Welcome to the Jungle!

Workout post: Sunday, January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

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Well, I'm not going to ramble for too much here. I have three assignments that have to get done and I'm wrapped in my economics reading, which by the way, is difficult and boring. BUT, it's necessary and I want an 80 in this course to boost my GPA and keep it at a 3.7 or so. Grades are very important to me. They haven't always been my best friend, but being an older student now, I appreciate the hard work and dilligence that is required to keep your grades high and above the average line. We all want a great job and what doesn't stop an employer from looking at your grades or requesting to see a transcript of your marks? NOTHING! That's right!! Grades are important too, just as important as who you know and what you know.

I don't think I'll get a workout in today but I did an interval workout yesterday and I recorded my times and distances elapsed. I did weights for 2 sets of 8 and intervals for 20 min plus a 10 min warmup and a 30 min jaunt on some machine that looked like a Precor. Here are the stats:

10 min warmup run for 1 mile

All weights done for 2 x 8 reps
Incline bench press: 25s, 30s
Seated rows: 120lbs, 140lbs
Dumbbell split squats: 30s, 30s
Reverse lunges: 30s, 30s
Dumbbell standing presses: 25x 6 + 20s x 2, 25s x 5 + 20s x 3
Bicep curls: 35lb bar, 35lbs bar
Tricep rope pressdowns: 30lbs, 25lbs

Cardio intervals:
   0-1 min: walk
   1-2: run at 8mph at 2% incline: covered unknown miles
   2-4: walk
   4-5: run @ 8mph @ 2% incline: covered 0.13 miles
   5-7: walk
   7-8: run @ 9mph @ 2% incline: covered 0.15 miles
8-10: walk
10-11: run @ 9mph @ 2% incline: covered 0.15 miles
11-13: walk
13-14: run @ 11mph, no incline: covered 0.18 miles
14-16: walk
16-17: run @ 11mph, no incline: covered 0.18 miles
17-19: walk
19-20 min @ 11mph, no incline, covered unknown miles

I was very wiped at the end of this!! Getting to 0.18 miles is a great milestone for me, and my goal is to run on the treadmill to 0.20 miles for 1 min and eventually *upwards* of 0.25 miles in 1 min, but that's a HUGE step. I think I need to wait until I race outside again on a track to get my times quicker. Running on a treadmill is great, as you can pace yourself much more easily than on a track, PLUS, you have the advantage of no wind.

Post intervals, I did 30 min on a machine similar to a Precor. So 60 minutes of cardio total for this workout.

Thanks for dropping in and have a great week!!!

Black Keys cd review: El Camino

2012-01-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

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Cd review: The Black Keys, El Camino

Rated: 4/5 stars

Two-man bands seem to hit the right hook. First, there’s the White Stripes: a male and female band that hit like a tornado back in the early millennium and rose to prominence with “Seven Nation Army”: ideas of over-analyzing while taking a drag of your filtered Pall Mall. Now we welcome a slightly more tenacious band: two guys, vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney that form the Black Keys. Their seventh album El Camino was released late 2011.

Let’s begin with their name: as mentioned on wikipedia.org and an interview on a Philadelphia radio station Fresh Air, Auerbach and Carney named their act after a schizophrenic artist would leave jumbled messages on their answering machines and refer to their fathers as "black keys.” Oddly enough, the name stuck and the two gentlemen continued to create a sound that fused blues, garage rock and a low-fi growl, while bringing with them a legion of fans.

On El Camino, Auerbach and Carney created beginning tune with “Lonely Boy.” Their video can also be seen on youtube: a one shot deal of a man dancing to his own groove. The idea of the album title, as stated by Carney: “We were actually in Canada on tour (in 2011), in the bus on a long drive, and we drove past an El Camino...one of us suggested we name our record (that) and we both liked it.”

But just so you know, the vehicle on the cover is actually a Chrysler Town & Country van.

Going back to the album though, one can argue about the disparaging quality of El Camino’s song-writing. It’s not outstanding (a little work with a thesaurus could have helped) but it’s heartfelt and simple. Maybe that’s what makes the Black Keys so good. A simple heart, a great rift and top-notch drumming skills. Give those tools to the right two guys and you have a band that knows how to keep time and produce a fresh sound.

With this album, Auerbach and Carney brought in the likes of Danger Mouse: an equally palpable force in music, though leaning more towards hip-hop. Danger Mouse collaborated with Jay-Z, produced with Cee Lo Green and brought serious skills to Gorillaz (Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett) and musician Beck. Lastly, Danger Mouse also toiled with James Mercer of The Shins.

During the fourth song, “Little Black Submarine,” we hear a pained Auerback testify:

“Oh, can it be, the voices calling me?

They get lost and out of time.

I should've seen it glow,

But everybody knows

That a broken heart is blind”

Auerbach and Carney effectively continue El Camino with relentless heart-on-their-sleeve songwriting.

Simple alt-rock has never been so sweet.

For more information on the band, visit theblackkeys.com

.

Monday, January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

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Sometimes, you just have to what you have to do, with what you have and all the courage and passion you can muster.

I saw the rain pelting down this afternoon and I wanted to crawl into a little ball and daydream the afternoon away. But after scoring perfect on my accounting test (fuck yeah!), I knew that a little nap would ruin my high and I gathered my rain gear and headed to the gym.

I'm starting to avoid too much lifting: just focusing on maintaining shape and strength. I did lunges, machine bench press, standing shoulder presses and bentover rows with a weighted bar. Here's what I did:

All exercises done for 3 sets of 8 reps (except chest and back)

1. Standing lunges: w/25s for first two sets, w/30s for the last set
2. Standing shoulder presses: w/25s for first two sets, w/30s for first four reps, 25s for last four reps
3. Machine bench press: 2 x 70lbs
4. Bent-over bar rows: 2 x 80lbs

Cardio was great. I did a 15 min run before weights, then after did 15 min on the stairmill and 30 min run covering 3.30 miles! It was a record for me...felt like I was flying like a cheetah ;)

I have some reviews to write for the paper so, that's keeping me busy tonight (Black Keys, Amy Winehouse, Decemberists and Wilco). I need to score some hours this week and bring home the bacon, lol!

Lioness: Hidden Treasures (cd review)

2012-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

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I listened to Winehouse's cd review and offered my opinion. This piece came easily: it's not hard to write about something you love. It's just a shame Winehouse died early and so tragically.

What Amy Did

CD review of Amy Winehouse’s Lioness: Hidden Treasures

By Jaymin Proulx

Rated: 4/5 stars

When Amy died, she left behind a following of fans and music critics alike that never would have guessed a young woman so musically gifted would be so troubled and a threat to herself. She was always a little left of centre, some complained brazen and dishevelled, but to others, a sheer joy to observe when she was at her best.

This album was released December 2011 and showcases the 27 year old who broke boundaries and let loose a fire of emotion, raw innocence and a fury of self-destructive tendencies that gave way to a fallible character: one that surely not to go away quietly and disappear into thin air. It hit number one on the UK charts and was warmly welcomed.

Winehouse was 27 when her body was discovered on July 23, 2011 in her own bed. Coroners stated alcohol poisoning was the cause a substance that she routinely battled day in and day out. People gathered at her funeral, remembered the lamentable event and wondered afterward, “what if?”

Winehouse’s cd is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Regardless, it showcases her ability to blend both blues, jazz with a twist of R&B that doesn’t come often enough in the music industry. She was unique, simply stated. No one can forget her beehive, her tattoos or her vigilance with the liquid eyeliner.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures is a very honest and gives away the issues that were dealt her way and her inability to manage her problems and success. “Tears Dry,” is a relentless cry for help, asking why she pushes men away, yet breaks in their presence. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” the original by Carol King, shows Winehouse’s vulnerability and her vocal reach.

“Like Smoke,” is a friendly duet with rapper Nas and exudes lyrical genius from both parts.

Unfortunately, at the point of the seventh song, “The Girl From Ipanema,” Winehouse loses organization and deliberation. The next song, “Half Time,” is equally poor and the underlying theme midway through is that love and rejection come expectantly to Winehouse.

Nevertheless, “Body and Soul” with Tony Bennett get her back on her toes and she delivers her sass with style.

Mark Ronson, an English DJ, guitarist, music producer, artist and co-founder of Allido Records, worked with Winehouse on Back to Black and helped her write the hook to “Rehab.” In the liner notes, he gravely questions why Winehouse fell off her path to success.

“I hate the fact that I will never get to make music with her. I feel like a part of my creative soul has been removed, never again to be recovered. But then I have to remind myself how lucky I am to have even got to work on one album with her.”

“I think of her all the time and how she never, ever compromised herself in her music and her everyday life,” he remarked.

For more information, visit amywinehouse.com

Where's your head at- Basement Jaxx

2012-01-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

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Haven't found a replacement for my Basement Jaxx album.
This will be a memory!
Killer!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

2012-01-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

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So, I'll tell you a story. I am going through old music videos that I really like, and as I'm smoking my cigarette, I came across the lyrics of The White Stripes. A really interesting band that has only two people: a man and woman. If they dated, are related or whatever have you, it doesn't matter. They're a great.

I'm gonna fight 'em all

A nation army couldn't hold me back

They're gonna rip it off

Taking their time right behind my back

And I'm talking to myself at night

Because I can't forget

Back and forth through my mind

Behind a cigarette

And the message coming from my eyes

Says leave it alone

Don't want to hear about it

Every single one's got a story to tell

Everyone knows about it

From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell

if I catch it coming back my way

I'm gonna serve it to you

And that aint what you want to hear

But thats what I'll do

And the feeling coming from my bones

Says find a home

Going to Wichita

Far from this opera for evermore

I'm gonna work the straw

Make the sweat drip out of every pore

And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding

Right before the lord

All the words are gonna bleed from me

And I will sing no more

And the stains coming from my blood

Tell me go back home

I like to write because it makes me feel like I sending a message accross and influening people in some way or another. I like to make a connection, to reflect, learn and grow.

I also like to stay in my happy zone when I write. I don't want to be angry, overly fiesty or bizarre but if the emotion comes out, then so be it. I'm not out to hurt and fight, just to be myself and hope that someone can relate.

I also don't want to be overly sensitive, jealous, envious or cruel...but I am a human and I have those emotions. I just try to feel them before they come out and do damage or hurt someone. I am not purposely a mean person (but I have been), I just try to give constructive criticism and be objective and sentimental. We all have feelings and some feel more than others.

There are a lot of writer to are iconic to me: Robertson Davies, J.K. Rowling, J.R. Tolkien, Margaret Atwood, Sophie Kinsella and I can name others but I just wanted to stop. I can mention more about it later.

Oh yeah, and Hunter S. Thompson. But I've never read anything about him except see Trainspotting and think to myself, "wow, that Ewan McGregor looks fiiiine."

Anyhow, I think as a writer, I'm going to break down but I want to break things down myself before it comes back to me like a boomerang. I don't want to get hurt. But sometimes it happens, I think I will be okay. To can only grow from experiences and learn from your mistakes.

This song reminds me of my friend Alicks. She loves the White Stripes and I never really paid much attention to the music of Jack White until now. I guess it never jumped out at me before. But like I said, lessons learned.

So for me, I am going to use my skills, brains, heart, emotions and attitude to fuel my career. I don't have to be self-destructive or a victim, just really good at reaching out to that pack of people. Because, simply, I was there too. I can relate and feel for them.

The White Stripes - 'Seven Nation Army'

2012-01-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

I like to smoke to this and chill.
"Back and through my mind behind a cigarette."
I think I have found a new band I truly admire.
Because they are bad.
And bad is sometimes good.

Enjoy :D

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Meeting George Stroumboulopoulos:

2012-01-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

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I've been a huge, huge fan of George Stroumboulopoulos and meeting him on Friday (the 13th of all days of the month) at Fanshawe for a performance was FAR OUT! I never realized how nice, down-to-earth he is...which goes to show how celebrities have a multitude of facets to their personalities (just like lay-people).

I have a photograph of him and I...I was so nervous to speak to him in front of an auditorium, but he reassured me by calling me "Miss." How sweet is that?

I'm cool in some ways and a bit of a dork in others, so that's why I wanted to blow up this picture BIG TIME! Just to satisfy my satiety. He's energetic and slightly dark but a very nice guy and all around fun to meet! A non-comformist, a bit of a workaholic and intriguing character. Made for a great production!

I even asked him boldly, "How do I become your intern?" Fuck...I was extremely nervous about approaching him, but I did it and am proud :)

Today, I did a 45 min cardio session and yesterday was a short weight lifting session and 45 min of cardio. Nothing too big, too crazy, or too intense. I have school on the mind and work on the backburner, so being a marathoner isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Thanks for dropping in folks!

Fuel - Shimmer (Boyce Avenue feat. Tyler Ward acoustic cover) on iTunes

2012-01-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

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I like this singer's voice and it strikes me odd that you don't hear his accent (Spanish, I think) coming out with his singing. I don't know how that doesn't happen.

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on iTunes

2012-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

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I discovered these guys by accident. These guys also do a great cover of Fuel's "Shimmer." I'll post that up alter on.

Arkham Dispatch, Zealots Desire, The Livin' Art and Motion Groove to perform at Londo Music Hall Lounge Friday, January 13

2012-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

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Four bands bring flavour to London Music Hall this Friday

By Jaymin Proulx

This Friday the 13, let your fear of bad luck dissipate with a line-up of bands that are sure to not disappoint. Arkham Dispatch, Zealots Desire, The Livin’ Art and Motion Groove are hitting up the London Music Hall Lounge January 13, hosted by Concert Promoter Brandon Eedy and Summer Camp Productions.

“The bill is well rounded with some great locals acts giving a little something for everyone. Rock, Garage Rock, Jam Band, and Reggae,” stated Eedy.

“Summer Camp Productions have been in operation in London for 10 years now, putting on great concerts with local area and nationally touring acts. As well as manage, develop, and promote artists and bands from all over Canada. We ran the (now non-existant) Embassy, and then The Salt Lounge (also RIP) and now operate out of the amazing London Music Hall.”

When Arkham Dispatch sat down to describe the event, they were full of enthusiasm and mentioned this night will be their first cd and full length release, titled ‘The Battle of Barrington.’” Members include Alois Halliday on lead vocals, Brett Patterson on bass guitar and vocals, Justin Sears on lead guitar, Jason Harrison on rhythm guitar and Shane Connon on drums.

“We have a pretty diverse selection of music (that we listen to). The focus of our band’s sound is hard rock like Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters. We like hard rock bands with a lot of energy, grittiness and distortion—lot’s of gain on the guitar, a little bit of fuzz and balls to the wall sound,” mentioned Patterson.

“Stuff your mom hates but your dad will love!” Exclaimed Connon.

Connon added they deliberately strive for excellent song writing as well. “We want to bring the best quality we can possibly give.”

Former Fanshawe student Jason Harrison, and guitarist of Arkham Dispatch, studied General Arts and transitioned to UWO to study history and geography.

In terms of the band Zealots Desire, their publicist Heather Morrison, happily informed that Zealots Desire have just released a new CD last month and had a sold out show at Norma Jean’s with My Darkest Days and Jonas and the Massive Attraction. Fanshawe’s Radio Station 106.9 the X is spinning their new cd as well.

