The Equalizer - Movie Rant/Review

Movie spoiler alert on below content, read at your own risk.

This weekend we rented The Equalizer starring Denzel Washington. Whenever I see an upcoming movie that intrigues my interest I try very hard not to read any reviews or view any  additional trailers so when I finally do see the movie there is still an element of surprise.

Brief Summary
This movie is about Robert McCall, an unassuming man who works at the local Home Mart who finds himself somehow befriending a prostitute named Alina (played by Chloe Grace Mortez) at the diner he frequents. Alina, the victim of sex trafficking from a very young age dreams of a breaking free of her life and starting over. Alina's brief attempt at defying her Russian Mob bosses backfire and she is badly beaten to near death. Robert approaches the Russian Mob bosses and offers to buy Alina's freedom but his money is more-or-less thrown back in his face. Knowing that the Russians will continue to force Alina into prostitution Robert takes things into his own hands and kills the Mob bosses which essentially put a bounty on his head with the rest of the Russian Mafia. 

Review
The beginning of the movie was slow paced as it focused on the friendships between Robert and his co-workers at the Home Mart and his friendship with Alina who he knows from the local diner. I don't know if it is my home sound system but every scene in the diner when Alina (Chloe Grace Mortez) was speaking it seemed like she was mumbling and I could not clearly hear what she was saying without upping the volume multiple times. 

The scene where Robert kills the Mob bosses was the first scene where we really start to learn what kind of past Robert has had. It is clear that he has experience as a special ops assassin and it was awesome! I really liked how the director really slowed things down, showing us how Robert calculates his surroundings. 

Marton Csokas did an amazing job playing Teddy the hit man who is after Robert McCall. He really pulled off the "I'm so crazy, they don't even pay me, I just hunt and kill people for fun" vibe. The ending action scenes that took place at the Home Mart were so good! I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation knowing that we were at the point in the movie where Robert would finally have to go up against Teddy and I couldn't help but wonder if it could get any better. Guess what? It did get better! The scene where Robert walks out of the water in slow motion towards Teddy was totally epic! 

I've seen reviews saying this movie was too violent but I did not find that to be the case at all. Now, if the majority of the movies you tend to watch are movies like "The Fault in Our Stars" then yes, this movie might come across as too violent for you. But if you're like me, who watches movies like "The Raid 1 & 2" then I would consider this movie mildly violent. 

Robert McCall is going on the list of my favorite fictional hit man/assassin. He's right up there with Leon Montana (film The Professional). 

Overall I really enjoyed this movie and I am planning on purchasing it to add to my collection of action movies. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend that you check it out.

Questions I'm Left to Ponder 

1. Roberts friend Ralph who works with him at Home Mart is concerned that he won't be able to cut-it when it comes to the security guard test. How intense is this security guard test? It's Home Mart not a bank...
2. Will Ralph continue with his new security guard career? Lets face it, his first week as a security guard the store was robbed under his watch, the Russian Mob infiltrated the store and not only did he get shot, he found out his friend was a closet badass... Those are the types of things that make you think twice. 
3. Can you really boil honey and use it to cauterize a wound? Is it weird that I made a mental note to try this if I'm ever in a position with no other options?

30 Day Flat Abs Challenge

I must be feeling really inspired and motivated this year because for the month of January I have signed up for another fitness challenge called the 30 Day Flat Abs Challenge (I am doing two challenges at the same time).

The 30 Day Flat Abs Challenge is hosted by http://www.blogilates.com

Can I just say that the Blogilates website is one of the most fun, colorful and inspirational fitness sites I have ever come across! On the Flat Abs Challenge printable it includes a checklist for each day and also includes a picture of the exercise moves so no guess work is needed. I must add that on the printable, it also includes little water cups for each day as a reminder to drink more water (I'm guilty of needing more water intake)!

Below I will document my progress and thoughts through each day of the challenge.

