Music Monday

I'm going old school with this weeks music pick. This song was the first song I really remember seeing on MTV, back when they still showed music videos. It is George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set On You." There is something about this song and video that has always stood out in my mind. According to wikipedia, it was released in 1988. I was 6 years old. I even had good taste in music back then. I was surprised when I found the video on youtube. Watch, Listen and enjoy!

What was the first music video you remembering watching?

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

Best Week Ever

Ok. So, maybe not the best week ever, but definitely the best week of 2010. This week hasn't been extraordinarily different then other weeks this year. What has set this week apart from all the others was the WEATHER, with the exception of Wednesday, which was kinda nice.

As many of you may know, I LOVE the sun. In my opinion it's Gods second greatest gift (baby Jesus is number 1). I have been in a pretty serious, hot, intense, long-distance relationship with Mr. Sun for as long as I can remember. No signs of that ending anytime soon.

I believe that the warm weather and plentiful sunshine has made the little things this week much brighter. Here are some things that kicked ass this week:

On monday, I met with Carey to go over some of my 1 month goals for MMFC. It was just what I needed to get the week started off in the right direction. I also did my first RX crossfit workout. This is a big deal for me because I'm not very comfortable with heavy lifting...yet! I also made my favorite meal, Paleo Meatloaf.

Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty generic. The afternoon thunderstorm and evening lightening show were enjoyable, since I didn't have to be out in it. My favorite show Modern Family was on Wednesday night, and I always look forward to that. By far the best comedy on TV... it's laugh out loud good. Here it is in a nutshell.

Oh, and I did my second RX crossfit workout! I think i'm on to something.

Thursday was a very productive day. I had some time in the morning, so I decided it was time to do my taxes. I don't actually do my own. I have a guy, but I have to do all the prep work. I'm an independent contractor so it's kind of a pain in the ass. I also got some other tasks done that have been waiting patiently on my to-do list. It was also a CATZ day and those are always good days.

Today has been my favorite so far. I trained a few clients and went to kettlebell (great workout). CP and I took Monty for a walk this afternoon, which lead us to Rogue Running Store, which lead me to this cool new watch. It's a fun spring color, which also matches the Nike Free shoes I just bought, but should not have...oops.

Sorry no pic of those. They are on their way via UPS. I also ordered Monty a fun, new retractable leash a couple weeks ago and it finally got here TODAY!

I topped my afternoon off with a trip to Whole Foods, and now it's time to get ready for dinner. We are trying out this new place on Congress, Annies Cafe and Bar. I've wanted to try for a while, so I am pretty excited. After dinner, our neighbors are having a small get together. This will give us a chance to formally meet the rest of our neighbors and let them know that Monty has no intentions of killing them or their dogs. He is all bark and no bite...I hope.

So, here is to a great week and hopefully an even better weekend. Enjoy this gorgeous weather now before we hit the 100 degree temps.

Peace Out,

J-Thug

Music Monday

I was introduced to Thao with the Get Down Stay Down by Miss Christina (thanks). I downloaded two of their songs to see if I liked them. After listen to them once, I wanted more. They're like dessert. You can't just have ONE bite. So, now I'm hooked.

I wanted a song that made me think of spring, sun, warmth and the smell of fresh cut grass. This band does that for me. I couldn't decide on which song I wanted to introduce y'all to, so I'm posting both. Grab and ice cold beverage, open all the windows, kick up your feet and enjoy the sounds of Thao!

Peace Out,

DJ Kickass J

Who Am I FIGHTING For?

Today we had our first MMFC (Master Mind Fight Club) group workout. We received our workout and assignment yesterday. I don't know if knowing the workout before hand is a good thing or a bad thing. Probably both. I like knowing, so I can mentally prepare. I hate knowing because then I dwell and worry about it till d-day. Here was our original workout: 1 mile run/50 burpees- 3 rounds. However, this morning it was pouring and lightening, so we had to tweak it a bit. Here was our actual workout: 2000m row/50 burpees, 1 mile run/50 burpees, 1000m row/800m run/50 burpees. For those of you don't know what the row or a burpee is, here are videos to get you familiar:

The Row

I thought this was a great workout. Even though I have never done the original version, I think I would've preferred the modified version anyway. It was definitely a challenging workout, but probably one of my favorite workouts ever.