“Zealots Desire was invited to perform at Canadian Music Week last year and again coming this year in March. They actually just released their new CD last month and had a wicked release party – a sold-out show at Norma Jean's in London with My Darkest Days & Jonas and the Massive Attraction. They were invited to perform at Canadian Music Week last year and again this year so they've got a ton of great stuff goin on!” Morrison added.

Staylefish vocalist Richard Howard is also bringing some of his energy to a new rock project, called The Livin’ Art.

“We're still waiting on our EP masters but you can hear raw studio stuff in the videos! We just recorded with Steve Rizun (Manager and Producter for The Flatliners) and I’m stoked for my friends in London, the town I’ve lived, at for eight years before moving to Toronto, to hear what I’m doing now!”

The show at the London Music Hall Lounge is $5 advance tickets or $7 at the door. Doors open at 9pm.

For more information, visit reverbnation.com/arkhamdispatch, facebook.com/arkham.dispatch, zealotsdesire.com, facebook.com/thelivinart, facebook.com/motiongroove and summercamproductions.com

Monday, January 9, 2011

2012-01-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

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I think I can speak for all of us when I talk about relaxing and going with the flow. I have to remind myself of that daily: just to ease up, let go and let some things fall where they may land. I don't know if that's the hot-cold Scorpio in me, but everytime I go where I fear to tread, my body seizes up and I overthink and overanalyze a situation that doesn't have to be overly scary and threatening. I'm a passionate and (can be) hot-tempered person and I have to remind myself to slow down and think logically to remedy a situation or just keep standing.

I think Florence + the Machine's album hit a note for me today. I was up early cleaning my apartment and decided to do a workout at 6am to get a jump start on my day. I just added Ceremonials to my iPod and listened to it while heading to the gym. She is such a strong singer...I wish that I had learned an instrument when I was younger, like taking piano lessons or guitar, or learned how to sing. I always dreamed of being like Gwen Stefani on the cover of her Tragic Kingdom album in her cute red dress, but now I secretly want to be like Florence Welch and wear mysterious, trendy avant-garde fashion and be modelling on every music and fashion magazine in the world.

Welch struggled with depression and talked about "burying the horse in the ground," symbolic lyricism for her depression and dark times, and taking them away from her life and burying them deep beneath the ground. I loved that.

This album was one of the most beautiful albums I own by a female artist. And she's not very old either (25, I believe) so it's so neat to come across a classically trained artist that doesn't succumb to changing who she is and what she believes in.

Today's workout:
20 min stairmill + 20 min run (2.13 miles), 20 min Precor, 30 min walk

~ Jay

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out (Live on SNL)

2012-01-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

On of my newest favourites of female music: Florence + The Machine. This was a live recording of Shake it Out on Saturday Night Live a while back.

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The Goddess in the Machine: Florence + the Machine cd review, Ceremonials

2012-01-09T00:53:00.000-08:00

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The goddess in the machine

Written by: Jaymin Proulx in Interrobang of Fanshawe College

Published: Monday, January 09, 2012

Great Britain has produced quite a few remarkable female artists: the late Amy Winehouse, a singer whose fate was overshadowed by substance abuse and cruel love (one can doubt Blake Fielder-Civil was ever vital to her career) and Adele, a songstress who is a force to be reckoned with and who hasn't allowed too much turmoil overrun her calling.

And now the curtain opens to allow Florence Welch to take the stage: a fiery and passionate vocalist fronting the band Florence + the Machine. Their sophomore album, Ceremonials, is a welcome break from everyday pop fare and mediocre lyric writing that stays on repeat in your head.

Ceremonials was released a few months ago and contains 12 songs that are a beautiful combination of soul and pop. She is her own creation, a gypsy in conspicuous fashion (she made the cover of November 2011's issue of Lou Lou magazine, as well as a three-page spread inside), a frontrunner of indie-goth glamour and best known for her powerhouse voice.

Her album is beyond what could be expected for only being a second creation and for being 25 years of age. She has an overwhelming darkness to her lyrics, but with her commanding voice, she brings out joy with each song and fills the CD with character and grace. She performed on Saturday Night Live in mid-November of 2011 and gave a performance of "Shake It Out" – a lucid song about keeping some things to yourself, shaking off the horse and burying it in the ground.

"It's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off. It's always darkest before the dawn," she sings. Yes it is, Miss Welch, yes it is.

Ceremonials is just under 60 minutes of orchestration and combines a multitude of instruments, a background choir and seamlessly fluid organization. If you need to update your collection of Brit-pop songstresses, Florence + the Machine is your next purchase.

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5For more information, visit florenceandthemachine.net.

Apocalypse 2012 - Doc Zone | CBC-TV

2012-01-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

Apocalypse 2012 - Doc Zone CBC-TV

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Something to read later on...

Welcome to a New Year! Monday, January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

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It's the New Year: 2012...the so called beginning of new beginnings: new resolutions, new goals, new plans and new horizons! Don't let this year be one of those "I should have made it to the gym, could have made it to the gym..." Start now and start FRESH!!

I did a great interval workout today and 30 minutes of cardio afterward. I had some drama getting to the gym though...almost through in my towel and cried...but I held on to my hopes of getting in my first workout of the year and I'm very happy that I did.

I couldn't find my keys in the taxi that I took to get to the gym (over here in SW Ontario, the weather is beyond snowy and white. There are literally inches and inches of snow outside, so to walk to the gym was out of question). I panicked, wondering how in the world would I get back to my apartment, or get to school tomorrow, but I thought rationally and asked if the driver could drive me back to my apartment so I could hunt for my keys. This was right in front of my gym and I knew that if I couldn't find my keys, a workout would be beyond impossible...I like to let go of stress when I workout, but this was unreal...and scary.

So the driver took me back to my place and I hunted for my keys and found them at the bottom of my bag. Let me tell you this: I HUNTED AND HUNTED for my keys but couldn't find them when I was five steps from the front door of my gym, but once I'm on home-turf, the keys magically reappear. LORD! I wasted about $15 of cab fare, but I was happy to find them, get my workout on, and bust a sweat-session at the gym.

Warmup: 10 minutes of running on the treadmill (0.93 miles)

Intervals were done @ 2% incline/walk was done at 2.5-3mph @ 2% incline

1-2 min: 0.04-0.20 miles @ 8.5 mph

2-4 min: walk

4-5 min: 0.29-0.43 miles @ 8.5 mph

5-7 min: walk

7-8 min: 0.54-0.69 miles @ 9mph

8-10 min: walk

10-11 min: 0.82-0.98 miles @ 9 mph

11-13 min: walk

13-14 min: 1.11-1.30 miles @ 9.5 mph

14-16 min: walk

16-17 min: 1.41-1.56 miles @ 9.5 mph

17-19 min: walk

19-19:30 min: run @ 10 mph (I held on to the bar and sprinted BRUTALLY HARD!)

15 min of cardio with stairmaster and 15 min of cardio with Precor.

I hope my posting finds you at a time where you really need to be pushed positively and with encouragement! I struggled with my weight and at my heaviest, I was close to 170lbs. I also was a closet binge eater (I struggled with that for a very long time) and turned to food to medicate myself and to cope with whatever life through my way.

I would like to think of myself as being a great advice go-to person. When the going get's tough, think of little ways to make life easier and more fun! Listen to upbeat music, read a good chick-lit book (I love Sohie Kinsella) and be grateful for everything that you have in your life. Give yourself little rewards for hitting of weight loss milestone or fitness goal (i.e. running 3x a week) or try your hand at running a race.

I found a great way for myself, was to listen to great music to download to my iPod or crank before making way to the gym. Gwen Stephani or DJ Tiesto is a great motivator for me to bust my butt over for my runs or weight sessions.

This also comes at time where you should be loving to yourself and accept with what you are. Be confident and proud of what God gave you and remind yourself that the body you have is the one God wanted you to have. And also remind yourself that is life is your own: go out there and make Him proud!

xo Jay

December 30, 2011: Catching up on odds and ends

2011-12-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

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Well, this weather in London almost guarantees a hard time to get to the gym: whether it be road conditions or sloppy streets! But I did manage to get a few sessions in at the gym so I'll post some of my workouts up here to get you to spur into action.

December 7 was my last recorded workout so I'll type up what I have been doing from there on.

Thursday, December 8: 30 min running, 30 min Precor, 15 min stairmill

Saturday, December 10: 40 min walking

Sunday, December 11: interval running on treadmill at 2% incline (run for 1 min, walk for 2); walking was done also at 2% incline. Warmup was 10 minutes of easy jogging!

0-1:   0.15 miles
1-3:   walking slowly
3-4:   0.24-0.41 miles @ 8.2 mph w/2% incline
4-6:   walking
6-7:   0.66-? @ 8.5 mph w/25 incline
7-9:   walking
9-10:   0.78-0.93 miles @8.5 mph w/2% incline
10-12:  walking
12-13: 1.05-1.20 miles @ 9mph w/2% incline
13-15: walking
15-16: 1.32-1.49 miles @ 9.3mph w/2% incline
16-18: walking
18-19: 1.63-1.78 miles @ 10 mph w2% incline
19-21: walking
End of workout

Thursday, December 15: weights and cardio.

Exercises done at 3x8 reps

Deadlifts: 135lbs, 155lbs, 175lbs (last set were very hard)
Lunges: 25lbs, 25lbs
Flat bench press: 35s, 35s
Seated cable rows: 35lbs, 42.5lbs
Incline hammer curls: 40lbs down to 30lbs x 2
Tricep rope pressdowns: 35lbs, 35lbs

Cardio: 15min walk, 20 min cardio, 15 min walk

Monday, December 19:
Another interval workout for 20 min plus 20 min of easy running

Tuesday, December 20: weights and 60 minutes of cardio

Exercises done at 3x8 reps

Incline dumbbell presses: 25s, 30s, 30s
Barbell rows: 70lbs, 70lbs, 80lbs
Dumbbell split squats: 25s, 30s, 30s
Reverse lunges: 25s, 30s, 30s
Dumbbell shoulder presses: 25s, 30-25s, 30-25s
Underhand lat pulldowns: 42.5lbs, 50lbs, 50lbs

15 min run @ 1.51 miles
15 min run @ 1.56 miles
20 min stairmaster
10 min stairmill

Wednesday, December 21: fasted cardio 1.5 mile run and 15 min walk

Monday, December 26: 4.2 mile run in 40 minutes + 20 min stairmill

Tuesday, December 27: Interval workout (17 minutes)

  0-4 min easy run for 0.37 miles
1-2:    0.05-0.15 miles at 8mph w/2% incline
2-4:    walk (at 2% incline at 2.5 mph)
4-5:    0.31-0.45 miles @ 8mph w/2% incline
5-7:    walking
7-8:    0.55-0.71 miles @9 mph w/2% incline
8-10:    walking
10-11:   0.81-0.97 miles @ 9.2 mph w/2% incline
11-13:   walking
13-14:   1.06-1.24 miles @ 9.5 mph w/2% incline
14-16:   walking
16-17:   1.35-1.52 miles @ 10mph w/2% incline

Rest and recovery cardio.

Wednesday, December 28: 55 minutes of cardio (run for 30 min, stairmill after for 25 min)

Thursday, December 29: 35 min of cardio (combination of Precor and stairmill)

Friday, December 30: OFF!!!!

Thanks for coming by and please leave comments if you like.

Boxing Day and quietly spending the evening with my cat

2011-12-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

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Well, now that Christmas has come and went, I feel drawn to staying in and hiding away. But, a trip here MAY come about this New Year's Eve...some decisions to make about how to ring in the New Year!

The bar is called the Guvernment...fitting, although I don't think any laws are passed on dress code (judging by a few skimpy outfits I noticed).

I haven never been, and my friend recently suggested we take a trip to Toronto to see the place for ourselves...

Here is the event: it costs $45 for a ticket to get in, but if you are not a T-dot commuter, you'll have to account for a bus/car/train trip to the provincial capital. I imagine a bus ride to Toronto is between $45-$85. Student discount is applicable for those at any college or university (greyhound.ca).

(I have no idea who these dj's are, btw. But I'll hunt around on cyberspace for some music to sample and share with you). It may also be interesting to find out if they are all on the same electronic record label too.

Top gadgets of 2011 | Sync™ Blog

2011-12-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

Top gadgets of 2011 Sync™ Blog

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Another thing I couldn't pass up. Check out some of this year's top gadgets.

Sympatico.ca Lifestyle : Special Guides : Book GuidePHOTO_GALLERY_BOOK_GUIDE_TOP_10_BOOKS_2011 : book guide - top 10 books of 2011

2011-12-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

Sympatico.ca Lifestyle : Special Guides : Book GuidePHOTO_GALLERY_BOOK_GUIDE_TOP_10_BOOKS_2011 : book guide - top 10 books of 2011

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Thought I would decorate with some "novel" ideas.
Enjoy some the year's best books, according to sympatico.ca!

Marianas Trench - Haven't Had Enough

2011-12-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

I love, love this new album by Mariana's Trench, titled Ever After. This album is similar to works of Simple Plan and other poppy punk rock bands, but the album has its own signature: a slower opening but blasts full speed with a mixture of upbeats and slower melodies. A very good album just in time for the festive season!

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Playlist: 10 Best Workout Songs of March 2011 - Shape Magazine

2011-12-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Playlist: 10 Best Workout Songs of March 2011 - Shape Magazine

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I thought this would shake some motivation into you slackers. I'm going to check out these songs and add them to my iPod. Enjoy!!!

Me = Zena, personified! Tues. December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

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What motivates YOU?

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, is therefore not an act, but a habit. Anonymous.

Make what you do everyday consistent. Make your day the most greatest thing you can do, everyday. Make sunshine your mantra; your higher power your religion; and your dreams your aim. Strive to do the best with what you have, at that moment, consistently. And live like it's your right AND your privilege.
But I hope you like my photographs! These were taken at my gym where I train and I had these done before my trip to Dominican...so they were done mid-November of this year.

Now, if you excuse me, I have some exercise that needs to be done ;)

Vin Diesel "My Way"

2011-12-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

A little motivation for me and you.

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Hairstyles Men Definitely Love | OurVanity.com. Hot Beauty News & Tips

2011-12-12T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hairstyles Men Definitely Love OurVanity.com. Hot Beauty News & Tips

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Thought this was kinda cool. Who doesn't like to pry into a man's mind?

Public Enemy vs Benny Benassi - Bring The Noise Remix (Pump-kin Remix)

2011-12-11T01:14:00.000-08:00

I Iove this Public Enemy and Benny Benassi remix. Go to http://www.youtube-mp3.org/ to download and make a video to song on your iPod.

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So

Super fantastic workout: Wednesday, December 7, 2011

2011-12-07T17:43:00.001-08:00

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So, I've been missing in action on my blog, hence my posting and getting back into my workout and music video uploading. I did a great workout today (75 min of cardio) and skipped the weights today. I didn't feel like lifting any iron, but running and stairmill seemed to call my name.

I have a test tomorrow, a test Friday and two tests next week. I'm just trying to keep my life together right now and I find, being a ENFJ but also very reclusive sometimes, blogging, writing and working out come to me like second nature to deal with stress in my life and make sense to me.

