3...2...1....Activate Body Potential! Part 5

I gotta say again, I am so lucky to have found my trainer Ben. And thank god he doesnt charge extra for therapy. Working out and getting in shape is a lot harder than people think. And no I dont just mean the actual workouts, or even finding the time (which seems to be a thing I struggle with in general). But there are alot of emotional issues that I know I have that make it tough for me to be as successful as I want to be. For one, I put tremendous pressure on myself to do things as quick as possible. And everyone knows that losing weight superfast isnt the way to do it. And thankfully Ben is there to remind me of that. But then I get mad at myself when I eat something I know I shouldnt or when I miss a workout or when my numbers havent dropped as much as I want. In past situations I have just quit. I tell myself its not worth it and that its better to just focus on something I have more control over. But its different this time. Ben takes the time to listen to me and what I am struggling with, and he adjusts the program as needed. Im not saying he makes it less work or too easy. Like the other day when I was doing pull downs and was on #8 and thought I was going to die, he sure as hell made sure I made it to #12...and then #13 just to prove a point. And you know what? I was glad. I was proud I made it through. He always says "I'm not going to ask you to do anything i'm not absolutely sure you can do." And while sometimes I hate it, and desperately try to even hate him for making me do it (although I cant because he's too damn nice!), I always make it through. So what is slowing me down? Food. DAMNIT! You cursed beast! You cruel lover! You backstabbing friend! Its so unfair that something I love so much can make me feel so bad. Since I started my weight loss/get fit program, I have adjusted my food plan several times. The first time i committed to something I didnt want to admit to myself would never work for me. The next time, still being way to ambitious, I failed again. Now, I am trying to take things one day at a time. The trouble is, when I think about my food in advance, it makes me just think about food all day! So I try not to think about it and then I either dont eat or I eat wrong. This was the topic of me and Ben's conversation Monday. I feel like such a failure that I cant nail down this food problem. But thankfully Ben is there to remind me that I am not failing anything. And that I have made a lot of progress from where I first started. I told him "i just want to eat big bowls of cereal! But I know its not a good choice! I want it even more than I want a cheeseburger." To which Ben said basically to give in to the cereal craving instead of the cheeseburger. Seems so simple right? So now my homework for this week is to drink my muscle milk shake every morning, without fail. And yes, I know that is something I can do. And to make sure I am eating lunch and dinner. 
Here is the big struggle though. I need to try to find more time in my schedule for me personally. To either cook for myself, or to workout at home, or to even go food shopping. And I think we all know thats gonna be a tough one for me. I have already left one project I had picked up, but still no time has opened up. And I love working. I do. I just need to find a balance. And honestly if it werent for Bens encouragement, and for the fact that I am seeing results, I would be sunk.
So I keep trying. I will break this cycle of food addiction at some point. I just have to believe in myself....as much as Ben believes in me. :)

Finding Time......

First I would like to start off with a letter to myself......

Dear Me,
I suck at blogging. I am not making the time I should, or want to. I need to stop letting things get in the way of it and just freaking do it.
But I still love you...I mean me.
Love,
Me

Okay, so yeah I have been far from reliable with my blogs so far. And it makes me so mad at myself. But as I warned in my first post, I wasnt good at writing in my diary when I was younger either. I hear that the new iPad actually lets you just talk and it types for you. I need that. Then I can really multi-task. Plus I find that my best ideas come to me when I am talking to myself.
Why do I always let things get in the way? How is it that even in my 30's I cant determine what needs to be a priority? How do I still suck so bad at time management? Well one thing is I need a desk. Yes, I know that sounds lame and materialistic, but its true. As a writer I need a zone that allows me to feel right for writing. And right now since my bulb is blown in my living room tv (and I cant possibly do anything without tv....and I mean anything), I am forced to work in my bedroom. And thanks to my ginormous bed in my small bedroom the only furniture in there is the bed and the tv. And trying to write in bed isnt as psexy as it sounds. It kind of sucks actually. Its not "where the magic happens" when it comes to writing, thats for sure. So I need a desk. Somewhere that when I sit I think "this is where I write." I found one on walmart.com that I like so when I have some moolah I will probably get it, if I dont spend that money on drinks for me and my friends first. Sadly for my bank account, generosity seems to flow freely from me no matter where I am sitting! But I cant complain, I have awesome friends and I love making sure everyone is having fun. Its worth it.
So, as I am writing this (in the internet cafe of my apartment building, in case you wondered) I am thinking, what the hell am I writing about again? Oh yeah, finding time.
My September column in Bmag (which hopefully you read) was about me not finding time to workout. I am doing pretty good with that I must say. And I am seeing results, which is amazing because I still eat like crap more days a week than I should. Thats the magic of my trainer though! Seriously if I followed what he said 100% of the time, I would be in kickass shape in no time. But discipline with myself is something I am still working on. You know, eating right, working out, not making out with losers, the usual stuff people are trying to change about their lives.
But as someone who considers herself somewhat ambitious, when do I think that time is actually going to arrive? Time for yourself doesnt just happen. I have realized I need to make it happen. Plan time for me like I would any other appointment. I cant tell you how great i feel when I start my day with my trainer Ben. I feel like "yes! I did at least ONE good thing for me today! Something that will pay off!" Is it easier to sleep in? Sure, but then I will still be shaped like a snowman! And I dont recall Mrs. Frosty doing any covers of Maxim.
I want to be a well-rounded person. (Not in the snowman way, in the work vs play way) But no one can do that FOR me. I have to do it myself. And if I dont start now, I will end up one of those women that looks back on her youth and says "i wish I'd taken better care of myself."
So, its September 6. One month from now I am going to revisit this topic and see what I have changed. If you have the same kind of problem of not making time for yourself, I encourage you to do the same. Take one month at a time. What can we change in the next 30 days? Keep me posted on your plans and I will cheer you on.
We can't buy back time from the past, but we can stop planning on wasting the present and future.

