Invest Time Doing What You Love

I'm at a loss for how to explain just how incredible yesterday was. I started my day by waking up at 6:00 am to finish my 48 hour shift and get my client ready for the day.


I then went to the DMV to get a print out of my driving record to take the ambulance company I've been invited to retest with in 2 weeks. Surprising enough I was fortunate enough to not need to wait in line.


From there I traveled to a property management company to fill out an application for a place I was so blessed to hear about through a previous crossfit connection. 2 hours later I received a phone call to inform me they would love to have me as a tenant. This may seem so small to so many people, but in February when I lost my dear client of 3 years I was informed the very next day that our landlord sold the house and before August I would need to find somewhere to move to. That wasn't very good timing and I was stressed to say the least. I like routine and certainty in my life. Finding a place of my own to rent didn't even seem likely or within my means. I was simply going to try to find a room to rent. I'm a little overjoyed, but overwhelmed at the same time. I laughed when I had to tell my mom I don't even have a spoon to take with me or a pot or pan or spatula. That all got left behind a few years ago and I think it's for the best. I will find the joy in working hard and having my own things even if I have to buy one piece of silverware at a time or look for kitchen items at the dollar store. I may even get creative and turn my little chest into a couch or surf craigslist free section. The place doesn't have a closet so I took the opportunity to clean out my closet yet again today and it was so awesome getting rid of all the size 12 clothes I still had sitting in there. I've truly learned it's not about how much you have but what you do with who you are and what you have that matters and as long as I am happy and doing what I love and continuing on in my goals that is all that counts.

Shortly after leaving the property management office I got a message asking if I would like to pick up 4 55 gallon drums just south of my house in preparation for the upcoming mud run. I was happy to, but getting them in my car was absolutely hilarious. The gentleman told me they wouldn't all fit he could give me two. I was asked to get 4 and doing a task half way just isn't my style. My response, "okay great we will make all 4 fit." My passenger seat looked like it got swallowed by a smurf and I had fun laughing the entire drive to San Luis Obispo.

I then went to help build an obstacle for the upcoming mud run. This involved me learning to use a motorized auger to help dig 6 post holes. That was hard work, but just the beginning. Then came the process of putting the posts into each of the holes. This was a feat for more than 2 people, but you get strong will and put it with perseverance and you get half an obstacle built. I'm still impressed by the strength of my friend to get those posts from the ground to upright. I truly believe by investing time giving to others and doing what you love is the key to happiness.

I ended my day by meeting a new friend for bike night and my hands got cold so I left a little early.


Today I challenged myself to do a long run. I ran 8 miles including a hill at the half way point. The last time I remember running that distance was Thanksgiving 2010. I then went to crossfit and saw that the workout of the day was 100 burpees and pausing each minute on the minute to do 2 deadlifts. I realized I hadn't done very many burpees since the first week of the open competition 7 weeks ago. It was challenging, but I got through it.


I am so thankful that everything seems to be falling into place. Even though I know we all have our struggles and challenges I still believe everything works out the way it is supposed to.

Time to accept compliments

I was blessed to have a special lunch today with the daughter of my client who passed away one month ago. She paid me an incredible compliment and I was able to receive it graciously. There was a time I was great at accepting compliments and even another time I dated a young man I felt I had to coach to accept compliments by saying thank you. Through facing some very difficult life experiences I've developed some pretty intense insecurities that I have been fighting to overcome. Some may argue I need therapy and perhaps I do, but my reality is that I just need to give myself time and build more self confidence. Today as I accepted the compliment I was paid, I allowed myself to step back and be happy that I'm starting to show improvment. This is a very big step for me. Most of the time if I accept a compliment I will discredit the individual expressing it not necessarily to their face, but I will question the sincerity.


A number of months ago I was watching The Today Show and the hosts were discussing the ways women shrug off a compliment and I had to laugh because I could very much relate.

On the other hand I feel that I search for ways to pay compliments to others and I will not do it unless it is indeed sincere. If I tell you that you look great today it's because I really think it or if I know that you've been training your hiney off and I see your results I will tell you so. Or perhaps I tell you that just you being yourself is enough and I expect nothing of you. That is my way of saying,"you are awesome and please don't change a thing!" My only expectation is that you help me along in my journey and just as I am striving and learning to accept compliments I hope that you will pay them to others and as they are delivered back to you that you will graciously accept them.

