Pure Power Bootcamp OMBG's (5:30am Original Morning Bootcamp Gangstas!) at the Holiday Party!!!

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Well Hello Everyone!

Hope you all are well... It's been a bit since I have blogged :( Unfortunately, I have to take in my iMac to be looked at/serviced because lately we have been having some technical difficulties as it shuts itself off randomly. With that said, I am typing as fast as I can while all at once "saving" hoping it doesn't shut down as I am writing. If you only knew the adventures I've been having with that happening!

Anyhow, today I wanted to blog about a wonderful event that I went to last Friday. The Pure Power Bootcamp Holiday Party :) It was bundles of fun! Before the event, our 5:30am platoon went out to a wonderful Italian dinner (a special thank you shout out to Mary for making all the arrangements) Soon after the dinner, we were able to walk to PPBC and enjoy the party :) I was super excited to go as I knew it was not only going to be fun but also quite memorable. Having signed up for bootcamp a year ago I really never had any idea how much doing so would completely change my life in every aspect. I originally signed myself up because I needed to get back into shape but I didn't know the personal growth that I would go through once I signed up. Not only did I reach my weight goal but in the process met new people and can honestly say I wouldn't be/or have reached a lot of my goals that I had planned for myself had it not been for the people that were by my side throughout my journey. And if you may be wondering who all those people are.. it was definitely the PPBC staff- Ms. Lauren Brenner (she's pictured above) Lizzie (for all my morning wake up calls) Nicio & JR (the trainers that keep me fit so I can fit into all the sparkly dresses!) and lastly but never least... Drum roll.. The 5:30am OMBG's! Yup, the 5:30am platoon who even though we are a small group, we are filled with courage waking up so early to get the day started doing all those endless Mt. Climbers and squat thrusts! A much thanks to all as the journey wouldn't have been as fun if it was just me... 

Ok, typing as fast as I can and keep your fingers crossed, the diagnosis for my iMac isn't too bad...Keep you posted!

Cheers, nency

The sophisticated Miss. Lizzie :)

The 5:30am OMBG's - short for Original Morning Bootcamp Gangstas ;)

Drill Instructors are Nicio & JR both whom are in gry/black (Below,left to right)

Focusing, focusing,focusing at Pure Power Bootcamp, NYC - Maintenance Journal 6 Months, Day 15:

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 15:

Middle of the week here and so far so good. Did lots of weights and the course forward and backward! Over and over again until I  thought my arms were going to fall off. Our 5:30 platoon is staying strong , so far we are still a pretty big group. We were split up in 2 groups today again and we were against the wall doing lots of star jumpers (my favorite- the name for this exercise is just really cute!) But anyhow, we were partnered up and as one of us stayed doing some weights, the other person was running and running for 60 seconds. We did this non-stop and then after, we were running with the tire over our heads as we did walking lunges.. Yup, I think today I definitely lost a dress size as after I felt thinner just by doing all those exercises with the tires...Almost done with the week. In the meantime, I was really thinking about me and visualizing my goal - I know it may seem as if I am being single minded but I really think this is how all this will actually come to be. Below was a little motivational tear out I saw in a magazine.. 

Focus on What You Want ( think of the "goal")
Place your attention on what you want instead of the obstacles that stand in the way of you getting it. Obsessing over the tasks that you must perform only increases your dread towards doing them. It actually causes them to become bigger barriers to your success. Rather than looking at challenges and work in a negative light, instead focus on what you desire. Do the work with the desired outcome in mind. This will motivate you to do even the most mundane work with enthusiasm and excitement. When you focus on what you want then you are more willing to do whatever it takes to get it. With your attention fixated on your desired destination you see all work as a necessary means to an end. With a strong reason why you will be able to summon enough determination to pay to the price to have what you want.


See Your Desired Result (Visualize!)
You will see the necessary work in the proper light if you maintain a strong focus on your aspiration. When obstacles and unpleasant task stand in the way of what you want the best way to succeed is to take care of them as they come along. Do this with the assurance that each obstacle overcome and each task done moves you another step closer to what you want. When you take this approach you will be motivated to do the work so that you can experience your desired results.

