I first got involved with Habitat for Humanity when I was a sophomore in college. My friends were involved and it seemed like a good way to help out in the community.  Plus, we got to go to Florida to build houses during Spring Break!  When it snows in October and May in Western New York, a working vacation in a warmer climate is very enticing. 

After spending a week in Florida working alongside families to help build their homes I knew that it was more than a vacation.  Other opportunities came from Habitat for Humanities Global Villages office and one of them was to travel to Zambia for three weeks and help build houses.  Of course I had to make it happen.  I raised my own travel funds and had an amazing time building relationships and homes.

After I graduated I moved to North Carolina and remembering all the great people I had met working with Habitat for Humanity I looked up the local chapter.  I spent a few days building houses and painting the houses that were near completion. 

Habitat for Humanity is such a great organization that helps people stay connected to their own communities as well as the larger 'global community'.

What organizations have you been involved with here in Boston or elsewhere?  What made the experience memorable?

In addition to sunbathing, tomorrow morning Lora M. and I will also be running the 8 Tuff Miles Road Race.  I had heard about this when I lived in St. John and considered those who ran it absolutely crazy.  Of course this year I decided that I just had to do it myself.  I'm having lots of fun challenging myself to new adventures.  I am not the best rower or runner but I am willing to give it a shot.  I've been training by running hill sprints and I hope that it has been enough for this tough course.

I have traveled quite a bit and St. John still rates among the most beautiful places I have seen.  I have traveled in Spain, France, Morocco, Ireland, Costa Rica, Zambia, Australia, Fiji, and Iceland.  Next on the list is Barcelona.  I didn't get there last time I was in Spain and I am in love with the architecture there.  On my wish list is the Galapagos Islands.

Where have you been and where are you planning on going?  Is there a special destination in the world that has captured your heart?

If you have pictures of a great vacation spot please share them here.  Otherwise just tell us about your travels.

I was completely inspired by Lululemon’s monthly blog challenge.  I thought “what a great way to keep the community connected and have fun doing it.”  So I am starting our very own photo challenge.  Each Friday I will post a photo and a topic and then you all can share your story as well.  I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

So this week I want to see where you all work.  I want to know what you do when you leave CFB in a hurry in the morning. You obviously know where I work so this photo is from my last job at Luna Pops in Wilmington, NC.  We made gourmet hand made popsicles!  Yes, I’m serious. Everything from cookies and cream, to avocado, to mango chili flavored popsicles.  We even had a no sugar added pop.  I tried to get them to make a paleo friendly pop but that kind of defeats the purpose of a yummy treat.

Making popsicles and coaching at CrossFit Boston are hands down the most fun I have had at work!  

Ok now it’s your turn.  Tell us about your best job, worst job, first job, last job.  It doesn’t matter.  Then post a picture here at our Flickr account so that we can all see what you do.  Joining our Flickr group just takes a minute (I know it’s annoying) but then you can participate every week!



Ok so, Lululemon Athletica holds a monthly challenge on their blog.  They tell you what to do and you have to document it and submit the photo.  For the month of February they are doing a daily challenge!  Today's challenge was. . . show us your best cheer face!  This is what we came up with!  I'm not sure we even know what we were cheering about but don't we look excited?

Ladies - by request I am putting in another order of tank tops.  So if you didn't get one the first time or you just have to have another one, now is your chance!

Let me know what size and color you would like.  The colors can be seen here.  Also let me know if you would like the design printed in black or white. 

$25/tank

My latest painting in progress!

I recently saw the book "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield referenced on Jeremy Thiel's blog from CrossFit Central.  I'm an artist so of course this book intrigued me.  When I got home that afternoon I happened to look on the bookshelf and saw that my roommate actually owns this book!  Funny how life works huh?

This book isn't just for artists.  It would be of interest to anyone who is struggling to get things done even though you know they are important to you.  Pressfield reminds us of the resistance we all encounter while trying to engage in creative work, start a diet or exercise

plan, or overcome a bad habit amongst other things.

I recognize this resistance in myself when I know that I want to sit down and paint but for some reason I end up watching TV or surfing the internet until all of my free time is gone.  Then I regret that I didn't do what I really wanted to.  I even feel resistance sometimes when it co

mes to exercise.  I know that I want to and that I feel much better afterward, but it takes an effort to get going sometimes.

I haven't even finished the book but just reading about and recognizing the different ways that resistance has held me back from what I want is enlightening.  I've gotten in the habit of asking myself at the end of the day if I gave in to the resistance.  Just checking in like that keeps me moving in the right direction. 

Are you taking action and moving in the direction of your desires or is resistance holding you back?

~ William James ~

I'm still searching for this place.  Not that I am completely comfortable during my workouts at all.  But there is a level of discomfort that my mind perceives to be too much and it tells my body to stop.  I am constantly trying to ignore this voice in my head.  My new tactic is to continually ask myself in the midst of a workout if I can do more; if I have more to give.  And generally I can and I do.  Previously I would ask this after the workout and think, yeah I could have done more.  I always felt like I cheated myself.

What are your tactics?  I'd love to hear them.

I have spent a lot of time traveling around looking for happiness, mostly where there are beaches nearby.  Of course I always knew but have now come to really understand that peace and happiness isn't about your location it is about your state of mind.  I believe I have come a long way from last year.  Mostly by focusing on relaxing, being in the moment and trusting that the universe knows what is best for me.  That has given me some peace.  My happiness this year has certainly been influenced by the amazing people at CrossFit Boston, who immediately welcomed me into their community and made me feel at home.  I feel lucky everyday to be a part of this community, thank you all for making it what it is.  I look forward to another peaceful, happy year here!

A verse I refer to often in times of doubt and stress:

"Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ."  Philippians 4:6,7

My New Years Resolution this year:  To find balance between my two passions: Fitness and Art.  I already have a new painting started and am thinking about getting back into pottery, something I really enjoy but unfortunately left behind at art school.

I continually ask more from my body.  I want to lift more and run faster and do everything better but for whatever foolish reason I refuse to give my body the fuel it needs to even attempt what I'm asking. 

Are you laying a good foundation for your progress or are you like me and expecting results to happen by some holy miracle? 

You're the Result of Yourself

Pablo Neruda