 

Appreciation Time

A few weeks ago one of my friends from Crossfit Grover Beach encouraged me to register for the Crossfit Open Games Competition . My questions were what was the cost to register and was I fit enough. She said 20 dollars no excuses!!! I registered and it has been one of the most enjoyable events I have been blessed to participate in. Week one was burpees which I enjoy and I was happy to surpass my goal of 50 then surpass my secondary goal of double my age. Week two was a snatch lift which is a ground to overhead with a weighted barbell. I was happy to surpass my goal there as well. Week three I was faced with toes to bar which I had only tried to do once and was only able to get knees to elbows. I struggled each round but I was content with my score as I had said I just want to get through one round and much to my surprise I got through 3 rounds. Today came week four where the workout began with wall balls. Anyone who has been exposed to my attitude for crossfit and my constant desire to be challenged and improved will know that I absolutely love squats. Over a year ago wall balls were my nemesis and I could not even do one with proper technique I would pause and stop midway through the movement and I would make twice the amount of work for myself. Today I made my way through all 150 wall balls and went on to attempt jump rope double unders where I was able to complete 12 successfully.

 

The most enjoyable part for me was when Ben the trainer/owner got back from his radio show speaking engagement and he was kind enough to indulge me and take the time to validate my score I had submitted so I showed up number 1 on the leaderboard for Southern California. The most amazing part to see was I also 25th overall. Now come Sunday these numbers will all change and my number one seat will continue to decline, but for now I am just so appreciative of all the crossfit camraderie and all the wonderful friends and support I have and I am very appreciative my body is healthy and strong enough to help me enjoy the activities that I love.

 

 

Division Individual MenIndividual WomenMaster Men 45-49Master Women 45-49Master Men 50-54Master Women 50-54Master Men 55-59Master Women 55-59Master Men 60+Master Women 60+Team

RegionWorldwideAfricaAsiaAustraliaCanada EastCanada WestCentral EastEuropeLatin AmericaMid AtlanticNorth CentralNorth EastNorthern CaliforniaNorth WestSouth CentralSouth EastSouthern CaliforniaSouth West

StageRosterOpen Week 1Open Week 2Open Week 3Open Week 4

SortOverallOpen Week 1Open Week 2Open Week 3Open Week 4

	Competitor	Workout 01	Workout 02	Workout 03	Workout 04	Workout 05
1 (2946)	Joanie Andersen	1189 (70) 70 burpees Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	808 (54) 54 total reps 30 reps at 45 lbs 24 reps at 75 lbs 0 reps at 100 lbs 0 reps at 120 lbs Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	948 (140) 140 total reps 3 complete rounds Extra reps: 15 Box Jumps 12 Push Press 5 Toes-to-bar Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	1 (162) 162 total reps 0 complete round Extra reps: 150 Wall balls 12 Double-unders 0 Muscle-ups Validated by: CrossFit Grover Beach	--

A Time to Let Go

I've been in my current position at work now for just over 3 years. In this period of time I've been blessed to have my life touched, days challenged, experiences that have enriched me as an individual and learned many good life lessons.


I have primarily been responsible for one lady in those 3 years. My first year with her we had many fun talks as I learned her life story over and over again. My second year with her I was putting myself through EMT academy. I adjusted my schedule to work 96 hours in a row so I could study and go to school. Since August of 2010 I have worked two 48 hours shifts each week and added an additional 24 hour shift every other week. In my job I always try to maintain a professional boundary as to avoid getting attached. I thought the same held true in this case. I was incredibly wrong. As my client's life is nearing its end I have found myself learning and growing in ways I didn't expect. I have also found it necessary to keep tissue boxes nearby me in each room.


I am so thankful for each new opportunity to learn and to comfort another life. In doing so I have found no matter how little I think of what I am doing, my life is touched!


I am reminded of the seastar story.


A boy is watching seastars wash up on the beach and begins picking them up one by one and tossing them back in the sea. A man comes along and tells the boy he certainly can't think he's making a difference. In response the boy picks up a seastar and places it in the sea as he turns to the man and says,"I made a difference to that one!"

