Be Stronger Than Your Excuses

Yesterday I posted a gym rant about focus. It seems that today I’ll be forced to eat my words. I have to admit that today was the first day in a really long time that my focus was a broken. Don’t get me wrong, I still put in a killer chest workout, but there was a guy in there that distracted me a little bit. It was a good distraction. This was actually worthy of my time and thoughts, because it wasn’t a shallow guy parading around in tiny shorts or a vain woman with her ass in the air.

Today was the first time I have ever seen a person with one arm working out. At first I had to give him a double or maybe even a triple take. He was on the other side of the gym being trained by a guy who looked like his twin brother. They were also working chest. By the time I was hitting my finishers, the duo had made their way to my side of the gym. There he was… sweating and pushing a 90 pound dumbbell with one arm. I stopped to watch. 

I took the time to say a few words to him which I rarely do. “No excuses,” I said and he quickly responded, “nope. None!” I told him, “good job. That’s awesome!” He thanked me. It seemed like he liked hearing that. He was really working. His will and courage was beautiful. I worked hard on the cable crossovers, but my mind worked even harder. All of the sudden I felt very guilty because I had two arms. It somehow seemed unfair. Maybe it was because I was sure he lost that arm upholding my freedom.

Several thoughts ran through my mind… How does he feel in the gym? If they are twins, they must have an unexplainable connection like my brother and sister which is why his brother is helping him regain both mental and physical strength. Why do I take my body for granted? Where did this happen to him? Was he born this way? Was it a bomb? What happened to him? I almost asked him, but I realized he comes here like me… to be nothing but strong and shut that other world out.   

He was a young, decent looking guy with one arm and heart so bright it burned. I give respect to people like him because he deserves it. It is people like him who are true champions… all bodybuilding competitions aside. He deserved the 2015 Mr. Olympia trophy. I’m sure he was a veteran. I wanted to thank him for his service, but I didn’t. For about half an hour, I felt really sorry for him. I felt sorry for him until I realized that he has more strength and power than I will ever have no matter how hard I train.

Read about other
heroes I respect:
•
When We Are Disfigured
•
A Lady, A Hero and Hooks

Rise of the Women: Mad Max

••Imperator Furiosa and The Wives••

I saw Mad Max: Fury Road today and it was awesome! You have to love the twisted minds of the writers. George Miller, Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris created an interesting, post-apocalyptic world. The world was filled with all sorts of mind-blowing things. I love writers who can surprise me. This movie was action packed!

I don’t love Tom Hardy (who played Mad Max), but I absolutely adore Charlize Theron (who played Imperator Furiosa). Charlize is such a versatile actress. She isn’t scared to play non-glamorous roles even though she is smoking hot! I love that about her. I remember being so impressed by her role in Monster. She kicked some serious ass in Fury Road.

There are many themes which permeate the film. There were at least five that I clearly saw. I felt that the three most powerful themes which drove the storyline were love/sacrifice and the empowerment of women. Other themes which I observed were home, retaliation and redemption.

The story was about love of self, love of others and the transformative power of that love. This was yet another tragic love story. A woman and a man die for love in the midst of gang wars. It is a tragic story because in the end, Max and Furiosa fall in love, yet they part ways. For these characters, it was enough to know each would be ok following a battle.

These three male writers are awesome for focusing this story on the empowerment of women. From a one armed female warrior who can drive a big rig while kicking ass in a fight to release women from sex slavery, to denouncing the objectification of women, to a gang of all female bikers who fight to reclaim the Citadel… Miller, McCarthy and Lathouris covered it all. Symbolically, the women were the holders of the the seeds of life (child bearing and actual heirloom seeds).

The movie is worth a watch. Aside from all the trippy characters, crazy costumes, cool weapons, tricked out rides, and desolate landscapes, there is much more to this movie on a symbolic level. I had one favorite quote in this movie coming from Mad Max himself. He told Furiosa… “You know hope is a mistake. If you can’t fix what’s broken, you’ll go insane.” I agree Mr. Mad. I totally agree.

