I couldn't ask 4 more on a Dec 16

I couldn't ask for more...

on a December 16

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

December 16, 2012

Reading my horoscope is not a habit of mine for a number of reasons. One of them is the lack of time and interest, and the skepticism that always invades my mind, but I just got through reading it by coincidence.

Sagittarius daily Overview

Your social energy is vibrating at just the right frequency today -- so make the most of it and connect or reconnect with folks who could be important to you. It's a great day for parties!

Here's when the rebuttal begins:

1) My social energy is not vibrating at all. It's been awfully low since I have not exercised regularly and stopped taking my vitamins.

2) I did somewhat reconnect with a very important person that I kept avoiding to call (I just got off the phone after talking to him). 

My father! At any given moment in the past not only would I have refused to talk to him but the only thought of him would've stirred nothing but negative emotions within. Many pessimistic memories about him haunted me endlessly unlike now. I won't discuss our issues in detail but one of the reasons we never clicked is because we are a mirror of one another in many ways. We both are very strong willed and imposing, that's why there were many confrontations while growing up. 

Neverthless, this morning when one of my sisters called I told her that I am very grateful for all the undeserved blessings I've been given.

3) Today it is most definitely NOT a good day for parties! My list of priorities has reversed, meaning that partying comes at the very far end of my list. I expressed my deepest thoughts and feelings to my sister this morning about my panorama like this:

TRJ- RG3,

"Too bad we didn't have a chance to catch up with all this family craze as we celebrated HR1's (my oldest brother) birthday yesterday and mine today. Don't sweat it, there will always be time later on like mom always said, "hay mas tiempo que vida," - time is longer than the rope. 

Thanks for everything, my day was very nice and quiet but that is all I need because I am very grateful to everyone for everything. Mom and I didn't go out to lunch or anything, we just went to mass, had lunch here and i finished some work. 

I was feeling down for a few days because I always get melancholic during the holidays but the truth is that God has given me way too much. Plus there are millions of people who are really at their very lowest so I am just happy to finally be in the final stage of this physical interruption that really had me suffering!

I have a lot of faith, hope and inner peace like never before and I was radiant in happiness when all of you called (except RG2, but I know she's not too expressive so I am not bothered). Even dad called just a little while ago. Just knowing that all of you are a part of my life, is priceless. 

It is the bomb to have so much love and so many siblings but the best of all is that we are very close. Having you and knowing that we are all healthy and that we have a wonderful mother who's always been a true warrior and a great example to us, is one of the greatest blessings. 

Listening to my niece and nephews adorable voices singing happy birthday to me is heart melting!

Dad sounds a lot more relaxed now and I am at ease because we are now finally able to let sleeping dogs lie and we are ok. I am going to go see him as soon as I am fully recovered physically.

There isn't really any better way to celebrate my birthday, so I could NOT ask for more."

God bless!

4) My two or three real close and lifetime friends facebooked me as well (I reopened another account that I very seldom check but for the most part, I only look at the notifications that I get by email without having to open my dull, pictureless and commentless account)

The nicest comment from my long time great friend, K. E. was, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND. I LOVE YOU LOTS AND MISS YOU SO MUCH. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!"

With this in hand, what else could I have thirsted for on a December 16 or any given day?

Drinking has its benefits…

Drinking has its benefits…

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

Dec 13, 2012

My drinking habits are abiding all year round, that's why my fridge is always equipped with two exquisite and refreshing drinks.

Firstly, I don't give room for high caloric drinks such as coke or Arizona juice because their sugar content is very high (even when coke is amongst my top 3 favorite junk drinks). I can immediately dump them over something more natural and healthy. The only time I've had coke about three or four days a week for eight weeks straight (and almost 1 entire liter of coke one day), was just a few weeks ago because my body cajoled me into cheating.  

