Okay, so the weather was complete crap on Wednesday, but Thursday?! It was so beautiful! In the 70s, bright, sunny, I was in love. Now let's see how long it stays this way...Anyway, I am so glad this week is over! I had my first full normal week since my college travels and it was needed. It was also very tiring. And next week starts AP tests. Monday I have Psychology, Thursday is Latin, Friday is Photo, and the next Tuesday is US Government. But on the bright side, I really only have a month left before I graduate! And that means I am also almost 18 (Yay, June 6th!)! All so exciting, but I really need the summer, now!
On Monday I met with a personal trainer. He is a former body builder and really knows his stuff. So in the next coming weeks after my life settles back down again, I think I am going to start up a whole new fitness routine. I am still struggling to put on any weight and the next step is to work with someone who knows how to "bulk up". I have really come to a plateau with my strength training anyway. I want to learn how to lift heavy, not lower weights with tons of reps which is what I do now. I only have access up to my 60 lb barbell, and I know I can squat a hell of a lot more then that! I am not seeing the results I want. And when that happens, that means you need to change things up. With that said, I am also so scared. I have been doing my workout style for years and completely changing it is going to be scary of course, but I am up for the challenge. Hopefully this will get my body prepped for things like Crossfit, running, and everything else i have been dieing to do. And of course I will still be doing tons of yoga. That will never change, ever! And you know what's exciting? I bought a bunch of stuff on Amazon over the weekend, two of these things were yoga books! The first one to come yesterday was Asanas (608 Yoga Poses) book. Yes. 608 amazing poses to practice and learn to deepen my practice! I can not wait to get outside again in the warm weather and practice outside and take tons of yoga selfies like last summer! Woohoo!
Okay, now changing topics, and I hope you all can read this one! Here is my 16th link-up to FTSF (Finish The Sentence Friday)! FTSF is that you are given a sentence each week and you finish it however you want, long or short. This week’s sentence was, "I have absolutely no interest in..."
I have absolutely no interest in partying next year. I don't. I am not the big social butterfly looking for the big social college scene. That is not me and never has been. In the Facebook group for the GW class of 2018, kids write out little bios and post about what they like and where they hope to dorm next year. A huge majority of the students want the Thurston dorm, which is the "party" dorm. It is also the largest freshman dorm. I however, have no interest in that and do not want to be around it (i.e. I will not be listing that dorm on my housing application!). I am also NOT the drinker, smoker, "typical crazy college kid". I will be perfectly content spending my weekends at the yoga studio of exploring the city and that is what I plan on doing. Will I miss out on the "college experience"? No, I don't think so. The college experience is what you want it to be. And I know what I want it to be and that is what I am going to do and follow. I won't compromise my values, beliefs, and interests just to be a part of the crowd. I am my own. I am Rebecca 🙂
Monday: Welcome Back! {DC Day 1}
Tuesday: Walking, Sightseeing, And Barre3 {DC Day 2+3}
Wednesday: Some Great Eats In DC
Thursday: MyYogaWorks, My New Yoga Love!
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
+ 6 Tips To Get Motivated When You're Feeling Depressed
Help yourself get out of that funk.
+ Motivation Monday - Choosing Contentment
Learn to be satisfied with where you are and you will find peace.
+ 7 Tips For Living On One Income (Or Less)
7 great tips to help you make it work!
The best thing you can do, is just be you!
+ Celebrating Your Birthday On Facebook Is Awesome And Frustrating
So true! What do you guys do? Like every comment or individually thank everyone, or, just one big thank you at the end of the day?
+ 22 Problems All People With Resting Bitchface Will Understand
I get this crap all the time. I could be the happiest person in the room and someone has to say something stupid like, "o come on, smile!"
+ 6 Things I Don't Understand About The Fat Acceptance Movement
I completely agree with this. Yes, we should love ourselves and bodies, but we should not be promoting it in such a way that no one acts to fix the problem.
+ 7 Simple Steps To Lower You Stress (Without Meditation Or Exercise Required)
Nothing you can't do! Be aware, acknowledge, and remind yourself.
+ 13 Productive Things To Do While Watching TV
You won't ever find me binge watching TV shows, but I know I am in the minority here!