I often get asked, "how do you do it? You must be so motivated and ambitious to workout all the time?" I reply, "it's what I am good at. I'm good at working out, running and weight lifting in general, so I tend to stick to what comes easily to me."

I also find my blogging keeps me accountable and motivated to post what I do. It's not necessarily a way for me to behave, but rather just to motivate others who find exercise more of a struggle. Or those who deal with losing weight: reading my blog and seeing what I do on a regular basis can be a source of aid to others. I know, for me, reading blogs by IFBB pro Pauline Nordin (LOVE HER!) and NPC figure competitor Allison Moyer (Love her too!), motivate me very well. They are gifted athletically and I always look to their blogs as a way to see how I can push my comfort level from beyond mediocre and teaches me more about training.

It's hard to stay motivated sometimes. Listening to music also helps me to get in the mood to workout and I like to watch youtube videos of athletes training or dowload songs to my iPod to get my mojo to the gym. And keep it there :)

Workout today:
30 min Precor
30 min run on treadmill
15 min on Stairmill

If this seems a lot to you, keep in mind I have been doing this for a while now...no big deal. I want to train for a 1/2 marathon and a marathon I'm doing a little bit more these days!

I tried out a great, yummy recipe today:

--2 cans of tuna (drained, no oil added)
--With 3/4 cup of President's Choice Blue Menu Butter Chicken cooking sauce
--1 tablespoon oil

This is great way to enjoy the flavour of East Indian cuisine without the hassle of knowing what's in a regular portion of Butter Chicken (plus it's with tuna) in terms of macronutrients. It's also A LOT cheaper than going out for dinner!

Heavy cardio day: Mon, November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T20:52:00.001-08:00

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Today I had a great, longer session of cardio and felt really awesome getting in a good sweat session. I did 30 min run (3.19 miles) and did a 60 min bootcamp class at Suffer System with Eric and Maria. I'm really whetting my appetite for my trip to Dominican (we leave Saturday for my sister's and her fiance's wedding) and also boxing...sounds kind of random rereading this, but I have been thinking, "what would it be like to try MMA or boxing? Would I be good? I'm a little worried about getting the crap kicked out of me, but it might be kind of fun to try a different sport. There's only so many miles I can run before I get tired of being alone (but don't think I wouldn't love to go for a run with a team!) but running is strictly a sport that fits a certain somatotype and I think I may make a good boxer than a faster runner.

Today's workout was a lot of rope skipping, stair running and core work.

Some ask me what gives me satisfaction with being physically fit? I think it really just comes down to plain, old leanness. I love the way I look when I'm defined, fit and my quads separate...funny bodybuilding talk...but I love looking athletic. I like being lean, I like being fit and I LOVE being strong...both in mind, body and spirit!

Being strong is not about food, but it can be. But what it *REALLY* means, in my opinion, is being of solid character, solid faith and being true to yourself. If you choose to be an athlete and eat a certain way, good for you! But avoiding food or developing a disordered way of looking at food and your body, is not healthy. And it's emotionally draining and depriving yourself of life and general well being.

If you have any questions regarding eating disorders, you should talk to your doctor and check out this website: ed-bites.blogspot.com. Sometimes it's hard to know what you are going through or developing, but there are those who can help.

Intervals, steady state and all that jazz! Friday, November 18, 2011

2011-11-18T19:55:00.001-08:00

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Today's workout was super. I mentioned on my facebook page what music I listened for my workout and I will mention the 18 songs that played on my iPod. These are great dance-electronic and a few rock songs that periodically play over and over during my cardio session. Check them out by going on youtube, dowloading the website, then go to a website that switches youtube videos to mp3 files and you can download them to your mp3/iPod player.

1. Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)
2. Metro (System of a Down)
3. DJ had us falling in love (Usher)
4. If I had you (Adam Lambert)
5. Someone to love (Justin Bieber)
6. I like it (Enrique Iglesias)
7. Pick up the phone (Dragonette)
8. The longest road (Morgan Page)
9. Addiction (Medina)
10. Club can't handle me (Flo Rider feat. David Guetta)
11. Easy (Dragonette)
12. Sexy Bitch (David Ghetta feat. Akon)
13. Forward-Faint (Linkin Park)
14. Liar (Dragonette)
15. Memories (David Ghetta)
16. Swedish House Mafia
17. Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N' Roses)
18. Somewhere I belong (Linkin Park)

Some of them I skipped through and moved on to the faster, bass-ier songs.

Here's my workout tonight, no weight, just intervals and steady state to really wind myself for the night...need to drink some camomile tea to s-l-o-w down for the evening...

10 min easy run (0.98 miles)
8.5 mph at 2% incline--0.15 miles
2 minutes rest
9mph at 2% incline--0.15 miles
2 minutes rest
9 mph at 2% incline--0.16 miles
2 minutes rest
9 mph at 2% incline--0.15 miles
2 minutes rest
9.3 mph at 2% incline--0.17 miles
2 minutes rest
9.5 mph at 2% incline--0.16 miles
2 minutes rest
9.5 mph at 2% incline--0.15 miles

Total running time was 45 minutes with 15 minutes on Stairmaster after.

Some of the things that really motivate me to get my workout in, are dowloading new songs to listen to. I *REALLY* like my Much Music Dance 2011 album...there's a lot of great and awesome songs that are catchy and have good rhythm to run on the treadmill. I once had this conversation with a friend once: some music is really compatible for running on the treadmill. Some music is more suited to Stairmaster time and then there's heavy, angry metal, industrial or rock that's great for weights. I'm a music fanatic, but I don't know all songs, so if you have some favourite tunes for working out to, just let me know...PLEASE!

This weekend is the NPC Nationals, so I'm really rooting for Allison Moyer...she has great taste in music and I always like seeing what she listens to and I copy it from youtube to my iPod...a neat little free trick that saves you from iTunes spending! You can google that on the web and find the website that does it: youtube-mp3.org is a great website.

Workout update! Monday, November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T07:21:00.001-08:00

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Well, sorry-sob story aside (from last post), things are going great and I'm feeling good. My motivation is high, my spirits are plentiful and I feel just plain relaxed, refreshed and happy. Going home to hang out with my family was v-e-r-y needed and I always a sense of balance and calm when I spend even just one night at my parents' place. Plus, my sister was there, and that made it even more special (my "birthday weekend").

I'll update you with what I have done from the 7th onward.

Yesterday: Sunday, Nov. 13
Intervals on treadmill
5 min warmup run (0.44 miles) at 5.5 mph
1. 1 min sprinting --0.50-0.68 miles @ 2% incline at 8.5 mph (0.18 miles)
Two minutes rest
2. 1 min sprinting-- 0.74-0.90 miles @ 2% incline at 8.5 mph (0.16 miles)
Two minutes rest
3. 1 min sprinting--0.97-1.12 miles @ 2% incline at 8.5 mph (0.15 miles)
Two minutes rest
4. 1 min sprinting--1.18 - 1.38 miles @ 2% incline at 9.0 mph (0.20 miles)
Two minutes rest
5. 1 minute sprinting--1.42-1.59 miles @ 2% incline at 9.0 mph (0.17 miles)
Two minutes rest
6. 1 minute sprinting--1.68-1.84 miles @ 2% incline at 9.0 mph (0.16 miles)
Two minutes rest
7. 1 minute sprinting--1.92-2.07 miles @ 2% incline @ 9 mph (0.15 miles)
Two minutes rest
8. 1 minute sprinting--2.16-2.31 miles @ 2% incline @ 9 mph (0.15 miles)

Total distance ran: 2.49 miles in 35 minutes.

Cardio after was 25 minutes on the stairmaster.
As you can see from my times, I'm not SUPER fast, and my slowest distance in 60 seconds is 0.15 miles but I also had the incline cranked up to 2%...so that gives me a larger challenge. I want to keep raise the incline a bit more and keep the speed at 9 mph and see where that takes me next week!

Saturday, Nov. 12 (no workout, went home to see family)

Friday, Nov. 11 (no workout)

Thursday, Nov. 10 (no workout)

Wednesday, Nov. 9 (MY BIRTHDAY!!!! I didn't go to the bar, just to the gym :D)
60 cardio kickboxing class
45 minute run (abouty 4.5 miles)

Anomolies and me: November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

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I cited this entry to be something that struck me as quirky and off-beat. I am having a rough go these days. Coupled with intense stress, anxiety and an upswing of depression, I'm trying my best to make light of an agonizing pressure on myself but remain calm, balanced and focused. But I like to sound off my heart, and here is the only place it seems I can.

I find school lonely. I find facebook chaotic, time consuming and invasive. I never really took the time to analyze my own life in great detail, only the lives of others or the world around me: but not not my own state. It's almost heart-wrenching when I came home today, to find my cat happy and eager to see me, but I burst into tears because I am feeling tired, angry, heavy and a big mess.

I hate the way I can't balance the events in my life. But I hate even more when I see others do it so well, or at least appear that they are. I struggle with depression and anxiety and lately, I've been getting panic attacks while in the library studying or even sleeping in my own bed. It's like I don't feel safe and that's one of the scariest things I feel.

I have an intense drive to get to where I want to be in life. I feel frustrated when I can't motivate myself, be healthy, be happy and a ball of fun when I'm around people. I'm also having a huge problem being objective and logical and I feel ashamed. I use this blog as a way of keeping track of my workouts, but I feel like I but up a boundry between myself and the cyberworld, and yet, this boundary is what is creating sadness in my life.

It's not easy to be youself. It's not easy knowing whether the people you add on facebook are good or bad, and I'm having a hard time logisticizing what is correct or incorrect. All I can do is keep my mind free and clear of drama in my life and on me and my dreams. Not to make dreams my aim, just to be be strong and living a life I feel proud of.

I want to feel like I can amount to everything my parents want me to: to live up my own expectations of being a respected jounalist and a 3.5 GPA'd student. But I feel like I need seclusion and time away from facebook to keep what's important to me in the here and now and not too far away like I'll never reach it.

Weight, well this is an issue that drives me bananas. I can never settle and my intense scrutiny of my body is my own phantom that never goes away. It's like this reoccuring issue that stems from being a perfectionist and being "good." What is good? What is bad? Where do we draw the line between correct and wrong? Where do we set the boundary? The boundary I'm having a sweet dick hell of a time trying to build around me but also tear down in the meantime?

I feel like I could keep writing about his issue for eons. But I'm choosing to stop and let go. It's hard and it's crazy and I analyze and bludgeon to death what is simple and true but it's hurting and it's an ineffective waste of time. Besides I have my own dreams and I'm not going to let those disappear into thin air!

Probably, going over what I wrote, there's a lot of issues that stem from ineffectively dealing with stress and change in my life. My writing is what makes me happy and I have to learn to keep on top of my life and accomplish what I set out to do in the first place. It's tough, but mental strength and fortitude are what I have to practice with everything these days and it's not very easy :)

Cd review on Ian Kelly: A Multi-faceted gem

2011-11-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Diamonds & Plastic a multi-faceted gem

written by: Jaymin Proulx

Published in: Interrobang on Monday, November 14, 2011

If you listen to the first song on Ian Kelly's Diamonds & Plastic, you may be fooled into believing the entire album is one consecutive fast, bouncy album with no twists or turns. Certainly it won't have ballads or sweet-sounding lullaby melodies. There will certainly be no cleverly written lyrics or a critical, but not jaded, view on life and society.

But you would be wrong. This is Kelly. This is the man who earlier released his album Speak Your Mind that sold 40,000 copies over two years before the release of Diamonds & Plastic. The Francophone from Montréal even started his own home recordings for his first album, Insecurity, and learned to play a slew of instruments while writing, recording and producing that album.

Kelly isn't seamless, but he's talented. His vocal range is broad and he morphs from happy-golucky, to intense, quiet and private. "I Would Have You" is a fresh spin on a hopeful lover, and the song pumps and dances. "Your Garden", however, is a slow, deprecating analysis of why he's pained and misused – certainly not your standard poppy fare and certainly not a boring album. "Drinking Alone" brings a funny, comical Kelly and shows his humorous, lighter side. "White Wedding" showcases Kelly's fondness of Billy Idol with an acoustic version of the classic British punk-rock tune.

Kelly plays acoustic, nylon and electric guitar and although he is a solo artist, he's accompanied by other background artists. His first break came when he volunteered at Théâtre St-Denis where he was working with the sound crew at an Alanis Morissette concert. Since they were short an act, Kelly volunteered his performing skills and realized that he was pretty good – so his journey began.

Kelly's strength lies in well-written lyrics, powerful vocals and guitar skills. He could add some lighter melodies with the album to break up the heartache, but if that's what's natural for the time being, then so be it. The multi-faceted artist is definitely no diamond in the rough.

For more information, visit iankellysmusic.com and myspace.com/iankellysmusic to hear samples of his album and concert details.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

2011-11-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

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Today's workout was great. I did a variation on Leah's program and attempted deadlifts once again. Though I did straight leg versions.

All lifts were for 3 x 8 reps
Deadlifts: 135lbs, 155lbs, 155lbs
Flat bench press: 35s, 35s, 35s
Lunges: 25s, 30s, 30s
Seated cable rows: unknown weight
Hammer bicep curls: 20s, 20s, 20s
Tricep rope pressdowns: unknown

Cardio was really good. I did 20 min on the stairmill, 15 min on the treadmill and another 15 min on the Precor. I walked to and from the gym for 15 min each way.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

2011-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

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My workouts have been going really well. I have figured out a neat little trick on my iPod, which is synced to 25 really good songs I listen to for my cardio/runs. It's okay for weights, too, but I prefer listening to heavier music for lifting iron.

Here's my playlist that I have going:

Teenage Dream: Katy Perry
DJ Got us falling in love: Usher
If I had you: Adam Lambert
Metro: System of a Down
I like it: Enrique Inglesias feat. Pitbull
Somebody to love: Justin Bieber
Pick up the phone: Dragonette
Addiction: Medina (Extended mix)
Club can't handle me: Flo Rider
The Longest Road: Morgan Page
Sexy Bitch: David Guetta feat. Akon
Easy: Dragonette
Foreward: Linkin Park (this isn't a song, just a break...)
Faint: Linkin Park
Liar: Dragonette
Memories: David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi
Swedish House Mafia...London to Ibiza.
It's the way you look: David Guetta
You're love is my drug: Ke$ha
Welcome to the Jungle (haha, fitting): Guns n' Roses
Somewhere I belong: Linkin Park

I also really like "Born this Way," by Lady Gaga for cardio. "You and I" and "Edge of Glory" are my faves!

I haven't been doing a lot of weights. Just more running outside and cardio time at the gym. I need the stress relief from that more than the iron right now, lol!

CD review on Asa: Beautiful Imperfection. October 29, 2011

2011-10-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

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Beautiful Imperfection nearly perfect

Published: Monday, October 31, 2011

For more articles written by me, visit: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_by_author.asp?author=Jaymin Proulx

Born in Paris and moving to Lagos, Nigeria at a young age, singer-songwriter Asa recalled an upbringing where she found joy immersing herself in her father's records and listening to artists such as Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill. While turmoil existed around her, she was peacefully sitting beside her music collection, blissfully happy and undoubtedly aware that her time as a musician would eventually come.

Years passed; an education in Paris and extensive guitar lessons led Asa to release a few albums and her present one, Beautiful Imperfection. She was on the right track to becoming the musician she dreamed of when she was young.

