What happened to 2015

Because we're practically half way into 2016. Seriously my last post was in November 2014? WOWZA! Since then I've moved out of my roommates house (AKA parents). Left my job at Easter Seals (today) and now I'm taking my business to a whole new level. Like seriously what the heck? Who knew I was even capable of doing these things for myself, by myself... Not me a few years ago.

I totally blame Beachbody... I know right? I decided... committed and succeeded. So that's been my dealio with how I approach things in life. Has it been easy? Uh.. No, has it been worth it YES!

So why the change? I have always dreamt of having my own business one day. To be able to work from home, having my own home office, making time for my family, enjoying life, traveling, learning and teaching what I've learned along the way... Now it's here.

I have taken the reigns of my life and have gone with it. Obviously this didn't happen over night... It's been weighing on me for quite some time. But I had some time to think and really consider what is it I want to do? I have always enjoyed helping people. I love social media and I'm always looking to have positive people in my life. So ya... I went for it.

If you're all about this, let's make it happen. I'm building a team who are wanting and willing to work on themselves through fitness, nutrition, personal development and share their journey on social media. We can talk about it through e-mail (marina.m.rodriguez@gmail.com), snapchat (minarue), IG (marina__rodriguez) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/Minarue1). You pick and I will get back to you ASAP!

Responsibility... What's that?

Yes that's an MxPx song, but really I feel like that's what's going on right now. My life is good but I know for it to continue this way I need to have some more responsibility in my life. For too long I've floated on by not realizing I've helped others reach their goals and not my own. Although it has been so rewarding to do so I feel its time for me to 'do me' and see where it leads me.
Why has it taken me so long to want this? Its the F word. FEAR... The fear of criticism/judgment, the fear of failure, the fear of letting others down and of course the fear of responsibility. Ugghh...
But I know its time. I'm in a great place in my life and I'm ready to move this life of mine along. To take that leap of responsibility. To make my dreams become a reality and smash my goals.

100 days til 2015

Time to set some goals!

1. Win the fall Classic with my coach Erin
2. Become a Diamond Coach by Thanksgiving
3. Last Day of Easter Seals will be December 15, 2014
4. Complete the 21 day fix in October
5. Loose 25 lbs by the end of the year

I'm so excited of what's going to happen in the next 99 days. So much is possible if you set your mind to it. I've put it out in the universe. Now it's time for me to make it happen.

It's been a while

Seven months ago I had a huge loss in my family... I didn't realize how much it affected me but I have come to terms that it was bigger than I thought. My aunt suddenly passed away from arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). She was my second mom and mourning her has been a process I'm still going through. I'm so blessed to have so many good memories so most of my tears are tears of joy when reminiscing the times we had. 

So how has this affected me... I've slowed down my weight loss journey. I've developed great habits so it hasn't been a complete loss. I'm still under 200 lbs so that's great news. I'm still involved with the beachbody community as a Emerald coach and I'm truly grateful for them. The past seven months have been a whirlwind of ups & downs full of emotions and triumphs. 

February: My Aunt passed away

March: I celebrated my 35th birthday

April: Started online dating

May: MY SON GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL!!!

June: Stopped online dating (met someone great)

July: Went to Maui

August: Celebrated my son & dads b-day

September: I have a boyfriend who I love

In March I got to hang out with my cousin in Arizona while watching pre-season baseball. It was a great 35th celebration discussing what our life has brought to us in the past 35 years (we are the same age). April I thought it would be a good idea to get back out there, you know DATE... oh my. So many stories from dates where I had to pay for the dinner to men offering to pay $1000 a week to getting stood up to letting guys know you're just not interested. May brought so many emotions. I was so happy and proud of my sons accomplishment, but in a weird way a little bummed that he was ending a chapter in his life. I was a roller coaster of emotions and was day to day in the last weeks til his graduation. Ultimately I had an infinite smile knowing he did this completely on his own with the help of his small support system. I told my son after he graduated that I would start dating (it's funny when you put things out in the universe how things happen). Almost 2 weeks after his graduation I met a wonderful man. I also went to Summit in Las Vegas which was pretty amazing to meet so many like minded people. July my friends and I went to Maui for the 4th of July weekend, five days was not long enough, but I feel so blessed to have people in my life who I can travel with. August went by too fast with the celebration of my son & dads birthday. Steve and I did tons of house searching to find the perfect location and house. Then he put in a bid for his dream home. August is also when I realized I love what I do as a behavior therapist, but unfortunately it's not stable or reliable. September my beau bought a house and made it official to be a couple (it's facebook official). 

So with all of these events happening in the past 7 months. I have decided to make some goals for the next 99 days. That's 100 days til the new year.... I'm excited!

Diets?

So people say diets don't work... well if any of you know or have read "My Story" (It's the second tab on my blog), you would know that for the past 15 years I've been on a diet. The picture below is some of the things I started and didn't finish in the past 5 years. I've educated myself and sought what works and doesn't work. What worked for me is making a long term goal with a deadline and bringing all of my knowledge togerther. Once I realized what I wanted the road to my goal was set. Obstacles and distractions have happened but I'm focused on what to do. 

A little time to think...

This past weekend I went to the Fit Expo in LA and had a blast! It's a blessing to know that you can have a common interest with your teen aged son. Just going there encouraged me to get my booty in gear with my own health and fitness. So many inspiring athletes and "Insta-Famous" people, and free samples galore! I'm definitely planning on going in July in San Jose, CA.

As for myself, I joined a challenge on bodybuilding.com a 12 week transformation challenge. Currently I'm in week 3 and still figuring things out. I've been working out at the gym, P90X3 and Focus T25. Sounds like a lot but the real challenge for me has been my eating. I have not been doing good on planning my food. I got my schedule down for my workouts... but my meal prep has been not so good. I hope I can get down the the nitty gritty by tonight. 

Post Holidays

Christmas is over but the after effects are still around. I had such a beautiful Christmas with the ones I love and I have the memories to prove it. As the last few days of 2013 are brought on, I feel so good about 2014. This is the very first time I can say this with all my core. I have a lot to look forward too and feel so blessed to have my health in tact. I was reminded that when I eat crappy, I feel crappy and although the food was delicious (especially the flan) eating healthy food makes me feel fantastic. Like Miss Fantastic. Haha... 

I have a few resolutions in mind but like anything it will happen one step at a time... in the meantime I'm off to the gym and to food prep.