+ Take The Baby Steps. But Take Them. - What Defines Us Is How Well We Rise After Falling.
Lucie is such a strong and brave women. Must read!
+ Even More Things They Don't Tell You About Pregnancy, Labor, And Postpartum Recovery
O god, no, I really don't want children, haha!
Fitness:
Is your body telling you to take a rest? Know the signs. You should let it have one.
+ 4 Simple Tips To Improve Running Form Today
Be a STAR!
+ 78 Year Old Vegan Bodybuilder Might Make You Reconsider Your Diet
This guy is awesome! Athletes can thrive on any diet when done right.
+ The 50 Hottest Female Trainers In America 2014
So inspiring!
+ Something A Group Fitness Certification Won't Teach You
Be kind and compassionate. Inspire and be a comforting guide.
+ Down Side Of Daily Intense Workouts
It is not good to go all out on every workout you do. Take some slower more moderate days to stay at your peak.
+ Ramblings On Confidence + New Goals
This post is much more then just rambles!
Food:
I can say I made some gains in not being a food snob since I actually ate out! But I still will always be one...always.
+ You Will Eat Your Peas Now As Big Food Binges On Protein
Well this is embarrassing. I just started eating ALT Bars and now I just feel like a gullible American to the big food companies.
+ Secrets To Successful Gluten-Free Baking
It is not so hard once you understand the differences and little tricks that make things work.
+ Does Washing Fruits And Vegetables Prevent Foodborne Illness?
It doesn't matter if the produce is organic or not, foodborne illness bacteria can thrive anywhere.
+ Loafing Around: 10 Benefits Of Sourdough
From the queen of bread baking. I am dieing for sourdough, but it seems like so much work and scary with creating the starter. but I have found some good gluten-free recipes for it...soon...soon it will happen.
+ Ugh, Vegans
We are just normal people, like you. Why the special awkward treatment?
I eat like me, you eat like you, then we can all be happy 🙂
Look at all the wonderful products Earth is now offering! This makes me so happy 🙂
Health:
+ 10 Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
I have never heard of the pickle juice one!
+ How Conventional Medicine Got Autoimmune Diseases All Wrong
You need to find the cause and heal yourself, not suppress it with medications.
+ The Diet That Works
Beautifully said!
+ Melbourne Researchers Find Trigger For Celiac Disease
They may have found the "trigger point" for the autoimmune reaction to gluten!
+ Is Adrenal Fatigue Making You Fat?
The effects of stress on the body and you hormones.
+ Counting Calories - Harmful Or Helpful?
I guess it does depend, but I know it is not for me.
+ 50 Easy Healthy Habits You Can Start Now
Get on track with that healthy lifestyle! It is not hard; you can do it!
Blogging & Social Media:
+ 6 Easy Steps To Update Your Twitter Header Photo
I totally hate the new Twitter profiles, but Danielle's tutorial can make yours just a bit better 😉
+ Google Will Be Better Off Minus Google+
I knew it! I was always skeptical about Google+. I made a profile because certain big bloggers said it was a good idea, but no, I never actually use it. It is really just a waste.
+ Food Photography Tip 8 - Sharper Images
Well I guess it is all about depth of field.
+ How To Create Food Posts That Drive Thousands Of Visits To Your Blog
My number one thing to work on is my photography....(and maybe starting to make "Pinterest-Friendly" Images.)
+ What I Have Learned From Criticism
How do you deal with criticism on your blog and in your life?
+ How To Make A Graphic That Gets Pinned
I love Pinterest! But again, my own photos aren't Pinterest-Friendly!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Roasted Potato and Asparagus Lentil Salad with Tangy Mustard-Lemon Dressing. This is all right up my ally! So yummy!
Gluten-Free Black Bean Cauliflower Protein Bread. Wow, the most creative and innovative bread recipe goes to this girl!
Fennel & Coriander Sweet Potato Wedges. Such a perfect side dish!
Mexican Grilled Polenta Pizza. This looks like pure gold!
Floral Spring Style. So cute!
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cornbread. Holy yum!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ Well, the beautiful weather on Thursday was lovely (again, another plea for it to stay!)