Starting Stats:

• Weight = 162 (I know, I know... I gained all my weight from last year plus additional pounds... I am ashamed and determined to try harder this year!)
• Waist/Mid Section Measurement = 40 inches (Ugh :(    actually being aware of what the number is makes me feel terrible... I measured the biggest part of my belly which is the spot between my belly button and belt line. )

Day 1

Today's Challenge - 5 Roll-Ups/ 5 Ankle Reaches / 5 Leg Lifts

Its day 1 of the challenge and I have the best attitude going into this. I can already tell that this challenge will be a true challenge as my abdominal muscles are very weak. It was only 5 of each exercise but I can already feel my mid section working. Looking at the printable I can tell that this will really push me, but you know what,  Bring it! Challenge ACCEPTED!!!

Day 2

Today's Challenge - 6 Roll-Ups/ 6 Ankle Reaches / 6 Leg Lifts

Day 2 and I am still feeling excited about this challenge. I can already tell that I will soon hate those ankle reaches the further we get into the challenge. I was feeling so good today I even hit the gym and did 35 min of incline walking on the treadmill and one set on the leg machine. If I end up weighing more after this challenge (and the other arms challenge I am doing simultaneously) I am going to take a pregnancy test and if I'm not pregnant (which I should not be) I'm going to be so pissed if I weight more after these January challenges! I'm looking forward to day 3.

Day 3

Today's Challenge - 7 Roll-Ups/ 7 Ankle Reaches / 7 Leg Lifts

You know what I noticed today? This challenge has no rest days! My attitude towards health and fitness is still positive so this does not bother me at all. So far the challenge is still "easy" but I know down the line I'll be very sore as those repetitions increase. After doing my abdominal exercises I was still feeling great so I went down to the gym and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets of arms exercises. I can tell my muscles are starting to feel sore between the two challenges I've committed to and the extra time I am spending in the gym and you know what? It feels amazing! Starting strong is the easy part, I hope I can keep it up as we continue to progress throughout the month.

Day 4

Today's Challenge - 8 Roll-Ups/ 8 Ankle Reaches / 8 Leg Lifts

The roll-ups are super easy, its the ankle reaches and leg lifts that you really feel in your abs. During my fitness research, I read online that you should include rest days in your routine to give your muscles a chance to heal. Today is technically my "rest day" so I took it easy and only did my abs challenge and 13 minutes of butt toning exercises. I'm still feeling eager and want to workout hard tomorrow. Maybe its just me, but it feels really good having that muscle soreness feeling. Its as if my body is telling me that I'm doing a good job.

Day 5

Today's Challenge - 9 Roll-Ups/ 9 Ankle Reaches / 9 Leg Lifts

My abs are really burning with those ankle reaches and leg lifts and I haven't even hit double digits yet! Overall great fitness session today, after doing the reps for the flat abs challenge I dedicated some time to my arms today. I did Blogilates video called "6 min to sexy arms" and can I just tell you that in 6 min your arms will feel like they are on fire (no weights are used)! I also hit the gym today and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on the arms. I also did a couple sets on the ab machine which I will admit I'm not entirely sure I did it correctly, but then again, I'm not entirely sure its possible to use the machine incorrectly.

I really feel like I worked out hard today, I am looking forward to feeling sore tomorrow and I hope I start seeing results.

Day 6

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts

My abs are hands down my weakest muscle group. I could really feel the burn today on my leg lifts but I pushed to complete them in one go. I dedicated the rest of the days workouts to legs and abs. During lunch I did the "Perfect Legs Workout" by Blogilates. The exercise moves look easy but when you actually do them it feels like your legs are constantly on fire! I'm not going to lie, I had to hit pause a few times on the video just to rest my legs briefly.

After work I hit the gym and did some leg focused exercises with weights. I also did some extra abdominal work using a 10lb medicine ball, stopping often between reps. One thing that I am proud of today is that even though it was hard I finished a whole set of each exercise I set out to do.