We all make a difference in one another's lives each day no matter how insignificant we may feel. We all have the opportunity to do good each day and grow in many ways.  Who's life will you choose to make a difference in today? Will it be your own or another one's life?

You can always make time

Today I got off work with a number of activities in mind I wanted to accomplish today. I wanted to ride my bike to the botanic gardens and see how long I could stay in the saddle.


I got a phone call from a friend right in the middle of my bike ride. He had asked if I wanted to ride Madonna Mountain later in the day. I thought why not I wanted a biking challenge today and I didn't mind altering my original game plan. It was great to have someone to ride with especially when it worked with my schedule. He was a really great rider for having just recently started out as well. I had one of the most enjoyable and challenging rides I have had since beginning mountain biking just less than one year ago. I was also fortunate to learn some trail access points I was unaware of.


Late Thursday afternoons are always designated as my crossfit WOD (workout of the day) time. I finished riding around 3:15 and I knew crossfit began at 4:30. I came home and hydrated and made my way to crossfit. Today was the first time I have completed a tabata workout without any hydration breaks. For those who are unfamiliar with crossfit or a tabata workout I will explain this concept. A tabata is a series of movements set in short segments of work followed by even shorter periods of rest. Today's activity was burpees, situps, deadlifts, double under jump roping. That is 20 seconds of the activity followed by 10 seconds of rest all 4 activities for a total of 8 rounds. 10 seconds of rest is only enough time to take a couple breaths and change your body position to prepare for the desired activity.


A number of people have asked where I find my motivation or how I find time to dedicate myself to these activities. Here is my answer. I work 2 48 hour shifts each week with the exception of a 72 hour shift every other week tacked on to that 48. That is 96-120 hours of alot of sitting each week. When I leave work my body literally says "just move". Even with this schedule I make time to take care of my well-being. Monday is dedicated to my second job (yes I have a second job not to worry its only 3 hours a week) and a doggie outing with my friend's dog that is usually followed by a crossfit workout followed by an hour break then 30 more minutes in the crossfit box doing leg strength training and striving to reach my goal of being able to do a pull-up. A pull-up is my biggest challenge as well as my largest weakness. Tuesday morning comes early with a 7:00 am run. Wednesday I set aside as a relax and recover day where I do yoga core or yoga cycling exercise at work in the evening after I have helped my client get settled into bed. Thursday is a biking, crossfit day and every other week it is a biking, running day as I go to my drinking club with a running problem and make sure my fellow running mates stay hydrated. Friday is usually a fun day depending on my work schedule. Saturday morning every other week is a long run day. Sunday is a day of rest. My great family upbringing taught me that. Is anyone else tired?


"There isn't enough time." "I don't have time." "It takes too much time." "I'll do it when I find time."


Each one of these phrases I have heard often repeated are simply what I refer to as quitting words, or reasons for allowing ourselves to accept mediocrity. I refuse to accept being mediocre I have a strong desire to believe I am completely capable of achieving my astronomical goals. We are stronger than we think and we are not our thoughts we are far more powerful!


Then after all this activity what do I do? I reward my body with some healthy sustenance of course.


I come home and prepare bacon and brussel sprouts, citrus seasoned chicken, apple slices and avocado slices.

Make time to spend time with your family

The last time I saw my family was just over 3 years ago. My mom said I was overdue for a trip just over a month ago and so we made a little game plan. My mom wanted to pay for me to come home and I didn't want it to cost very much so I decided to take the bus from San Luis Obispo, California to Salt Lake City, Utah.

I began my journey the evening after Christmas day. I missed the first bus in San Luis Obispo and so I had to drive to Santa Maria and try to catch it there. I was very fortunate the driver let me on as the bus was standing room only. I arrived in Los Angeles, California and had a short layover before departing for Las Vegas, Nevada. I arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00 a.m. and had a 3 hour layover there. I departed the bus and found the hotel next to the bus station and found a fitness center so I could relax after all that sitting on the bus. I had the most boring bike ride of my life on the stationary bike for 30 minutes and my hamstrings are still letting me know they didn't approve. I then found a dumbell which I turned into a miniature bar and did some strength work. I then boarded the bus bound for Salt Lake City. The bus made a short stop in St. George, Utah where my Aunt and Uncle came to say hi.  I arrived in Utah Tuesday evening around 5:30 pm.