+ Getting back into some amazing yoga practices this week. I wasn't able to do my normal yoga routine when I was away and I really missed it. Thank the yoga gods for some amazing practices!
So Tell Me:
+ Have you ever worked with a personal trainer? I know half of you are trainer or fitness instructors!
What are you doing this weekend? I will be filling out the GW housing application! Scary stuff! Then I have to work on my blog posts, hopefully do some cooking. Yes, I am so sorry I didn't post a recipe this week! That is crazy for me. But don't worry, next week will be food filled 😉 I also have to finish working out the details for Monday's post with my Celiac challenge for you all 😉 Then on Sunday I will be going to my Aunt's baby shower
Tell me something for your week! I like to hear good news!
I am just full of Yoga surprises this week too! Ekhart Yoga is running a promotion through May 6th for 75% off your first months subscription. Guess what that means...You only pay $3.13! Crazy! I think I may just have to try it out...you can't beat that price!
I will also be doing a quick review post tomorrow which I have procrastinated to the last minute! Make sure you stop by 😉 See you tomorrow loves!
———————————————-
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine
nikkifrankhamilton
Good for you! I wish I would have known who I was and what I wanted when I went to college. I didn't and it was not the experience that I wanted! Good luck to you, with your strength you will do very well!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thank you so much Nikki! 🙂 XOXO
JenB
You are young 🙂 My son is a senior and taking a couple AP tests this week. Good luck to you (and him!). There are so many more options available now, I think there were only a few back when I was in high school (I did take AP American, European history and AP English and passed them).
I try to create a list of what I've been reading but I never gather as many good ones as you have! I like the idea of staying productive while watching TV ... I actually ONLY watch TV if I'm exercising, and I read my book while on the stationary bike. The Counting Calories article was good too, I do count, it is essential for me to keep track as I can eat a LOT! But I definitely can see the pros and cons of it.
Strength and Sunshine
Ah, APs 😉 Good luck to him too! We have to pay and take the AP test in order to even get credit for taking the class as an AP class on our report card and GPA weight! It is ridiculous. It doesn't matter what number grade we get (1-5) but you just have to take it.
Ah yea that is the only time I "watch" more like listen to TV is when I workout!
sarah4rdfl
I have AP psych Monday, lit on Thursday and stat on Friday! I'm feeling super confident about the first two, ehhh stat not so much. But hey it is what it is! I.m so pumped for summer, college orientations, shopping for my dorm and (duh) actually starting my new college adventure!!!!
Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo, psych! I'll send goo vibes while I am taking mine to you 😉 I feel bad for all the lit kids in my Latin class. There are about 5 or 6 that have to go from Lit to Latin with only a 20 minute break! Their hands are going to fall off!
College is going to be awesome! It is going to be such an experience and whirlwind! I am so ready and so not ready at the same time, haha 😉
Kierston
Thanks for the love! Hope you're having a great weekend! p.s. Don't be scared 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
You too Kierston!
And thanks love 😉 I am going to do it, I am going to love it!
Hailey
I completely agree with you on the college experience! It's all what you make it. Personally, I don't think that "typical" college experience is all that great. In my opinion it's much better to make your own unique personal college experience rather than going along with the majority. And, to be completely honest, if people can't have fun without alcohol then that's kind of sad. Haha. Sure, there will be people who will judge you for not drinking, to them I either didn't say anything or asked them if they would like me to judge them for their choices. In saying all that I'm sure you can take a guess that I was definitely not a partier in college and still had SO much fun. Those donuts sound super yummy. I have a serious addiction to all things pumpkin any time of the year 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Everything you said is totally true! Ha, and I also have an excuse for not partaking in drinking and the like. Celiac disease and severe acid reflux! Woohoo medial ailments! 😉
Pumpkin is so lovely, but I haven't used it in many months now! What is wrong with me, I used to be obsessed!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog!