3..2...1...Activate Body Potential.....update

So for those who have been following my progress with my trainer Ben at Activate Body Potential, here is an update.
I will be honest, when I attempted to start this program back in June, I was being stupid. Not because the program wasnt absolutely feasible. But because I should have known with my hectic schedule being twice as nuts as usual, due to moving and vacations and taking on new clients, the timing was bad. The ability would have been there, but I can say truthfully my commitment wasnt what I needed it to be.
Though Ben was totally encouraging throughout and gave me great advice, it was like any other habit that needed to be broken. I needed to WANT it more. 
So recently after getting a bit down on myself about how I felt I was failing the program (though Ben told me I was not), I found additional inspiration in a weird place. VH1's Celebrity Rehab.
One night when I couldnt sleep because my dumb ass ate Wendy's and it made me sick, I got caught up in an episode from this season. Now, though I do drink I have fortunately never been an alcoholic. And I have never used drugs. But upon watching it I realized I had another addiction I needed to battle. A food addiction! 
I ended up watching all this season's episodes that night because I was relating so much to the people on there. There is always something in your life that causes an addiction and powers it. For me I know that stress, both work and family, were powering my food addiction. Dont get me wrong, I am not a binge eater or anything. I just have a love for food that has been stronger than my love for being in shape. I need to conquer that addiction in order to ever reach my fitness goals. 
Well once I targeted the main issue, I told Ben. He was of course so encouraging and ready to help me adjust my plan to be more suitable to my life. I cant quit the foods I love cold turkey and I was overpromising myself how much I could workout each week. I wanted quick results (as we all do) and so I wanted a high intensity plan. But i realized that by taking the intense plan but not being able to do it, I was getting less results than if I had taken the less intense plan that I could actually stick to! 
Ben has crafted a new plan for me that involves 4 workouts a week at Activate Body. We have also adjusted my eating plan to work on one goal a week. First week was eat protein every day before noon. Second was pick lunch selections from the places I eat when I am working at the museum, and stick to them. Third was drinking more water. 
And you know what? ITS WORKING! I lost about 3% body fat and the pounds I lost are all fat! 
I feel so great each day knowing that I am doing a plan I can stick to, and that its working! 
I am so thankful to have Ben as my trainer. I really suggest that if you are looking for someone to help change this part of your life, you go see him. 
Its time to Activate YOUR Body Potential!!!!

I just found the SWEETest new makeup!

I really lucked out. I have been using Jane Iredale makeup for over 5 years now. I discovered it back when I was working at a day spa. It was my first introduction to mineral makeup and I was a big fan. But it was getting harder and harder to find Jane anywhere and it was pretty pricey. 
As luck would have it, I discovered a brand new mineral makeup line called Sweet Minerals! Created by some local ladies with a background in makeup and eyes for style, as soon as I heard about Sweet Minerals I was stoked to check it out. 
Via Twitter (thank god for Twitter!) I got in touch with Sweet Minerals and let them know I was eager to try their stuff!
I was invited by them to attend a Ladies Day Out Event at La Palapa recently where Sweet Minerals was demonstrating their products. Heather, one of the creators and a makeup artist, gave me a full face makeup application using Sweet Minerals. I loved how the makeup felt on my face, pretty much like I wasnt wearing any at all. And the color palette was stunning! So many fun and festive colors to choose from with names like Blue Hawaiian and Bubble Gum you will find your mouth watering! But dont eat them! LOL. 
Seriously I just got my own collection of Sweet Minerals, and I tried applying it myself. The shadows go on so easy and have such a nice hue to them. And the bronzer makes me feel like I just came from a weekend at the beach! Plus this makeup is totally dummy proof if you ask me. I love makeup and always have, but you can apply this even if you are a novice at "face painting". 
Sweet Minerals is only available in select places right now, so follow them on Twitter and Like their Facebook page for more info and to find out how to get yours. I promise you that you will LOVE it! 
Oh and for those who know about mineral makeup, it doesnt contain Bismuth either (the ingredient in many mineral makeups that alot of people are allergic to), and yet it still provides great coverage. 
I will DEFINITELY be having the Sweet Minerals ladies at one of my upcoming events. But dont waste any time! Order a starter kit from them! 
As you all know I dont endorse anything I dont love. And I LOVE Sweet Minerals.

Special thanks to Chrissy and Heather at Sweet Minerals for introducing me to this awesome makeup line!

Which is worse to wonder? (an excerpt from my upcoming book)

When looking back on decisions we have made, there are two types that we can possibly wish we had handled differently. Taking a chance, or not taking it. But which leaves us with a bigger sense of regret?
Its easy to say that we shouldnt regret any decision we have made if we learn from it. Or to say that you wouldnt change anything from your past because every decision you made brought you where you are today. And that changing even a fraction of the past could have you in a worse place today. That stupid butterfly thing. But since none of us can actually change the past anyway (except Marty McFly of course) it does us no harm to examine this question.
Think back on times in your life where you have held back from going after something. Maybe a job you wanted, maybe a trip you wanted to take, maybe a person you were interested in. There was something inside you that really wanted this, and wanted to go after it. But because you werent sure what the outcome would be, or potentially faced failure or rejection, you opted to let the moment pass. How do you feel now looking back? Do you feel it was the best choice? Or do you wish you had taken that chance? Even if you had known it wouldnt work out, but at least to say that you went after it, do you wish you had? I know for a fact there have been times in my past that I have looked back on and said "why didnt I just go for it? What was I so scared of?" I know it seems odd, based on my philosophies of life, that I could be scared or timid about anything. But hey, I am human, I have a desire to protect myself same as anyone. But I also believe that fear isnt a seatbelt that saves us, it's more of a straightjacket. Now true, straightjackets are usually for crazy or out of control people. So maybe that analogy sucks. Lets try another one. Maybe its like the difference between dieting and starving yourself. Starving yourself is letting fear take over and keep you from something you want. Dieting would be thinking rationally and knowing that its all about moderation. The question to ask yourself when you feel the fear to take a chance is...WHAT is it I am afraid of? (and that we address in the next chapter)
So you didnt take the chance. You held back and "starved" yourself of an opportunity for something. Possibly something amazing. But also possibly something that wouldnt have worked out. Which is a worse outcome to you? 
Well, lets take the other road. Think back to a time you took a chance, or leapt without looking, or dove into something headfirst. And that something didnt work out. Again, maybe you quit your old job to try a new one, or you went on a wild excursion, or you put your heart on the line for someone you wanted. But the new job was a bust, or the trip made you sick, or the person didnt feel the same. Now what? Do you look back and say "I shouldnt have done that" or "I wish I could go back and erase that"? Maybe you do. But think hard about what that would mean. Undoing that decision isnt really about avoiding the outcome. It says alot more about you as a person. It says to me that you only feel things are worth trying if you can dictate the outcome. Am I wrong? Now granted, getting sick on a trip is no fun, but is that really all you got out of the trip? Did you not see a new part of the world? And perhaps the new job sucked, but would you have quit the old one if you were happy there? And yes, it absolutely sucks when you like/love someone and you put all your cards on the table only to have them say "go fish". But, wouldnt it have been worse to never try and always wonder.
As with anything, these are simply my opinions and views on life. But for as many times as I have looked back on a step I took, and yes thought for a moment (or 100) that I wish I hadnt done that, I wouldnt take it back. Because while doing it differently may have ended differently, and yes perhaps maybe even better, at what cost did that come? Being someone I am not. Because the move I made was based on me, my heart, my mind, my instincts. Doing it any other way would just seem calculated and phony. You have to be true to yourself. Because those things in your life you are bringing close to you, especially in the category of love, need to know the real you. Good, bad, crazy, indifferent. Because you can only pretend to be someone else for so long. And you owe it to yourself to realize that you are exactly what someone else wants...just as you already are. 
Hell, you could make me the most decadent and gourmet chocolate cake, but guess what...I dont like chocolate. Now that doesnt mean you should change your recipe. Because there are tons of people out there who will love it just as it is.