We had some motivation behind this workout. The other part of our workout was to pick a hero that we would fight for during our workout. I'm going to share with y'all what I put in my MMFC journal.

My Hero is my Dad, John Estrada. He is my hero because he is a true FIGHTER. He puts all those UFC, MMA fighters to shame. He was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in September 2003. He fought hard for 3 years. He relapsed 3 times and each time the doctors said it would be the last. Each relapse brought on a new set of complications. My Dad overcame them and went into remission. It wasn't over till he said it was gonna be over. For some reason he kept hanging on. Why? He wanted to see me graduate from college. I graduated December 2005. He passed away January 2006. He fought HARD till the end, and so will I. Every workout will be done in his honor. I will FIGHT for every breath, pull-up, squat, push-up, burpee, muscle up, dip, 400m run, overhead squat, box jump, handstand push-up, etc, etc, etc. His FIGHT was 100x harder than any workout I will ever do.

With this new outlook on my workouts, let's just say they will never be the same. I will always work harder and push myself harder than ever before. Here are my times from todays workout:

Round 1

2000m row: 9:40/ total time w/ burpees: 12:49

Round 2

1 mile run: 7:39/ total time w/ burpees: 10:38

Round 3

1000m row, 800m run: 8:35/ total time with burpees: 11:56

Peace Out,

G.I Jess

This is why I Crossfit

To be a part of something as empowering as this is an honor.

Peace Out,

BIG J

The Art Of Falling

I know it's not Music Monday, but I have chosen this song as my Journey Song. I posted the lyrics because they are what make this song so significant. I couldn't have found a better song to represent my Journey. I'm also posting the video because it truly resembles fighting for what you want.

Lost, confused, unseen and used
Dangerously fighting for nothing to lose
My progress is calling, it's noticed I'm falling
It's time for a change, It's time for a move,
And I know that it's frightening but it's also exciting
I'm taking a risk that I know is worth fighting
Its better
To make your mistakes than to live with out knowing
Its better to fall on your face then to stay on your feet
As long long long as you tried your best
Sometimes its hard to think my time here is ending
It troubles me to think about who I've offended
But I can't live my life
In the interest of those,
Holding me back when I've stood on my toes
But too many times I've been risking my life
Making decisions, while trying to be nice.
It's Better to make your mistakes than to live without knowing.
It's Better to fall on your face than to stay on your feet
As long long long, as long long long
As long long long ohh
It's better to make your mistakes than to live with out knowing
Its better to fall on your face then to stay on your feet
It's better to make your mistakes than to live with out knowing
Its better to fall on your face then to stay on your feet
As long long long....

Peace Out,

JE

The Journey of a Life Time!

(Thanks Ben! I stole this pic from you.)

I'm about to embark on a Journey. My Journey has two roads that will often cross paths.

The first road on my journey will take me to the 2011 CrossFit Games. I have been inspired by the amazing athletes at CrossFit Central who just competed and kicked ass at the 2010 South Texas Sectionals. I will work hard, be focused and keep my eye on the prize. I am determined to make this happen for myself. I know it won't be easy, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I'm lucky to be part of what I consider to be the best CrossFit Affiliate, Crossfit Central. Which means, I get to train and learn from the BEST.

The second road on my journey will lead me to a better, more successful life. It will lead me to a BETTER ME. I have the opportunity to be a part of an amazing group known as Master Mind Fight Club, a women's only empowerment/leadership program. With the help of Carey Kepler, the other 21 women in MMFC, and my own personal support system, I will be the person I've always wanted to be. I will have the life that I am meant to have.

Follow me on this journey. Who knows. You may actually learn something!

Peace Out,

J-Dawg

Music Monday

Alright boys and girls, put on your listening ears. This weeks pick is inspired by St. Patty's Day.