"The first album reflected my state of mind then. I had a lot to talk about – social and political issues. This time, I felt different: I wanted to create something that would help people come out of sad moods and feel uplifted."

Beginning her newest album with the swingingly upbeat "Why Can't We?", Asa does an excellent job of drawing the listener in. Beautiful Imperfection is a soulful rendition of toe-tapping soul tracks that blend some blues and funk with some slower melodies peacefully swaying in the background. She created a sheer masterpiece with a sound that emulates Lauryn Hill or India Arie, but with strong ties to her own voice, not to mention powerful songwriting that sends a message of freedom, faith, happiness and living life on your own terms.

"Bimpe" and "Ore" are Yoruba songs (a language of the Nigerian people) and tie the album back to her roots in West Africa. "Preacher Man" is a slower song where she prays to God about her crimes of worshipping money and ignoring those in need, her album is a far cry from trivial pop and bubblegummed up sex on mainstream radio stations.

Asa's goal with Beautiful Imperfection was to create an album that was uplifting and positive. This was a definite accomplishment on her part. She has worked with musical greats Lenny Kravitz, Katie Melua and Angelique Kidjo, who have invited her to perform duets on various occasions. Her skill lies in her ability to speak her mind and do so with sensitivity and with creative songwriting.

For more information, visit asaofficial.com.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Un Homenaje monumental a la Argentina y el Che Guevara: A CD review on Jorge Martinez

2011-10-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

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Un homenaje monumental a la Argentina y el Che Guevara

written by: Jaymin Proulx

Published in: The Interrobang on Monday, October 24, 2011

If Argentina could speak through music, Jorge Martinez would spark the discussion. The two newest releases by the Argentinean native are both easygoing yet passionate and also pay homage to his compatriot and fellow Marxist Revolutionist, Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Martinez reveals his roots and heart with two albums: an 11 song LP and a twosong EP.

If you are not familiar with the Che Guevara, then perhaps you should read into the history of Cuban Revolution. But before you race to Wikipedia, embrace a melodic yet tempestuous ride with Martinez: a Latin-American folk, flamenco and Middle Eastern musician who lays out a heavy amount of acoustics with a twist of jazz.

Martinez's skill is his improvisation and intuitive playing. He brings confidence to the album and having the "phenomenon" tag attached to his name only adds to the equation. He plays guitar, composes, arranges, moonlights as a musical director and also works as a producer. Having began playing guitar at 14 years old only adds mystique to his work and lets the album speak for itself.

There's a lot of continuity with Cadencias. Each song weaves together well and would make a great salsa background. The 11- song album and provides relaxing tunes as well as some more energetic, intense melodies when the timing is right.

Hasta Siempre is the other CD: a brief two-song album where Martinez honours Guevara in the first song of the same title (translated to "Until Forever") and "Playa Blanca," the second track. Though they are separate CDs, it would have made sense to put both of them together in packaging, but who knows? Maybe the timing wasn't right.

But regardless, Martinez shouldn't hide from what he excels at. His playing is extremely unique and fun. There's a certain soulfulness he exudes and it's bringing him respect from listeners and fans. Che would be proud!

For more information, visit jorgemartinez.ca and myspace.com/jorgemartinezjmz for music downloads and sampling.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2011-10-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

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So I thought I would chase back to my blog and update it a bit with my workouts and writing music piece. It's been stagnant lately, so I'm trying to liven it up a bit and showcase more of my work and promote myself as a writer. All good :)

First of all, Fanshawe has a lot going on this weekend. Too bad Hallowe'en wasn't a "no work" holiday, as it falls on Monday next week. I'm determined not to be slightly jaded that no kids come my way, but who can blame them? I would rather, if I was 8 or so, to hit the suburbs where candy apples, ample candy and treats and chocolate bars are more regular than the cheap candy my apartment friends hand out every year. lol :)

This Sunday is the London Record Show hosted by none other than Speed City Records and 94.9 CHRW. It begins at 11 am and goes until 5pm at Centennial Hall. For more details (not that you need more to be encouraged to buy music galore), visit londonrecordshow.com.

My workouts have been slacking, BUT I did a great weight workout and cardio day at the YMCA on Tuesday, then heavy cardio on Wednesday at Goodlife. Such is so:

Squats: 115lb x 6 reps of 3 sets
Bench Press on machine: 80lbs x 6 reps of 3 sets
Seated shoulder press on machine: 50lbs x 6 reps of 3 sets
Seated Lat Pulldown: 90lbs x 6 reps of 3 sets

Cardio was fast and great for both days! I did intervals and steady state cardio (or ss cardio) on Tuesday, then ss cardio Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 25
weights
cardio (total cardio time: 50 minutes)
10 minutes on stairmaster
1:3 ratio intervals (1 minute very fast running followed by 3 minutes rest)
I ran for 8.5 mph at 2% incline for the 5 intervals and walked v-e-r-y slowly for the rest. But I think I screwed up the interval times because I couldn't for the life of me think when I had to walk and when I had to run. Because of that, my entire interval workout lasted 20 min and my heart rate didn't get high enough to amount to a speed workout. Bugger! I averaged about .12-.13 miles per minute. I have no idea what my total mileaged elapsed was, however.

But I went for another interval session, doing 1 minute of fast running followed by 2 minutes of walking, so it was more organized. I stayed around 8.5 mph and 2% incline. I didn't keep track of distance elapsed, but the entire interval session was 15 min.

Wednesday, October 26
cardio: 60 minutes

My cardio yesterday was 30 min on the treadmill for 3.13 miles for 30 min. Then I did 15 min on the stairmill followed by 15 min on the Precor.

Today, my quads and legs are sore and tight, so I'm skipping working out tonight.

Medina - You And I

2011-10-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

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Original "You & I" by Medina, off her "Welcome to Medina" album!

Medina's, "Welcome to Medina," cd review

2011-10-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

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Medina, a Danish-Chilean dance artist, is reaching pinnacle status on the electronic radar. The 29- year-old songstress released her first singles in Denmark in 2007 followed by an album, Tæt på (Up Close), that same year.

Hitting hard in her home country of Denmark, she released four singles that made the charts but had not yet been translated to English. It was apparent that the Danes knew there was an export in the making, but until Medina's English versions were released, Canadian clubs had not been privy to her talent. Once her singles hit UK, a tsunami of Medina exploded, and soon enough, Welcome to Medina came across the Atlantic to Canada (by way of the U.S. of course).

In July 2010, her first international album was released in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and most recently (just last month) in North America.

Welcome to Medina was an English version of poppy dance electronic: satisfying, soulful and a little kick to the dance floor.

Sure, she won Best Danish Act at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards. Sure, she dresses classy, looks pretty and can sing in a few languages. But people start to talk when you get remixed, collaborate with Deadmau5 and your music videos hit YouTube like a storm. Plus, she's so damn good!

"You and I" has been reworked with the aforementioned Deadmau5. "Addiction" has also been worked with a few lesserknown artists. "Lonely" and "6 AM" are popular on YouTube's video stream.

But facts aside, this lady is solid – the album grips tight and doesn't let go. "Addiction" and "You & I" make great songs for cardio workouts and the other songs are honest, believable and give you a clear idea of who she is as an artist and where her music is headed. Her words speak of heartbreak but also dreams and a lot of sexual tension. The background is clear electronica, with a strong dance rhythm and clever words intertwined.

Though some record stores may not be carrying it presently, you can request it or find Welcome to Medina on iTunes, and watch her videos on YouTube and discover Medina for yourself.

For more information, visit medinamusic.dk or tinyurl.com/medina-myspace.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Thankfulness...Wednesday, October 12, 2011

2011-10-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

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We are what we repeatedly do, excellence is not an act but a habit.

I like to resay this expression over and over in my head. Call it mulling or analyzing, but in a healthy and healing sort of way. I came across this picture on a facebook profile and I thought I would share it with you :)

It comes to me when I am in moments of stress or anxiety, that my circumstances are within my control. I can take control of where my life is heading and adjust to be a happier more content person. I used to scoff at what someone would question made me happy, and reply, "it doesn't matter, I just do what I do," but sometimes that isn't enough. You have to keep yourself and your dreams in the picture and not let negativity drag you away from what YOU want in life and what would make you happier emotionally and spiritually. Life is a destination, not a guided tour.

Wow, I sound like a cheese head. But I'm getting into more zen ways of life and I think this is making me more grounded in my state in life and in regards to everything I do and say. I'm not a perfect person, but I try to be myself, be thoughtful and hold my beliefs and manners on the table with my own hands.

I did a great workout today! 40 minutes of high intensity cardio and treated myself to some tabloid fodder to read as a reward (I may be grounded but I like a little fantasy now and then)...lol!

Thanks for coming by :) Have a great HUMP day everyone!

Thanksgiving Weekend! Monday, October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

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Today's workout was great! I didn't manage to crack any Personal Bests, but it was awesome going in, getting my workout done and coming home to read some posts on Siouxcountry.com about two bodybuilding shows that happened this weekend. I'm feeling more and more that I want to compete in a show and seeing photos and reading posts is very inspiring and motivating. If you're wondering what has taken so long, I can attest: I didn't have enough muscle on my frame and I think I was jeopardizing my financial goals with partying too much and battling food issues. I was also in school and we all know how school can be great and rewarding, but MAN, it doesn't leave much time for anything else.

Right now, I'm following Flexible Dieting by Lyle McDonald (bodyrecomposition.com) and I'm trying for a refeed in 10 days. I'm trying to stay focused and determined, and being the first day in, it's easy. But come Day 5, 6, 7 etc, I will really have to try to stay strong and remember that this is what I want (to be lean in 8 weeks for my sister's wedding in Dominican) and my goals are perfect and are good for me. I am not entitled to be anything to anybody: right now, it's my will and mine only that will get me through the next two months. Or rather, 7 weeks and six days. I'M SO EXCITED FOR DOMINICAN!!!!

So here's today's workout. I did two today: 60 min fasted walk and an evening workout of 45 min weights with 40 minutes high intensity cardio. I followed Leah's Day 3 program. I also mixed and matched the order of exercises to get some variation.

All exercises: 3 sets of 8 reps

1. Incline Dumbbell presses: 30s for all 3 sets

2. Standing Dumbbell presses: 25s for Set 1, 30s for 3 reps and 25s for 5 reps in Set 2, 30s for 3 reps, rest, another 2 reps, and 25s for 3 reps for Set 3

3. Dumbbell split squats: 25s for sets 1 + 2, 30s for set 3

4. Seated rows: 62.5 kg, 75 kgs, another machine for third set (unknown weight)

5. Underhand lat pulldowns: 80lbs for all three sets

6. Reverse Lunges: 30s for Set 1+2, 25s for Set 3

Cardio after weights was 40 minutes of stairmill and stairstepper and treadmill running (40 min total).

2011-10-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

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Today is my day. I did a great run, have a delicious meal (at McDonalds, who would have guessed) and I had a great tutoring session with my friend. I'm now battling the midnight oil with accounting and math homework that will leave for me a test at 8 and 10 am. Can I do it? Of course (with coffee, relaxation and my cat to watch over me...or rather, me over her).

I kind of had a tricky run in the beginning. My quads were especially sore (from squats yesterday), but it was just enough for me to s-l-o-w down and enjoy the run for what it was: recovery cardio. Not a full out 85% max HR run, just something to chill and unwind to. Of course, me being the hot-head, I sprinted some parts and pounded it out near the end, trying to show off and impress the cars driving by.

Whatever, they probably didn't even notice!

Haha, oh well. Now, Dido's "Life for Rent" is calming me in the background and I have some musical company!

My computer is a piece of junk. Literally. It's a hybrid, Frankenstein sort of gadget that was $54 but my printer is a state of the art Hewlett Packard that doesn't configure with my desktop. So, as a result, I can't print one damn thing. It's annoying to the point I've ignored the problem entirely and use the Fanshawe computer lab to print off my homework and lecture notes. I've learned to make some short cuts to budgets costs, haha!

I realize that I have to have some kind of point to my writing tonight. My ramblings was trying to get to an obstacle I addressed in my last post: about moving on and getting past your insecurities. I read a great post on ed-bites about adjusting your thinking and trying to take the plunge to TRY to adjust your negative thinking. For me, that's believing I CAN study, I'm NOT hopeless when it comes to math/accounting...AND I'm efficient and confident. It's a matter, and this goes to anyone who is reading this, that you have to ADJUST your thought process and cognitively TRY to accomplish something that you struggle with routinely.

I hope this send out a positive message. Leave some comments if you would like :) :)

2011-10-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

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So, today was great. I had a great conversation with my tutor and we went over math questions for my test Monday. It was really nice--tense at times because I am barely grasping the concepts, but helpful and upbeat. I really enjoy the company.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting with him again to talk Accounting and more math. Sometimes doing too much, like trying to balance school, writing and exercise takes a toll on my sanity, and my obsessiveness comes into play too frequently. I have to learn to take a step back, think logically and create a happy place in my way of thinking. It's not that bad if I say "no"...it won't help me if I do too much...and try to stay on the upbeat path, away from darker thinking and over-doing.

Done.

Now, I started thinking about what is on the horizon! I'm secretly pining a desire to dj at clubs in London! There's a school that specifically teaches people to dj (School of Spin) and I think that would be great for me to try. They have a facebook page to for you to check out!

I feel lost sometimes when it comes to my future. I'm not very open with my dreams and goals, but I'm finding when someone asks me directly, "what do you see yourself doing?" I get very excited to talk about it. Or if someone says to me, "where do you see yourself in 6 months, 1 year or 2 or more?" Again, excited arises!

But not everyone is like that. Sometimes, I have to be the one to initiate it, ask the questions to be the grounded one in the conversation. It's hard. But I'm finding the more I take interest in other people, and the less I judge and look away, the more reciprocation I receive in return. A nicer version of the "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" philosophy.

My workout was great today. I don't want to write about my cardio workouts as much, I find it may be triggering to people reading my blog, but I"ll post my weight workouts instead. Cardio? I did 45 min on the stairmaster. That's all I'll say.

Squats: 115lbs for 3 sets of 6
95lbs for 1 set of 10

Flat bench press: 35s for 3 sets of 8

Lat Pulldown: 70lbs for 3 sets of 10

Standing shoulder presses: 4 sets of 3 reps at 30s
4 sets of 3 reps at 25s.

Time is money, and I won't walk to the gym anymore. I'm going to ride the bus instead. I don't need to do more cardio as is!

Disordered Eating Post

2011-09-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

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I'm not sure if I can admit this up front, but I have a horrible time trying to start writing cd reviews and band reviews sometimes. There, a writer I call myself, but yet I struggle to make time and hold on to a belief in myself that I am a skilled writer. But this isn't a new thing. Ever since I was in highschool, I struggled with completing essays, assignments, projects, you name it, about the age of 16 or so...about in grade 11. I'm not sure why this began, but with my increase in weight, I was bordering on obsessing more about getting my runs in to manage my weight rather than completing school assignments. Call it the lazy writer, the unmotivated woman, or "stupidity" (being called "dumb" was a remark by a peer in highschool that I will never forget), I find it difficult and daunting to get started on things. Regardless of what it is or what the subject entails.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I came across a great blog about eating disorders that I thought I would share. It's refreshing to read about healing disordered eating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her posts and also discovered that she too is a writer.