(To be continued in "If Life is a Box of Chocolates, Making Out is a Piece of Cake" by Gina Geppi)

3...2...1....Activate Body Potential! Part 4

As part of my Activate Body Potential program, Ben took the information and designed a complete workout and eating plan specifically for me. Based on my needs, my abilities, my desired results, and my schedule. 
At our second one-on-one training session, Ben reviewed the program with me. First is my layout of working out during the week. As requested my "day off" from working out is Sunday. However there is one thing that I still need to do on Sundays. I still need to follow my eating plan and I still need to do my morning circuit. Each morning (as soon as I wake up, even before I pee or brush my teeth!) I need to do my Neural Activation Circuit. This circuit has several benefits. Not only is it jumpstarting my body for the day into fat burning mode by boosting my metabolic rate, but I find that starting the day this way helps put me on a path to make better decisions the rest of the day. A series of 7 exercises, it takes less than 10 minutes each morning to do. Come on, we can ALL do at least that much, right? Ben walked me through the circuit to make sure I understand each activity. And let me tell you (especially since my muscles were still sore from Wednesdays Boot Camp) that little bit of time really got my blood pumping! 
So Sundays, are stay on my food plan and do my Morning Neural Activation Circuit. (To save my fingers we will call that the MNAC from now on) Now on Mondays I still start the day with MNAC and follow my eating plan, but I also have my one-on-one session at Activate Body Potential (ABP) with Ben. A great way to start the week!
Tuesdays, again start with MNAC, but I have a program to follow on my own for working out. Designed by Ben of course, on Tuesdays I do my Bodyweight Circuit. This is a series of 8 different exercises, with varying reps for each, that I must do back to back with no breaks. From squats to pushups to lunges to dead lifts, all using my own bodyweight as the resistance. So no equipment needed! Ben again walked me through this entire circuit. We found one exercise was a bit straining on my neck (i had 2 discs replaced in 2006) so we subbed in another exercise instead. Again, Ben is always accommodating and about making the plan work right for me! The key to this circuit is the no breaks in between exercises part. Its an ass kicker! Now you dont have to set a hard pace for each exercise, you can do slower jumping jacks if you like for example. But trust me when I say, you want to get it done as fast as you can! Especially the damn mountain climbers! I wanted to die through those! But of course I clearly didnt die, because here I am writing about it. LOL. Oh and one more thing, the Bodyweight Circuit gets done FIVE TIMES! FIVE! So after you do the full circuit, you can rest at then end, but then you have to do it four more times! The good news is Ben said I can break it up and do 2 in the morning and 3 at night if I want. But again, I suggest banging the whole circuit out at once. Then after its done, go for a 30 minute walk. A walk never felt so good. :)
Wednesdays, are MNAC, eating on the plan, and Cardio Boot Camp Class (see Part 3 of this Blog for more info on that).
Thursdays, are just like Tuesdays. MNAC, eating on the plan, and the Bodyweight Circuit. 
Fridays, say goodbye to the term TGIF! Time for the Variable Intensity Cardio Workout. Anyone who knows me knows I run from the word cardio like I run from the term "fat-free". Its never something I look forward to. I like moving, but I prefer my cardio be something fun like dancing or....walking around the mall. But the plan Ben has for me is far more doable than any other system I have tried. (i hate treadmills and ellipticals because I get bored!) The VICW is a 23 minute workout where each minute I am varying my energy level. The activity of choice is walking/running. So for minute 1, I exert about a 3 on an energy scale of 1-10. A 3 is like a nice walking pace. But by minute 4 I am up to a 4, then minute 6 a level 6, and by minute 7 a level 8! Climbing in energy level as I go, it goes up and down through the 23 minutes. It may seem confusing but its actually great for me because its like I can walk then pick up the pace then slow down a little then back up then cool down. Keeps it interesting and keeps me from dying. 
Saturdays are MNAC, food plan and Cardio Boxing Class (stay tuned for the blog on that one coming up soon).
The eating plan for the first month is somewhat strict, but doable. A low calorie, high protein diet consisting of chicken, protein powder, cottage cheese, berries, greek yogurt, egg whites, and green or black tea. These foods are consumed everyday, and in specific proportions. However I have a list of vegetables that I can add to those foods and in unlimited quantities. Like spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, peppers and more. I also can use spices to flavor up my dishes. I can prepare the dishes different ways each meal, as long as I eat all the foods I need to each day. No cutting out! I will tell you thus far its been a little tough because it can get boring. But I also think thats a mind issue because we always want what we cant have, and I usually eat these foods each day anyway! Plus if I want something, I actually can have it! How? 
What I didnt tell you in my weekly layout is that I am allowed to have one day that I can eat what I want. I have opted to choose what day this is based on my weekly plans. So it will vary from week to week. Only rule, it cant be the SAME day I dont work out. So on my "day off" from working out, I still have to eat well. And on the day I indulge on food, I have to still workout. Makes sense when you think about it. Most people take a day off from everything, and that just makes that day that much more of a backstep in your progress!
So looking at my custom plan I am excited. Its based on me and what I need and what I can do. And Ben is there for constant support. I am sure eventually he will be sorry he told me that because I will be texting him one day at a movie theater because I am craving buttery popcorn on a day thats not my day off!
But I cant stress enough that I am a believer that this program will work for me. I am not being paid to advertise this, nor have I ever met or known anyone at ABP prior to starting this program. I encourage anyone who is looking for a way to get in shape and take control of their body to try this out. Just meet with Ben and see what you think. Thats what I did! And at this end of all this I will not only be ready to share my current fitness stats, I will even share what they were when I started!

