographers and laughed out loud and shouted out with excitement as I made the leap!

It was amazing.  Then came the mud.  I dove in like usual, ready to power through it, and bam.  Halt.  The mud was thicker than it's ever been.  There was actually a tractor scooping out some of it as we went through it which was random, but it was nuts!  People were panicking, getting stuck, sinking, it was gnarly.  Some people actually had to get pulled out because they were freaking out so much.  The guys in front of me kept stopping and getting stuck which would make me sink.  I started to panic slightly thinking I'm never going to get through this.  I noticed no one was in the middle.  I knew why because there was nothing to grab on to.  Dare I?  I did.  I went into the middle and powered past everyone.  It was a bit scary and really intense, but I did it.  I dragged myself out and literally dragged myself across the finish line.  The picture succession is hilarious. If they weren't so expensive I would have bought them all.  You basically watched me exhausted dragging across the finish, notice the camera, start to look up and finish with the one I did buy:



As the guy medaled me, I shouted "Fucking Mud!!!!"  The guy roared.  Tully and Julie were waiting for me and praising me on how amazing I did.  How they were just chatting and Julie spotted my tank and shrieked "Holy shit there she is!"  Once I caught my breath I looked up at Tully. He put his hand on my shoulder and smiled.  "You did it!".  I started to cry.  Julie embraced me and it was all over.  I tried to hold back the tears but there was no way.  I  felt amazing.  I did it.  I'm back.  And I'm back almost full bore.  The emotions running through me at that moment are indescribable. 

I headed off to the lake to rinse off while Tully and Julie waited for the others.  When I lay down in the water I floated for a moment and smiled up into the universe.  I did it.  Walking out I ran into the girls coming down.  "I'm so proud of you!!!" Court shouted.  The tears started to return.

We all parted back to our cars to change and couldn't stop smiling.  I fucking did it.

We all met back up in the beer garden, laughing, sharing stories and drinking beer.  Well - I drank Gatorade.  Holly did great.  Tully ended up being 1st in his age group and 20th overall.  There were a total of about 5,000 runners.  He was 20th.  Yes.  He is bad ass.  Julie placed 8th in our age group and 48th over all.  Again.  BAD.  ASS.  I actually completed the race in 51 minutes and placed 1,175 over all.  That's right.  Top 20%!!!!!!!!  It was also a bit over 3 miles.  Julie figured it to be closer to 4.  When we found out our times Tully turned to me and said "You're not only back, your killing it darling!"  I couldn't believe it.

It felt so good.  So good to be back here.  Conquering this.  Sharing it with the people I love.  Coming back to this is just amazing.  I've signed up for a bunch more this year, and can't wait for all of them.  Although in general the Warrior Dash this year was a bit of a let down - it doesn't matter.  What it meant to me was I'm back.  I survived and I kicked it's fucking ass.  Grateful doesn't even begin to describe it.

That's right I survived.
Fuck yeah.