 I got to my parents house just in time to watch my dad starting to filet a trout he caught. I then headed off to my running group where we had a really fun night of running a viewing a Christmas light display.

Wednesday morning I got to go to Wasatch Crossift and do a front squat burpee ladder and I was amazed at the challenge it was with the elevation difference. Wednesday night all my siblings came over for dinner which I was able to prepare. It was nearly all paleo except for the few little treats that my mom added in such as her famous lemon jello salad that I requested and some mini eclairs for dessert which I am proud to say didn't eat a single one. My family loved it and my mom said she was so happy to have a new idea of what to feed everyone. The kids especially loved the fresh fruit platter.

Thursday I went to visit my Grandma. It is amazing to see how she had aged in just the past 3 years and what she does to stay occupied and how she gets around with her wheelchair.

Thursday evening I went to exercise at the Bountiful Rec Center and then met my friend Emily and her sister Katie for drinks and appetizers. It was so great to catch up with her. She truly is such an example to me.

Today I got up at 4:00 to go to the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah to fly into Long Beach, California. The flight was delayed and so when I arrived in Long Beach I had a very short period of time to figure out how to get inexpensive transportation to the greyhound bus terminal so I could come home on the bus. I took two city busses and arrived at the Greyhound station to find out I was supposed to pick up my ticket one hour prior to departure. I was given a standby bus ticket and received the last seat on the bus departing for Los Angeles, California. I made it to Los Angeles and had a 3 hour layover so I asked where a shopping center was and was told to take a city bus into downtown. I found a little mediterranean grill to have a paleo lunch at. I then decided I would walk back to the Greyhound station. I walked down 6th street and later learned I had walked down what is famously coined Skid Row. I walked down numerous city blocks of trash and saw people living in ruins and poverty, but each time I smiled at someone or an unwelcome remark was made I simply stayed positive and wished them a happy new year. You never know the difference an unkindness returned with a kindness will make or how a smile may help someone in need.

I made it back to the Greyhound station and arrived back to where I had parked my car. I had a great time, but was so grateful to be back to my familiarity, my abundance of blessings and a beautiful place to live.

One day at a time

Today I set out on a bike ride with my goal in sight. I wanted to see how well the road leading to the botanic gardens was improved. There had been a road closure for the previous two weeks so I was looking forward to seeing the progress. I made sure I had my additional hydration and some snacks and I began my ascent. The rain started out lightly. I enjoy the rain and the beauty it brings so I continued on. I arrived to the midpoint of my goal and the rain began coming down a little harder and I could see the road was getting muddy. I wanted to be conscientious of the new road improvments so I gave way to my goal and set it aside for another day.

I came home and finished sewing a little butterfly quilt in just a couple of hours. I'm looking forward to seeing my family in less than 2 weeks and having my mom help me finish the quilts I have been sewing.

I then made my way over to crossfit. I told my friend I was going to try to beat my time running there. I did this in order to hold myself accountable. I have found that making a commitment and telling someone I will be trying something and receiving that encouragment really improves the desire and drive.  I was able to run to the box in 2 minutes 18 seconds that was a personal best for me and the last 25 meters was the most challenging.

Today's workout consisted of bench presses, dead lifts, pushups and situps. The dead lift, pushup, situp portion was to be done with a 25 pound weighted vest. Deadlifting with the vest wasn't very challenging but pushups were much harder and situps were brutal. I only lasted one round with the vest but I completed the WOD in 12:55. The most rewarding part for me was that 3 years ago I lost that 25 pounds and to put that vest on today and see how heavy it felt was a major milestone I realized I was able to overcome. I am so grateful for improved strength and a much more positive outlook. I also saw how possible it really is to see my goal and visualize success.


See your goal
Understand the obstacles
Clear your mind of doubt
Create a positive mental image
Endure the struggles
Stay focused
Say you will

That is the formula I strive to follow for success