3...2...1....Activate Body Potential! Part 3

When Ben first told me that I was going to be attending a "Cardio Boot Camp" class each Wednesday, I was nervous. When I hear the term "Boot Camp" I immediately picture some totally intimidating instructor who will yell at me if I dont work hard enough and will keep telling me to drop and give him 20. Not to mention I envisioned I would want to die after the class.
So when Wednesday came, I was having a really busy day and had some personal drama that had put me in a mood that I could have easily said "skip boot camp, I am going for margaritas." But based on the experience so far I was having with Activate Body, I decided to push myself and go to the class. 
The class was only 6 of us plus one instructor (Ben had told me they keep their classes to only a handful of people). A mix of women of different ages and one man. The instructor was also a man. And at first glance he didnt look too scary so I knew I had made the right choice in coming.
We started with some floor exercises like plank to warm up and strengthen our core. Then a few footwork drills.
Then it was on to the first circuit. With 6 people in the class there were 6 stations set up that we would each go to for 45 seconds. I know what you are thinking....45 seconds???? But thats another thing I love about Activate Body Potential. Ben told me something on day one that I will never forget. You ever notice that marathon runners arent always really thin? But sprinters always are. Thats because runners put out 70-80% energy/effort for a long stretch of time. Whereas sprinters exert 100% energy for a short period of time. They are actually burning fat more efficiently and breaking the body's desire to store fat for survival. Genius!
So, throughout the class we did each station for 45 seconds but at full effort. Then we would rest and move to the next. And let me tell you, something that may seem as simple as doing lunges for 45 seconds, can really kick your ass if you just came off doing 5 other stations. We did the full circuit twice.
Then we started a new circuit. Same concept, 45 seconds at each then move to the next one. Each of us at a different station. (And what I love is everyone was feeling the burn the same way!! Even though it was my first class I didnt feel behind the game!) The second of course seemed way harder, especially the lateral plank walks across the rope ladder on the floor. I wanted to die! 45 seconds never seemed so long! But after 2 rounds, I made it! I was dripping with sweat, and my body was sore, but I made it! It was the best feeling!!!
Then to cool down we paired up and did a circuit of 3 more exercises. Simple and calm and again for only 45 seconds.
Then we moved to mats to complete the class with some stretches. It was the perfect way to end. The hour literally flew by!
I will tell you something, especially the ladies out there. Its easy to complain about our bodies and even make excuses why we dont have time to get in shape. But at the end of a day like my boot camp day, all that mattered was that I had pushed myself. I pushed myself to go, I pushed myself to make it through, and I pushed myself to finish. The time you take for yourself isnt about being selfish. Its about how that time can make you a better person for everyone else in your life. So the next time you have a bad day, try sweating the misery out with a good fitness class. Namely, Cardio Boot Camp! Its Wednesday nights at 6:30 at Activate Body Potential. First 3 classes are free! Come kick your own ass with me! LOL
Stay tuned for more...........

3...2...1....Activate Body Potential! Part 2

Part 2 of my Activate Body Potential series....was my first one-on-one workout with Ben. Starting with a detailed description of exactly what I could expect from the program and making sure that our communication was open throughout the process, we composed my profile. Ben reviewed my health history, any physical limitations or concerns, and what I wanted to get out of the program. What i loved was how Ben made sure that we were on the same page. Like when i said I wanted to be healthy, toned and have more energy, he asked me what my idea of healthy was, and what my idea of toned was. He also talked to me about how its important not to focus on just the idea of losing weight, using the example in 90 days would you rather weigh what you want but look the same, or weigh the same but have the body you want? More and more I could tell Ben was a great fit to get me in the shape I wanted.
He also told me we were going to focus on one month at a time. So not to look at things too far ahead, just to look at 28 days at a time. This made me feel even more like I would be able to stick to the plan. So once we had outlined what my program was going to look like (1 one-on-one session a week with Ben, 2 group classes, and 3 days independent workout) it was time for the scary part.......measurements! 
No one likes getting their body measuring when they aren't happy with the condition its in. But its important to be able to see the results you are getting right? So Ben did a full body composition test on me. Measuring tape, that fat pincher thing, and of course...the scale. I must say, I actually felt really comfortable with him. Ben is very reassuring and encouraging so I didnt even feel self-conscious! (even though i hated all my numbers! LOL)
Then it was time to review my numbers. Ben has a program that calculates, based on the measurements, exactly how many pounds of my body is lean muscle and how much is fat. Then we talked about which numbers (i.e. legs, arms, chest) that I wanted to most see change. He asked which  I wanted to see go up and which I wanted to see go down. I said "i cant imagine wanting any of them to go up!" This information helped Ben to know what exercises we should be doing. 
Now it was time to workout! Ben told me this would be the "easiest" workout of all the ones I would do because he was just getting an idea of how I move. I had told him I was having some shoulder issues lately in addition to the neck issues I already have (i had 2 herniated discs replaced in 2006, and now another disc bulging). He was very conscious of this throughout the workout. There came one point during an exercise where I felt discomfort in my shoulder and he immediately addressed it. (we are thinking it is most likely my rotator cuff)
After the workout I could already feel my legs burning. But it was great! Finally i was feeling sore from working out, and not from just dragging my lazy ass up a flight of stairs! I am so excited about this program! Everything about it says that I will not only be able to do it, but stick with it as well. I can already feel myself making better decisions! 


Tune in to the next part about my Cardio Boot Camp class! 

3...2...1....Activate Body Potential!