Do a jig and enjoy.

Peace Out,

Lucky J

A Dream of Mine

If I could posses one skill, it would be an ear for music. I would love to be able to pick up the guitar or sit at a piano and just play whatever comes to me. I've taken both piano and guitar lessons, so I can kinda play. However, I want to create sh!t not just play it. If I had that musical talent, I would be a composer; not like in Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, but like Danny Elfman and Mark Motherbaugh. Two current musical geniuses and my music idols.

Motherbaugh is best known for his band DEVO (whip it, whip it real good). However, since then he has created music for video games (The Sims) and cartoons such as: The Rugrats, Beakman's World and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Those don't really appeal to me. I'm not a fan of video games or cartoons. It is his work in movies and one particular TV show (i'll get to later). Mothersbaugh has scored most of Wes Anderson's movies. Mt favorites are The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. It was those 2 movies where I fell in love with his work. Also, two really great movies in general.

It was this song here that stole my heart.

Here is a fun one from Life Aquatic.

Now onto Danny Elfman. He is best known for scoring all of Tim Burton's films. See the connection...Great Directors, Great Composers. A few of my favorites are: BeetleJuice, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, and Edward Scissorhands. Great movies, Great scores. Elfman also created the theme for the Simpsons and Desperate Housewives.

Edward Scissorhands

Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Probably best movie of all time, just sayin!

Now for the real kicker. I don't think it's a coincidence that these two happen to be my favorite composers. When I was doing a little research on Elfman and Motherbaugh, I discovered a connection...Pee Wee Herman! I didn't discover this until about 2 weeks ago, and it all made sense. Mark Mothersbaugh composed the theme for Pee Wee's Playhouse the TV show. My favorite TV show when I was a kid. Danny Elfman scored Pee Wee's Big Adventure. My favorite movie as kid. Coincidence? I think not. We are cosmically linked...fate.

I'd like to leave you with this last thing. I hope this brings back some memories. Sarah???? I know you had to sit through many episodes of this with me. :)

Peace Out,

BIG j

Music Monday

"And when you do your very worst, mmm it feels the best..."

That is my favorite line from this weeks music pick. The song is, "The Poison" by The All-American Rejects. The song is featured on the soundtrack from Alice in Wonderland which is actually titled Almost Alice. I can't wait to see this movie. Take a listen and enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

Eggs in a cup!

This morning I went to make my usual mid-morning snack, an omelette no cheese.

(Eggs, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, and salsa cooked in olive oil)

As I am getting out all my ingredients, I realize I only have 1 eggs. I need 2. What's a girl to do?! I wasn't about to go to the grocery store on an empty stomach. So, I decided to run across the street to the delicious brazilian coffeehouse and bakery, Bossa Nova. I figured I could get 2 bacon and egg breakfast tacos without the tortilla. I tell the girl exactly that and this is what I get....

How cute is that! It makes for a great, healthy paleo snack to-go. It's even simple enough to eat on the road. I'm sure that's not the safest, but with my job it's kind a must.

I took it home, added some sauteed spinach and mushrooms and enjoyed! You should check this place out if you are ever in the area (east 6th). Great food but not really paleo friendly. I used to enjoy the occasional baked cheese ball. I miss you little fluffy ball of deliciousness! : (

Peace Out,

J

Let's go bananas!

I would just like to share my new favorite pre-workout snack. I stole this from Melisa, so she deserves some credit. Thank you Melisa! This is what I like to call an almond butter sandwich. It's pretty simple. You slice a banana in half, spread organic almond butter on each side, put them together and devour. YUMMY! It's just what I need to get me through my CATZ and Kettlebell workouts.

Peace Out,

J to the E

Music Monday

Alright, put your dance pants on! I have a fun, shake your booty pick this week. Get ready to rock your socks off (keep your pants on) to Amanda Blank's "Make It, Take It." Sorry there is no video for the song. Maybe I should make a workout video to it, hmmm. That could be fun...and interesting. We shall see. Enjoy the jam! Enjoy the day!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J