The blog is here: http://ed-bites.blogspot.com/

It was given great reviews and has many followers. I liked how she has turned a past illness into something to help others and complete research and read on the subject.

I often thought my own stuggle with disordered body image/disordered eating was something to be ashame of and hide. Being active, through running, weight training and other sports, especially ones where "weight" played a large role in success in the sport (i.e. figure skating, ballet, running). I'm not a heavy girl, but I'm not a twig either and I always wished myself to be a leggy, narrow hipped distance runner, but that was going against my genes and my sanity. You see, we all carry a little baggage here and there :)

I also came to the conclusion, that the more critical I am of myself, the more critical and judgemental I am with others. I'll be abrupt, I'll be rude, or I'll be silent. It's not meant as a way of showing hatred, but rather showed how unhappy I was with myself. Probably, at one point or another, when a Tim Horton's lady would ask what I wanted in my coffee, and I replied incredulously "With one milk and two splenda?" (and I often would end my statements with a higher tone at the end, like a question) as if I thought EVERYONE should drink coffee with splenda--no sugar and no cream.

When the lady gave me a look, I often would be smugly flippant or just roll my eyes. Immature and slightly overcompensating for a desire for a coffee free of fat and sugar. And little time to spare at that!

I still drink my coffee with splenda and 1 milk. I still like my diet Coke Zero and bags of brocolli cold slaw stirfried with warm apples and cinnamon (I'll show you the recipe below), but I'm not as hard on myself anymore. It pays to be kind to others as well as yourself, and struggling with what to eat vs. what not to eat, is a war I wage with regularly. But it's getting better :)

Post some comments if you want to add any thoughts.

Autumn Stirfry

1 bag carrot and cabbage cold slaw
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large apple, cored and cut into chunks
cinnamon
Stevia to taste

I found that if I cooked the carrot-cabbage coldslaw in a frying pan first, it heated quicker. I mixed the apple pieces and stevia with cinnamon in a separate bowl then added them to the stirfry. Cook for about 10 minutes or until vegetables and fruit are hot and shrink slightly (with slightly browning). Enjoy!

I also added some seasoning salt after it was done and that added some nice flavour with the cinnamon.

Sunday, September 25, 2011: Economics

2011-09-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

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So today is a bit of a silly, lighthearted day. I am stressed with my reading and finishing economics and marketing assignments, so I thought I share with you some of what I have learned.

Economics, in the first three chapters talks about:
1. Ten Principles of Economics
2. Scarcity, Tradeoffs, and Economic Growth and lastly,
3. Supply and Demand

These three chapters are Microeconomics with is the study of household and firm behaviour and how they interact in the market place. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, is the study of the whole economy including topics of inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Micro tends to be the smaller picture and the immediate. Macro tends to be the bigger picture.

We have talked a lot in class about how goods are produced in labour intensive countries versus capital intensive countries. Examples of this are developing countries: they tend to have very cheap, plentiful labour--so production is labour driven in those nations. Countries where where is a lot of capital (machine and tools) tend to be compartively cheap and plentiful in Canada, US, etc so that would leave wealthier countries to be capital driven.

We also talked about the production possibilities curve. How if say, your company produces both shelter and food, the more shelter you produce, conteracts the amount of food you produce. Kind of like a ratio grade. Even steven shelter and food? Right in the middle of the Production Possibilities Curve. More shelter vs. less food, equals a reduction in the food production and an increase in the shelter units.

However, when you increase knowledge, education, and make advances in technology, improvements in labour product, an new sources of natural resources, you GENERATE ECONOMIC GROWH. This leads to a wider arc and a new production possibilities curve.

I guess what I'm trying to conlcude is this: exercise and working out is an efficiency test. People tend to work too much at losing weight and think the power in weight loss is beyond their scope. It's not. Focus on the micro elements (how much water you drink a day, how much vegetables and fruit you are eating) and also the macro elements (how much exercise you got that week, month). Also be EFFICIENT. Instead of driving to the gym in a time crunch, go for a jog outside where you can run for 30 min, get it done, log your miles, and have the spare time to work on homework or assignments.

I have one that is due tonight, and I'm running through ideas in my head (kind of counterproductive when I need to study for a test on Wed as well).
1. Should I get to the gym?
2. Should I go for a run outside?
3. Should I skip my workout?

Right now, my focus is on reading more of Ch. 3 and 4 and completing the assignment. If I have time for a workout, before dark, I will go for a run. Should the sun set, I'll do a workout at my gym if I'm out by 8pm. My gym closes at 9pm, so if I don't get any exercise in today, I'll have to do it tomorrow.

Okay, back to work.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

2011-09-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

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Today, I had an epiphany. I was debating whether to give my workout (#2) a go, when Britney Spears' "I wanna go" came on Kitchener's "The Beat" radio station. It's a great station by the way, and my favourite "mainstream" dance resource that plays current and popular club music (depending on day/time etc). Anyhow, I figured "I have no one to tell me not to or to squash my desire to," so I turned around, bound up my shoes, and walked to the gym to get some cardio in. It was my prerogative, as Ms. Spears would say.

Our minds are often stronger than we realize. I'm realizing that the more I distance myself from responsibiltiy and contentment, the more depressed and unhappy I become. I hate even saying the word "depressed." It conjures insecurity and fear of being yourself.

My working out, extreme as it may be, helps me to stay happy and motivated to do other things, like study, take great care of myself and to be on top of my life, whatever my goals or dreams. I have been wanting for a long time to work at MacLean's magazine, writing an regular column or at the Globe and Mail, being a familiar face on the journalism scene. But I can't hope and pray I'll be discovered: it's going to come with taking chances and making leaps. And I'm finally prepared to do that. And strong enough to try.

But back to my workouts. I read a great post by a NPC figure athlete who put up a great point about ACCOUNTABILITY. Be accountable and responsible for your own life (and for the most part your pet's or child's) and demand no more than what you are able to take on yourself without jeopardizing your own life, sanity and happiness. "Everyone deserves to be happy," as said by Jean-Jaques Rousseau.

You can't expect greatness from mediocre doings and behaviour. You have to be accountable for your own actions, think about the choices you make in your day and decide if it's going to veer you away from what you REALLY want in your life.

You can also choose who you let in your life: who you want to be close to and who you want to stay away from.

So some advice for today: stand up and be accountable for your workouts (like realizing even athletes despise getting to the gym some days) and think about it as just something to make you feel better in the long run. I don't like working out ALL THE TIME, but when I get it done, it's something I've accomplished and made me feel better to complete.

Workout: Saturday, September 24
15 min Stairmaster, 45 min run (about 4.5 miles)

Thanks for coming by and I'll post up the rest of my workouts tomorrow.

DJ Tiesto heightens the glow at JLC (London, ON) Saturday night: written Wed. Sept 21, 2011

2011-09-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

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DJ Tiesto heightens the glow at JLC

Having electronic legend Tiesto (known as Tijs Michiel Verwest) present his “Club Life College Invasion Tour,” at the John Labatt Centre was a new event for the city. The Dutch, Jack-of-all-trades musician, is known throughout the world for his electronic dance, trance, progressive trance, electro house and house music by way of djing and producing. Pretty much anything he touches turns to gold, and with successful collaborations with a multitude of other artists, Tiesto is destined to remain at the pinnacle of club music and represent to many dj’s what success in the industry amounts to.

Tiesto regularly performs Mondays at Privilege, the largest club in the world in Ibiza, off the coast of Valencia in Spain. He also travels extensively throughout the globe performing and has brought his musical genius to Athens to perform at the 2004 Olympics. But the John Labatt Centre had its own culture aglow and amongst the neon clothes, glow sticks and happy dancers, Tiesto brought a memorable flavour for fans.

Tiesto introduced his protégé Porter Robinson to begin the night and Tiesto culminated the night with Canadian flare—at several points expressing his Canadian fever by waving a flag and showing a maple leaf on his clothes.

Known for his well received album “Kaleidoscope” in 2009 which features several mixes with Canadian female artists (like Nelly Furtado, Tegan and Sara and Emily Haines), Tiesto also played an older 2000 remix of Sarah McLachlan’s “Silence” and even more modern collaborations with Dragonette (“Hello”) and British songstress Adele (“Someone Like You”).

Ultimately, this was the show to attend. “(Though) the music was louder than a plane at takeoff at 150 decibels (planes typically lift off at 130),” stated Security Supervisor Dave Harding, it heighted the spirits of a packed arena with wildly enthusiastic fans.

Tiesto also showcased two contests for his fans. One was an offer for fans to remix Tiësto’s soon to be released track “Work Hard, Play Hard.” The winning remix will be released on Tiësto’s own label which will allow the fan to open for Tiësto during the College Invasion Tour. The second contest will give a fan Tiësto to play at his or her house party by competing with fans from college campuses across the country using social media. Winners will be announced on his facebook page.

Concert rating: 5/5 stars

Morgan Page (ft. Lissie) - The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix) [Official M...

2011-09-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

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I love this video I saw recently on a blog. It's Morgan Page, featuring Lissie and the song is "The Longest Road." It's also a Deadmau5 remix and as one blogger wrote, "I was expecting a drop after the build up and realized Deadmau5 is not dubstep." Oh well, drop regardless, it's hip and makes a cool video. I like her addition of the horses and her metaphor of "travelling down the longest road to nowhere," admist deserts and tumbleweeds. Basically, telling a guy it's fine if he chooses to leave her and opt to travel the lonely road (with regards to late night hookups with random women).

Entry #2 for Saturday, September 17

2011-09-17T14:51:00.001-07:00

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Track workout:

5 x 350m intervals on track on 4:00 minutes

1. 1:25
2. 1:21
3. 1:19
4. 1:19
5. 1:21

Intervals were done every four minutes. Total workout lasted 20 minutes. I went to the gym to do 10 min on the X-trainer. Walked for 40 minutes on top of that.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

2011-09-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

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Well, school is in full swing now and my commitments are starting to pile up. I started this term on a good note, however, and am trying to stay organized and motivated to get work done every night (with an exception on Friday nights...nothing ever gets done then. I usually do a workout and watch tv and clean my apartment).

I'm going to update my blog once a week with my workouts and whatever is going on with my writing. Also to vent and just "let out" my steam with regards to school and stress.

So, I left off on 9/11. My workout is listed above. I'll add the week's workouts below.

Monday, September 12:
45 minutes of high intensity cardio, 20 minutes of walking

Tuesday, September 13:
no workout

Wednesday, September 14:
no workout

Thursday, September 15:
60 minutes cardio
(3.03 mile run, 30 min stairmill)
30 minutes walking

Friday, September 16:
weights: 30 min
walking: 90 min
Stairmill: 30 min

Weight workout:
Flat Bench Press: 2 x 12 @ 30s, 35s
Standing shoulder presses: 2 x 12 @ 25s
Lat Pulldown: 2 x 12 @ 70lbs, 85lbs

Today, I'm planning on an interval workout at the track. I'm also attending a DJ Tiesto concert and writing a review about it tomorrow. Very excited!!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

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It strikes me at this time, when we reflect on 10 years passing since 9/11, that we haven't moved that far from where we once were. We have more gadgets, facebook, Blackberries and so on, but we haven't forgotten what happened that fateful day. Which is normal: it was a disaster and we all a hard time moving past things that cause us pain. Plus it was a war in many ways. Those events stay with us for life and remind us of how quick life leaves us and takes those who we love.

I can remember that date. I had a conversation with a friend, A. afterward about what we were doing on that day of 9/11. I was lifeguarding, sitting in a chair when all of sudden I felt this rush of chaos. I saw people rushing around outside a glass window and at that moment, it felt like a mob scene. I wondered, "something is going on," but didn't find out until later when I was told a plane struck the Twin Towers. My first question was, "what are the Twin Towers?" Later I would discover they were located in New York City, and then I would realize that this wasn't Kansas anymore. It was a colossal, scary event that took innocent people and wrecked a country. It was sad and painful.

I haven't lost that many people that I love. Grandparents, yes, but I still have my family, friends and relatives. It scares me to death about what will happen when I have to bury someone close to me. But I am a woman and this happens to everyone. Sometimes it's painful to do something, but it's closure in a sense and brings peace afterward.

So in honor of remembering those who died, respect the loss and hold someone you love for a second longer. Discuss how the 9/11 event changed you and what you were doing when it happened. Remind yourself that you still have your life and be grateful for that. Be not afraid but show gratitude for everything you have and the people that are still in your life.

Work out today:

Incline bench presses: 3 x 8 for 30lbs each hand
Standing shoulder presses: 3 x 8 for 25lbs each hand
Lunges: 3 x8 for 30lbs each hand
Deadlifts: 3 x 8 for 135lbs
1 Arm rows: 3 x 8 for 45lbs each hand

Cardio: 30 minute run, 10 min stairmill, 30 minutes walking total.

Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza ft. Tinie Tempah

2011-09-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

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From Miami 2 Ibiza...
This song is so bouncy, it gets me going for anything!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

2011-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

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It's been a while since I've last posted: mainly my workouts have been sporatic and my mind has been consumed with posting great music videos (who can blame me?) and just working at UWO and Fanshawe with temporary shifts. I am happy to announce that my weight has been going down and my body is slimming--great news for me!

My workout at the gym was this. I'm going to switch up my exercise set-up and try to change things up a bit for fun and gains.

I did Leah's Day 1

Bench Presses: 35s for 4 x 6 reps

Shoulder Preses: 25s and 30s for 4 sets of 6 reps

Lat Pulldowns: 80lbs for 4 sets of 6 reps

Squats: 105lbs, 105lbs, 115lbs, 115lbs

Cardio was 20 min on the stairmill and 20 min on the treadmill running. More cardio was 2 x 20 min walking to the gym and back.

This weekend is the North American Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. It's a big dream of mine to compete in figure (or fitness) and try a competition, so following the results of large meets such as this one, is very exciting! I haven't been to a meet in Ontario in a long time, mainly because I'm busy with school and journalism. But I swear to God, that the next time I go, I'll be up on stage, tight and lean and ready!

Eating has been going great! I'm not as hungry (which is accountable for the weight loss) and I have been enjoying the break from work and preparing for school. I'm registered in the Business Marketing program at Fanshawe and will continue to write for the paper, going into my second year of employment.

Please follow me on scribd.com/Jaymin79 for reading of my articles and support for my writing :) I will also be on the radio tomorrow from 5-6:30 pm on CHRW 94.9 fm!

Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera

2011-08-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

Love this new song by Adam Levine and Christina A.
I've got the moves like Jagger...
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Foster The People - Helena Beat

2011-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The band that brought you "Pumped Up Kicks,"also have another: Foster the People bring 'Helena Beat. The song song was insppired by "Lord of the Flies and a movie called Mad Max and the Thunderdome

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Tegan And Sara - Hell (Official Music Video)

2011-08-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Another one of my favourites by Tegan and Sara. Enjoy!

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Adele - Rolling In The Deep

2011-08-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I love how she absolutely wails at the harder parts of the song and let's her
dynamisim come out in the video. Absolutely passionate and beautiful.