Hello all! Sorry I havent updated in a minute, but its been a crazy time for me. I am moving into the city finally and still trying to finish at least one of the 4 books I am writing. And all the while keeping my social life in tact. Impressive...i know. 
But I have finally added the element of my life that i needed most. A fitness program! I have worked out in the past on my own and with some great trainers, but it was so hard to keep the program in tact with my lifestyle. I either couldnt (or just wouldnt) make the time. And then I would of course get discouraged and just abandon the plan all together.
But finally, a stroke of luck came my way and I learned about a place and a program that I am so excited about. Via Twitter I found Ben Supik at Activate Body Potential. He responded to a tweet of mine about wanting to try the Dukan Diet. And what he said immediately caught my interest. He said "There are no bad foods, just bad times to eat them." What? A trainer who has a view similar to mine about food? Someone who doesnt make me feel guilty about indulging from time to time? How can this be? I had to find out more.
So I contacted Ben and went to his studio, conveniently located just off Falls Rd near Woodberry Kitchen. As soon as we spoke, I knew this would be a good fit. His entire demeanor was the perfect combination of knowledgeable, encouraging, motivating, and realistic. Plus there wasnt a single treadmill or bike in the studio. Which means that all my cardio will be coming from more creative methods, which i LOVE. (I mean, how discouraging is it to use a treadmill or bike or elliptical for 30 minutes or an hour and see that you burned only the amount of calories in a Coke?)
The initial consultation didnt include a workout but a full profile on me, my health history, my lifestyle and what I wanted to get out of this program. I couldnt express to Ben enough how much I felt like what he was offering was just what I was looking for. We set up my first one-on-one workout and he sent me home with "homework" to create a list of foods that I felt I could eat everyday. (He offered me three different eating plan options, but I opted for the one where you eat the same foods everyday. It fit best with my lifestyle)
Every step of the way, Ben made sure that what we were creating was something realistic for me and based on the results I wanted. From how many hours a week I felt I could commit to exercising, to whether I wanted to stay on the plan during my vacation, to what day of the week I wanted to be my "free day". 
After the profile, I went home and created my list and emailed it to Ben. He then sent me back any necessary revisions (i.e. you can eat cheese but try to limit it to your free day, or let's add some fruit to your plan as well). I went out and bought myself some new sneakers and headed in on the day of our first workout.
Wanna know how that went? Read my next post later today!

How to Lose a Guy in 10 texts

This one is for all my girls out there that tend to get a little overzealous when they like a guy. I see it all the time, I have done it myself a few times, and lately I have even gotten some stories from friends about them doing it. We meet a guy. We think he's hot. We exchange numbers. And..........it all goes crazy from there. I myself think that hot guys just make me act stupid. Call it my desire to have what I want instantly. And when I say "what I want" i really just mean knowing I can have it. I can admit that. There is definitely a greater thrill in chasing something....or someone, then just having it handed to you. A few times in my life I have met a guy that is hot enough that he sets my actions off in a direction that is far from my usual course. Normally I am all about work and friends and talking to guys is just something I do when I am out, or when I find that rare minute in the day. But the hot ones....oh no, they are totally different. They send these stupid little signals into my brain that say "Text him! Text him!" because for whatever reason its such a thrill when they text you back. Its almost like what I imagine its like for a hunter or something when their prey (sorry guys, sometimes thats exactly what you are) is in sight. My vision becomes affixed and my target is locked. So then I do what any crazy girl (and when I say crazy, I really mean sexually overcharged, I think it sounds better) would do: I text them way too much. And I have to say, I know what I am doing is screwing up any chances I have of things working out with this person, but again, like a deer in rutting season, I become oblivious to that fact in the moment. Its only after when I say "damnit Gina! You blew it!" But I guess I would rather live a life of taking chances that fail, then always wondering what if. 
And yes, I do love the feeling of instant gratification when I want something. Its why I love fast food, why I shop in person and not online, and why I use the internet on my phone. If I wanted to wait around for things I would be a fisherman. But I dont. First of all, I dont have that kind of time. And secondly, when you think about it, when its right, you both usually feel that kind of uncontrolled passion. 
But girls, while I am totally willing to take these chances with guys that I think are wickedly hot (and truth be told, it has NEVER worked out being overzealous), I cant tell you my advice is for you to do the same. I do say go after what you want. But you deserve to be chased too! So if you have been the starting texter for more than 2 occasions, draw back. They know where to find you. And if they never text you, then it wasnt meant to be. And now that I think about it, getting a text out of the blue is way psexier than getting a reply anyway. 
So guys, quit with that lameass 3 day rule you all use. And if you are into a girl, show it. But be forewarned, overtexting knows no gender. So dont make the same mistake I do! 

When you kinda wanna makeout with your friend

So I have alot of guy friends. And the majority of them, I am not really attracted to. And thats not as much to do with their looks, as it is to do with the fact that I know way too much about them. This makes being friends with them easy. But then every so often there is a guy friend that falls in that zone of "hey, i would make out with you." Its not a guy I want to date, or maybe not even one I want to do more than make out with, but at the very least there are times I find myself around them and thinking "i wish we were making out right now."
Now to understand this story completely you have to know something very important about me. I love making out. LOVE it. In fact I am working on a book about my philosophies about it and why I dont get why more people dont just shut up already and make out. (perhaps you have even heard me mention this before....most likely) So when I am NOT making out with someone, there must be a reason. Of course there is the first obvious answer, they are taken. And yes, that is the first one. Even above not being attracted. Beer goggles are a much more forgivable offense the next day, then messing with a guy who you know has a girlfriend. I mean lets be honest, as much as attraction, especially drunken sexual attraction, is something you cant always control, you CAN control if you act on it. And while I cant say that in my life I never have, thats one area I can say I am always trying to learn my lessons in one take. 
So okay, first is that he has a gf, so no making out. Second reason would be I am not attracted at all. Third, would be, even though he is attractive, or at least attractive enough, something about his personality is so overwhelmingly off-putting that I cant even manage to see beyond it to just get my make out on. Either he is so totally arrogant that I am sure he will put way too much thought into what he thinks this makeout session means to me, or worse, he is so uptight he wont be able to just makeout and let it not mean anything. Guys can actually sometimes be worse even then girls when it comes to the "what does this mean" viewpoint. And in the end, sometimes even the best kissing isnt worth the drama after the fact. 
So what do we do with these friends that we want to make out with? Well, the better the friend, the less likely I will do anything actually. Its way easier to make out with a stranger. If it goes sour, no big loss. 
But still I can't help but look at some of my guy friends and think, man if you werent so damn uptight I bet we could have a lot of fun just making out. Or, damn, you are so fun, I wish I was more attracted to you. But dont wish anything about the ones that have gfs. Why steal someone else's car when there are plenty out there you can test drive for free!

