FFF Diva Song of the Day: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson performing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"



Beyonce performing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Recently, a friend of mine have me a pep talk. I wasn't feeling like myself and I felt that I was in a slump. She told me that I needed to just change my perspective on life. Did I want to do it the Beyonce way or the Jennifer Hudson way? I looked at her with a confused look and instead of explaining it to me she said she would just let me listen and judge for myself.

Above are YOUtube clips of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" being performed by Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce. When Beyonce sings her version it is beautiful, soft, & flowery. However, when Jennifer Hudson sings her version it is real, passionate, gritty, & full of love, pain, sorrow, etc. In the end I decided that I want to live my life the Jennifer Hudson way: real and full of passion.

Who knew it would take a song comparison of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to show me that...

So do you want to be a Beyonce or a Jennifer Hudson?

FFF Diva Activism: "King & King" Re-enactment

The following is a video re-enactment of the wonderful children's book "King & King", written by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland.

The video was made solely for non-profit and educational purposes.

Thanks to the following individuals for making this video happen:

Bryan Leffew
Jay Foxworthy
Daniel Leffew
Selena Leffew
Leilani De Nieva
Maureen De Nieva
Megan Coffey
Dion Holt
Marc Tarasco
Sean Chapin

FFF Diva Fun Video of the Day: Piano Stairs

We believe that the easiest way to change people's behavior for the better is by making it fun to do. We call it The fun theory. Do you have an idea that uses fun to change behavior?

Want to know more? Visit www.thefuntheory.com

FFF Diva Commitment to Success: Running on Motivation

Lately work and being sick has swamped me from getting my butt into Operation Boot Camp in the last two weeks. Don't get me wrong, I have gone, but NOT all 5 days each these last two weeks. I know: FAIL. But is it really? The days I have not been at boot camp I did my boot camp cardio HW (refer to Ronny's email below). Also, my sister and I decided to go to the bookstore to really get our mind set on training to walk/jog our first full marathon (LA Marathon) in March 2010.

Journal:
"Runner's World: Training Journal...A Daily Dose of Motivation, Training Tips & Running Wisdom for Every Kind of Runner---From Fitness Joggers to Competitive Racers"

Book:
"Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person's Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking a Half-Marathon or Marathon" by John Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield, M.A., C.P.T.

We have 22 weeks until our March 21, 2010 LA Marathon race. We are currently on a 20 week walker/jogger program. 26 miles to train for in 20 weeks. Will it happen? Can the FFF Divas achieve it?

Well...stay tuned to find out!

Until then...enjoy the email below from my trainer regarding MOTIVATION. And by the way...the Friday camp he is referring to...I did make it to that one!

Best,
FFF Diva Mo

------
Hey guys!

Friday was an awesome workout... we had a lot of fun too!! Immediately, that brings us to our topic : FUN while working out. Never had I had so much fun at 5:45am in the morning that working out with all of you guys. I really look fwd to the mornings I do get to do it, and on those same days because of the fun and the workout that I got, I am MUCH more productive, energized, and conscience to what I'm putting in my body.

I wanted to stress the importance to everyone how important it is to everyone to have FUN while working out. Not only is Operation Boot Camp a dialed in comprehensive fitness program, but they also have the social dynamic intertwined with it all too. Its part of out 5 service values for us instructors to be able to build relationships and basically have a good time, WHILE motivating and getting you guys moving!! Sometimes, I know us instructors harp on everyone about not being "loud" enough or not being involved, and that is because it helps to create and add to the energy and the fun about what we are doing.

Try doing anything first thing in the morning like that, and either the group is going to set the stage of energy and good fun for the workout ahead, or they are going to suck out life and make everyone feel like we are all carrying a thousand pound vest on our backs... and the workout is going to DRAG by second by second. Thats a no bueno... and that's why all of us lose motivation. If you take a look at everyone you know, most people do not like working out because its not fun, its uncomfortable, it makes you sweat, you're sore the next day, you start to smell (if you're not wearing deodorant or forgot to bath yourself, and you know who you are!!) and well, it simply requires energy! Who the heck wants to do that!?