MEMORIAL DAY

Thanks for the great thank you G!! 🙂
~~Felicia

Rethinking Life

ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY

THANK YOU

TO

THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR FREEDOM

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVED

AND TO THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO SERVE

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Numbers and Motivation

OooooMmmmmmGggg!! Sandra seriously rocks! Unlike all my other WordPress friends, I actually know this strikingly funny, beautiful woman who secretly has a Ph.D.! She is my hero today!!! Body and mind baby! Hard work pays off. She is living proof! I miss seeing her smile in the archives. Sandra also introduced me to WordPress! Much love to her!
~~~F

A Promise to Dad

Looking back at my totals a year ago January, I cannot believe the improvement I am seeing in my numbers:

By Jan 31, 2015 (Goal for Year)
Swimming Miles:  5.23 (60)
Cycling Miles:  140.81 (1250)
Running Miles:  20.26  (350)

By Jan 31, 2014
S:  4.74 (50)
B:  68.98 (750)
R:  1.75 (250)

Last year, I couldn’t run much due to plantar fasciitis and all of my rides were inside due to weather.  This year, I have done almost all of my rides outside.  Unless someone wants to send me a FatBike, most of February will likely be inside.

That’s 140 miles on my bike in January!  I was unbelievably proud of my 68 last year.  I may have to hop on my trainer today and pump out 9.19 miles just to hit 150.  If I can keep up the 15o mile per month pace this year, I should hit 1690…

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Heavenly

Heavenly Sword is just what the doctor ordered tonight. I got into bed with a heating pad and ate *all* of the jerky I was going to give as a Christmas gift (oh well) while I watched Playstation’s infamous, fiery red-haired heroine kick some ass. Sony and Ninja Theory did a good thing for me tonight. I enjoyed every minute of the storyline.

I’m in love with Nariko, the sword wielding tough chick. There is nothing like a strong female character to help me feel better. My strength is all zapped after breaking my arms down at the gym and an emotionally hard day. The animated film was released this year and is based on the 2007 video game. Technology is amazing. The CGI in Heavenly Sword is…well…heavenly.

Batman or Superman?

I have to wait until 2016 to see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice??? Noooooo!!! The suspense is killing me! I should have camped in Taos for a chance to see two of DC’s most famous super dudes all geared up right here in my state! I am leaning toward Team Batman even though Ben Affleck will really have to work to convince me.

I like Henry Cavill, so if Superman wins I guess I’d be ok with that. Where are the super villains? I need some of those for sure. The Land of Enchantment was the last stop after film crews graced Michigan and Illinois. The movie is sure to be awesome, as production says they dropped at least $13 milly in New Mexico alone!

Oh and yeayyyyy!!! Jason Namakaeha Momoa is playing Aquaman!!!! Be still my beating heart. Ok….I guess Aquaman may be a’ight after all eh!? I seriously need a crazy or toxic, female DC super villainess though!?! Where they at? I guess I can wait for Suicide Squad if it has to be all good.

Thankful

I am thankful for all the servicemen and women of the United States of America. I thank my cousin Justin who is currently deployed in Iraq. I also thank: my brother, Brian; my cousin, Melanie and her husband, Shane; my cousin, Jonathan (KIA); my cousin, Bobby (MIA); my uncles, James, Clarence, and Nelson; my grandfathers, Phil and Gilbert; Feliciano and Mike; my friends, Betsy and John; and all the military wives, husbands, and other people who provide support for those who have serviced or continue to service our country.  ~~~Sincerely

••See my military posts here.
••See my veteran posts here
••See a USSS post here.
••See other posts about the veterans in my family here.
••See my post about New Mexico’s Project Healing Waters here.

My girl, Janet

This is a very touching and very moving story. It was shared by someone I know well. I urge each of you to reach out and help Janet and others like her if you are as moved as I was when I read this. We can all do more.
~~~Felicia

Guarding Emotion

Went to see Guardians of the Galaxy today. It rocked!! I love Marvel. I love Stan Lee. All the characters kicked ass, but I love Chris Pratt (Star-Lord). I love Zoe Saldana (Gamora). I love Djimon Hounsou (Korath). I lovvvvved Dave Bautista’s (Drax’s) traps!! They were huge. Hated the stereo-typed big dude again. It’s so cliche and untrue.