Singles Weekend Recap...Part 3...Suit Up Bmore!

So Saturday, February 12th was the final of my 3 day singles party stretch. The one I was most excited about the concept of because I hadnt seen it done in the area before: my Barney Stinson Suit Up party for sophisticated singles. For those who dont know, Barney Stinson is a character on How I Met Your Mother (a sitcom Monday nights on CBS) and I absolutely adore him! He is played by Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser M.D), a homosexual male in real life, but is a very convincing player/man about town. When I first started writing my Bmag column people kept making the obvious Carrie Bradshaw comparisions, but Barney is way more up my alley. If you watch HIMYM, Carrie would be like Ted. Barney is more like Samantha. Not that I am promiscuous the way Samantha is, but I am not looking to lock every date into a relationship like Carrie or Ted.
Anyway, the idea behind this party was to give singles a chance to Suit Up! Thats Barney's classic saying on the show. He only wears suits when he goes out, in an effort to make a strong first impression on women. So I thought "thatd be a fun party!" Guys look great in suits, and women definitely can rock that look! So I talked to my friends at Tatu to see if they would be interested in being the venue to host the event. Tatu is an Asian restaurant next to Power Plant and Havana Club/Ruths Chris on Water Street. Its got a great atmosphere and I fell in love with it the very first time I set foot in there. So i knew it was my first choice for the Suit Up party. It was sophisticated enough, and new enough and the people there are awesome.
Then next part that made this event unique was that the door charge was  not a cover charge for the venue. It was a charity donation. I wanted to involve a charity in some way, and when I thought charity I immediately contacted my friends at the Good Fellas of Baltimore. Vince and Brian are 2 of the 7 businessmen involved in this upcoming reality show about entrepreneurs and their charity endeavors. And since both Brian and Vince are single guys, I invited them to co-host the party with me as well. They accepted my offer and even agreed to take part in a live date auction where we would allow the partygoers to bid on a date with each of us, to raise additional money for the the charity. The charity benefiting from the money raised that night was Living Classrooms, who has been instrumental in rebuilding the lives of the Chiosi family who lost their home last year to a fire. This story is featured in the premiere episode of Good Fellas of Baltimore, slated to air this Saturday, February 19th. 
But back to the party. The event began at 10 pm, so as to give time for the Valentine's Day weekend diners to finish up their time at the restaurant. Guests began arriving rather quickly within the first 15-20 minutes and looked nothing short of fabulous! Guys in crisp suits and ties, girls in some really sexy and creative numbers. From sleek and simple, to sassy and sparkly, to spunky and chic, there were no rules! My friend Mike came in a suit reminiscent of Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack, and our friend Chris (Greeny) came in a very sleek white suit with black shirt that screamed Saturday Night Fever! Girls in tuxes, and little boy neckties, and guys in fedoras and pinstripes, everyone looked so awesome! I was thrilled! I was decked out in a little silver suit that was actually a suit jacket with SHORTS! And my top was of course sparkly, and I capped it off with hot pink sparkly shoes. 
Everyone gave their $10 donation, and then sipped on cocktails (and shots) and mingled. The signature drink for the night was a HUGE hit! A martini glass cocktail made with cherry vodka, plum wine and pineapple juice. YUMMY!!!! So delicious I could have drank 10! But I didnt, lol. 
After about 2 hours of mixing and mingling...and partying like singles, we started the live date auction. Vince, Brian and myself auctioned each other off. Let me say, as egotistical as some may think it is to auction yourself off, its actually REALLY nervewracking! Its like "what if no one bids on me!!!?" But the things we do for charity, right? Well the auction went well and I am pleased to say that those who won me were actually 3 friends that pooled together and now we are all going on the date together! What could be more fun??? 
I was really proud of how this party turned out. Even though I rarely think of my "weekend self" as a sophisticated single, it was definitely a great opportunity for singles to get together, drink and feel relaxed, and yet also do something good for a great cause, and network some too. It really opened my eyes to some new possibilities for the single folks of Baltimore. And thus far, I have had tons of requests for another party like this.  And I am all for it!!! I HAD SO MUCH FUN! I will say that I am bummed about the people that said they were coming and didn't, but I always get bummed about that, and in the end it was their loss. It was a great turnout for a first one, and for Valentine's Day weekend, and I had an absolute blast!

Thanks again to everyone at Tatu, and to Vince and Brian for co-hosting. 

For more info on Good Fellas of Baltimore visit www.goodfellasofbaltimore.com 

And for info on future singles events, make sure to follow me on Facebook (The Baltimore Bachelorette) and keep up with my blog! 
Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported!

Singles Weekend Recap...Part 2...:Lady in Red Party!