Day 7

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 5 Reverse Crunches

Today we have a new move which is the "Reverse Crunch". I am thankful that we only had to do 5 reverse crunches because after the roll ups, ankle reaches and leg lifts my abs were struggling. For the rest of today's workouts I focused on the back muscles and did Blogilates "Back on Fire" video. The title of the video does not lie, the workout will absolutely make you feel like your back is on fire! I struggled hard during that workout, my 5lb weights felt like 10lbs. When Cassey would call out "5 more" my eyes bulged and filled with horror. I don't know how Cassey can stay so up-beat and beautiful during the entire workout but her up-beat spirit is so welcoming it makes you want to succeed.

Day 8

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 6 Reverse Crunches

I mentioned this in another post so I apologize if this part is redundant but this morning I was awoken by a terrible stomach ache lasting 4.5 hours. It was most likely the result of something I ate the night before which was painfully passing through my system. Thankfully, after some time the pain finally subsided.

During the day I took things easy and only did my two 30 day challenges (arms and abs). I figured that I would at least attempt my daily abs challenge and if I felt any unusual pain I would stop and just call it for the day. Fortunately, while I was doing my daily ab workout everything felt fine, I think if anything my mind was just being overly cautious. I was pleasantly surprised that I had more energy than I was anticipating as I only got about 3 hours of sleep. I don't know where all my energy came from but I was able to do all the ab exercises in one go, only stopping to change positions. I hope that's a sign that my abs are getting stronger!

That's it for today, fingers crossed that I'll be able to get a solid nights sleep and feel strong and healthy enough to hit the gym tomorrow!

Day 9

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 7 Reverse Crunches

Good news, I woke up and felt great today (albeit some diarrhea from whatever atrocity I ate yesterday, which I expected). I was healthy enough to hit the gym today and did a few minutes on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on arms. I did my ab exercises after the gym and out of the 4 ab exercises the ankle reaches is at the top of the list for making my abs burn.

Day 10

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 8 Reverse Crunches

I did my Roll-Ups in the gym today using the incline bench which were surprisingly easy. The leg lifts and reverse crunches felt easy today as well, maybe its because my body has caught up on rest. I didn't want to go to the gym today because its cold outside but I told myself that was just an excuse and made myself go and I'm glad I did. I did 4 sets focusing on legs today.

Its day 10 so of course I've been checking myself out in the mirror looking to see if I can see any difference. I feel different but I don't think I look any different. It's only day 10 so I know I shouldn't obsess over it.

Day 11

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 9 Reverse Crunches

Today is one of my official rest days so I took it easy as far as workouts. I did my ab challenge and I was feeling a little ambitious so I did some extra crunches and added on a few reps to workout the obliques. Things are going well but today I felt the urge to want to snack. I was really good and ate healthy but I am thinking of trying to meal prep so I don't have to think twice about food and what to eat.

Day 12

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches

I got my ab challenge reps out of the way early today and did them while I was cooking lunch (yay, multitasking!). The challenge is getting tougher and we are only 12 days in. Tomorrow we include a new exercise, my abs are going to be screaming for mercy by the time this challenge is over.

Other than my usual daily ab reps I hit the gym and did 30 min on the elliptical and also did 4 sets on a group of arm focused machines. I was feeling lazy today and didn't want to workout very much but I'm proud of myself for not giving into laziness and ended up working out hard today.

Day 13

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/5 Criss-cross

Its day 13 and we have a new exercise to add to the mix. After doing those criss-crosses I curl up into a ball like I'm having labor pains. I didn't have the chance to go to the gym today due to a long work day but I did try to fit in a few extra ab exercises and some butt exercises. I know I need do more sets of the ab exercises to really see results. I'm hoping that I'll be able to motivate myself to step-it-up!

Day 14

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 6 Criss-cross

Four days ago I complained about how I thought I felt different but didn't look different. Well today was a good day because it was the first day where I looked in the mirror and thought that I did look different. Even though I haven't dropped a lot of pounds on the scale and of course I still have a little belly I feel like I'm starting to look stronger. Well, its only been 14 days so I'm not expecting any drastic changes but I feel happy!