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Tues, August 23, 2011

2011-08-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

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Thanks for coming by today. I have an exam tomorrow, which I'm dreading but after having a conversation with an interesting person, I'm putting my perspective on the here and now. I'm not going to worry too much about how I'm going to do. Just stay positive, study well (not hard but keenly) and try my best. You can never go wrong, EVER, with trying your best, being yourself and working well. It's fits like a charm!

I've been listening to Adele's "21" album and I really like it. The first track on the album is a hook for the rest of the set. I notice that about albums whether they are EP's or LP's: they tend to have the "favourite song" at the beginning or somewhere near that spot. The first song is the hook that get's you to hear the remainder of the album and "sometimes" sets the tone. I always liked an album that had more than 2 good songs. Otherwise, the album is just a commercial knockoff that has one or two hits and never gets played for its entirity. I'm not naming names, but you get the drift.

My appetite has been done for these last few days. I haven't exercised, just relaxed, attempted to study and keep myself grounded and calm. After my exam, I REALLY need to write a few reviews and have an economic pillow to help me afford my luxuries come September: a personal trainer, my membership and maybe some electronic gadgets to make me happy!

Please follow me on scribd.com/Jaymin79 to give me some support with my writing. I'll be updating my blog and my scribd.com account with my published articles for your enjoyment and my sanity.

I'm including Adele's youtube video for her hit song (and my favourite). Have a great day everyone!

Medina - Addiction (Official Music Video) HD

2011-08-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

My new "go to cardio track." Medina's "Addiction"...running, being active and singing...ALL AT ONCE!
I heard about this lovely songstress from Alli Moyer over at getfitwithalli.wordpress.com!

Enjoy!

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Friday, August 12, 2011

2011-08-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

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Great workout today. I did Day 1 of Leah's program and did 4 sets of 6 reps for each exercise.

1. Squats: 95lbs, 105lbs, 115lbs, 115lbs

2. Flat Bench Press: 30s, 35s, 35s, 35s

3. Standing shoulder Presses: 25s, 30s x 4 + 25s for rest of set

4. Lat Pulldowns: 80lbs thereabouts

Cardio was 30 minutes of running for 3.16 miles, 20 min on Precor and 10 min on Stairmaster. A small amount of walking, nothing too much though.

Wipeout

2011-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today, it's going to be hard to get to class. I went to the Roger's Centre last night to see the Toronto Blue Jays win against the Oakland A's. I went with people from work at the Fanshawe Student Union. It was a break from work and school, and very fun. We took the bus from Fanshawe and drove to TO at 2pm yesterday and came home around 12 am.

I'm finishing three articles right now, I have class tonight at 6pm and I'm feeling burnt out, a bit. But the trait I'm trying to practice is mental strength, more now than ever before. I'm just kind of lying low and not exhausting myself to the point of sheer madness. It's hard, but I can do it.

A couple of days ago, I did a 2 x 8 workout and tonight I'll see what I can muster. I bought some colourful headbands from http://www.freshkarat.com/ and I think they are all very pretty! I bought four so I have something refreshing coming to me in the mail in a few weeks.

Factor - More than love (feat: Kirby Dominant)

2011-08-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Also, "Living in a vacuum," also by Factor off his "Lawson Graham"
album is particularly awesome. This song, the one published as a video
is a collaboration with Kirby Dominant.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

2011-08-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

So, I'm grappling at a lot of things right now. My goals for the remainder of the summer; my future career goals; my writing; and starting school this fall. I have a lot of writing to do before the last day of work: August 19. Then, I'm free to study for my accounting exam on the 24th of August and whatever freelance jobs I can grab with my hot little hands.

I'm also learning the power of friendships and what they mean to me. There is the meaning of "love," as what is defined by Aristotle with "eros, philia, and agape."

The nature of the three can be found here: http://www.iep.utm.edu/love/#H1

On to workouts: FANTASTIC!

I'm feeling very sore from yesterday's workouts. No workout today, just relaxing and getting ready to do my radio show tonight. My arms, lower back and butt hurt from weights, swimming and cardio that I just want to crawl into a little ball and sleep. But sleeping away the pain doesn't do anything...it just comes back the next day (unless you are getting your allotted 6-10 hours of sleep a night).

I'm searching through my music for songs to play tonight. I came across this band, "Factor" that released a hip-hop album called "Lawson Graham."

Murder Plans going places

2011-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Murder Plans going places

Written by: Jaymin Proulx

Published in: Interrobang here: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=6549&sectionID=3&issueID=163

Published: Monday, January 17, 2011

Ottawa, the nation's capital, is known for many things: ice skating on the canal during winter; standing on Parliament Hill on New Year's Eve to see the heavens ablaze with fireworks; the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators; and a hybrid of culture including renowned landmarks, notable institutions, national museums, official residences, government buildings, memorials and heritage structures.

Now, they are becoming renowned for one more distinction: the moody, cathartic sounds of indie rock band The Murder Plans.

Formed in a basement apartment in the winter of 2007, Nicholas Descarie (percussion), Joel Jacques (guitar, lap steel and piano), Connor McGuire (vocals, guitar), and Michael Simon (bass, vocals) have been compared to numerous bands such as Wilco and The Constantines, as well as older generations of rock like the Talking Heads and even Leonard Cohen. The heavy vocals are even reminiscent of an earlier Jakob Dylan (the son of Bob Dylan and leading vocalist of The Wallflowers).

"The recording of the album reflects a time of change in both the band's sound as well as our lives," says band co-front McGuire. "We went from being balls out rockers to being a little more introspective. I think it really comes across on both the record and our shows – a feeling of dark optimism and comfort in the fact that everything can suddenly change and there's nothing you can do about it."

Good Omens was recorded and mixed by Dean Watson at Gallery Studios with mastering by Phil Bova of Bova Sound who has also worked with Jason Collet, Zeus and the Arts & Crafts recording label. The album took nearly two years to complete and the The Murder Plans describe the process of making the album "transformative." McGuire describes the journey: "We went into that church basement a pretty straight ahead rock band and came out nearly two years later with a record that sounds like absolutely nothing like we could have imagined."

The album is creative and well orchestrated. The broody sound is easy on the ears and would complement a quiet dinner party or a gathering of friends. But do not expect a cheerful, swinging tempo that can get you kick-started early in the morning, cheer you up when you are down, or prepare for a night to hit Richmond Row. Nevertheless, one can appreciate the music and the organization of their production. A very detailed and organized MySpace page includes all 11 tracks from Good Omens, a brief biography describing their journey in the production, and a list of radio stations in Canada to request their music (Radio Western's CHRW 94.9 is included on the list). There are even four YouTube videos of The Murder Plans playing live. Their webpage is similarly well designed.

Two distinctive tracks, Hurt Somebody and Chorus Girls, speed up the slow, folksy-rock sound and give listeners a taste of the talent that lies within the band. Overall, Good Omens is a quality album with potential for even better things to come from this four-piece band.

You can visit the Murder plans at www.themurderplans.com.

Late Night Alumni - Empty streets

2011-08-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

This song is my long time obsession! It's such a eerie
track to listen to when you are alone. I love it to run to!

DJ Tiesto collaborated with Late Night Alumni to produce
the track on "In Search of Sunrise 5." That's the one I
particularly enjoy.

Monday, August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

There is an adage that goes "rabbits, rabbits, rabbits." Well, you are supposed to repeat it every first day of the month. Crap, I forgot! Oh well. Today's run was good and I am utterly and unspeakably, wiped.

I didn't do the workout outlined earlier. I got chicken. My anaerobic/aerobic threshold cannot withstand two consecutive laps of a highschool track without some sort of rest or stop. So what I did instead was 8 repeats on 04:00 minute mark.

These times were:

Warmup: 1.3 miles run/walk to track

lap 1. 1: 23 minutes

2. 1: 19 min

3. 1: 25 min

4. 1: 21 min

5. 1: 18 min

6. 1: 20 min

7. 1: 34 min

8. 1: 32 min

Cooldown run home: 2.8 miles

Laps 7 and 8 I stopped midway through, died, came back to life and kept running. I'm convinced I saw some heavenly being in the form of a squirrel and birdie chirping by the track so that pushed me onward. Seriously.

The music I listed during the workout was Meteora by Linkin Park and Much Music Dance 2011. "If I had you," by Adam Lambert and "Ghost," by Fefe Dobson were particularly great to listen to while I was pushing my sprints!

Amen, now it's time to shower and write!

Monday, August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know if the US or other countries have as many holidays as we do in Canada. I am on my second last long holiday weekend of the summer (the final being Labour Day weekend in September) and once again, used this holiday to sample a bit of the festivities of what happens in London.

I did three workouts this weekend. I have one more to do tonight. Thursday was a great group Power class that is taught at my gym. My instructor was high energy and so endearing that I am going to go back just to get my ass whipped again. That day, I did 60 min of that class (which is mainly weights, no cardio) and 40 minutes of high intenstiy cardio (30 min SM, 10 min running). I also walked to the gym and back.

Saturday, I didn't do much. I walked for a bit and just took it easy. E and Mom came by and we went bathing suit shopping at Winner's. Time well spent! I've always been self-conscious and wanted to wear two pieces, but I found 2 sexy one-pieces that are figure friendly and age appropriate too! I also bought a sexy, slightly padded two piece suit.

I also hung out with girlfriends Sat night and we went dancing to celebrate. I had my Palm Bay coolers on hand...good stuff.

Earlier Sat night I went for a 45 minute run in my new Lululemon outfit. I'm one of those sceptics about high fashion workout wear...but I LOVE this outfit. It's sexy, flattering and high quality and made me feel like a fitness model running my route! The bike shorts are "reversible" which means I can wear the light grey shorts one day and the darker colour the next day. The whole outfit cost $120 thereabouts!

Sunday, I did another run, this time for 60 minutes. Well, actually I walked for 10 and ran for 60, so it took about 70 minutes to complete. The run on Saturday was harder and Sundays was easier...I think my body is aging and I'm starting to feel the effects of knee pain so I have to be careful. I'm going to incorporate more swimming and lower impact exercise with my fitness regime.

Today, I'm writing and working and going to do a track workout later this evening. I have this planned:

10 min run to track (about 1 mile)

2 x 350 m

2 x 700 m

2 x 350 m

10 min run home

Track is slightly less than a 1/4 mile. I haven't done intervals in a while, so I'm going to hope for the best.

I went food shopping at Covent Garden Market downtown (coventmarket.com). I bought some Genesis 1:29 bread (foodforlife.com) and it's similar to Ezekiel bread: hearty, high protein and high fibre bread. It moves right through you quickly, if you know what I mean ;)

I also bought some dark chocolate almond butter (MaraNatha at hain-celestial.ca) and smooth almond butter (Nuts to You Nut Butter Inc.). Both are very good, though the chocolate almond butter goes hard and stiff if refrigerated, but it tastes divine. The smooth almond butter is very runny, but I find if I tip it upside down and keep it refrigerated, it evens out the texture and the oil mixes fluidly with the paste.

I rounded out my grocery bill with wheat germ and ground flax seeds (golden yellow seeds). I tried a raw food energy bar (very good) but threw out the wrapper so I can't tell you the brand.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

2011-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

When hunger strikes what do you do? Do you reach for a cookie? Reach for some donuts or pastries, or do you drink a tall class of water and sit down and wait for the pangs to disappear?

Had you asked me this a while ago, I would have have mumbled that "well, I'm so weak-willed, I would grab a coffee and donut from Tim Horton's and then reached for McDonald's McFlurry too!" Seriously. I had some major issues with food and sure, there were days I would diet and workout like a fiend, only to sabotage my efforts of my 45 minutes cardio 5 times a week and my weekly 3x weight workouts.

What's the point of working hard when you are destroying your efforts in the process?

I admit I'm no angel. I have stuggled with binge eating and a host of other issues, but I think what has set me free from my insecurities and self-image problems is that's it's okay to mess up, but if you do, take a look at where you were, what led you to the binge, and try to get back on the horse. No one is judging.

Take time to eat your food too. Sit down with your family, talk, be a good listener, but also open up to your family and convey what went on in your day and actively take part in their lives too. I always thought families that ate together at dinner, with the tv off, ate healthier and were more content with what they ate and did not absent mindedly stuff their face with food.

We all have momentary lapses of judgement. I know I do. But when you savour your food and learn to put energy into cooking food or making a special meal, your desire to scarf it down is reduced. Who wants to shovel in a great homemade (by you!) meal standing up by the tv. Sit down, relax and enjoy it! You deserve it!!!

I've also noticed, the more I drink water and tea and coffee, the better I feel at my weight loss journey and the more healthy I feel overall. I try to drink 48 oz of chilled iced tea with stevia every day. I picked up some natural loose leaf tea at Sunfest a few weeks back and really like this company: gaddzillateas.com

These are a samples of Chinese Green Teas (not from Gaddzillateas) that I found on the web. Notice they are looseleaf teas and I'll demonstrate how to use them in a drink:

What I have been doing with my tea, is using 2tbsp of looseleaf tea and putting in my teapot with 6 cups of boiling water. I let it sit overnight, then drink away the next morning. I add stevia for flavour and that's 48 oz of tea in my day! Simple!! David's Tea at Masonville Mall is also really great, flavourful tea too. I'm going to put some pictures of my Gaddzilla teas on my blog so you can see what they look like.

When you transfer the cold tea from the teapot to a 1.5 L beverage container, the loose leaf tea gets caught in the teapot so the messy leaves don't go in the container or in your cut of tea.

My workout today was good, but I was very sore from my 6 mile run yesterday with A. We did a route I do a lot of the time but I was so hot that I needed to stop to get some rest. So it took us 1:20 to run a 6 mile course. Today, I did 60 minutes of walking and 15 minute on the ellyptical machine. I may do intervals tonight at 8 pm, but we'll see.

This is an interval workout I want to try:

Warmup: 5 min

2 x 400 m on four minutes

2x 800 m on eight minutes

2 x 400 m on four minutes

This will be 3.2 km and I think it will be one of the hardest workouts I've done. MUST DO IT!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

2011-07-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm doing an hour run with my friend A. Yesterday (Friday, July 22) I did a swim workout like this:

4 laps warmup front crawl

2 laps flutterkick

2 laps buoy and paddles

5 x 100 m front crawl with 1 min rest b/w

5 x 50 m front crawl

2 x 150 m front crawl

1x 50 m easy swim

I also did 30 m on the stairmaster before the swim.

Off the topic of workouts: I heard today of the death of Amy Winehouse. How sad. I always loved her music and thought she brought an element of jazz and blues to pop music. Her beautiful hair, her charisma when performing and her kind soul always shone through when she performed. I never saw her in concert but suspected that the price of fame was heavily sitting on her shoulders. You will be missed Amy!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

2011-07-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so there's heat, there's sun, there's mugginess. But all in all, I'm much happier during this time of the year than when it's December/January/February. Someone posted on facebook how much better this weather is than winter and I agree.

Yesterday (Wed, July 20) my swim was my first swim in about four years. Seriously! I did 40 laps (1 km) and I was fairly happy with what I produced. Here's the workout I did.

4 laps front crawl

2 laps w/flutter board kicking

2 laps w/hand paddles and buoy

2 laps fast front crawl

5 x 50 m front crawl (1 min b/w each set)

5 x 100 m front crawl (1 min b/w each set)

I also did 50 min cardio drills class which was hard but fun. The instructor was way ahead of Kasia, me and the others in class (she was shouting at us the entire time while jumping intensely during the whole class)! I'll definitely be back next Wed for her workout.