I totally understand not being into the whole party scene. I am not really into it either. But I want to caution you, definitely try to keep an open mind with the whole college experience! It can be very isolating if you only stay in your comfort zone and don't let yourself live a little! There is so much more to campus events and activities than drinking and partying and there are plenty of people that still partake in those activities without going crazy with alcohol/drugs! Just try to stay open minded and put yourself out there! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Definitely! I can't wait to join all the clubs and activities there are! I am even going to start an allergy-free cooking group... him and maybe a yoga group to 😉
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections
So many good links! And yes, it was totally crappy weather here all week but now it's 70 and sunny. So weird!
And now I want to make those pumpkin donuts. I do have a donut pan but have only used it once! Shame!
Strength and Sunshine
This weather this year is just so unbelievable. You basically have to keep all your coats, sweaters, hats, and tanks, shorts, and sunglasses all at the ready!
Damn! Give that doughnut pan some use girl!
Georgia @ Trying Something New
Thanks for the link up! I found some great posts in this one, as well as your blog!
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Georgia! have fun reading love 🙂
Whisk & Knife
Hi there! Thanks for the link up! You have a great site and have gained yourself a new follower! (:
Strength and Sunshine
Aw, well thank you so much for stopping by! XOXO
The Running Chef
So many good posts I actually may have time to read this week Rebecca! I am excited to relax a little next week 🙂 Exciting news? I am done with my MBA on Tuesday, and my dad is coming in less than 2 weeks 😀 Cant wait!
As for working with the personal trainer, that will help you a lot to gain strength and feel better about yourself!
Strength and Sunshine
Ah! Congratulations! That is so exciting 🙂
I hope it will! I want my love for strength training to actually show and now look so "scrawny!"
Tatum | EATS from the oil patch blog
AHHH thanks for sharing those tacos… they look freaking DELISH!! happy friday 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
They so do! Happy Friday girl 🙂 XOXO
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Dude! I hated college because there was that stupid pressure to always have to go out and party - and I don't drink and I don't stay up late! That being said, I totally OWNED IT!!! All my friends knew I would peace out, latest 10... HA HA - and I don't give a HOOT. They wouldn't even remember the evening anyways, so WHO CARES!!!
AND YES YOU DO - get your booty a donut pan, ASAPPPPPPPPPPP!! $9 at Bed, Bath & Beyond!
Strength and Sunshine
Haha we would have been best friends in college then!
O lucky me I have like $50 is gift cards for BB&B! Score!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
DAMMIT why did you not go to University of Colorado! LOL!
Strength and Sunshine
You should come to DC and get another degree 😉
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I'm getting one from Tufts University in Boston right now! LOL! DC is next 😉
Strength and Sunshine
Good! You should get it in Doughnut Baking 😉
cottercrunch
LOL! me too. I was the one that wanted to be in bed by 9pm LOL!
Strength and Sunshine
That will me! And waking up at the crack of dawn!
Nichole
Good luck with all you have left with school! I bet your so excited to almost be done!
Strength and Sunshine
It still seems so far away though! It can't get here quick enough, I have been waiting for this for so long, haha! Thank you!
Brittany Lesser
Great link-up, and thanks for the love again girly! Don't be afraid to work with the trainer, it can really help a lot. I am a trainer myself, so I don't work with another, but I have in the past online! That's how you get started 🙂 Don't be afraid to lift heavy, either. Changing up your routine is the spice of life haha
Strength and Sunshine
Im not scared of lifting heavy, it is what I have always wanted! I just don't know what to expect and how my body will change.
Janine Huldie
I have no doubt you will go far and truly does sound like you have your head on straight as far as college and your studies are concerned. Only wish I was as serious about school at your age. Now, I would do it so differently, but back then I was definitely a bit immature and looking for the most amour of fun I could get sadly, too. And you must not live too far from me, because our weather Wednesday was awful (with a ton of rain and chilly), but yesterday was beautiful and 70 degrees here, too.
Strength and Sunshine
I'm just hoping I will find a good group of friends who think the same way!
I live right in upper western NJ! Bordering PA.
thefitty
My weekend is going to be packed, I tell you! I gotta shop for costumes for Musical Theatre, attend Saturday rehearsals, AND blog post. Ahh, there's just too much! I don't know how you ever have enough time in a day to post daily, but I always look forward to them and read them now 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
I draft all my posts on the weekend! It is the only time I have for my own blog, haha!