"I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." -John D. Rockefeller

US Veterans MC of Long Island and adopted Veteran family #1

http://www.usvmcli.org/

Hello Blogger Readers,

Ok, so it's been a couple of days. I apologize about that, but just trying to juggle everything together can sometimes be a bit on overdrive. Anyhow, regardless I'm back and on track to keep you posted of all the news. Today I wanted to blog about the holiday season and how so many of us are so lucky to be able to spend it with family and friends. Christmas is a time to reflect on many things but perhaps what sometimes goes unrecognized is how lucky we are to be able to have a "Christmas" with all the trimmings and little extras that make such a difference. For one moment though, I'd like for you to think of how it would be if you were not able to even have a tree...It paints a different picture of how your Christmas would be right? Well, now imagine if technically speaking you could make a difference for a single veteran mother of 4 who is exactly in that situation...Read below and get to know the US Veterans MC of Long Island's "Adopted Family #1" and how you can bring "holiday cheer" to their Christmas...

-USVMCLI – Adopted Family #1

Single Veteran Mom of 4 young children (Nassau County)

We will be bringing this Family a Christmas Tree along with some gifts, but we could use some assistance in providing Holiday Cheer to this family. Christmas wish list:

• 7 year old daughter loves Barbie and wear  6x-7 clothes and a size 13 in shoes kids
• Her little boy wants an iPod and he wears a size 10 in boys and a size 5-1/2 in shoes
• 16 year old daughter wants clothes (size 1 or 2 in jeans and medium shirts) and an IPod and she wears an 8-1/2 in shoes
• 15 year old daughter would like an IPod also and clothes (size 1 or 2 in jeans and medium shirt) and she wears a size 8-81/2 in shoes

We have been with this family since early summer time, helping them furnish their newly rented home at the newly created veteran section at Mitchell Field. We have provided all their furniture, have been delivering  food , and purchased them (5) new mattresses with the assistance of 911Veterans.  We are currently assisting her in home heating bills.

On top of her tough past few years, she was hit by a car walking to the store (hit & run) just a few weeks ago. We most recently provided her with a turkey & fixings this weekend.

Upon just recently inviting her to our Holiday breakfast: she responded with;

“we will Love to come eat breakfast with you all. It feels really good to be surrounded by pure love especially on holidays.  We thank you  all for eveything that made all of this possible for me and my children. We appreciate you all so much and you showed my children that there are still good people in this world that truly cares with all there heart. They are looking for ways that they can give back and help someone else out that was in need just like we are. You all have restored the belief of Love to and from one another back in their hearts and I can't thank you enough for that. May GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I HAVE NEVER MET PEOPLE LIKE YOU ALL BEFORE AND I TELL YOU IT IS A FEELING I NEITHER MY CHILDREN WILL  NEVER, EVER, EVER FORGET!!!!”

To help us provide, you can make purchase to donate, or mail a check with family #1 in the memo line and mail to USVMCLI PO Box 675 Bellport NY 11713.

Thank You

Frankie B Bania

President

US Veterans MC of LI

“The Boots on the Ground”

Keeping up with Pure Power Bootcamp, NYC - Maintenance Journal 6 Months, Day 14!

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 14:

Ok today, as usual we had Abs for Tuesdays and since our 5:30 class has gotten bigger, we were separated into two different groups. In the group that I was in, we were using the tires a lot. We did a lot of squat thrusts with the tires and also there was point where we did different reps and in between we had to hold the tire over our heads. At first I was thinking, yeah I can do this... no problem, besides I'm a boot camp super star! Then, after a couple of minutes into the craziness, I was hurting badly! My arms were seriously feeling like they were little twigs trying to hold up a tire. I tried really hard to think happy thoughts as that usually helps in times of needing dire strength. It kinda helped but my arms were still shaking trying to keep it all together. So, as much as the "thinking happy thoughts" usually helps, this time around I needed more fuel in keeping up my strength and finishing the class. So the only thing I could think of was visualizing myself looking like and having the Dara Torres abs. She's a really strong woman and I always thought she was amazing as her life philosophy is one of always following all your goals and dreams. For me I think that's really admirable. No lame chestnut excuses for it's onward and forward we go...

"On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow." - Friedrich Nietzsche 

Pure Power Bootcamp Maintenance Journal 6 Months, Day 13!

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 13:

It's a newwww week! Our little 5:30 platoon is getting bigger and bigger! The class size believe it or not is still the same as last week. Lots of mixture of different people coming in and you won't believe it today I saw that girl that I had mentioned waaaay long ago. The one that I thought was a instructor but just turned out to be that she was just really, really chiseled like on of Michelangelo's sculptures. Anyhow, she remembered me and she said that I look like I have lost weight! yay! I'm not sure if she was just being encouraging but regardless slowly but surely...Anyhooo, we did a lot of squats today. Actually, technically... it was squat thrusts and in between going ton the course. I actually tried the Intensity Wall today and I think it may take a bit of practice to go up and over. It's not as easy as it looks and when I get close I really don't want to end up loosing my teeth there. It wouldn't be pretty! So the trick is to grab the rope and climb your way up and over like Spiderman. Then the other side consists of rock climbing down. I do have to say the view on top is pretty cool - I feel soo tall! Hopefully tomarrow I'll get to practice going over the Intensity Wall again :) The Intensity Wall and those hurdles are my next .. hurdles so to speak. Practice, practice, practice..

