I try my hardest to keep a regular workout routine. But somedays, I'm just not feeling it. That is when I know it is time for a change. I previously had been doing P90x. I will note, P90x is an amazing workout. I got some great muscletone built and the variety was
great. But I could tell I was getting bored with it. I rolled my eyes every time I heard Tony Horton say, "Look at those teeth, they're off the charts, like Chiclets." I also had this annoying layer of fat on my stomach and legs that was not going anywhere no matter how much P90x I was doing. Nothing is more annoying than being able to feel your muscles but not being able to see them because of flab.
So I decided to go for a workout that focused more on cardio. Enter Insanity. I can tell already this is going to be a challenge, but one I am glad to take on. I have never done a workout where I spent more time keeled over and gasping for air. I feel really silly and unathletic right now because plyometrics has never been my strong point (Hence, the humiliating end to my basketball days my freshman year of high school). But I am not giving up. I have seen people have great success with this program and I intend to push through. Ripped body, here I come!
To grunting and sweating,
Culture Girl
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
TLC's All American Muslim: My Review
When I saw the previews for this show, I was very interested. I like to see a different perspective of Muslims than what the news media likes to portray; angry people who threaten to blow you up if you do anything that may threaten their beliefs. I have known some good Muslims in my lifetime and I was curious to see how this show would portray them.
When this show first aired, I'll admit, I was a little disappointed. Seeing ladies not in their hijab and saying the way they look does not make them any less of a Muslim made me cringe. The show does confirm one thing I already knew. That is, there are different levels of devotion in Islam just like there is in any other religion. For me, it is still hard to see people lukewarm about their faith. I believe that if you are going to go through the trouble of following a religion, you should do it wholeheartedly. If you are going to be a bad representative of your faith, then what is the point?
But despite this, I do find the different lifestyles interesting. I enjoyed seeing how the football team practiced at night to avoid breaking their Ramadan fast (although for a religious guy, that coach sure had a potty mouth). I like to see the clashes between the old school parents and the younger kids. I found it disturbing that there has to be such a huge police presence at the mosque just because people were going to worship during Ramadan. I also really liked how they discussed the challenges of fasting.
There were a couple of things from last night's episode (Episode 2) that really bugged me, though. I admire the one lady for wanting to wear the hijab again, but I question her motives. I got the impression she was putting on the hijab because she was trying to score points with God so she could get pregnant. But looking at the shape she and her husband were in, I think her woes were more health related than faith related. The other thing that has REALLY bugged me from the beginning is the "conversion" of Jeff. This guy was allegedly an Irish Catholic and decided to "convert" so he could marry his Muslim girlfriend. I knew immediately this guy was not serious about his current faith or Islam. He just wanted to follow the rules so he could get married. And seeing how their wedding did not even remotely resemble a true Islamic wedding was very telling. He acted like a spoiled brat when he tried to fast for Ramadan. He was so disrespectful to the family when they tried to explain why they fast. I hate to say it, but I don't see that marriage lasting very long if he does not get his act together.
Despite my gripes, I still will continue watching this show because, like my blog title implies, I love to observe other cultures. We can learn so much from other people's beliefs and in return, reflect on our own beliefs. Come Lent, I will not be whining about fasting, that is for sure.
To open religious discussion,
Culture Girl
When this show first aired, I'll admit, I was a little disappointed. Seeing ladies not in their hijab and saying the way they look does not make them any less of a Muslim made me cringe. The show does confirm one thing I already knew. That is, there are different levels of devotion in Islam just like there is in any other religion. For me, it is still hard to see people lukewarm about their faith. I believe that if you are going to go through the trouble of following a religion, you should do it wholeheartedly. If you are going to be a bad representative of your faith, then what is the point?
But despite this, I do find the different lifestyles interesting. I enjoyed seeing how the football team practiced at night to avoid breaking their Ramadan fast (although for a religious guy, that coach sure had a potty mouth). I like to see the clashes between the old school parents and the younger kids. I found it disturbing that there has to be such a huge police presence at the mosque just because people were going to worship during Ramadan. I also really liked how they discussed the challenges of fasting.
There were a couple of things from last night's episode (Episode 2) that really bugged me, though. I admire the one lady for wanting to wear the hijab again, but I question her motives. I got the impression she was putting on the hijab because she was trying to score points with God so she could get pregnant. But looking at the shape she and her husband were in, I think her woes were more health related than faith related. The other thing that has REALLY bugged me from the beginning is the "conversion" of Jeff. This guy was allegedly an Irish Catholic and decided to "convert" so he could marry his Muslim girlfriend. I knew immediately this guy was not serious about his current faith or Islam. He just wanted to follow the rules so he could get married. And seeing how their wedding did not even remotely resemble a true Islamic wedding was very telling. He acted like a spoiled brat when he tried to fast for Ramadan. He was so disrespectful to the family when they tried to explain why they fast. I hate to say it, but I don't see that marriage lasting very long if he does not get his act together.
Despite my gripes, I still will continue watching this show because, like my blog title implies, I love to observe other cultures. We can learn so much from other people's beliefs and in return, reflect on our own beliefs. Come Lent, I will not be whining about fasting, that is for sure.
To open religious discussion,
Culture Girl
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Why is Confrontation So Tough for me?
I have a confession to make. I HATE confrontation. I would rather give birth without drugs than have a conflict with someone (and yes, I have given birth without drugs). I just want everybody to be happy. But there is one thing demand and that is respect. The second somebody chooses to disrespect me, I have no choice but to get in their face. But it is not easy for me. Everytime I have to deal with a disrespectful person, my heart starts racing and my voice shakes. When it comes to fight or flight, flight is definitely my preference. But letting a bully think they are in the right is not cool with me.
My husband sometimes tries to handle my conflicts for me. I admit, I am a little jealous at times how easily he can lecture somebody without losing his cool and still get his point across. But I know it is not fair to him or myself to let him do all the work. Which leaves me with only one option. Learn how to stand up for myself.
So how on earth do I learn how to do this? Do I just ask people to randomly call me and chew me out so I can practice responding? Do I run for a political office so I can see my character smeared by an opponent? All I know is that I usually don't have problems with words. I know exactly what I want to say. It is just getting over that physiological reaction of my heart pounding and my voice shaking. I'm really hoping I can figure this out because this is really annoying me.
Still living life despite this,
Culture Girl
My husband sometimes tries to handle my conflicts for me. I admit, I am a little jealous at times how easily he can lecture somebody without losing his cool and still get his point across. But I know it is not fair to him or myself to let him do all the work. Which leaves me with only one option. Learn how to stand up for myself.
So how on earth do I learn how to do this? Do I just ask people to randomly call me and chew me out so I can practice responding? Do I run for a political office so I can see my character smeared by an opponent? All I know is that I usually don't have problems with words. I know exactly what I want to say. It is just getting over that physiological reaction of my heart pounding and my voice shaking. I'm really hoping I can figure this out because this is really annoying me.
Still living life despite this,
Culture Girl
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