As far as today's workouts, I hit the gym, did my 30 min on the elliptical. I did a few sets of leg focused exercises and I even added a few extra ab exercises while at the gym. I even tried out some leg raises on that machine/device at the gym, I don't know what its technically called so I'll just call it a torture device (its effective, but it burns so bad).

As far as my daily ab reps for the challenge, I'm still feeling the burn, you would think after 14 days my body would be used to it by now. Those criss-cross crunches are still killing me!

Day 15

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 7 Criss-cross

I did not go to the gym today but I still did a few home workouts on top of my daily abs (and arms) 30 day challenge. As far as the reps for the challenge, while doing the last two exercises I tried to fight through the burn and do the crunches and criss-crosses in one go. I think I made it to the 5th criss-cross before crumpling into a ball. I also added on a few arm exercises and made myself do a set of burpees. Burpees just suck, don't get me wrong they are very effctive but they just suck! Does that make any sense?

Day 16

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 8 Criss-cross

I got my daily abs challenge reps out of the way and ended up doing two Blogilates workout videos. I did the "Victoria Secret Model Ab Workout" and the "Victoria Secret Angel Arm Slimming Workout". Both of these workouts were tough and I have to admit that I'm proud of myself for doing two. Cassey with Blogilates in her videos has the ability to make every workout look so simple and easy. But do not be deceived, these workouts are tough! In the middle of the workout while doing reps Cassey starts talking about music play lists and banana pancakes and I'm just over here with a pained expression thinking "I hear words... about stuff... but I'm just trying to focus on not dying!" I feel really good after finishing two tough workout videos.

Day 17

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 9 Criss-cross

I had a great workout today, I did my reps for my daily abs challenge and I was able to hit the gym. I did 30 min on the elliptical and 5 sets of leg focused workouts (one set more than I normally do). I did a few sets on the dip machine for my 30 day arms challenge. But what I am most proud of today is that I did 5 sets of leg lifts using the captains chair at the gym (I googled what it was called). The first time I did leg lifts using that machine I was struggling but somehow today I felt like superwoman. It must have been the nap I took before going to the gym.  More than half way through the challenge and I'm still going strong!

Day 18

Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 10 Criss-cross

I'm updating the days blog entry a little late. After my workout, dinner and watching my shows I fell straight asleep! As for Day 18 I did my reps for the abs challenge and even did a few extra reverse crunches. I was able to go to the gym but I only stayed for 30 min to do cardio. Earlier in the day I had received an email alert from Blogilates that there was a new video out called "Intense Inner Thigh Challenge". I was not quick to click on it because I knew it would be tough, but throughout the day I convinced myself to just suck it up and feel the burn. I did it! It was soooo hard and the 3 min workout seemed like 10 min with all my pauses in between but I did it!

Day 19

Today's Challenge - 11 Roll-Ups/ 11 Ankle Reaches / 11 Leg Lifts/ 11 Reverse Crunches/ 11 Criss-cross

I knocked my reps for the abs challenge out of the park today and even did a few extra exercises. The gym was a little more crowded today than I liked so I didn't get to have the best gym workout I had in mind. I did sneak away to the captains chair and went beast mode on my abs before I left to finish my workouts at home. I know my abs are getting stronger because the reps and exercises I feel are becoming to some extent easier and I'm able to push myself further. I know I have lost a couple inches on my belly but I just hate looking at it, still flabby! I know it takes time and that if I keep it up I will achieve the look that I want, its just my own impatience I'm battling.

Day 20

Today's Challenge - 12 Roll-Ups/ 12 Ankle Reaches / 12 Leg Lifts/ 12 Reverse Crunches/ 12 Criss-cross

Out of the two challenges I am doing, I have to say that I'm physically seeing most improvement in my abdomen. The reps are increasing and I'm still going strong and I'm actually enjoying it! I went beast mode in the gym today and did a full body workout (sounds like I'm a go-getter but really I just used a little of every machine that was free in the crowded gym). I did extra sets of leg lifts using the captains chair and it feels easier, I easily  can do more than 1 set. Even though I know I'm getting stronger and I've lost a couple inches on the mid section, I don't see any drastic results on the scale. Whats up with that? I mentioned this in my other post for my arms challenge that I'm doing I've come to the conclusion that I most likely need to up my cardio. Maybe the next 30 day challenge I tackle will be cardio related (no promises... I hate cardio but I'll try to convince myself...).