"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination."

-Mary Astor

Come join the US Veterans MC, Blue Star Mom's and Soldiers Angels as they Welcome Home a Local Marine from his 3rd deployment.

Hi Everyone,
Well last week and this week was definitely a week full of insight. I spent a lot of time with local veterans and was able to hear their stories which were filled with such a different perspective of seeing things and life itself. We my be struggling, but we really do have it pretty good here in the US - especially as a woman. I am grateful now more then ever of the things I do have but more so just the fact that I have many "options" in life. I suppose this week is also appropriate to be grateful as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day (and a four day weekend!) I am happy to share with you that this Wednesday the town if Islips will be welcoming back a local Marine from his 3rd deployment. I'm really happy for him and his family as this Thanksgiving there will be a lot of smiley faces :) 


"On Wednesday Night Nov 23rd, come join the US Veterans MC, Blue Star Mom's, Soldiers Angels, and other Veteran Support Organizations as they Welcome Home LCpl William Fitzpatrick, a Local Marine from his 3rd deployment. After a Welcome Home Ceremony by the Town of Islips Hometown Hero Program there will be a motorcycle escort to his Coram residence. We will be staged at the Airport Diner (at entry to airport on Vets Hwy) at 1845 hrs (6:45pm) and wait for the call from Airport Security to proceed to the Airport."

Long Island MacArthur Airport

100 Arrival Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Mind Over Matter at Pure Power Bootcamp,NYC-Maintenance Journal 6 Months, Day 12

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 12:

Finished the weeeeek! After having to build that house this week, I really hope we don't have to do that in the near future as that was really hard. I know I'm starting to be whiny but it really was...So after that experience, I was thinking a lot of how not to have to do things the second time if it can be prevented in the first place. Especially all those exercises that are the difficult ones. Yup, those are the nitty gritty ones that actually technically speaking, are probably the ones I should really do with all gusto the first time and get them over with as they are most likely the ones that will bring me better results. Perhaps I should just start telling myself they are my favorite and I'll start believing it. Mind over matter as they say, "discipline is remembering what it is you want." Oooh that's a good one huh? Yups, next week I'm gonna be better and keep remembering my goal. Oh and speaking of goals, found another tid bit info that was inspiring. It is about "willpower and self-discipline." It's a good read from Oxygen Magazine. I was also thinking I need to add to my bootcamp vision board as that will help keep the coal burning so to speak...hmmm, gotta get to the .99 cent store for more fun stickers :)

Oxygen Magazine Article:

Willpower and self-discipline are the ultimate keys to achieving any goal and realizing any dream. They are of great importance for losing weight, bodybuilding, sports, improving relationships, overcoming addictions, building positive habits and for building wealth. You also need them for making progress in  self-improvement, spiritual growth, for developing inner strength and concentration. These skills make it easier to handle the daily affairs of life, become more efficient, and to follow through with your decisions and resolutions.

Willpower is the inner strength that enables you to make decisions and carry them out. It gives you the strength to take action and perform tasks and plans, despite inner resistance, discomfort, laziness or difficulties.

When there is willpower, there is firmness, decisiveness, determination, assertiveness, resolution, persistence, and the power of pushing yourself towards goals and achievements.

With this skill developed, you are in a better position to overcome procrastination and laziness, focus on what you are doing, and avoid unhealthy or unreasonable temptations.

Self-discipline is the companion of willpower. It is synonymous with self-control, which is the ability to avoid unreasonable excess of anything that could lead to negative consequences.

Self-discipline appears in various forms, such as endurance, perseverance and restraint, and as the ability to carry out one's decisions and plans, in spite of inconvenience, hardships or obstacles.

One of the main characteristics of self-discipline is the ability to forgo instinctive and immediate gratification or pleasure, in favor of some greater gain or more satisfying results, even if this requires effort and time.

"Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds." 

-Gordon B. Hinkley

Visiting Northport Veterans Hospital with Patriot Guard Riders,Soldiers Angels and Blue Star Moms...