Red bull and energy drinks of that sort are not a temptation, they feel more like a poison in my body. The only time I had half a bottle of one Red bull, the texture was funny, the after drinking effect was like loads of sugar on my tongue so I rather stick to more ordinary fluids. 

Gatorade, powerade, electrolyte, and other power drinks of that category can be detrimental in the long run. 

Coffee and hot chocolate aren't amongst my must haves for two reasons; 

1) I'm not  a coffee addict, doing without it suits me well. My metabolism is very fast as it is and I'm pretty hyped up 95% of the time. 

2) The sugar content in chocolate is outrageous, that's why I only have it very randomly.

Booze is not something I voluntarily buy unless I go to a BYOB (bring your own booze) potluck or dinner. 

Wine, I am not some sort of connoisseur of it. 

Rum, Whisky, Vodka, I am not too keen on these, I can't tell the difference between them to begin with. I'm a babe in the woods in this aspect. 

Therefore, I'd rather stick with good the 'ole tequila. 

My drinking habits don't have to do with any of the already mentioned. My affair with a good drink is better connected with greens. On a sweltering summer I can have up to three liters or more, during the winter the consumption is reduced to two liters always leaving me refreshed, no matter the weather. 

A glass of this green blood is always lying on my nightstand, ready for me when I wake up in the middle of the night.

When I go out for a late dinner, my bottle of this green liquid is always embraced by my grip.

The reason why I am all for this stimulating green drink is because:

It provides the same benefits as iron

It is a powerful detoxifier and tonic

It is high in amino acids

It cleans blood and it creates red blood cells

It helps maintain a healthy colon

It regulates calcium

It is a very powerful antiviral and anti-bacterial 

It improves liver function

It stops cancer cells from developing

It helps fight infection

It is an oxygen booster

It is rich in enzymes that promote quick rejuvenation of our cells

It helps skin disorders

It helps break addictions

It is used as an anti-inflammatory

It is calorie free unless you choose the sugared type 

Chlorophyl offers the benefits mentioned above plus others, that is why there is always a bottle of this marvelous drink in my covert.

And 

Health is one of my priorities so once I am 100% recovered, I will cross the milestone of just being healthy to being fit once again with this drink plus a load of water, plenty of milk and enough protein shakes backing me up so I can take advantage of the many benefits of drinking. 

La Guadalupana

La Guadalupana

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

December 12, 2012

I learned a lot about faith from my parents, especially from my mother. I still have memories of us going to mass week after week. As a born and raised catholic, I was baptized and did my first communion.

When I was a teenager I became part of a catholic youth group which played an important role in forging who I am now.

That very short lasting stage in life eventually became tedious and I soon got distracted with other 'better' things and dropped it, that followed my complete disconnection with all religion matters. Spiritual matters were not necessary after all…Only every once in a while when things were not that rosy. 

The truth is that deep down I always prayed and reached out to God and La Virgencita, in the dim lighting of my room when the entire world was asleep. When daylight came I put on a good show and faked that I was very tough and those issues were irrelevant and pointless. 

I had forgotten those prayers until my youngest sister reminded me a few weeks ago, "I remember when we were younger, you prayed every night."

Her comment caught me off guard because I thought nobody knew about my spiritual side. 

About a year and a half ago, I started going to F. S. S. P., where I've found the long sought inner peace. F. S. S. P. has taught me simple yet BIG things. To give unconditional love and to hold on to faith no matter what. Amongst the most important values, I've learned to cherish and have faith in La Morenita, or La Guadalupana, our Mexican virgin. 

Especially today, on her day, Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe.' On december 12, the  majority of Mexicans (about 70%,) gather around the Basilica in Mexico City (the second most visited temple worldwide) and in churches all around Mexico to thank  the mother of our nation for the miracles granted during the year. 

Last night as I slowly fell into a deep sleep, I could hear fire crackers afar and this morning I was awakened at dawn by the cracking of fireworks to welcome her. 