One heartfelt part of the movie was when Star-Lord, a 1/2 human man who had avoided emotion since his childhood~ felt emotion when he thought he may lose Gamora. He risked his life to save her life. I will say that the comic book Gamora and Star-Lord blow doors to the movie characters, but I guess that can be expected. Following were my favorite movie quotes.

“I’m a warrior and an assassin.
I do not dance.”
••••Gamora to Star-Lord

“See that’s exactly why none of
you have any friends. Five minutes
after you meet someone, you’re
already trying to kill them.”
••••Star-Lord to the Guardians

“Blah, Blah, Blah.”
••••Rocket
(heard that one twice today )

“You’re despicable. Dishonorable.
Faithless.”
••••Gamora to Star-Lord

“I saw you out there and I don’t
know what came over me?
Something really heroic.
Not to brag.”
••••Star-Lord to Gamora

“Is that what she’s been filling
your head with boy? Sentiments?
Filling your head like maggots?”
••••Yondu Udonta

“Well we didn’t have time to
figure out the minutiae of
the plan.”
••••Rocket

“Groot is the only one of you
who has a clue.”
••••Star-Lord to the Guardians

“It’s giving us a chance to give
a shit and not run away.”
••••Star-Lord to the Guardians

“I have lived most of my life surrounded by my enemies. I
will be grateful to die
surrounded by my friends.”
••••Gamora to the Guardians

“I don’t know that I believe
anyone is 100% a dick ma’am.”
••••Corpsman Dey

“I may be as pretty as an angel,
but I sure as hell ain’t one.”
••••Yondu Udonta

Algorithm for a Hero: The Cap and His Sniper

Today was strictly reserved for Captain America. The Winter Soldier was super awesome. It would be cool to see it again. God you really gotta love these movies! How can you not?? Can’t wait for No.3 with “the Twins!” There was a sneak peek and I can tell I’m gonna love those characters. An algorithm played a major role in the storyline which was way beyond exciting to a lover of 1z & 0z (see Death of the Algorithm).

It was great to see Washington, DC on the big screen following my visit there for the Best Practices Exchange (see State of the Digital Union). One of my top scenes of the whole movie featured Captain America running near the Washington Monument. I actually saw a lot of people running while I was out there (see Crab Cakes and Cardio). The Cap is working out wearing a gray, fitted Under Armour tee (awesome). He pauses for a resting pose right in front of the US Capitol with his bi veins lookin’ all 3D ~n~ such (awesome).

No.2 was basically a story about friendship. How imperfect is that?! There were multiple friendships at play in the storyline, but the best, most heartbreaking was the “friendship” between Black Widow and Captain America. There is already an underlying spark between the mysterious spy and the clear cut hero, but when Steve’s lips meet Natasha’s for show they realize there is something more. This only happens in the movies though. Right? Or maybe just between men with really vascular arms and women in really tight catsuits? Who knows? Never the less, the Captain isn’t having it.

Captain America enjoyed the kiss, but insists on friendship. During a heart-to-heart, the Black Widow asks “is that your first kiss since 1945?” The Cap responds with…”it’s kinda hard to trust someone when you don’t know who they are.” Hummm…interesting eh? She’s a poisonous, heart wrenching, sniper silly?! Maybe that’s what he thinks anyway? The Widow says, “Yeah. Who do you want me to be?” She’ll be what he wants. Of course he says “how ’bout a friend?” What a guy! She tells him “there’s a chance you could be in the wrong business Rogers!” Naw…his business is straight!

