Day 1!

Okay, I was just too excited to start my EA Sports active 30-Day Challenge and decided I couldn't wait til Monday. I had already gotten up at 8 a.m. thanks to my parents' dog so I figured I'd start the weekend right!

After exploring the game a little last night I found there is no weigh-in aspect, so before I started I used the Wii Fit Channel to do a weigh in. Starting weight: 141 lbs. BMI: 23.4. Now in active I set up my fitness profile, and chose an avatar with curly hair and a spunky little purple and gray outfit. I picked the male trainer and set my intensity level at medium. A word of caution - make sure you choose your intensity level wisely. I was happy with medium, but it was definitely a challenge! Don't be afraid to pick light intensity to start out.

Much to my dismay, the workout started with my nemisis: running. It definitely got my heart rate up and the sweat pouring. I did a variety of activities on and off my Wii Fit board, including bicep curls, inline skating, kick boxing, lunges and squats. At the end of my 23 minutes I was breathing hard and sweating a ton! I burned about 130 calories as well!

My qualms so far:

• The resistance band isn't very...resistant. I think it would be good for beginners, but since I did at one time work out regularly (granted a few months ago), it was not enough for me. I have my own stronger ones at home that I think I'll use next time.
• No stretching. There was a "cool down" at the end, which was two laps of running and 5 seconds of walking. Definitely take a few minutes to stretch your arms and legs after, or the burn will be worse tomorrow!

Okay, from now on it won't be so much game review and just my progress. I've decided to keep a little notebook with me to track additional physical activities and my food/water intake. I don't eat horribly, but I could definitely use some work.

Are you doing the Challenge too? Leave me a comment so I can follow you as well!

A fun exercise?

Today I told myself I had to start working out today, but I have no desire to go out in the heat. I plugged in my roommates Wii and started up Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009. The exercises definitely got my heart rate up and wore out my muscles, but I didn't really like the format of the game. First, I didn't like the comments she made. Something along the lines of "I couldn't have done that better myself. Oh wait, I probably could." Not exactly the motivation I wanted. Also, I need some sort of guidance. Pick five exercises? Okay. But is the combination right to help me lose weight? Tone up? I don't know. 

Next I threw in good ol' Wii Fit. I love the variety of activities, especially the yoga poses. I also like how exercises are broken up into things like strength training, balance, etc. But again I need more guidance. I don't like picking and choosing random exercises, I'd like to be told what to do! So after a quick Google search I came up with the new EA Sports Active game. I found out from Canadian journalist David Wylie's blog on canada.com, and a number of other places, that the program includes a 30-day challenge to get you started. EA already had 12 people complete the challenge last month with great results! On top of that, they have an online community as added support. 

So basically, following their Web site's advice, I am starting this on June 1st (given that I can find the game). I need some guidance and something to do every day with all this time on my hands. I look forward to this, even if all I gain is a little normalcy in my day!

Connections make the difference

Lately I've been trying to make some new photography connections. The purpose of this is two-fold: first, I like to pick their brains about becoming a professional photographer; and second, I want to see if they need assistants. Even if it was unpaid, I'd love the opportunity to work in a studio and help with pictures. So much learning can be done! I realized this even more after going to a fashion photography workshop on Wednesday night with famous photographer Douglas Kirkland. He set up a photo shoot on stage so we could see how he manipulates the light and camera. It was such a fascinating experience! Here's a picture from the evening:

Another great connection I've made (thanks to my BFF Amanda) is with LA photographer Patrick Ecclesine. His photo project/book Faces of Sunset Boulevard may have changed my life forever this week. Check out the web site: www.facesofsunset.com.  New goal: work on portrait photography! 

All of my new time to re-invest myself in a love of photography has made me think that not getting a full-time job right now may be a blessing. I have a retail position that may possibly work out soon, and perhaps that's just what I need! A little work, and time to practice photography. I have all my life for a 9-5 right?

I must write!

I graduated from ASU two weeks ago and life just couldn't be better! I have an awesome full-time job (with a signing bonus!), a new house and a new puppy! Wow, this is just like a dream!

Ok, so that is a dream. I have been lounging around the apartment for two weeks, watching HGTV and slowly packing up my things. I'm learning to enjoy my free time and not waste the day napping. However, I was reminded recently that I need to keep writing otherwise I may lose my skills. So here I am! 

I went to a photography workshop last night with famous photog Douglas Kirkland. It was absolutely amazing! I've decided a little slice of my days should be spent shooting pictures, even if they suck. Just gotta keep practicing.

Anyway, on the lineup today:

• Work on sorting my bedroom more
• Clean my sister and brother-in-law's house (getting paid!)
• Hang out with friends?

I know it's boring, but it's my life. :) More later