Friday was my first ever solo-hosted (as the Baltimore Bachelorette) singles party. The Lady in Red party at Angels Rock Bar. All ladies who wore red were invited to get in for free, and any guys could do the same by getting on the guest list. Let me tell you, this was a fun party. I LOVE Angels Rock Bar. Its one of my faves in the city. It has a great rock and roll sex appeal to it. Hot girls dancing on the bars, shirtless hot male bartenders, and I am a sucker for guys with hot tattoos! And it was the perfect place for the Lady in Red party, since their decor is already mostly red. Their whole staff got into the theme, including the girls who were decked out in sexy red corsets and bustiers. I wore a glittery red little number that I got on a dance costume website, because of course I like to stand out. :)
I got there around 9:20 or so and got set up at my VIP table with my bottle of Ketel One. Yummy! The crowd started to flow in and in no time at all it was a full on party. My awesome photog Kristie Blake was in love with the atmosphere so she got some awesome pics of me on the light wall and posing all sexy. (I really need to come out of my shell right?) Phil was playing awesome music all night and the shots were flowing! I recall doing at least one bomb, a GM and a Rumpleminz. Lordy!  I got my chance to get up on the mic and thank everyone for coming and dedicated a fave song of mine for my fellow singles to rock out to: F- You by Cee-Lo. It seemed the perfect choice for Valentines Day weekend! Phil also played the Humpty Dance for me and the girls got me up on the bar to dance. And god love him, even though its not a usual Angels Rock Bar choice, he played Ridin Solo for me, since its the name of my column and I have dubbed it my theme song. The crowd was so much fun, lots of hot singles dancing and introducing themselves.  I even had one guy say "I dont know how you are single in THAT dress" which only made me think "you must have been standing close to the bar while i was up dancing on it." LOL
Angels is also an awesome place because its absolutely impossible to feel inhibited in there. They honestly wont allow it! They keep the vibe in there to where everyone can feel comfortable getting up and dancing or, hell, even making out with a stranger! Who cares? Its a party! I love it!
Had a lot of awesome friends turn out for the event (although there were some faces that were missing, which i blame on the typical Bmore cold effect, people get so lazy in the winter). 
I know I danced my ass off that night and I met some awesome single chicks that I hope will come out to future parties because they definitely had the energy that I love at those events. Yet again, no love connection for me that night, but I would have  just liked to make out with someone. But since I didn't eat all day (DUMB!) I opted to go to the 24 hour Subway after the bar and make out with a turkey sub instead. As my friend Will put it, "you were in LOVE with your sub Gina." What can I say? Food never lets you down! And it never has smokers breath. :)
So thanks again to all who came out. And those who missed it just remember, a party ain't a party til I walk in! LOL

Singles Weekend Recap....Part 1.

Thursday night was the annual Baltimore magazine Top Singles party. This year the event was styled as a happy hour party and was held at Talara. I took my friend Nicole (aka P-Funky) with me as my single wingwoman. Thank god for valet cause it was freezing outside! There was already a line to get in when we arrived just minutes after party start time. They definitely drew in quite the crowd! Talara is a beautiful place, but a tough venue with a crowd this size. With the way its laid out it made it tougher to make your way through the room (not many straight paths), so Nicole and I pretty much found our spot and stayed in it all night. They had a dj, and awesome drinks specials! You could do a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec for $3, Coors Light bottle for $2, and awesome cosmo-esque concoction called "Pour Me S'Amore" for $5. They also had mojitos and....another drink I couldnt pronounce. Anyway, I must say for the large crowd that was there, the bartenders were on point! They had drinks up with little or no waiting time. That really impressed me and made me want to come back to Talara. 
The crowd was a range of ages, but i would say mostly 30-40s, if I had to guess. All the Top Singles from the issue were there, and had nametags so everyone could introduce themselves to them, including my new friends Tom Chan and Kathleen Pelletier. Props to those to for using their Top Single status the right way and really taking time to make their way around the room and meet people. Awesome!
I met some really fun people that night. First and foremost on my list is always a great sense of humor, and the guys I talked to were really fun. Definitely an A+ for that. One guy gave me and Nicole what he called "the test of true friendship." He asked us what shampoo the other used. Apparently Nicole looked at me to ask what I use, whereas I immediately just said "girls dont always know that!" He said a true friend looks to their friend for their answer, a not true friend just makes up an answer. So of course Nicole kept teasing me and calling me a fake friend all night! But i still stand firm that while i did just answer, I didnt make up a shampoo answer! Not the same thing! Retest! Retest! 
I met this one guy, I think his name was Bob. I teased him that I thought the invitation said "Dress to Impress" and that I wasn't impressed with his outfit. LOL. He got my humor, which was a plus. But I kinda failed on that one because he told me to come see him before I left and I didnt. Only because I had to muster through the crowd to get my parking validated. So if you are reading this, sorry Bob!
I didnt recognize many faces there, which made me wonder where these singles hang out the rest of the weekends. The answers I got were alot of them do the restaurant bar circuit, like the Prime Rib, or Oregon Grille, Roys, Flemings, etc. Interesting.
I did get some great feedback about my column though! I have to say its really fun to have total strangers come up and say that they love your column. It makes me feel really good, especially since its so new. And i love that ones that said my pic didnt do me justice. Thank you! I seriously need a retake. I hate that pic of me. Not the photographers fault of course, I just hate that pic. I look a mess.
Congrats to Bmag on a very successful event. Nicole and I didn't make any love connections that night, although I did see at least one or two guys I would've made out with.  We also noticed that either women are getting taller, their shoes are getting taller (which I'm sure is true either way), or men in Baltimore are getting shorter. Not that there is anything wrong with not being tall. It just seemed very noticeable to Nicole and I that we could see over the whole crowd. I felt kind of like Nicole Kidman.
After about 2 hours and a few cocktails Nicole and I had to head to our next engagement....a preview party for the new PBR Baltimore that's opening next month! Stay tuned for the blog about that!

Start of the Singles weekend....Valentine's is Valen-MINE!

 So tonight starts what could be one of the busiest weekends so far in the Baltimore Bachelorette's career as a sassy professional single..whatever the heck that means. LOL. I decided months ago when I wrote my February column that I was going to encourage the single folk of Bmore and beyond to not let Valentine's Day be the dreaded day/weekend that it has typically been for them for years prior. This year we are celebrating being single! We are taking over the city in fact!
Just look at this lineup! Tonight it all starts with the annual Baltimore magazine Top Singles party. This year its a Happy Hour event at Talara, from 6-9. $10 cash ticket at the door, but there are tons of great giveaways you will be eligible for (you, not me. I am never eligible for anything in this town! Although one time I did win a prize at my dad's museum before i worked there. It was a CLUE event and I figured out who the murderer was, and knowing that even though i had NO prior knowledge of anything or secret inside info, that they would never give it to me if they knew it was me, I put down that my last name was Beckham. Yeah, the lady was pissed when she saw it was me, but whatever! I figured that murder out! Um, YOU'RE WELCOME!) Anyway, its gonna be a great party and the Top 20 Singles from the February issue will be there including myself who I am now referring to as the 21st choice. LOL. Even though I write the singles column for the magazine, I am sure this is another area where I am deemed ineligible for some reason. But please, I encourage you to come and enjoy the party. Bmag always puts great events together and their marketing team works really hard so I am sure this will be another great affair!