I went downtown after work to see if McDonald's would have their standard large, iced coffee w/no milk and no sugar. I get it plain and sweeted with two stevias. But they didn't (they ran out of ice) so I went next door to buy a 1L bottle of diet coke zero.

I have accounting tonight, then I'm busing it to the gym for another swim workout. No sense running or doing stairmaster when I'll be more relaxed and happy in the water!

Jay

Monday, July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's very late, I'm tired, hot and my air conditioner is broken. It's a pity because I would love to feel a cool breeze as I tackle commitments right now. But it's this thing called DETERMINATION that makes me want to just bull doze right through and forget about my overly humid apartment and everyone else that has a frigid temperature lulling them to bed right now.

Oh well.

My workouts have been mainly cardio these days. I'm focusing on bringing down my lower half as I would like to try out for the X-Country running team this fall. The National Championship is in BC (where, I haven't a clue, but fingers crossed it's in the former Olympic site, Vancouver). I would be so happy if I made the team, qualified for Nationals and brought my best effort forward this fall.

Right now, I'm focusing on mileage and one speed workout a week. I don't want to risk shin-splints of anything damaging to the foot (plantar fascitiis, fractures) so I'm going to include a swim workout to replace one heavy duty cardio workout. Most of my cardio is running outside or on the treadmill, intervals on the track and bootcamp style workouts at the YMCA or Suffer System. I haven't swam in about four years, so I want to start off with 1000 m workout first then gradually workout up to 3000 metres. Just so you have an idea of what kind of swimmer I am (I only competed in swimming competitions for one year and never really had any competitive coaching), I can do 3000 in about 1.5 hours. So, I'm no shark, lol. But I'm keen, so that's what's going to get me in the cold water.

I'm really tired and have to get some writing done. Train insane or remain the same!

Friday, July 15, 2011

2011-07-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Training sucks sometimes.

Like today, I worked out with just cardio since I was running short on time and only had 45 minutes. I got kicked out and didn't finish and didn't even shower after. Fark. But I'm switching up my routines to get more intensity and heart rate power with intervals. I tried this neat workout today: 2 x 15 minute runs at 2% incline. The first run was at 6.0 mph and the second was at 6.2 mph. It was brutally tough, especially halfway. When I'm closing in on 10 minute mark, I'm fine, but around 6-7 minutes, I had to dig deep, pound my iPod and remind myself why I like to run.

Sucks. But it always feels good when the workout is done, my feelings are endorphin high and I do my walk home.

Tomorrow I plan to do weights and I want to try some circuit training as well!

I have a couple of articles to write for the paper and figure out how to style my blog better :)

By the way, if you like some good workout music, I listened to Meteora by Linkin Park! The cd is great and angry and it works well for intense running :)

Saturday, July 9, 2011

2011-07-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was nice just to relax and unwind. Friday, I didn't have to work as we have Fridays off at the Fanshawe Student Union paper. So, I did one interview and went to the gym to workout.

Weights were done Friday and I got back into it.
I did Day 2 of Leah's program:

                                          2 sets of 12 reps

Straight leg deadlifts:           135lbs, 160lbs
Lunges:                              25s, 30s
Flat bench presses:              30s, 35s
Seated machine rows:          70lbs, 80lbs
Bicep curls:                         (20s x 6, 15s x 6) x 2
Tricep rope pressdowns:       30lbs, 30lbs

Cardio was two sessions. Walking before and after weights and totalling 60 min. And a 30 minute run in the evening, about 3 miles.

There was a concert event in Victoria Park in London as well. It's called Sunfest and was a lot of fun. I had a coconut popsicle which was absolutely wonderful and icecream! Nom noms!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

2011-07-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

The aspect of motivation has to be drawn out of you on a daily basis. Motivation, like me today, to get up at 5 am in the morning, go to the track to run laps and intervals, took me a while but I did it like it was a habit. I don't normally do this, but last night I set my alarm (two of them) just to see if I could do it. And I did!

Learning to motivate yourself is like learning a skill of any sort. It takes practice to get yourself to the gym, do a workout, and not feel self-conscious or insecure of all the other people there. Just do it. Put on your shoes, get your flattering workout wear and DO IT! You will feel better afterward and your heart will thank you.

I try to encourage my friends at all costs to do a workout with me once in a while, or just listen and push them to get to the gym. But today, I needed that extra push too. I did my workout at a highschool track and did 6 track repeats on 4 minute intervals. I wasn't able to do cardio after my interval training. My legs were pretty tired.

I listened to the new David Ghetta album, "One More Love." It's roughly less than 30 minutes and has some great pumping tunes to set your pace. I've listened to it while running indoors and outside, like today.

1. 0:00 - 1:31
2. 0:04 - 1:24
3. 0:08 - 1:22
4. 0:12 - 1:19
5. 0:16 - 1:19
6. 0:20 - 1:19

These times were easier for me than the last time I ran them. My fastest time yet was a few weeks back (I did 1:17), but today I didn't wimp out on interval #6. This was my third time running laps at the same highschool (in London). Last two times I ran here, I stopped halfway through the 6th interval and walked. But this time, I kept going: consistently running one lap every 4th minute and 6 in a row. Very excited for that!

Tonight, I will do weights and some more cardio. My friend and I are getting in the habit of doing classes together at our gym. We do bootcamp on Mondays and cycling on Tuesdays. It's really nice and I find this sort of arrangement works for me.

I also bought Leah Wynne's bootcamp video (the first one) and I'm going to wait for my friend to download it from my flash drive to a dvd. I'm very excited to try it out!! Thanks Leah :)

Thanks for coming by!

Later Sunday, July 3, 2011

2011-07-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's my workout for the day. 30 minutes running (3.26 miles) and 15 minutes stairmaster. No excess and no overdoing it today. I really want to try out for the cross country running team this fall, so mileage is important to collect to get in the training and be set for heavy interval and fartlek work this fall!

I'm up late, doing work and cleaning house on articles that didn't get done this weekend. Which is none. I am weening off too much and getting in the habit to focus and just do one thing well and efficiently. We all need to bank our dollars and get set for whatever comes up in the future!

I'm also including this song: "Trip Like I do" by Crystal Method and Filter. It's a great, intense song that gets me motivated to get to the gym and do my work. I really like this 90's collaboration that was featured in Spawn way back when.

Thanks for coming in!!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

2011-07-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fabulous! I went to a friend's cottage, we talked, we laughed, we fought (a bit, lol) and we celebrated a great Canada Day weekend! Relationships, whether with your friend or lover, take work and if you can deal with whatever they throw at you and still feel you want their company, that's a key to a successful relationship.

Today, I promised myself I would workout and hit the books. Not too hard, but enough to privy myself to more money.

I'll post up my workout after I finish. It's going to be deadlifts, bench, and some back exercise, and some lunges in there too. A little bit of cardio post weights.

Thanks for dropping in!

tiesto - here on earth(feat cary brothers)

2011-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

My second favourite song on the Kaleidoscope album by DJ Tiesto. It's a collaboration with the Cary Brothers. My first? Tegan and Sara doing "Feel it in my bones!" Of course!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

2011-06-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

I have recently become more entranced by DJ Tiesto. I don't know what it is about him (he's cool!) or that he did a terrific collaboration with Cary Brothers. This song gets me every time. It's kind of romantic, eerie and soothing!

Workout, great as usual. Motivation is high and I had a great conversation with a friend. Smooth sailing...

All done for 3 x 8 reps
Bench Presses:                   30s, 35s, 35s
Lat Pulldowns:                    70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Standing Shoulder Presses:   25s, 25s, 25s
Biceps:                               20s-15s, 20s-15s, 20s-15s
Triceps:                              can't remember

Cardio: running and stairmill, totalling 45minutes.

Victoria Beckham, Rachel Zoe inspire NYC moms to stay thin even while pregnant - NYPOST.com

2011-06-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Victoria Beckham, Rachel Zoe inspire NYC moms to stay thin even while pregnant - NYPOST.com

I came across this article a while back and didn't post on it right away. My point being, that sometimes there is a line that is crossed in fitness and health--an unhealthy one that prohibits vital nutrients going to you baby in pregnancy or you as well. When mothers' unhealthily diet, they are robbing themselves of a safe and healthy pregnancy and potentially damaging their unborn.

Saturday, June 25th

2011-06-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't work out today. Just felt like watching Canadian Track and Field on the television to see my girl Perdita win the hurdles. There was a 1500 metre female runner who also ran, and the 400m, 800, 1500m and 3000 metres events ran by both women and men (but women in particular) always get me happy! I would love to be able to reach a level of running at a National level, and had I been more dedicated to my running, I could have probably at least been provincial level (OFSAA here in Ontario), but we'll never know. Oh well. At least I can write about it and admire from a distance.

Yesterday, I ran for 20 min and did 20 min on the stairmaster. No weights. I went dress shopping with my mom to look for summer outfits for my sister's wedding. I'm very excited for her. She is younger than I and she and her fiance have been together since 2003. The wedding will be in the early this fall.

Right now, my goals for training this summer are:
1. continue running and lifting
2. compete in a 10 K race this summer (one in London and that is not too expensive).
3. Get my weight down to 125lbs (I'm 5'4)
4. Get my mileage in for tryouts for the school cross country running team (hence the weight loss)

This is a LARGER goal of mine, but to compete in a 1/2 marathon also this summer. But we'll see about that one. I don't want to be one of those runners who competes in a 1/2 marathon or marathon and ends up taking too much time to finish. What's the point in that? I already don't think I would do a 10 km if my time was over 60 minutes in length. I have a PB in 10km in 46 minutes (I was 16 at the time) so I know that's in my potential, but may take serious effort to get down to that time again.

I'm hoping to do an interval workout tomorrow morning and a long recovery run tomorrow evening. Tonight, I'm going to a David Bowie tribute night at the Alex P. Keaton bar in London. Very stoked, except I don't have a lot of retro clothing.

Linkin Park - Iridescent (Transformers 3) by Yan Gama

2011-06-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

This song is a growth for Linkin Park. I've been listening to them for years, and I noticed an incredible switch to a softer melody and delivery than Meteora or Hybrid Theory. I found some videos on youtube and thought I would share. I haven't yet seen the third Transformers, but am patiently waiting.

Wed. June 22, 2011

2011-06-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Another rainy evening? God, what are you doing? Ah well...I'm not a farmer nor in construction so this isn't affecting me, but still. It is rather romantic and working while there's a pelting of water against a roof stimulates my work ethic and I am happy.

Today I was stressed because I 1. have an exam tomorrow in 12 hours and 2. I hadn't worked out today. But that changed (as most negative thinking can be) and I relaxed with a hot bath, listened to some Linkin Park (Metora) before heading outdoors and trucked outside for a nice 40 min run to relax and unwind.

So, energy wise, I'm doing great. I refuse to pull an all nighter and I am geared to finish my quizzes before 6 tomorrow evening. It's funny, but I'm a big motivational quote person. I came across the best quote today in my accounting book (who knew numbers and money could be creative and right-brained?), so I'll post it up tomorrow, when I am done my exam and have taken care of ME!

So yeah, exam at 1pm. Wish me luck!

"Numb" by Linkin Park was on their Metora album and also from the Transformers movie with Shia Laboef and Megan The Fox. The second video is from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and is called "New Divide." Linkin Park have another track on Transformers: Dark of the Moon titled "Iridescent."

Rain, cold, pelting
I feel the chill and hear the sound
It hits and breaks like
a breath, a sound, a voice
And I sit and wait
for the water to rush in.
But inside, I can just imagine.

New Divide - Linkin Park (Transformers Music Video)

2011-06-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

The newest Linkin Park video "New Divide," also on the new Transformers video.

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen Music Video "Numb"

2011-06-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Wed. June 22, 2011

2011-06-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again. Another great workout yesterday and another great day of summer sunshine and heat. Today the weather is still warm, albeit gloomy and overcast. Last night, when I was in bed with my cat, there was lighning and thunder and rain, and it felt so romantic, lying in bed (with my cat, lol!) and listening to the storm.

I am finding I'm making progress with my physique. I am leaning out and I'm noticing more definition in my arms especially. I did this yesterday:

3 sets of 6
1. Flat bench press                30s, 35s, 35s
2. Squats                              95lbs, 105lbs, 115lbs
3. 1 arm rows                        35s, 40s, 40s
4 Standing shoulder presses    25s, 25s 25s

I *believe* I am losing muscle as well as my fat loss. But this isn't worrying me, because I believed I was getting too blocky anyhow. But as I read a lot of blogs of athletes in the industry, everyone's strength decreases somewhat when they are leaning out. Which is why you need to continue to lift at maximum in order to preserve the muscle you have on your frame. Heavy weight challenges the muscle, hence growth, or at least no shrinkage.

Cardio was 45 minutes. I did 30 minutes of running and 15 minutes of stairmill. I did about 3 miles and didn't keep track on the stairmill.

Today, I took time off work to work on homework and study for my midterm tomorrow. I may workout today, we'll see, just to vent and relax, and hit the books again later on today.

I bought some gear from the bookstore at Fanshawe...two sets of headphones to work out with. One was a great pair just to use while walking around and are a bright pink and the other I'm disappointed in. They are the small ear buds that fit in the canal so they are *supposed* to stay put when you run or jog. Well they didn't. They kept falling out and made me miserable when I was running on the treadmill!

So, today, I'm going on a hunt for a new pair, probably to The Source in the mall. I can't return the malfunctioning pair, because (stupid me) I threw out the packaging. Fark!

Note to you readers out there! DON'T THROW OUT PACKAGING FOR PRODUCTS UNTIL YOU USE THEM AND ARE CERTAIN THEY WORK!

I just got excited and so giddy that I had a cool pair of ear buds to wear when I train that I got ahead of myself. Well...learned my lesson!

Workout: Saturday, June 18, 2011

2011-06-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Aaaahh...peace and quiet.
I found today's workout great and invigorating. There was hardly anyone in the gym today, which is great because I'm starting to find I get more done when I have simplicity in my day. No drama, no conversation, just me working out, on my own, in my own space. It was lovely :)

Now on to workouts. I did a 25 minute weight workout that wasn't too hectic. Just four exercises at 2 sets of 8 reps.

Incline bench press            25s, 30s
Lat pulldowns                    70lbs, 80lbs
Lunges                               25s, 30s
Standing shoulder presses   25s, 30s

Cardio was short and sweet. 30 minutes on the stairmaster, broken down into 2 15 minutes each. I don't know why I did it that way, just felt like breaking it up. First part was 95.2 floors climbed, second part was 101 floors climbed.

Tomorrow I'm not sure what I'll do. I think I'll try to get to bootcamp tomorrow at 9:30 am. I have a midterm on Thursday and work 30 hours a week at the paper, so I'm pretty busy, but trying to remain stress free. Just focusing on these three things, school, paper and workouts and omitting everything that doesn't do me any justice. I don't want to fail my class, afterall. lol!

I had a great day, just spending some time with two friends, doing some shopping, and catching up on the results and youtube videos of the Toronto Pro and OPA show this weekend. I would have loved to have gone, but my priorities are saving money this summer and not doing too much travelling out of London. I *may* be going to Calgary this summer, so we'll see how things turn up.

