final results of my 6 week workout with my trainer

Man I went in today for my final weigh in and I didn't reach my goal.. ;( I came into the gym super pumped today. I was so excited that I got there an hour early and did some circuit training. I even ran on the treadmill for 80 percent of the time before I started with my trainer. I lost 5 pounds on my own. Since working with my trainer, I have only lost 2.2 pounds in 6 weeks!!! I lost almost 4 inches in my waist, 2 inches in my hip, but I went up in my thigh and arm...I'm sad and frustrated.  The body parts that I wanted to lose inches and weight in, I actually gained in.. Everyone else in my class lost a lot of weight and inches, some weren't even sticking to their diets....and here you got me, someone who did everything right, and I feel like nothing is showing. People in my class said I was already small compared to them and that's why they dropped so much weight..I don't believe that...I work out 3-4 days a week for up to 2 hours at a time and eat the food that I am suppose to eat. I changed my whole eating habit all the way...My trainer claimed that I am gaining muscle...but I don't want to gain muscle. I don't want big thighs and hips nor do I want a big butt..I don't want a baby bump. esp since I'm not pregnant...contrary to popular beliefs and stereotypes, this black woman does not want a booty or anything big for that matter...ill keep my booty up top, which is my breast, but the rest can go!!! I want to go down 2 pant sizes and that's not happening...I'm so sad. I cried the whole way home... :( not a good night...this ruined my whole evening... I took a picture with my trainer and by myself. Granted I'm smiling in the picture but I immediately went to my car and cried after I got my results.

my trainer(Stephen) and I

  

i got a certificate for completing all 6 weeks with him



tattoos??

I am thinking about getting a tattoo. I currently do not have any tattoos. My second degree is in African American & African Studies. I love African art,  specifically West African symbols. Below are the two symbols that I admire the most, and I am thinking about getting, along with the meaning behind each one.

To the left  is the Sankofa symbol. We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today." The Akan (Ghanaian vernacular) word, Sankofa means "one must return to the past in order to move forward." The symbol of Sankofa is that of a bird whose head is faced in the opposite direction of its body. This is emphasising on the fact that even though the bird is advancing, it periodically makes it a point to examine/ return to it's past, since this is the only way for one to have a better future.  This symbol to the left is another symbol of Sanfoka.Some also interpret Sankofa to mean, no matter how far away one travels they must always return home. However Sankofa is interpreted, the basic and important meaning still lies; one's past is an important aspect of one's future. So in order to make the best of one's future, one must visit one's past.  Every time I look at this symbol, it makes me think of my my past, good and bad  and how everything in my life has shaped and molded me into the person that I am today.  I have grown and learned a lot over the years and I am proud of the woman I am today. It also makes me, thinks twice and analyze the situation before acting.


To the right is the symbol GYE NYAME which means "No one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see it's end, except God." Gye Nyame (except god) is revered as one of highest Akan spiritual symbols. It is a symbol that has many interpretations. "Except God" simply means that one recognizes the supremacy of God and, in essence, one is not afraid of anything--except the Supreme Being. One should not be hindered from doing anything except what God forbids. Gye Nyame also means that one recognizes that God is omnipotent and omnipresent, that God is above all. The Supreme Being is the creator of the world and all things that are in it. The Supreme Being controls all things in the world as well as the powers that operate the world. This symbol is in a way linked to the above symbol because it was God who has brought me through bad situation and has showered me with good situations and opportunities. God who continues to bless me and guide me throughout my life. Without Him, I would not be where I would be. I praise him everyday and in advance for everything He is doing in my life. Even when I am having the worse day, I know I am not alone because he is always beside me walking beside me and through everything with me.

I DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE I LIKE MORE, I HAVE ADMIRED BOTH SYMBOLS FOR THE PAST YEAR NOW, AND THE NEXT QUESTION WOULD BE WHERE WOULD I PLACE THEM? SHOULD I GET BOTH TATTOOS SINCE I LIKE THEM BOTH? I AM THINKING ABOUT MY WRIST AND MY LOWER ABDOMEN AREA.  I WANT THE TATTOO KIND OF CURVED ON MY WRIST. BOTH TATTOOS I WANT TO BE SMALL, I MEAN I AM A FEMALE SO I DO NOT WANT ANY LARGE TATTOOS ON MY BODY. NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE WHO DOES HAVE LARGE TATTOOS. ITS JUST NOT MY CUP OF TEA. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A GOOD TATTOO ARTIST/PARLOR THAT IS REASONABLE IN PRICE, LICENCED, AND IN THE HAMPTON ROADS AREA, PLEASE HIT ME UP AND LET ME KNOW!!

Quote of the day/week

Don't allow yourself to wake up with yesterday's issues troubling your mind. Refuse to live backwards, see everyday as a new chapter

What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

Did you know that President John F. Kennedy came up with the idea for VISTA? Or that the 170,000 VISTAs who have served since 1965 have played a key role in establishing many of the best-known anti-poverty programs, including Head Start, Upward Bound, and the credit union system? Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorps VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into reality.

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, we create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

By serving through VISTA, you’ll gain new skills, friends, and experiences—plus you’ll get the satisfaction that comes from helping others. During your service, you’ll also receive a modest living allowance, health care, and other benefits. And, upon completing your service, you can choose to receive either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend. I am using my reward to pay for Graduate school!!!

Recent graduates gain the kind of real-world experience they can’t find in a typical entry-level job. Experienced adults apply their skills and knowledge to serious social problems and discover previously untapped strengths.

I trained in ATL for one week and it was all expenses paid trip!

5K RACES...trying to run like a ninja and make my afro sweat!

So I just registered for 2 5K races!!!! I'm super excited!!!! My goal is to be able to run the whole time and under 45 mins. My first 5k will be April 22, 2011 and the second one will be May 7, 2011!!!! I'm excited!!! Pictures will be posted the day of each race!!!

Update:Weight Loss

So I decided since today is the big day, I am going to show you a old picture of me about 8 months ago and a recent picture that I took last week. I have been working out with my trainer for 6 weeks now. I go in for my final measurements and weigh in tonight! Do you see any difference between the two?

July 2010

March 2011

Granted picture number two is not a body shot, but you can still see a difference between the two. My face has def slimmed down. My arms are a little bit smaller, and my stomach went down as well..sn.. i look really big in my July 2010 picture. can we say bbm embarrassed face. sn2.. my fro in this picture looked amazing. Special thanks goes to my stylist Faith!

Length Check March 2011

Last week I did a length check on my hair. My goal is to have protective styles all year long. My hair goals is armpit length, along with thicker, and healthier hair in general. In just a few days I will be getting a braids. Nubian twists. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

backview.. collarbone length



side length.... right at shoulder

front almost at chin.