Well, if you are having a good time or looking fwd to doing something like working out, then all the sudden, those other variables become the minority.. The hour flies by, and you don't even notice that you were working that hard and the you were doing so for an hour! and THATS what I'm talking about... another reason why I want everyone to be ALIVE, and be your fun selves in the morning when we meet! It helps us all out... but don't be that one depressing debby when you come in, because it creates a downer for everyone around you. Do not complain... Just have a lil fun and work HARD- you will reap the rewards for the rest of your life;)

That being said, MAKE SURE YOU ARE DOING YOUR HOMEWORK! I want to see everyone succeed, and if we can all bring in our BOOKS and if EVERYONE has done homework assignment on Sunday, then I will have a lil something something for everyone... I'll give ya a hint, its starts with a "B" and ends with an "URPEE" ... jk. lol..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw&feature=youtube_gdata

Check out this video that my to be mom in law sent me... made me think about the fact that people would get much more exercise if there was a lil pizzaz to it or they were able to have a good time...even if its something like going up a flight of stairs. Fwd it on!

Committed to your success,

Ronny

--
Ronny Varghese
Director of Operations
Operation Boot Camp - San Jose
1-888-7-FIT NOW (734-8669)
Ronny.Varghese@operationbootcamp.com
OperationBootCamp.com

FFF Diva Activity: Operation Boot Camp in the Rain

This week at Operation Boot Camp we are experiencing exercise in the rain! Did I fail to mention that we participate in boot camp rain or shine? Feel sorry for us? Well don't! I am just glad we aren't on the East Coast experiencing snow! I am definitely fine and dandy with warm rain and moist grass.

Today was absolutely fantastic, because we did so much ground work such as sit-ups and bear crawls. At camp thought I joke around that an added bonus to boot camp is STAR GAZING, mainly because it's 1) still dark outside that the stars are out 2) we are on our backs doing sit-ups, etc. staring at the sky!

The below email is from my trainer Ronny from earlier this week. Apparently Monday and Tuesday camp was SUPER WET and RAINY. Unfortunately I was not there because I was at home sick. P.S. Make sure you get enough sleep each night or else it hurts your body! I like the email because it's so motivating to help break through a challenge, especially if it involves rain and puddles.

Read on...you will see what I mean...

Best,
FFF Diva Mo

Hello Campers!

This morning was fun wasn't it?? No? Maybe you thought it was uncomfortable, maybe it would be nicer if you were sitting on a nice suede warm couch sipping on some hot chocolate...?

Eh! I hope you didn't answer "hell yea!" to that, thats the wrong answer!! It was a trick question, of course lol...

I was thinking about the workout today and how it was our FIRST Operation Boot Camp - San Jose rainy day camp. I was thinking about the common attitude that we have as people, when it comes to ANYTHING that we do not typically do throughout our lives. Rainy weather and water is one of them...

Do you remember a time... when you were a child and going out in the rain puddle jumping and getting all dirty was a fun thing? Not paying regard to the way that we'd be afterward, we had a singular care just about the "now" and having a good time, being lost in the moment of activity. Somewhere between being a child and being all grown up- there was a paradigm shift in our perceptions of "comfort" and "fun". It no longer is about not paying mind to the way you look and being active, now its more about alcohol and social dinners and clubs and all this other unhealthy stuff, that eventually catches up to us and causes us, as a country and society, to be the most obese in this world.

Although everyone was a trooper this morning and got through the workout well, I know it the back of everyone's mind, there's the "uuughghh... i hate the rain" talk cycling through their heads, in one form or the other. Well, when you think about it, that same voice is saying something else when you are out of breath from running sprints up hill, for when you're doing squats when you're legs are jello, or you can't feel your arms and you feel like you got nothing left when doing pushups. Just now, the only real difference is that this is a new thing that I'm sure all of us "hate getting wet" attitude that we've had when its rainy season through our adult lives.

I know I have....at one point anyway.