What a wonderful day today was! Filled with so much depth. Today was spent with Soldiers Angels and Blue Star Moms visiting Veterans at the Northport VA. We went to three different buildings where we were able to visit and spend time with veterans. I was able to talk to many of them but there was one veteran in particular who really brought me to think of the many Veterans that will be returning home soon. We were talking, and he must have been at least 24 years young. He was telling me about his service in the Army and being that I always find people and their life stories so interesting I couldn't help but immerse myself in zooming in and listening to what he had to say. Even though all his words were quite captivating, the one thing that I always find inspiring in people are their own goals and dreams. Everyone has a purpose in life and in my opinion nothing is greater then finding that purpose and being able to live your life in such a fulfilled manner that it nourishes and satisfies your soul on a daily basis. 

Anyhow, as I sat there listening to his story the one thing that really moved me was when with all sincerity he said,"You know Nency, I really loved my job. I loved serving my country and I really miss being able to protect it." WOW! I was dumb founded when I heard that and honestly did not know what words to say that would comfort him. When he said that, I could easily see how much it was raw emotion that came from his heart and how much he really did want to be able to go back. I'm not sure about you, but for the most part I rarely hear anyone saying that about their job! Usually, people are ready to retire 

(regardless of their age!) or ready for a complete career change! I was impacted by him saying that because here in front of me was such a young man that instead of going out and doing the usual partying that most do, he just wanted to go back to his job of in his words, "serving and protecting his country." I honestly don't know what to say or really think of that other then,"Wow." Being someone so young and literally putting your life on the line so others can enjoy the liberties and be able to live a better quality of life is quite admirable as not many people would so willingly do that. I can't help but wonder if saying "thank you for your service" is even really enough for a action of such high magnitude. How do you even honestly match that? I really don't know if there is a specific way in particular to  show them that what they are willing to do is appreciated. But I suppose for starters, letting them know that they aren't forgotten by coming to see them at the hospital is one way of doing so. With that mentioned, I look forward to next month as I can imagine it will be quite insightful. A great big "thanks" to Rosemary from Soldiers Angels for having me there and one more thing, I know you are probably wondering...what is that dog sculpture you are standing next to?? A little background history of this adorable piece of art. It was created by a USMC Vietnam Veteran named Paul Suominen. His work in metal arts have been shown throughout the country and he donated this sculpture of the USMC mascot to veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center.

Spending Veterans Day with the Wounded Warrior Project Veterans at the NYC Veterans Day Parade

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Hi everyone,

Ok, and today I am finally blogging about the male veterans. You thought I had forgotten right? Well, no I just had to have different blogging topics otherwise I think it would have been too overwhelming for you to read so much information in one blog. Anyhow, so with that mentioned, let's get this blog going. Today I just wanted to blog about all the male veterans that I met. There were fathers, brothers, uncles, sons, so many different people that I was able to talk to that chose to serve. It was really interesting to hear their stories of what they had experienced when they were abroad serving their deployments. But perhaps the aspect which I really thought was interesting to hear was the reasoning of why they decided to go into the military in the first place. Some had a long family history of serving, some just always known they wanted to be a soldier, and some simply chose to serve because they have so much appreciation for the country that they live in and simply wanted to. Regardless, of the reason of why they decided to enlist, I think it takes a lot of courage to be able to do all the things they do. So just as I included a poem for the female veterans I thought it was only fair to include one for the male veterans as well. Hope you enjoy, it's quite patriotic but thought it would be nice to include...

                                                                A Soldiers Life

Author: SSgt. Scott E Hilligoss

The soldiers life is not for all
A soldier must be willing to give his all
He is overworked and underpaid
A truer patriot was never made
Ready to go at any time
Wherever there is trouble or the first sign
His courage and honor are unsurpassed
Ready and willing to complete the task
Travelling to lands both near and far
He stands his post and looks at the stars
Wondering what he might have done
If he had not chosen to carry a gun
Weary and cold in a foreign land
Protecting our country from our foes
Standing tall and proud come rain or snow.