I want the money I spent on this movie back! Serious! It was awesome, but I got gypped hard!! I thought that in the movies, super hot, good guy heroes and super sexy, mysterious spy chicks end up together? It’s the movies right?? But…naww…friends it is! Guess this time I can’t say…”only in the movies” ha? There was one good aspect of this faux friendship. Captain America saved the Black Widow’s life not long before their kiss. After they had the heart-to-heart, she asked him if he at least trusted her to save his life if needed and he said yes. I guess that’s something!?

Winter Soldier was indeed awesome. Maybe the screenwriters can rewrite the script? I could always ask them to write in the Punisher? Maybe Robert Redford…I mean Alexander Pierce will hook a sista up? He should let his fellow stars know that in Hollywood, the sexy spy always gets her hero! Maybe Kang Zhao at the University of Iowa can help the screenwriters develop an algorithm for that ha?? Maybe?

~~★★★★NAW….only in the movies!!★★★★~~

“Freedom” – Spray Paint & Collage on Canvas by Me & Rhian Ferrer

Awesome…as always Ray!!! ~~~Felicia

Ray Ferrer - Emotion on Canvas

“Freedom”

A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Spray Paint & Collage on Canvas
Ray & Rhian Ferrer – 2014
14″ x 11″

**SOLD**  – See what else is available here—-> Ray’s Shop

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Galileo the Heretic: Science and Scripture

Yesterday I watched a movie I checked out at the LaFarge Library about Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). The movie is based on the book Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel and is titled Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens. I came away feeling so sad for this unbelievable man. He was constantly at odds with religious officials with regard to his pursuit of knowledge, still he remained a pious and obedient Catholic.

Galileo was considered a heretic in his day. For at least three decades he risked his life to study our universe. He was actually a hero of knowledge who continues to inspire contemporary scientists and freethinkers. The dictionary defines a heretic as a “person believing in or practicing religious heresy.” Was he really a “nonconformist,” a “nonbeliever,” a “pagan,” or a “heathen?” Maybe some think he was?

During the 17th century and even later, freethinking was really frowned upon. You could be burned at the stake for partaking in scientific, mathematical, and other studies! Galileo lived in a time when a book of banned books was kept. It makes me sad. I have to be thankful that I am alive today. I can express my opinions openly. My century is far from perfect, but I am in a much better place than Galileo was in relation to my consumption and sharing of knowledge.

The movie I watched was perfectly titled Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens. I found myself wondering if God could really frown on the discoveries made by Galileo? Though he was basically haunted by the Holy Office for several decades, he never turned his back on the church and at times was even apologetic for being smart. The movie touched on: his career as a professor/mathematician at the University of Pisa (1589); his explanation of the tides (1595); his experimentation with a pendulum/natural accelerated motion and balls/inclined planes (1602-1604); his observations and sketches of the lunar craters and mountains of the moon (1609); a demonstration of one of his telescopes (1609); his discovery of the four moons of Jupiter (1610); and his research on sunspots (1612).

The secret archive of the Vatican dates back to 1612. I realized how close this was to some of the most important discoveries made by Galileo when I looked back at a post I wrote last year. In 2012, I wrote about the religious archive and the trial documents of Galileo in a post titled 400 Year Old Archive: Secrets of the Vatican. At that time, romereports.com stated that the Vatican secret archive contains 50 miles of shelving. Now I am curious how much of those documents are related to Galileo’s studies of the heavens?

~~~~~~~~~~
Galileo facing the Roman
Catholic Inquisition in a
painting by Cristiano Banti
(1857).
~~~~~~~~~~

For at least 30 years, the Holy Office/Inquisition had a firm hold on one of the most intelligent men to ever walk the Earth. From 1611 until his death in 1642, poor Galileo was muffled by religious officials. Why? It is hard for me to understand and frankly, it makes me feel embarrassed to be Catholic. I think religious groups still suppress knowledge to some extent for if we have wings, we can fly. I can only imagine what his unhindered soul could have become?