Day 21

Today's Challenge - 13 Roll-Ups/ 13 Ankle Reaches / 13 Leg Lifts/ 13 Reverse Crunches/ 13 Criss-cross

The reps for this challenge are increasing quickly! I guess we are at that part of the challenge where we are going for broke. I did my reps for the challenge and then I went to the gym. I did my cardio (only 30 min but I know I need to do it for longer) and I did a full body workout. I really worked my abs hard in the gym today, I think losing a couple inches has inspired me and fueled my motivation.

Day 22

Today's Challenge - 14 Roll-Ups/ 14 Ankle Reaches / 14 Leg Lifts/ 14 Reverse Crunches/ 14 Criss-cross

No amazing updates today. I worked hard in the gym yesterday and my muscles were feeling a bit fatigued today so I decided to take it easy and only do my reps for my daily abs and arms challenge.

Day 23

Today's Challenge - 15 Roll-Ups/ 15 Ankle Reaches / 15 Leg Lifts/ 15 Reverse Crunches/ 15 Criss-cross

I apologize for the late blog entry, after I completed my workout routine last night all I wanted to do was go straight to bed. For day 23 I completed my reps for my abs and arms 30 day challenges. Those ankle reaches were killing me but I strangely enjoyed it. For the rest of my workout I wanted to do full body so I tried Blogilates video "The ULTIMATE Hot Body Workout for Flat Abs, Slim Inner Thighs, Perky Butt & Toned Arms". It was a 17 minute video and it will nearly kill you. The strangest exercise Cassey has us do is what I call the 'pretzel crunch', you twist into a pretzel and try to do crunches. The hardest exercises for me was the bridge (I have a weak ass, weak back, weak legs, weak everything) and the cobra pushups. The cobra pushups absolutely killed my arms but if that's what it takes to get them slimmer I'll do it!

Day 24

Today's Challenge - 16 Roll-Ups/ 16 Ankle Reaches / 16 Leg Lifts/ 16 Reverse Crunches/ 16 Criss-cross

For day 24 I did my reps for my arms and abs challenge. For my additional workout I was inspired by the Hot Body workout I did the day before and decided to do a couple of the same exercises. I ended up doing the cobra pushups for one whole song (Shake it Off - T.Swift), it was difficult but worth it! I also did additional ab exercises for another whole song (He Said She Said - A.Tisdale).

Day 25

Today's Challenge - 17 Roll-Ups/ 17 Ankle Reaches / 17 Leg Lifts/ 17 Reverse Crunches/ 17 Criss-cross

For some reason I feel extremely tired today (can I blame it on the blizzard we are having?) so I decided to take it easy and just do my ab reps today for the challenge.

Day 26

Today's Challenge - 18 Roll-Ups/ 18 Ankle Reaches / 18 Leg Lifts/ 18 Reverse Crunches/ 18 Criss-cross

I've fallen behind on my daily blog posts so I am playing catch up. Although, I have not missed one day of my workouts! Out of all the 30 day challenges I've done, I have to say this one that has been hosted by Blogilates has been the most effective. I really feel like it doesn't push me too hard to the point where I don't want to do it, but it does push me. Does that make sense?

Day 26, I honestly can't remember all the details of this day but I do of course do the reps for my two challenges (abs & arms) and I did Blogilates video 6 min to a Sexy Little Waist.

Day 27

Today's Challenge - 19 Roll-Ups/ 19 Ankle Reaches / 19 Leg Lifts/ 19 Reverse Crunches/ 19 Criss-cross

Did my reps for my challenges and the only thing I can remember from this day is that I did Blogilates video "3 min thigh challenge". Don't be fooled those 3 min will take you to hell and back!