Building Mental Toughness at Pure Power Bootcamp,NYC-Maintenance Journal

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 11:

Ok, well today was definatly better then yesterday as I wasn't late and our class grew in size by like 100%! I'm not sure what happened but we had 10 people in the class today. But, it was a major change in class dynamics as even though we were eventually split into two, since we weren't all as fast as we could have been, we had to build "the house." I know that may sound strange, but trust me even though it doesn't sound too difficult it really isn't that easy. Basically when you build a house everyone has to be next to each other and we all create a human tunnel where the last person goes through the tunnel and you are basically finished when you get to the first person that started. Wasn't fun as everyone has to hold themselves up for the entire duration that it takes for everyone to go through the tunnel. I can say, I felt like a little snake because you have to drag yourself through - no using your knees! We were timed and the first time through, we didn't make it so we had to do it all over again. At the end I had scraped elbows - but that was okay as those scars were earned! What I call, bootcamp battle scars. This session was different as even though we were there to exercise, I think today was definatley more of "metal training" as that house building sure tested all your focusing power. Speaking of focusing, I saw this really cool article in Men's Fitness Magazine (I don't look at the women magazines anymore as I find the guys magazine tell you more about building muscle - or at least that has been the impression I have gotten) Anyhow, it was a little article that is not only motivating but also quite informative regarding getting your mind "in the game" so to speak when you are exercising. It was really cool reading. 

Men's Fitness Magazine Article:

"Productivity and time go hand in hand. you must use your time wisely because you can never buy time back. Every minute you wait, every minute you procrastinate, every minute you decide to sit out is minutes wasted from the end result. Inception is the beginning piece to your life. Action is necessary, but giving it your all in each task is what will provide you with success. What are you going to do but more importantly, how are you going to do it?....mistakes are a part of life but mistakes are needed to get past all our mental barriers."

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." 

- Patrica Neal

Wounded Warrior Project Pre-Parade Set up at the NYC Veterans Day Parade!

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Hello Everyone,
Ok, so we're almost done with the recap of last weeks Veterans Day event and today I wanted to blog about all the work that goes into creating something of such great magnitude! As you can imagine, a lot of thought and work go into making all this happen. When I first arrived at the designated set, I couldn't help but notice how there were a lot of volunteers getting things together for the big event. There were three floats and all of them had already been decorated with sparkly decor and the WWP logo banners. As I walked a little further into where the tents were located, I was welcomed by this gigantic balloon entry that had a sign reading, "Mission: to Honor and Empower Wounded Warriors." I loved this sign in the entry way as it definitely reminded anyone who walked through why we were all there. Quite inspiring! I was then greeted by all the volunteers and found myself walking into the tent where there were tables lined with food and beverages.What I thought was really adorable though was the table that was filled with crayons and patriotic coloring books for the little ones just in case they got a little antsy. It was probably about a 40 minute wait until we had a lot more people arriving and as I like to say, got the party started! We were entertained by some pretty amazing singers and we also were able to enjoy a band of pipers. After the entertainment, the time had finally come to get lined up with our designated groups and get ready to walk NYC! What An Amazing day! A great big "thanks" to Mr. Tony Ntellas and the staff for having me there and making this day be so memorable. :) Until next year!

 

Join me this Sunday in celebrating Brady Bones 3rd Birthday bash while finding homes for homeless doggies...

www.yorkie911rescue.com

Hello Everyone!

Ok, I know this week has been about all our amazing veterans, but just had to blog about this charity event as I think by now you know I have a soft spot for animals - especially those that are homeless, neglected, or abused in any way. So, I wanted to blog about Brady Bone's 3rd Birthday Bash where 100% of all the proceeds of this event go to Yorkie911Rescue. Having a Yorkie myself, (popularly known as the one the only, Little Miss. Sparkles) I can't ever imagine leaving her behind for any reason and the mere thought of her being homeless makes me super sad. Knowing that there are a lot of homeless Yorkies that need help, well that's where we buckle up and use the crown for the rescue! Join me this Sunday to celebrate Brady Bones 3rd Birthday while also helping homeless Yorkies find their forever home. See you there...

xoxo, nency

Sunday - November 20, 2011

Mary Carroll's in Huntington, NY

1:00 - 4:00p

Celebrate Brady Bone's 3rd Birthday (21 in Dog Years) at Mary Carroll's with your pups.  In lieu of a birthday gift, Brady Bones is asking for a $10 Entry Donation - 100% of Proceeds to Yorkie911 Rescue.  Furry Paws Pet Portraits will take Howliday Photos and our Guests will Get a Free Professional Photo to Take Home.  Special Guests, Rick Caran & Team Jilli-Dog will Autograph their New Book "Jilli-Dog, The Little Dog That Made Mr Kranby Smile" as well as do Mini Team Jilli-Dog Performances.  Guests will also Receive Doggie Birthday Cake and a Goodie bag.  Nothing beats enjoying an afternoon drink with your pup and other dog loving friends all while helping out toy breeds in need!