By 1616, the Inquisition believed Galileo’s theory that the sun centered the universe was “absurd in philosophy and formally heretical.” He was summoned to Rome by Urban VIII in 1632 and was told that if he didn’t appear he would be “arrested and brought to Rome in chains.” In April of 1633, the formalities of the Inquisition were in full force and the “father of science” was detained by the Inquisition for close to 20 days. At the end of that detainment, Urban VIII decided that Galileo would face imprisonment for an undeclared amount of time. He was threatened with torture, and eventually sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life.

It is unbelievable that Galileo was forced to endure physical suffering while he was under house arrest!! In 1634, the genius was suffering from the pain of a hernia and asked the Holy Office for permission to leave his home to visit a doctor in Florence. His request was denied and he was told that if he asked again, he would be imprisoned once again. Even after he went completely blind in 1638, the Inquisition did not return Galileo’s freedom. He was granted permission to attend church on Catholic holidays if he didn’t speak to anyone. So sad.

At 77 years old, Galileo became seriously ill. The year was 1641 and a heroically smart man was silenced and blind. He died in 1642. With his death came the loss of a heavenly mind. I believe in God. I believe I am a good person. I believe in Heaven. I find it really hard to believe that God saw it right to prosecute a man who only treasured knowledge. I understand that his pursuit of scientific knowledge was contradicting scripture, still I find it hard to believe that my God accepted the things which were done to Galileo. Maybe I will never understand??

**Additional reference used~ The Galileo Project/Galileo Timeline/Rice University.

“Light ‘Em Up”

This weekend I bought the new CD “Save Rock and Roll” by Fall Out Boy. I had been loving the new video for “Alone Together,” which I’m over. It’s been on a few countdowns. Figured the CD would be good since my hero Jimmy Kimmel likes them and since these singles mark the official return of Fall Out Boy after a brief hiatus.

These men do write some awesome lyrics. The beats are great for working out. “The Phoenix” and “Where Did the Party Go” are good songs, but “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)” rocks!! Those lyrics were flawlessly written by mad lyricists. The lyrics are absolutely perfect. I love words!

Now I gotta track down the remix with 2Chainz. I am sure that remix is smokin’ for sure! Wish I had that one when I hit some chest, back n bi today. Who doesn’t wanna “Light ‘Em Up?”

Loved or Not

Today was the day to catch the newest Thor movie. I have been busy with the Hillerman Conference, but couldn’t wait to see it. It was awesome! The Dark World was indeed dark. I certainly love Thor (Chris), Heimdall (Idris), Jane (Natalie), and Sif (Jaimie)…oh my…..

•*• Sif rocks!!! •*•

I was a bit disappointed in Jane’s character because I adore strong women. The mere mortal never attempted to lift a sword or a hand. Why?? Not even to protect Thor? At one point an illusion of her shivered behind Thor’s mother. I found myself feeling super soft for Sif, the woman who actually shed blood for Thor.

•*• Thor loves who he loves. •*•

The Asgardian God of Thunder passed up the beautiful, strong, and devoted second generation goddess of Asgard for his beloved mortal. I guess a hard lesson to learn is that someone loves who they love and that’s it. We can’t change that. Sif could sacrifice everything for and give everything to Thor and it would never be enough. He loves who he loves. Loved or not, Sif is bad ass!

–›Thor: “So Earth is lost to us?”

–›Heimdall: “No. There is always hope.”

–›Thor: “Can you see her?”

–›Heimdall: “Yes.”

–›Thor: “How is she?”

–›Heimdall: “She searches for you.”

Thor: The Dark World Predicted To Take The Box Office By Storm

YeaaaaaYaaaaa!!!!
Can’t wait!!!
~~~~~F