Day 28

Today's Challenge - 20 Roll-Ups/ 20 Ankle Reaches / 20 Leg Lifts/ 20 Reverse Crunches/ 20 Criss-cross

When I first started this challenge I thought 10 reps was tough, but now we are here at 20 reps! Wow, I'm proud that I stuck with it, I'm proud that I challenged myself beyond the box by doing additional workouts, I'm proud that I'm still happy and fitness motivated!

As for today, I did my reps for the two 30 day challenges I am doing and for the remainder of the days workouts I did found some intense workout music. I did a few exercises focusing on abs, back and a little bit of arms.

Day 29

Today's Challenge - 21 Roll-Ups/ 21 Ankle Reaches / 21 Leg Lifts/ 21 Reverse Crunches/ 21 Criss-cross

Day 29 down! Today was the last day for my abs challenge and the end of the flat abs challenge is just a day away. I need to start searching what challenge I will tackle next. I did my normal challenge reps today and I did additional abs and arms workouts. Tomorrow I will do my weigh in and measurements for my arms challenge, I'm not expecting any miracles but I am proud that I'm on my way to successfully completing two challenges this month. A song that I found that I have been enjoying working out to lately is called "Round One" by the Kray Twinz, it will seriously get you pumped for your workout.

Day 30

Today's Challenge - 22 Roll-Ups/ 22 Ankle Reaches / 22 Leg Lifts/ 22 Reverse Crunches/ 22 Criss-cross

Day 30 is complete! This has by far been one of the best challenges I have done. There were no rest days for abs and I'm proud that I did not miss one day of the challenge. I'm still excited and motivated to keep going, keep working out, keep losing weight!

End of Challenge Stats

• Weight = 158
• Waist/Mid Section Measurement = 37 inches 

I'm very happy with my end of challenge results, I lost 4lbs which is 1lb a week, a healthy and steady weightless goal. I lost 3 inches on my mid section (the space between my belly button and waist line) and it visually looks flatter and slimmer. No miracles occurred during this challenge but I'm extremely proud and happy with the results! If I continue to lose 1lb a week, by summer I'll have a banging body! I'm motivated, what challenge shall I tackle next?

30 Day Arms Challenge

Happy New Year! Its the very first day of 2015 and with that comes along a new set of yearly goals. To start the year off right I've decided to get back into my monthly fitness challenges. This month I am taking on the 30 Day Arms Challenge by a site called 30dayfitnesschallenges (see link below).

http://30dayfitnesschallenges.com

Below I will document my progress and thoughts through each day.

Starting Stats:

• Weight = 162 (I know, I know... I gained all my weight from last year plus additional pounds... I am ashamed and determined to try harder this year!)
• Arm Measurement = 13.75 inches (this is all fat, I measured the thickest part of my arm - I have had chubby arms my whole life and I hate it!)

Day 1 

Today's Challenge - 6 Tri Dips/ 4 Push Ups / 8 Mountain Climbers

Like all challenges, Day 1 is the easiest day! It felt good getting my sedentary muscles moving again and I have to admit, I wanted to do more (maybe its the new year talking). What I hope to gain from this challenge (and through some additional exercise) is to get slimmer arms.

Day 2

Today's Challenge - 6 Tri Dips/ 4 Push Ups / 8 Mountain Climbers

Day 2 of the challenge was the same amount of dips, push ups and climbers as yesterday. Pretty easy day and I'm still feeling like I can do more which is why I have signed up for a second challenge, 30 day flat abs challenge.  I don't know if I am biting off more than I can chew but I feel inspired and motivated and want to take advantage of this feeling. I will post my flat abs challenge on a separate post from this one.

But as far as the 30 day arms challenge, its only day 2 so I am feeling really good!

Day 3

Today's Challenge - 6 Tri Dips/ 5 Push Ups / 10 Mountain Climbers

Its only day 3 and the challenge still feels easy, I even did a few extra pushups today! As for doing two challenges at the same time, so far I do not feel any soreness but I know as we get further into the challenge that will change. Looking forward to day 4!