Then comes Friday! The Lady in Red party at Angels Rock Bar! Who is hosting that again? Oh yeah...ME! The Baltimore Bachelorette! :) This is the party you read about in my February column. All ladies dressed in red get in for FREE! And from what I hear Angels is really getting things ready for the event. Its going to be RED HOT! I cant wait! I love this bar. Its fun, and a great eclectic group of people there. Not like a lot of those clubs you can go to where its full of wannabes and douchebags. Angels is legit. Of course guys are encouraged to come as well! If you want to get on the guest list, contact Will Supersoaker Szymanski on Facebook. He is listed on my page as my brother. LOL. He will get you hooked up. Also let him know if you want to do a table. I am! VIP baby! Why not? Its Valentine's Day weekend! Dont I deserve to pamper myself? :) But I say again, get your booty down there and party with us. And even if you arent single, please come! Unlike couples, singles dont discriminate! :) 

Then on to Tatu on Saturday. This one is my baby. I am an avid watcher of How I Met Your Mother and I LOVE Barney Stinson. So i came up with this idea for a Suit Up party based on his "Legendary" catchphrase. Everyone is asked to wear suits: guys AND girls! I wanted to do something different with this event so I decided to pair it with a charity and when I think charity i immediately think of the Good Fellas of Baltimore. For those who dont know, the Good Fellas are a group of businessmen who actually have a reality tv show debuting THIS SATURDAY on Fox 45 at 1pm, and its all about the charity work they do all over the city to make a difference. Well two of the Good Fellas are good friends of mine and happen to be single! So I invited them to come host this event with me. Brian Jarosinski and Vince Sharps. Both great guys, and both great looking! So, then came my next idea...since we are trying to raise money for charity, rather than just do the $10 donation at the door, lets do a live date auction! So each of us will be auctioning off a date with us to raise more money for Living Classrooms! Its gonna be a blast! Oh, and if you havent been to Tatu yet, thats reason enough to come to the party. Seriously, I LOVE this place! Its got to be the sexiest place in Baltimore. Yummy sushi, gorgeous decor, and an awesome staff including the bartender Mike (who also works at Rock Bar) who made my signature cocktail for the party "The Legen...dary Martini"! The name says it all!

I really hope you will make it out to one, if not all of these events! They are going to be so much fun and honestly, whatever else you had planned you can do next weekend.

I want to take a quick sec to thank a few people (its my Oscar speech!) who made this all possible. First, thanks to Chris Furst and all the awesome people who work for Power Plant Live. You guys have been so great and supportive, and are helping make these events a success before they even happen. Thanks Dayna and Ari, Phi and Brent from Angels Rock Bar. Thank you Will, for all your help that started months ago in getting the Lady in Red party going! Thank you Baltimore magazine for helping me get the Baltimore Bachelorette in print! Thank you Brian Jarosinski and Vince Sharps for being a part of the Suit Up event, and suggesting Living Classrooms as the charity. And a special thanks to my brother Joshua for all the work he did on the fliers and postcards for the events, and my video. I literally couldn't have done that without you. Thank you in advance to Kristie Blake for photographing this whole weekend! Thanks to Hamiltons Happy Hour and HeidnSeek for promoting! And thank you to all of you that come out and support the events and celebrate being single with me! Or just celebrate. :) 

Baltimore magazine's Top Singles Happy Hour event

Lady in Red party at Angels Rock Bar 

Barney Stinson Suit Up party at Tatu 

Boys will be boys, so girls need their toys

This past Saturday night I attended a sexy toy party at my friends Katie and Michelle's house. The party was hosted by Susan Compton of Elegant Pleasures by Susan. Susan is different from most other pleasure party hostesses because she doesnt rely on just one company to supply the products for her parties. She searches for products from all over and only selects the ones she thinks are the best! The party was a blast! Susan made it impossible for anyone to feel uncomfortable. She started off by having everyone choose names for themselves, firstly naming herself Slut. Some others in the crew were Kinky Katie, Anal Alice, Broken Rubber Rose, Cock Lobster, and yours truly opted for Tiny Gheiny. We tested a plethora of products from massage lotions that heat and taste that jolly ranchers, to a cream that turns to powder for men to put on their sweaty balls. LOL. Then of course the toys came out and god love my friend Michelle aka Cock Lobster who had a hilarious comment for each one. (we both actually ended up purchasing the same things at the end of the night LOL) The evening culminated with a round of erotic bingo in which when you one you had to yell "I just had an orgasm!" Definitely a fun time!
What is great about a party like this is that its a fun time to share with your girlfriends, whether single or married. It gets you all together and forces you to let loose and let go of any drama in your life. I mean, how can you be worried about gas prices or what preschool little Tommy will get into while holding a vibrator with a dolphin attached to it? You cant! So ladies, I highly recommend throwing one of these parties with your girlfriends. We all need a little outlet for fun, and there is nothing more fun than the silliness you will find at these parties...and the toys you will take home with you. (Plus she also had super cute frilly panties and petticoats! I got a purple satin and  leopard one that I will totally be rocking out one night to the club!)
Thanks Susan for the awesome party and the penis peanut butter lollipops LOL, and Katie for throwing it and the awesome food spread! Cant wait til my stuff arrives! LOL

I finally have a blog!

Hello cyberspace! I finally joined the blog revolution! And I must say, what a pain in the ass THAT was! It was WAY easier signing up for Facebook. Anyway, now that I have my blogspot set up I can dish the dirt that I cant possibly contain in the mere 500 or so words a month I am allowed in my Baltimore magazine monthly column. And while there is always Facebook, I find that people on there get so caught up with their 8 million "not really friends" that they often miss the info and "wisdom" of the people they would actually want to hear from. So if you are someone who thinks I have something interesting to say, and yes, even funny, then please follow my blog! I hope to keep up with this on a daily basis. Although I gotta level with you, when I was little I must have had at least 6 or 7 diaries over the years, and each one started with the same entry "Dear Diary, I am going to write in this every night" followed by another entry that said "Dear Diary, I know its been a while, but I promise to try to do better with writing in here regularly." So I think its best I dont lay out any false promises off the bat. I wouldnt want my second blog post to have to be an apology for being late. Hey, if i was into apologizing all the time, Id be in a relationship! Badoom ching! Hahahah! Anyway, please feel free to let me know if the layout is readable and what topics you would like to talk about. I love hearing from people about my column too! So feel free to post away!
Hope you are having a great weekend!
Gina aka The BB!