I just found out my friend is pregnant!!! WHOOT HOOT! I'm very excited for J. and B. They are extemely nice and wonderful together, so I have to do some shopping for baby shower presents! I'm on the hunt for cute, little people things.

Thanks for popping in. Have a great day and train insane or remain the same!

~Jaymin

Teenage X: Drink, Dance and Destroy at Call the Office Friday, June 17, 2011

2011-06-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Teenage X: Drink, dance and destroy at Call the Office
by: Jaymin Proulx
Published at: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=7082§ionID=3&issueID=0
Published on: Tuesday, June 14, 2011

When a pretty and gritty Karen Elson lookalike shrieks and hollers, you know it's time for action. Enter Teenage X: your answer to humdrum tunes and boring radio repeats. What makes this band intriguing is that they don't stay put for long. They've opened for Toronto writer Liz Worth's book launch for Treat Me Like Dirt in January 2010 and also graced the stages of the Bovine Sex Club and the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Now, expect them at Call the Office Friday, June 17 to open for CJ Ramone and Daniel Rey.

Come ready to Drink Dance Destroy! After all, that is the title of their debut album.

Members Sarah Page (vocals), Phil Page (bass guitar), Rich Gaskin (guitar) and Mikey Hawdon (drums) are releasing their first album after three and half years of toil and hard work. Ironically, they first jammed on August 16, 2007, the 30th anniversary of Elvis's death.

Fiery Sarah showed charisma for performing at a young age. "My parents realized my attraction to music while at the Organ Grinder Restaurant in Toronto. They couldn't keep me off stage! That led to piano lessons at the age of five, continuing my studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music completing level 10."

She pursued her passion for music and attended Humber's Jazz Performance program and played trumpet in her first band.

Gaskin recalled being friends with Phil since their work with The Downbelows in 2001. Upon meeting Sarah at a gig when she was in The Threat, chemistry ignited and the three knew they had something good.

"The biggest struggle was to find a drummer who fit with us. Mikey, who has been in the band for the past year and a half, was a part of that missing piece of the puzzle," said Gaskin.

Gaskin described the sound of Teenage X as having a strong pop roots. "I don't know of many bands that sound like us. Most have either a rock or metal influence. I think we have a very strong pop (influence). Our songs are based on melody and harmony. At the core, our songs have a pop structure. There aren't many guitar solos. Everything either follows or supports the vocal melodies."

He added with sly wit: "Our songs hit you like a slap in the face!"

Sarah cited influences such as Joan Jett and Joey Ramone, and Gaskin added John Lennon and Johnny Rotten to the list.

"Musically, I will forever be linked to the punk and hardcore scene from about 1977 until about 1984. That was the music that really hit me hard. It made me want to cut my hair and change my clothes—Bad Brains, the Replacements, Circle Jerks, DOA, Forgotten Rebels, Sex Pistols, Ramones ... that list could go on."

But like a quick-thinking rebel, Gaskin also listed favourites outside of punk. "I really like good songwriters!"

Within 30 seconds, the crowd will know one thing: Teenage X are going to deliver good songs, good vibes and good times. They even listen to Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks before every performance.

"Hopefully by the end of the night," he added, "we'll have the crowd singing, drinking and dancing along with us."

Blitzkrieg Bop, anyone? London is Calling!

For more information or for tickets, visit calltheoffice.com or myspace.com/teenagex. The show is on Friday, June 17 at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12, and the show is licensed and for all ages.

Aristotle quote: Excellence is a habit

2011-06-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, excellence is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle.

I like myself sometimes very much. I am optimistic, friendly, passionate, romantic, creative, and athletic. I love to write, tell stories, investigate, and work undercover to bring the truth to the eyes and ears of the people who deserve to know. I am a journalist.

I am also a philosopher. I came across a woman named Karene that immensely helped with an article I wrote about erotica and the origin of its creativity. She founded spaceandmotion.com which is my favourite philsophy site to visit when I'm feeling the need for enlightenment and instruction.

I don't read a lot of self help books. I tend to pray, watch the news, read the papers and magazines, and scour the CBC or Globe and Mail to find out what interests me and provokes my curiousity. I am a woman who abides by the rules, more so now than before, that I will listen to the facts when given to me, not when gossiped by way of a crooked mouth or a rumourmill. It's not healthy to believe only what you are told. Best to find out for yourself and seek from the source.

I have been told over and over, I am "cat-like." From that description, I tend to think of it as more of a "proverbial cat who lands on her feet." I have always tried new experiences, put myself out there, inflamed a few, enraged some more, but always did no intent to harm. Just pure naivety.

I'm no angel. But I'm no demon or succubus, either.

I can think of a song by "Pink" when she sings of keeping a memory and her ex lover visiting her in her sleep. I've attached the video above. She talks about disappoinment and feeling let down by this gentlemen. He visits her in her sleep, yet it's only a memory locked in her head, repeatedly played over and over by her psyche. Or maybe just her.

Pink is locked in a repeated pattern, as the song goes, going over and over what she did that caused him to hurt her. Lady friend, he wasn't the one.

As Artistotle would tell Pink now, "get over him and move on. Stop repeating negative thinking over and over and be happy he isn't there to hurt you anymore."

Our powers of self help are much stronger than we realize.

Pink - Who Knew (live)

2011-06-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

"Everything in its right place" music video

2011-06-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that Thom Yorke has a Line of Siam. Also bestowed upon by Gavin Rossdale, Hilary Clinton and that Italian actor Robert DeNiro. I'm not a huge fan of this video, but this was done in the late 90's. Maybe Yorke didn't have enough input into its production.

system of a down - metro

2011-06-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

2011-06-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Great workout today. But I am so tired and strung out that I'm not going to post it up. But heck, here it goes.

20 minutes stairmaster, warmup

1. Standing shoulder presses: 1 x 6 @ 25s, 2 x 10 @25s
2. Flat bench presses: 1 x 6 @ 35s, 3 x 10 @ 35s
3. 1 arm dumbbell rows: 3 x 6 @ 40s and 35s for one set
4. Lunges: 2 x 12 @ 25s
5. Bicep curls: 3 x 10 @ 45 bar and down to 20s each side

Finished with 10 minutes of stairmaster.

I'm listening to Dracula 2000 which was written by Wes Craven. I was introduced to horror of Craven's by a boyfriend at the time. Good shit, scary, but good shit. Craven is also a seemingly normal guy in person. Just particularly good about staying in the realm of horror. Which is fine, because sometimes the music coming from horror films produces the best soundtrack music. At least in my opinion.

I came across more System of a Down...METRO!

The weekend

2011-06-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well, one more weekend has past by, but technically it's not over yet. I did a great interval workout this morning at Catholic Central Highschool. I did one warmup lap, then six laps after on every 4 minutes. The whole workout took me 25 minutes. I did some more cardio at the gym to total 45 minutes alltogether.

Lap #1: 1: 20 minutes at 04:00
         2. 1:19 minutes at 08:00
         3. 1: 16 minutes at 12:00
         4. 1:26 minutes at 16:00
         5. 1:17 minutes at 20:00
         6. 1: 29 minutes at 24:00
----------------------------------
                                     25 mintutes

I felt good for the first few, the first was hard, but my times improved intermittently. My earbuds to my iPod came out a few times and caused me to slow down. Oh well! Just keep running is my moto!

Energy wise, this morning was great. I work up at 5:30 am, got ready, cleaned my apt. at bit and walked to the track to workout. Yesterday, not so much. I work up very late Saturday morning, so I have to be a little more motivated to get things done during the weekend. The perks to my job are that we were able to work from home this past week, and Monday to Friday next week too. I get more done when I'm in at school, so I'm going to take the bus to Fanshawe every day this week.

What is going to help me stay organized with workouts and eating, is writing down 3 things to do everyday as goals. Examples can be 1. workout for 1 hour, 2. finish one article a day, 3. vacuum and houseclean...you get the idea.

I'm also getting to be stronger when it comes to food and cravings. Like when I'm out with friends. I really do not want to compromise all the time and effort I put in (or "out" I should say) with regards to my exercising. Do I want a slice of pizza? No thank you. That would mean 2 hours or so of high intensity cardio! You get the picture.

I'm hoping to go to Toronto next week for the Toronto Super Show on Friday, June 17, 18 and 19. It's going to be HUGE! The Canadian version of the Arnold Classic that's held in Columbus, Ohio.

I've had about five articles published in the school paper. I'll send them up here for you to read. Thanks for coming by!

http://www.torontoprosupershow.com/

System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B.

2011-06-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

System of a Down have been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and won the award in 2006 for Best Hard Rock Performance for this song, B.Y.O.B. On August 13, 2006, the group went on an indefinite hiatus, but announced a reunion on November 29, 2010 with several shows planned at European music festivals for the summer (that's now!) of 2011, as well as several dates in North America. Sorry, none in Ontario. Crap!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

2011-06-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Erin!

Today is my sister's birthday and I'm planning on ordering some Karat hairbands for her when she works out: http://www.freshkarat.com/. They come in a wide assortment of colours and designs and I am addicted!

Today I'm taking the day off from working out. Yesterday was a 25 minute interval workout at the track and 35 minutes later running and stairmaster. So, I did 60 minutes. I'm really proud of myself. I managed a few laps of the track in under 1:19 (the track is roughly 350-375 m, not quite 1/4 mile). I did 5 laps, then kind of a sixth one that was running halfway, walking, and running again.

I didn't keep track of the times though, but it was funny! I was writing the times in the sand to keep track.

I went back to the gym to do more cardio.

Friday, I did a kickboxing class at Suffer System with a full body weight workout before. I did squats, flat bench and standing shoulder presses. Again, I didn't keep track. The kickboxing class was 45 minutes long and we did yoga afterward.

Thursday, I did a 30 minute run and that's as far as I remember this past week.

I'm doing my radio show tonight at 5 pm, listen up and request! 519-661-3600! 94.9 CHRW! Or online at http://www.chrwradio.com/

Thanks for dropping in!

Jay

Monday, May 31, 2011

2011-05-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

So, for an assignment for work, I visited some Asian Supermarkets to take pictures and find out a little of what constitues "Asian cuisine." I know a little of the culture and have interest in it, so I took great excitement to go on this venture. I took some pictures for you to see. Overall, I visited four stores, but only two will be in my story.

The largest supermarket is new in town. London Free Press wrote an article on the store and it was very informative article and well written. Here it is:

http://www.lfpress.com/money/businessmonday/2011/01/06/16790841.html#/money/businessmonday/2011/01/06/pf-16791176.html

The store is located on Adelaide St. North between Huron/Adelaide and Cheapside/Adelaide. There used to be a bowling alley there before.

Slaying the dragon of all fresh pink produce: the dragonfruit.

Pretty, yellow starfruit!

Wakame (aka seaweed), different flavours

Sugar-free biscuits with fruit filling...

Candies, jellies, and fruit-flavoured yummies!

Pocky or Nature Valley? What would you choose?

Gourmet Pocky: chocolate dipped biscuits with almonds!

Shirataki noodles were about $2.99 for 8oz bag. They need to be kept refrigerated and run from about 0-10 calories per bag. So stoked to cook with this stuff!

One of my favourite drinks: Aloe. It comes in sugar-free and regular.

A sample of a meal to make with shirataki noodles. Frozen mixed vegetables, olive oil, marinade, tuna and some seasoning salt, all mixed together for a stir fry.

Mmmm...delicious! The noodles absorb the flavour and make a high fibre, high protein, low carb and good source of fats. All in a days work!

After I got home, I went to the gym for 45 minutes of cardio: 30 minute run (3miles) with 10 minutes on the stairmaster.

A love-hate affair with Rolling Stone - Things That Go Pop!

2011-05-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

A love-hate affair with Rolling Stone - Things That Go Pop!

Gonna read this tomorrow...

Shakira Featuring Danzig "Hips Don't Lie"

2011-05-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

This isn't real...but it's really damn good at pretending! It's a snazzy little hip-shaker that gets my groove on. Enjoy!

Weezer - Paranoid Android

2011-05-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

I disagree with complaints of this. I think it's pretty good! Weezer are doing it pretty smoothly.

Welcome to the Jungle!

Workout post: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Black Keys cd review: El Camino

Monday, January 23, 2012

Lioness: Hidden Treasures (cd review)

Where's your head at- Basement Jaxx

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The White Stripes - 'Seven Nation Army'

Meeting George Stroumboulopoulos:

Fuel - Shimmer (Boyce Avenue feat. Tyler Ward acoustic cover) on iTunes

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on iTunes

Arkham Dispatch, Zealots Desire, The Livin' Art and Motion Groove to perform at Londo Music Hall Lounge Friday, January 13

Monday, January 9, 2011

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out (Live on SNL)

The Goddess in the Machine: Florence + the Machine cd review, Ceremonials

Apocalypse 2012 - Doc Zone | CBC-TV

Welcome to a New Year! Monday, January 2, 2012

December 30, 2011: Catching up on odds and ends

Boxing Day and quietly spending the evening with my cat

Top Canadian News stories in 2011

Top gadgets of 2011 | Sync™ Blog

Sympatico.ca Lifestyle : Special Guides : Book GuidePHOTO_GALLERY_BOOK_GUIDE_TOP_10_BOOKS_2011 : book guide - top 10 books of 2011

Marianas Trench - Haven't Had Enough

Playlist: 10 Best Workout Songs of March 2011 - Shape Magazine

Me = Zena, personified! Tues. December 13, 2011

Vin Diesel "My Way"

Hairstyles Men Definitely Love | OurVanity.com. Hot Beauty News & Tips

Public Enemy vs Benny Benassi - Bring The Noise Remix (Pump-kin Remix)

Super fantastic workout: Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Heavy cardio day: Mon, November 21, 2011

Intervals, steady state and all that jazz! Friday, November 18, 2011

Workout update! Monday, November 14, 2011

Anomolies and me: November 7, 2011

Cd review on Ian Kelly: A Multi-faceted gem

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

CD review on Asa: Beautiful Imperfection. October 29, 2011

Un Homenaje monumental a la Argentina y el Che Guevara: A CD review on Jorge Martinez

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Medina - You And I

Medina's, "Welcome to Medina," cd review

Thankfulness...Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Thanksgiving Weekend! Monday, October 10, 2011

Disordered Eating Post

Sunday, September 25, 2011: Economics

Saturday, September 24, 2011

DJ Tiesto heightens the glow at JLC (London, ON) Saturday night: written Wed. Sept 21, 2011

Morgan Page (ft. Lissie) - The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix) [Official M...

Entry #2 for Saturday, September 17

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza ft. Tinie Tempah

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera

Foster The People - Helena Beat

Tegan And Sara - Hell (Official Music Video)

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

Tues, August 23, 2011

Medina - Addiction (Official Music Video) HD

Friday, August 12, 2011

Wipeout

Factor - More than love (feat: Kirby Dominant)

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Murder Plans going places

Late Night Alumni - Empty streets

Monday, August 1, 2011

Monday, August 1, 2011

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

Friday, July 15, 2011

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Later Sunday, July 3, 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

tiesto - here on earth(feat cary brothers)

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Victoria Beckham, Rachel Zoe inspire NYC moms to stay thin even while pregnant - NYPOST.com

Saturday, June 25th