Aletha

I think that I’m on my own about this working out bit.  I thought that my husband was serious, but  the icecream and shakes everyday is getting old.  I understand that he hasn’t have the opportunity to eat like this in a year, but come on.  Any way, my supplements came in today and I’m excited to start the final phase of my training. 

 I started with cardio 6 days a week (45 minute split some days into 2 session depending on my work/family schedule).  Weight training is shifting to 4 sets this week. 

 I had a great work out today.  I warmed up for one mile and did a 3, 1, 30 second fartlet, walked inclined for 3 minutes and reversed the fartlet. 

I did legs today with squats, on the ball glute pumps, and delts today.  Not much time for a lunch break, but better than nothing.

 Tomorrow, I will walk on the stairmill for 30 minute and then do tri-s and chest and calves.

Cheers

In honor of 9-11, three ships of the San Antonio-class, Pre-Commissioning Units New York, Arlington and Somerset, are named in honor of the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and United Flight 93. Not only are these ships named in honor of those communities attacked that day, but these amphibious transport dock ships incorporate materials salvaged from the crash sites.  The metals as well as the names of these ships will keep the memories of those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of freedom. 

New York (LPD 21)
• The New York  honors the 2,752 victims who lost their lives when United Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City.
• The bow stem of the ship was forged from steel from the World Trade Center. New York’s motto, “Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget,” highlights the significance of this steel to the Navy and the nation. On her decks are the best and brightest crew this nation can produce and in our hearts, the hopes and dreams of a nation that will not be kept down.

Arlington (LPD 24)
The Arlington, LPD 24, named for Arlington County, Va., where the Pentagon was damaged by a hijacked airliner, will display metal from the crash site in its interior spaces.   In honor the 184 victims, including 47 Navy Sailors, civilians and retirees, who lost their lives when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the ship will house

Thank you everyone for your recommendation on where to start with working out with my husband.  We decided to start with cardio.  This week he and I have been doing 2 miles a day.  Since he’s been back from Iraq he has the craziest cravings.  For instance, green grass.  With the dry summer days, I’ve let the grass go some.  Well, thanks to hubby, it’s green again….lol.  Food, he craves Baskin Robbins and some junk food.  It’s not fair for me to put him on a diet right now until he satisfy one year of not having them.

 Have a safe weekend everyone.

Hi everyone,

I’m glad to say that my husband is home from Iraq.  We are happy to say that he’s of sound mind but needs to detox for about a month before he can say that he’s normal again.  The simple effort of  being out in a crowd is stressful. 

He wants us to start working out together which is odd, because never in our 10 years of marriage has he ever expressed that desire.  Being in  a war zone and witnessing the death of others changes any man.  He is ever more committed to us and I just love it. 

The boys are having an adjustment of authority but, that is normal.

My concern is, how do I create a work out program that is compatable for both of us?  Help!

Today, we have the fortune to have the CNO visit our compound. So, I’m off to get ready. I’m hoping to get my yoga in too.

Attached is a picture of me in my summer whites. The uniform doesn’t do me justice. Hubby will be home by the end of August. I’m so happy because we are going to move into a new housing facility.

Cheers.

As we celebrated Memorial Day today I am reminded of the age old tradition of recognizing our fallen soldiers and those who are POW.  
 

The symbology of the POW table says it all.  It reminds us of the men and women Prisoners Of War from all branches of service that are too often forgotten.  Let us remember them. 
 

The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms so that their children could remain free. 
 

The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against his oppressors. 
 

The black ribbon on the candle reminds us of those who will not be coming home.
 

The single rose reminds us of the loved ones and families of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return.
 

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate–if we do not bring them home.
 

There is salt on the plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait and remember.
 

The glasses are inverted. They cannot toast with us tonight–maybe tomorrow, if we remember.
 

The red, white and blue ribbon is tied to the flower vase by a yellow ribbon that was worn by thousands who awaited their return.
 

The faded picture on the table is a reminder that they are missed very much and are remembered by their families.
 

As we celebrate the liberty and our freedom this weekend, remember our comrades.  Remember those whom we depended on in battle.  They depend on us to bring them home. 
 

Remember our friends. They are the ones we love–who love life and freedom as we do.  I had the honor to listen to one of our returning Individual Augmentees today and despite being shot at, despite having to guide his convey to safety being chased by enemy, despite living with the knowledge that safety comes with vigilance, he is proud to serve.  He reminds us that wolves serve not on individuality but as a pack.  Like so many of our sailors would say, “one the strength of one link in the cable, dependent the might of the chain.  Who knows when thou might be tested?  So live that thou bearest the strain.” 
 

As I remember, my hero, my husband, who is currently serving in Iraq, please, remember and honor them.  I will hold that place setting for you, hon, as the boys and I wait for your safe return.  Until then, may you rest in the palm of Angels hands.  To my comrades, I honor you and pray for your safe return.  Thank you for serving for a great cause.
 

God bless the U.S.A.

Hey everybody.  After a year of iliosoas issue which created a very severe lower back injury, I’m glad to say that I’m 90% pain free all because of one doctor’s unique treatment method.  After getting injections into the muscle three times, various chiropractor and acupuncture appearances, and just plain rest I just couldn’t take the pain anymore.  Mind you, I have a very high pain threshold, but the pain was so unbearable that I couldn’t sleep.  My back kept locking out and the only thing to relieve it was heavy muscle relaxant.  I hate pills. 

 Well, my Osteopath strongly believes that most of my pain stems from my poor feet structure.  Through six treatment, she was able to reset my bones back into their proper muscular location.  For instance, my femur was sitting too far above the muscles.  The great things about an Osteopath is that even though she’s extending the muscle and realigning the bones, you bearly feel the process until the bones sets and the nerves and muscles are given a clear channel to flow. 

“The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of a relationship”.  General (Ret)

Hey everyone.  I guess the saying that "no news is good news" is a myth.  I’ve been doing the single parent thing while my husband is deployed to Iraq and doing full time job.  Needless to say, there have been several challenges. 

I’ve decided that it’s too difficult to train and compete.  So, until my husband returns, 2010, I’m just going to try to maintain what I’ve gained through out the last three years.  I’m not sure if I wanted to compete with the Figure community changing as it is right now any way.  So, perhaps, this is for the better. 

My main focus, to ensure that the kids are cared for and to provide for them to the upmost of my abilities.

Cheers

Sure to my quote, "embrace the negative", I am living that to the "T".  My husband is been gone BOG for 4 months now.  Even the youngest is having a hard time.  More bad news, my husband will be there for longer than a year.  My oldest overheard me talking and just went crazy at school. 

I have to get him some counseling because the separation anxiety is unbearable for me as a parent watching him hurt so much.  I am struggling with the thought of such a long separation.  Today, depression hit me and I just don’t want to get out of bed.  The boys finally kind of forced me out of bed to feed them and then, back to bed I went.  I am going to get of of bed in the next two hours, one way or another.

 Please, your prayers are badly needed.