Posts

Creative Manifesto

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I still remember when I found the Holstee Manifesto . It was the spring of 2011. I was supremely angry, stressed out, over worked, under supported, confined to a desk that saw my butt for 13 hour days. I loved what I was doing (that's what kept me there for 13 hours straight day in and day out) but I hated the premise of it. I despised the demands that were put on me, I was basically operating a 3 person graphic design service all on my own. I'd break down and cry out of pure stress and frustration. All I wanted to do was give up but my passion for what I was doing kept me there. Then I found it. The Holstee Manifesto . It said what I needed to hear. Some aspects, I already knew. Like loving yourself and doing the things you love to do in order to find love - that's what led me to meeting my amazing husband B. I understood the absolute beauty in savoring every single last morsel of food I put into my mouth. Travel often, I would in the drop of a hat if funds weren'

Make Work Projects

I recently received a graphic design job that could have been 100% avoided. Don't get me wrong , I don't mind the work, nor do I mind the money that I will be paid for my time BUT it's the frustration that there are some designers out there that fail to follow through with their projects and therefore put people like myself into business all the while giving all designers in general a bad name. So what's the job? Recreate a logo. A logo that was already designed, approved and just needed a word changed. That's right, a word change, that's it. So what could've resulted in a 15 minute (tops) effort or approximately $25-50 in fees now took over an hour and cost my client over $100. I know, I know, I shouldn't be complaining because I'm on the "Win" side of the spectrum on this one, I even managed to gain another client for more jobs out of this however, it's just not right. When you, the client, hire me, the designer, to do a creativ

Long Weekends & missed workouts

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I slipped. I got in the first workout (although I think I did it wrong... more on that in a moment) but then after that first workout on Saturday, I missed the next two. I had good intentions to do it but, well, things happen. I guess that's the take away really, things happen. And sometimes there are other things that should take a higher precedent over others. This time it was hiking in the beautiful back country of Alberta. My husband, dog, awesome neighbors and I spent the weekend out west of Longview, Alberta and went hiking, fishing and simply hanging out in what, I deem, to be a truly amazing gift on this earth - the Canadian Rockies . Hubbs and I chatting about whether to leash the dog or not... this is bear country after-all. Cataract Creek Falls and late day fishing - 2 Rainbow Trout caught. I love waterfalls So now, needless to say, it's time I put in some hard time, play make-up and get back on track. We have one more weekend of camping ahead of us

Measurements and more... Oh My!

The part no one truly enjoys, posting their "physical stats" online. I actually don't care about the numbers, never have, it's the photos. I hate having my photos taken. Period. And sadly (or perfectly planned...) , I missed taking the photos due to packing mayhem. I am positive that three days of the workouts won't affect the visual comparisons (especially seeing as I am "holidaying" during those three days). But the measurements were done. Chest - 36" Waist -29" Hips - 40.5" Left Thigh - 24.5" Right Thigh - 24.25" Body Fat Percentage - 17.8% Weight - 153.5lbs *These were all taken (except for the BF%) at 12 noon on Friday August 31st. A side note: This is the first time since in a long time that my thighs measure out to be the same girth! Bobsleigh created a very dominant left leg (power start leg) and it was noticeably larger. I am certain my calf is still noticeably larger though. So the remainder of the

"The Experiment" Begins...

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Start Date: September 1, 2012 End Date: September 30, 2012 (Then Part 2) I'm writing this now, in case I forget to later and because I will be out in the wilderness for the weekend as the Experiment commences. Luckily, I have some neighbors that are eager to do this along with me so it should be a lot of fun! Fingers crossed we survive. Officially, September 1st will be day one Part 1 to my little experiment. I haven't taken photos yet or done measurements, those will have to happen tomorrow night but here's a glimpse into what Day 1 will look like. Check back to see Day 2 and 3. Write them down, bookmark the videos and do them yourselves. Let me know what your thoughts are and how it's going thus far. Much Love. Lisa

The Experiment...

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A couple weeks ago I posted (on Facebook) about an experiment I was preparing for. And now it's time for me to make the "experiment" known... It's not really an experiment in the true sense of the word, it's more so a lifestyle challenge for me. I know that I am heading into a very busy fall (self imposed of course), however that should not be a reason for me to forgo my gym sessions and commitment to staying healthy and strong. It's no secret I like some of the things the folks at BodyRock.tv are doing (I wouldn't mind if more clothing was worn but that's just me) and I see a whole heck of a lot of their "success photos" posted on online forums like Facebook . It's those photos that have led me to creating this challenge. To see if the transformations really are as amazing as they look with only 12-15 minutes of fitness a day (and of course a healthy diet). There's no doubt the Tabata style programs work, heck

Falling in love with fall

I love this time of year! I probably write about it every year in one way or another, in past blogs, letters to friends and more. I love it that much! The fall, what a fantastic season. Crystal clear, bright blue skies with extra Golden rays of sunshine filtering down from the sky. There's a chill in the air in the mornings reminding you that the seasons are changing and yet in the afternoon you are hugged by the warmth from the sun and all it's glorious benefits. It's a time of year when things start returning to schedule, school gets back in session (I miss the days of being a student), for bobsleigh athletes (and skeleton/luge alike) it means you are meer weeks away from team trials and seeing the start of your competitive season. For those who grew up on the prairies, it's the time of year that there is a distinct "dusty" smell in the air, something grounding and earthy from the combines, swathers and other farm machinery hard at work to reap what th