Not many believe that she belongs to us nonetheless; according to El Siglo de Durango, a Mexican newspaper,  a Chinese business man tried to patent La Morenita as theirs, on February 28, 2002. http://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/9131.comercializan-chinos-imagen-de-la-virgen-de-g.html

Mexicans were very outraged and insulted when the news spread. Who would've thought that the Chinese would be devoted to our virgin? There may be some Chinese catholics but I have never met a single one so it is hard to put the two together.

To Mexicans she will always be the mother and protector of Mexico so no one can just come and snatch her from us.  We will continue to celebrate this day and to worship her because she will never leave us nor forsake us.

Pulled in different directions

Pulled in different directions

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

Dec 8, 2012

The nature of my job/s requires a lot of time on the computer robbing me from my favorite hobbies. 

My weekly goals are something like this:

1) Pray 5 to 10 minutes longer (20 minutes). 

2) Attend Sunday mass regularly and whenever I can during the week. 

3) Spend time with my mom and have lunch with her almost every day. 

4) Workout 4-5 days (when I am in good health).

5) Read and get soaked with topics I like: Health & Fitness, business, finance, politics, philosophy, culture, traveling, law, tourism, etc. 

6) Do volunteer work once a week.

7) Work: That means juggle my time between Health & Fitness, Translating/Interpreting and Teaching. 

8) Post 3-5 articles 

Reality looks is otherwise:

1-2) Praying: 

There are days when it is almost impossible to keep my eyes open so I keep dozing off in the middle of my prayers. But I will NEVER give that up. Running off on very little sleep is not helpful but since August that I have NOT worked out, squeezing in a little more zzz's has suited me perfectly; my cheeks are now rosy and chubby.  :(

2-2) Regular Sunday and daily mass: 

We are 23 days from wrapping up this year and I've only missed two Sundays (One of them was when I recently got operated). I've attended mass during the week every chance there is or when my unstable agenda variates. 

3-2) Mom-me time:

There aren't a whole lot of regrets in this department as I spend quite a reasonable amount of time with her. There are times when we get catty or disagree with each other BUT everything's under control for the most part. :)

4-2) Breaking a sweat:

It is been a little over sixteen weeks that I've set foot at my gym (or any gym) that I've forgotten what it is like to sweat like a real woman. Huh!?

It was torture at the beginning but I am no longer concerned because I am on a countdown from getting a hold of my "normal" me. This experience has taught me to be stronger but more so, to be more patient. Sometimes we have to learn to be more lenient the hard way and so I have.

Right now, my physical therapy is the only action I am exposed to but no complaints as that's got me on the way to recovery. 

5-2) My reading time? It is almost always NON existent

I honestly resent the lack of time spent in this territory. It is not like I don't read enough. I get my share of it but I am mostly flexible to read books and topics I don't necessarily enjoy. The reason behind this is that every one of my classes is required to read a book which we all agree with. Therefore, MY reading gets put aside. What irritates me more than anything is when my students don't keep up with the reading, especially when I am very acquiescent. 

Another reason is that my jobs require me to read a lot about various issues not are per-say amongst my favorite. 

For instance, I went to a bookstore earlier today and bought two Health & Fitness magazines that I had planned to skim through at 8ish the latest, (it is now 10pm and I've got another hour to go).

6-2) Charity labor:

This division had to be suspended for just a little while but I will soon rebuild the bridge and start acting upon this good deed. Albeit not being able to spend as much time as I'd like, I will definitely not break my affair with it because it is in my nature and it has become a part of who I am. 

7-2) One of the most important units in a human being's life and what encourages us to better develop and push ourselves professionally. Before I decided to merge this remarkable and demanding mix of jobs, I had never found something that entertained me as much. 

8-2) Last but not least! I've become more compromised with this therapeutical hobby. My weekly goal is to post 3-5 articles a week but several times when I have the best intentions to get to it, something unexpected comes up. 

