Music Monday

This week's pick for Music Monday was chosen at random. When I got in my car, I put my ipod on shuffle and decided that the first song to play will be my "Music Monday" pick. And the winner is...."Just Impolite" by Plushgun. It's a great song. I'm just really glad that it wasn't something embarrassing like, Hillary Duff or Hanson. I like to think that I have really great taste in music, but I do have the occasional crap stuff that I enjoy jamming out to in the car when I am by myself. For Instance, "mmmbop" and "wake-up." So, get over it. I'm only human. Enough, now enjoy the song of the week!

Peace out,

DJ Jazzy J

Little Drummer Boy

I wasn't sure if I was going to blog today. Nothing has really jumped out at me today as being bloggable (new word, made it up, go ahead and use it). Actually, that's not 100% true. I made spaghetti squash for the time ever....awesome. If you've never made it before, you should. If you have made it before, then you know why it's so fun...especially on a paleo diet. Anyway, as soon as I saw this video I knew I had to share with all of you. Check this out!

I was blown away. I have always wanted to play the drums. They will be one of the first things I buy when I have a house. I'm not even going to take lessons. I just want to bang the crap out of them! All I have to say is Jonah ROCKS!

Peace out,

J-Rox

2010 "Must Have" #3

I recently fell in love with this "must have" and think you should have one too....the KETTLEBELL.

Along with the SandBell, this is the smallest, most dynamic piece of workout equipment one could possibly own. They come in several different sizes and most of them are in kilograms. I joined my first kettlebell class about 3 months ago. I didn't really know what to expect, but it wasn't much. The class is only 30 min and all we were using were these little bells. How hard can it really be? Holy cow was I wrong. It kicked my a**. I was sore for a week, not even exaggerating. I recently started using the kettlebell with my clients. Let's just say they HATE it, that's because it gets the job done. It adds so much more intensity to their workouts.

Here is a great kettlebell video courtesy of Crossfit Central.

Now go out and swing some bells!

Peace Out,

BIG j

Music Monday

I know you've all been waiting for this day to come, and it's finally here. MUSIC MONDAY! My pick this week is, "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates. The song was re-introduced to me last weekend when I saw the movie, "(500) Days of Summer." By the way, it is a great movie, and I highly recommend seeing it. Now back to the song. Not only is an oldie but a goodie, but it's a HAPPY song with great lyrics.

The reason I chose this song for this particular Monday is because of my run this afternoon. As I was coming down the home stretch, this song came on. My first instinct was to break out in dance and incorporate jazz hands. Instead, I decided running faster may be a little more appropriate. So, I dare you to put this song on your playlist and go out for a run. If you don't feel like breaking out in dance when this song pops up, I will buy you a cup of coffee. Well maybe I won't, but you get the point. IT'S GREAT!

Since there is no music video for the song (at least not on youtube), I am putting up the clip of the movie where the song was played. This may, in some small part, be the reason it makes me wanna busta move. ENJOY!

Peace Out,

BIG J

The Last Supper

As some of you may know, I have signed on for the "I Am Crossfit EPOC Challenge" through Crossfit Central. For those of you who are not familiar with the program, it is an 8 week challenge to help you reach your goals. The program focuses on nutrition, weight loss- body fat and inches, and increase in power, strength and endurance.

Last Thursday, I met with my coach, Travis. We took all my measurements and then discussed my goals. The main reason that I am doing this program is to really focus on nutrition, well and become a lean, mean, fighting machine. I have never been able to master the paleo diet and now is my chance. On the paleo diet you are only allowed to eat the following foods: meats, nuts, berries, fruits and veggies; which is the way were are really meant to eat. I have to eat this way for the next 8 weeks, 7 days a week. Now, this is not going to be too hard during the week. I generally eat pretty healthy mon-fri (well, half of friday anyway), but the weekends are a whole other story. I love hamburgers, fries and Hey Cupcake. The weekends are my downfall and if I'm not careful, sometimes run into Mondays. Anyway, I am DETERMINED to conquer paleo. You may be wondering where this blog is going, so I'll get to the point. During my consultation with Travis, he dropped a bombshell on me. I thought I'd be starting my paleo diet on Monday, but NO he told me I had to start FRIDAY....the freakin next day! This only left me like 5 hours to get in the crap food that I wasn't going to get to eat for the next 8 weeks. So, here is what I ate. Now, this would not be my choice of food for my "Last Supper," but it was a little out of my control (National Championship football party). I would have stuffed my face with a hamburger and fries from Phil's Ice House, a diet Dr. Pepper, mexican vanilla ice cream with snickers from Amy's and a red velvet cupcake from Hey Cupcake.

So, here's to you Travis:

Bye Bye 5 pump skinny cinnamon dulce latte (I also had chocolate covered graham crackers)

No more chips, dip and alcohol

My pizza days, all gone

This one hurts the most

Despite all the sacrifices, I know it will all be worth it in the end. It has only been 3 days, and I already feel better. I feel that I am in the right place in my life to take on this challenge and succeed. There is no room for failure here. So, let the journey begin!

I'd like to thank you in advance Travis because I have no doubt that you will not let me fail.

Peace Out,

J-Dawg

Oh Wise One!

I was recently given the book, ¨The Art Of Worldly Wisdom,¨ by a client who knows me all too well (thanks Roxanne). The book is a compilation of Baltasar Gracian aphorisms, which according to Merriam-Webster is a concise statement of a principle. An example of a well known aphorism is, "Children should be seen and not heard." One of which I totally agree with...I kid (kinda).

I came across this aphorism and would love to share it with all of you.

"A person who counts: You are not born so, but must strive daily to develop yourself in your person, in your calling until you reach perfection. The fullness of your every gift, of your every faculty, is the goal. You will know it in the improvement of your taste, in the clarification of your thinking, in the maturity of your judgement, in the control of your will. Some never attain perfection, always lacking something; others are late in coming to themselves. The complete person, wise in speech, wise in action, is not just admitted, but welcomed, into that rare fellowship of those who understand."

Now I don't believe in perfection, but I do feel that's what we are all striving to become. My goal in life is to be the BEST me (person) that I can be. Whether it's in our careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. our ultimate goal is to be great at it. I could go on and on about this, but I want to keep y'all coming back. Short, sweet and to the point. Enjoy and ponder!

Peace out,

JE

Music Mondays

I love love love music. If I had any musical talent at all, I would be a ROCKSTAR. So, I've decided to dedicate Monday blogs to music. I could scrummage the internet for hours looking for new music, bands and artist. This weeks band is (drum roll please), MATT & KIM.

The reason I chose them for my first "Music Monday" blog is because they are FUN and fit my mood today. When I hear Matt and Kim I am instantly in a good mood. They'll make you wanna skip...i promise. I have had the pleasure of seeing them live, and it is one my top 3 concerts of all time. I have posted a video for your viewing pleasure. This is not one of my favorite songs, but the video is fun. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Peace out,

J