Day 4

Today's Challenge - 6 Tri Dips/ 5 Push Ups / 10 Mountain Climbers

Between the two challenges that I am doing (arms & abs) as well as the extra gym time I have been putting in, the 30 day arm challenge is still very much doable. Today I went to the gym and put in some time on the treadmill and did a few sets of arm exercises. I just pray that if I stick with my daily regime that I will see results. At the end of all this, if I am still going hard and end up having no change what-so-ever to my starting stats I will be very sad. That's just the truth. If I get brave, maybe I'll post some progress pics (still working up to it, but insecurities get in the way).

Day 5
Rest Day

Day 6

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 6 Push Ups / 10 Mountain Climbers

I got the arms challenge out of the way early and did my reps in the morning. As for the rest of the day, I considered it arms day. I did the YouTube video called "6 min to sexy arms" by Blogilates (it was a no weights needed video but it was deceptively hard and you really feel the burn!). I also hit the gym after work and spent 30 min on the treadmill (fast walking).

One of the best things about today is that it was a snow day and on those days no one is at the gym! I had the whole gym to myself and I was able to use whatever machine I wanted to. I did 3 sets on 3 different machines focusing on the arms.

Day 7

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 6 Push Ups / 12 Mountain Climbers

I was checking out my arms today in the mirror and I have to say they do feel more solid compared to prior to the challenge where it was mostly squishy. But as far as the width, I have not measured them but they don't look any slimmer [insert sad face]. I know that its only been 7 days but I am just eager to have that day where I can look into the mirror and see progress.

Aside from my daily arms challenge I dedicated the rest of my days workouts to my legs and abs and I know Ill be feeling it tomorrow! I'm planning on going to bed early tonight to give my body a chance to recuperate.

Day 8

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 12 Mountain Climbers

Today was more challenging than usual, I had to take a mini-break when doing push-ups. My biceps definitely have a more solid feeling (in comparison to when I started) but my triceps are still squishy like a marshmallow. For the rest of todays workout I concentrated on my back muscles and it was tough. I'm still going strong and my attitude is still positive, bring on day 9!

Day 9

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

This morning I woke up at 1am having a lot of stomach pain and it lasted 4.5 hours. I was starting to think that maybe I had appendicitis because normally stomach aches don't last very long for me. Thankfully after 4+ hours it started to feel better and I was able to get some sleep. I think it was most likely something I had ate the night before and it was painfully passing through my system. I will NEVER eat at this place ever again!

As far as today's arms challenge I didn't want to miss a day so fortunately late in the afternoon I started to feel better, if anything I was just overly cautious and didn't want to eat anything big. The tri dips were no problem, the push ups went surprisingly well, I was able to do them in one go which is an improvement. The mountain climbers I took slower than usual today because I wasn't in the mood to have my stomach contents jiggled (but i still did them).

Hopefully tonight I can get a full nights rest and get back to my normal self and hit the gym tomorrow!

Day 10

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

I did things a little backwards today and ended up going to the gym first and did my daily challenges after. At the gym I did a few minutes on the treadmill and then did a few sets on the machines focusing on arms. I had the gym to myself so I did my dips on the dip machine (using the assistance pad) and it was a lot tougher than doing them at home. Once I got home I did my push ups which was a struggle considering I had just gotten done doing a few sets in the gym and I also did my mountain climbers. Day 10 and I'm still going strong!

Day 11

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

I started my days fitness routine in the gym and focused on leg exercises and a little bit of abs. My 10 dips I once again did in the gym using the dip machine. I finished at home doing my push-ups and mountain climbers. I really do not like mountain climbers but they are effective. I know I sound like a broken record but my arms feel like they are getting stronger but they don't look any slimmer, whats up with that?

Day 12
Rest Day

Day 13

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 12 Mountain Climbers

I was a little surprised that the reps in the challenge decreased today, if anything I thought they would increase. I hit the gym today and this time did 30 min on the elliptical. While I was on the elliptical I was debating whether or not to workout on the machines (in other words, I was feeling lazy). In the end I told myself that if I wanted to see results I have to work hard for it.  I ended up doing 4 sets on the group of arm focused machines I normal use. I was really proud of myself for not giving into laziness today.