1-3) Yes, this morning I wanted to pray a little longer but there was too much work to do so I had to hop out of bed very slowly to avoid hurting myself (I am moving in slow motion these days). 

2-3) I only made it to Sunday mass the last couple of weeks but I will take advantage of being able to drive now and schedule one mass during the week. 

3-3) I've spent more time with my mom than with any other person during the last few weeks.

4-3) Reaching my physical goal. Frustration is no longer lingering in my mind. I am assimilating things a little better and I am so joyful because it will soon be re-integrated. 

5-3) Make myself understand that there will not always be "Me" time. Instead of holding a grudge on this, overturn my emotions and try to make the best of it! Besides, it's really not all that bad. This almost month long "forced" break allowed me plenty of time to enjoy and finish two of my preferred books! 

6-3) My heart is longing this for a couple of weeks now. With this in hand, this is amongst my top things to do. 

7-3) Work can be tedious if/when I let it get to me. As of Friday  I've been snowed under with translation work and deadlines at school. On Friday my brain felt like bursting at any second after I spent most of my day translating a legal document. When I was finally through with it, there was a medical report to edit.

This morning, there was another medical report to translate and so it got done. There were also grades and progress checks to do.

Tomorrow my lesson plans and a Teacher Training Action Plan (to be launched next school year) that another Teacher and I are in charge of awaits, plus I want to post another article.

8-3) When another post is added and when I look at the number of posts, it brings a wide smile to my face and it fulfills  me. I release all my emotions with this, through this, revolving anxiety emotions when I don't do it. 

Is there time for fun!?

Certainly! I took a break and went to buy some magazines and then had lunch with my mother. Later on a friend popped by briefly.

There is no room for monotony as it can sure get tedious…

The truth is, that's what I look forward to day by day because it is the fuel that keeps me going and to be the healthy, happy and strong me. All of this activeness keep me alive, they feed my mind, body and soul so I would never give them up. 

There is always turmoil with my hectic agenda that the image of me tied to four horses pulling towards different directions visits my mind time after time. 

As we speak, my mind is stirring like a tsunami at a million miles per hour trying to plan, strategize and prioritize the few projects that had to be left on standby because of my knee injury.

11:15pm

As soon as my therapy exercises are out of the way and when I make it to bed I will get my hands on my new magazines!

Clean eating

Clean eating 

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

December 6, 2012

Yummy!

Gotta love those greens!

Lighter and smaller meals have landed on my plate lately. This morning was THE perfect example.

My menu today looked like this:

BREAKFAST:

A one liter protein shake, which filled me up till 2pm.

1) Skim milk

2) 2 spoonfuls of agave syrup (Even diabetics can consume it since it is organic)

3) 1 banana

4) 1 apple

5) 2 spoonfuls of herbalife protein powder

6) 2 spoonfuls of herbalife shake powder

7) 2 spoonfuls of birdseed powder (higher protein content than other proteins. Ex: 1 glass of milk enzyme protein birdseed has more protein than 2 or 3 pounds of meat. 

Check for more benefits of birdseed in this link: http://www.squidoo.com/birdseed

LUNCH (2:30):

1) Grilled fish fillet

2) 1 side dish of veggies (I've been trying to eat vegetables every day): broccoli, cauliflower, jicama and tomato with a few drops of vinegar dressing.

2) 1 small serving of beans - 0 bread, 0 tortillas

DINNER (7:30):

1) 2 boiled eggs 

2) 1 slice of toast

3) 1 glass of skim milk

I am slowly trying to integrate more small meals a day to detach from junk, that doesn't mean that there won't be a random free day which will not be particularly scheduled. It will be better to look forward to it after I've worked very hard and I deserve the reward. 

Spiritual quotes

Spiritual quotes

December 2, 2012

Thich Nhat Hanh

At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.

Buddha

However many holy words you read, how many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?

Course in Miracles

If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on this path that you have chosen, you could never experience fear or doubt again.