The point is this... ITS LIFE. Life doesn't provide you with the situation of "the right time and the right place" - YOU DO. there will ALWAYS be something that will make your journey difficult. Whether it be that you hate pushups, you're uncomfortable being cold, or you can't stand eating healthy food - they all require a change in mindset... The "right place and right time" is a self-fulfilling philosophy. NOW is the best time to get in shape, and lose the unwanted fat. Stay in with the habits and WORK THROUGH the mental difficulties as it relates to change. This is the right place and time! When you go into any situation with the relentless attitude and conviction of getting to your goals, you will normally achieve them. That simple, it really is. And when you buckle down when you might not be too excited - well guess what? its that much more rewarding and you will always remember that moment in life when you worked HARD for something you wanted - and you made no excuses, even the somewhat valid ones.

I know that everyone's experiencing first hand the "transition" of weather and environment by which we are working out in the morning, but guys- we are BLESSED. We live in California, this is the WORST it gets... thousands of people are experiencing MUCH much worse than we are around the country right now. I challenge you all to change your mindset the way that I have- to learn to have FUN with the rain.. embrace the beauty and nature of rain, rather than being mopey and complaining about it. Let's let that innerchild come out n play when we get to camp, pay no regard to weather but dress appropriately- and WORK HARD while at camp... please do not let the weather hold you back from life's most rewarding experiences - HEALTH. Don't pass it up.

Let's have fun with the weather transition guys... realize that you will never have AS good of a "right time and place" scenario as you do now. Especially now and the next 6 months. You have instructors than genuinely WANT to see you guys make the differences in your lives the way we all have, a program that's sets the stage for success, the nutritional guidance to keep you healthy, and you have obstacles that are testing your conviction and desire to get to your goals, as we all have as well. Work hard and be happy with what you see in the mirror! At the end of the day, week, month, or year,.. that's all thats left- no memories of rainy weather, no drama from family or friends, no work pressure and stress, and no temptations to eat cake at a birthday party- just you and yourself, in your birthday suit. Are you happy with the way you look? If not, it's completely up to you, and you alone to do something about it...

"The race is long, but in the end, it's only with yourself."

Committed to your success

Ronny

FFF Diva Plateau Breakthrough: Progress Update through Photos

Dolores and myself at the October 2009 Yelp Elite Prom on a Boat: 248lbs. PROGRESS!!!! Breaking through the plateau one pound at a time! I started in May 2007 at 320lbs. and lost 96lbs. In November 2008 I was 224lbs and in May 2009 I gained about 50lbs of what I lost back. Just because you gain some weight back DOES NOT mean you can't move forward and lose again! Time to make it happen and keep it off for the long term!

Myself and the girls at Nicole's Bridal Shower in August 2007: around 300lbs.

My cousin Jeremy and myself at a family wedding in June 2007: around 320lbs.

With Nicole and Denise for her bridal dress fitting in Summer 2007: around 310lbs.

Another view shot...

Marisa and myself celebrating her college graduation in June 2009: around 270lbs.

Myself at Wicked in San Francisco in June 2009: A long view.

Myself with the gang at La Roux for Memorial Day weekend in May 2009: around 275lbs.

FFF Goal Accomplished: 2009 Rock n' Roll San Jose 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles)

The 13.1 mile course in downtown San Jose.

This is the final picture of me crossing the finish line. I finished my 1st 1/2 marathon!

My sister Leilani and I right after the race with our race medals!

The San Jose 1/2 marathon was my first race, while this was my sister's second 1/2 marathon.

My sister stuck with me throughout the whole race, even though she could have finished the race for a faster time. This is a photo of us at Mile 1, however subtract 10 minutes from the time shown, because we were in Corral #13.

I had been training for this 1/2 marathon since May 2009. In May 2009 I ran my first 5K race (Marin Human Race), in August 2009 I ran my second 5K race (SF Plate to Plate), and in September 2009 I ran my third 5K race (Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Race). When I finished my race I felt so accomplished that I made an executive decision: to celebrate my 25th birthday in March 2010 I will run my first FULL marathon (26.2 miles) in Los Angeles (LA Marathon).