The Pups Will be Howling About it... So Don't Miss the Dog Gone Fun!

Spending time with the Wounded Warrior Project Veterans and Doggies at the NYC Veterans Day Parade...

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Hi Everyone,
Back again and this time wanted to write about Veterans, doggies and how they are a perfect match. I've always had a soft spot for animals (but specifically speaking for this blog we are blogging about doggies)  In my opinion, dogs are some of the most amazing living beings because they truly have the ability to show us what true loyalty and unconditional love really is. There is a quote which mentions how "there isn't anything else in this world that will be loyal to you more then to himself then a dog" and that really is true. I know it may sound hokey, but I don't think it is just coincidence that dogs are always referred to as "man's best friend." On Friday, I was lucky to meet a veteran that was accompanied by his service dog. I was extremely happy to see this because I whole heartily believe in the "human/animal bond" and how it really can help veterans live a better quality of life. Sometimes in life it's not the medicine or pills that we may need to make us feel better, but instead just a good friend. And in this situation, a dog is just the perfect medicine.

Getting those abs rock solid at Pure Power Bootcamp, NYC

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 10:

Tuesday as usual are Ab days at PPBC and today the instructors were a little bit over the top again. Not sure if  it was because Monday was well....it was Monday. There are still only 4 of us and we got the double training as it seemed today it was all about doing all the exercises twice in their own sequence. Not sure if that makes sense but basically we had to do everything in double time. Even the tummy twisters (that in my opinion are already fast) today we had to do them faster and as they said "do them with momentum!" At one point I wanted to laugh because I really was trying so hard that I started to get tummy cramps and couldn't help but wonder how normal our platoon was to be doing this soooo early in the morning. While most of New York is still asleep how is it possible that it is normal that we are here literally fighting the battle of the muffin top. We are as I call it true troopers! Rocky Balboa, eye of the tiger baby...Grrrr
Yup, after the tummy twisters we still had to do those never ending mt. jumpers- those are really still difficult as my core isn't that rock solid yet to be able to jump back an forth and spring them out like a rubber band. Slowly but surely... just have to keep practicing going to bootcamp...

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results." 

-William Nelson

Spending time with the Wounded Warrior Project Lady Veterans at the NYC Veterans Day Parade...

www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Hello Everyone,

Wow! So much to write about with Veterans Day just passing. I have a lot to blog about as there is so much to say but today I wanted to write about our lady veterans, or as I like to call them.. Ladies of Liberty :) Having spent all day with them on Veterans Day, I was able to not only talk to them about their experiences of being in the services but also heard about the various challenges that are unique in be a "female soldier." After hearing their stories, civilian ladies, we have no reason to complain! Even though our lives are full of challenges, being a lady veteran is definitely not for the weak. It takes a lot of courage to go out there and leave your children and families so others can be safe and enjoy theirs. Below I found a poem with the author unknown but none the less I thought it was fitting as even though it may be whimsical, there is truth to it all... Hope you enjoy!

Recipe for a Female Soldier
1 1/2 cups Patience
1 cup Courage
3/4 cup Tolerance
dash of Adventure
1 pound of Ability
To the above ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons elbow grease and let stand alone for one year. Marinate frequently with relentless courage and never ending fear. Pour and sprinkle ever so lightly with money then Knead dough until payday. Season with international spices. Bake 20 years or until done. Makes unlimited servings
Serve with Pride.-Author Unknown

Motivational Mondays at Pure Power Bootcamp,NYC - 6 Month Maintenance, Day 9

www.purepowerbootcamp.com

Maintenance Journal

6 Months, Day 9:
Monday, monday getting ready to start the engine for the week...woke up today a little late so I was a bit frazzled because I knew I was going to be late for bootcamp. These are the days one wishes they had a super fast bat mobile! Anyhow as imagined, I was a bit late but not too bad - considering I had to take a different train and walk 6 blocks vs usually just one block. Anyhow, as imagined once I got there (8 minutes late to be precise) I had to run extra laps and the worst part is the rest of the troop got punished with extra mt. climbers and squat thrusts for me being late. Felt horrible! 
So besides extra mt. climbers and squat thrusts, we also had a course of different intervals which included: running with the sand bags, box jumpers, step ups with weights, and of course going through the course of hurdles, walls, oh! and today we also did some rock climbing - which was  really fun except when you reached the higher part of the wall and were holding on to dear life and your fingers felt like they were making an impression on that wall just so you wouldn't drop off. Yup, something like that at bootcamp. All at 5:30 in the morning...

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." - Henry Ford