Eckhart Tolle

To be conscious of Being, you need to reclaim consciousness from the mind. This is one of the most essential tasks on your spiritual journey.

Buddha

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Marianne Williamson

Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we have learned here. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love back into our hearts.

Swami Vivekananda

You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.

Oprah Winfrey

It isn't until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are-not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within-that you can begin to take control.

Mahatma Gandhi

When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.

Osho

A mature mind is one who understands the impossibility of knowing the ultimate, and with this understanding there is a new dimension: the dimension of being.

From the book A Course in Miracles

What could you not accept, if you but knew that everything that happens, all events, past, present, and to come, are gently planned by One Whose only purpose is your good?

Gandhi

To see the universal and all-pervading Spirit of Truth face to face, one must be able to love the meanest of all creation as oneself.

M Scott Peck

The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.

Jesus

The kingdom of Heaven is within you... Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and all things will be added unto you.

Maya Angelou

Spirit is an invisible force made visible in all life.

Gandhi

Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul.

Dwight Eisenhower

The spirit of man is more important than mere physical strength, and the spiritual fiber of a nation more than its wealth.

Kahlil Gibran- Spiritual Frienship

Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit. For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of it's own mystery is not love but a net cast forth, and only the unprofitable is caught... And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things, the heart finds it's morning and is refreshed.

Ralph Waldo Emerson- Spiritual Friendship

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.

Bhagavad Gita

I am the source of all material and spiritual worlds. Everything emanates from me.

The Chupinaya 13.8k

The Chupinaya 13.8k

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

December 1st, 2012

Miss Supercross Dianna Dahlgren

Too much idle time always leaves room for the mind to stray and so many thoughts have lingered in my mind. In 'facing my fears,' just two days ago I mentioned that I am already preparing myself mentally for my come back, not physically quite yet. As a matter of fact I already know that on the first day there will be a battle with me, myself and I to force Gina Yoryet out of bed at the crack of dawn to make it to the gym. I'll start out slowly merging my early mornings little by little until the habit is developed once again. 

I am already envisioning myself training to regain my strength and muscles then power walking, trotting, surging and sprinting. With the help of my runner's bibles I'll eventually get there. 

1) Brain Training for Runners

Matt Fitzgerald

2) Marathoning for Mortals

The Penguin Bingham & Coach Jenny Hadfield

3) Running at 40, 50, 60 (There's plenty of time before I reach

those stages but it is better to anticipate to avoid future injuries)

4) The Runner's Diet

Madelyn H. Fernstrom, PhD, CNS

5) The Athlete's Palate cookbook

Yishane Lee

 6) The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log

Marty Jerome

As any typical health and fitness enthusiast and/or gym rat, I am getting soaked with health, diet, workout and running articles (my own included). Through my internet search, I unexpectedly encountered this article in the Guadalajara Reporter, a local newspaper for the foreign community. Runners set to scale La Chupinaya:  http://www.theguadalajarareporter.com/expat-living-mainmenu-91/lake-chapala-mainmenu-51/community-news-mainmenu-64/31607-runners-set-to-scale-la-chupinaya-.html

Posted on August 24, earlier this year. La carrera 13.8k de la Chupinaya was initiated in 1997. In other times this distance would've been a piece of cake for me but my competitive nature is getting antsy to participate. 

December will be pretty laid back, but in exactly thirty-one days from today, I will be on my training quest to score that 13.8k!

Before that, I have to sketch it all out with an effective diet and fitness plan. For the first time EVER, I am committing myself to:

1) Try the five meal plan to avoid from craving. 

Plus 

1) Stay focused (go on nun mode for weeks and months at a time; in other words, avoid staying up too late or drinking high calorie drinks or heavy dinners) to get lean again. 

2) Alternate between running, cross training, cross fit and Bikram yoga. 

3) Increase my muscle percentage. Get more cut than before. 

I want to welcome my late thirties and forties projecting a healthier and stronger me.