As for the reps for the arms challenge, I did my dips on the dip machine and pushups/mountain climbers in the comfort of my own home. I'm feeling really good, I hope I start seeing obvious results soon!

Day 14

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 8 Push Ups / 12 Mountain Climbers

I'm pretty sure my arms are getting stronger, even though I worked out hard yesterday I didn't really feel any soreness today. That means I'm getting stronger, right? It was a long work day, I worked 13 hours and did not get a chance to go to the gym but I did  do my reps for my arms challenge (and my abs challenge) and also got in a few butt exercises.

Day 15

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 9 Push Ups / 12 Mountain Climbers

I am half way through the challenge! I was able to make it to the gym today and I did my 30 min on the elliptical. The hardest thing for me at the moment when I'm doing cardio ( I consider the treadmill and elliptical machine cardio) is that I get bored. If my mind is not actively entertaining itself the minutes feel long. I also did a few sets of leg workouts and got brave and tried out the butt machine while other people were present, lets just say, I had to use the lowest weight setting. I'm sure this machine has a technical name, I just know that it works out my butt muscles so I've labeled it "the butt machine".

As far as the reps for my daily challenge, I did my dips on the dip machine at the gym and my pushups and mountain climbers at home. Still not liking those mountain climbers, but I still do them.

Day 16

Today's Challenge - 8 Tri Dips/ 9 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

No impressive updates today, its Friday and the start of a three day weekend! I know I should have gone to the gym today but I didn't. I did try to make up for it and did a few workouts at home so I was not totally stagnant. I did my daily 30 day challenge reps (arms and abs) and I also added on a few extra home workouts doing extra sets of pushups, dips and ab exercises. I even did a set of burpees which I just hate but I did them because I know that they are effective.

Day 17

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 9 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

I did my daily reps for my 30 day arms challenge (and abs) and ended up just rounding the Push Ups to 10 reps. For my extra workout I did Blogilates videos "Victoria Secret Angel Arm Slimming Workout" and "Victoria Secret Model Ab Workout". During the arms video I just about wanted to die, it was tough! I thought that since I've been going to the gym and working out on the machines which I lift more than 5lbs it would be easier. Oh no-no-no... during the workout video we only had to use 5lb weights but by the middle of the workout those 5lb weights felt like boulders. Am I the only one that looks at a video and checks how long the video is before deciding to do it? The arms video was 17:11 minutes long which I was not enthused about but you know what, I hit play anyways!

Day 18

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 9 Push Ups / 15 Mountain Climbers

I took a nap before my workout today and I think it gave me extra energy because I was able to accomplish a lot in the gym today. I did my normal daily reps for my arms challenge, I did 30 min on the elliptical at the gym and I did my round of leg focused workouts adding an extra set on top of what I normally do. I did my dips on the dip machine and instead of doing just one set, I did 3 sets which is a major improvement for me! I'm proud of myself today :)

Day 19
Rest Day

Day 20

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 9 Push Ups / 18 Mountain Climbers

Those mountain climbers only increased by 3 reps but it felt like a lot today. Maybe it seems that way because I hate mountain climbers. I did make it to the gym and got in some cardio, I wanted to workout my arms today but some dudes were on the machines I wanted to use. I wanted to use the dip machine for my dips, but of course some dude was using it as an arm rest as he texted whoever. I should have told him to move out of the way but I didn't. I look like a small little mouse compared to his gorilla sized stature.

I ended up finishing my workouts at home but instead of focusing on arms I instead worked on my butt and did the butt workout from "BeFit" on youtube.

Day 21

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 10 Push Ups / 18 Mountain Climbers

I did my dips on the dip machine at the gym today and I struggled with just the 10. The strange thing is, some days its easy and I can do more than one set, then the next day it feels harder. Even my pushups felt more difficult today...

I went beast mode in the gym today and did a full body workout mostly because it was crowded and I used all the machines that happened to be free. My arms are getting stronger (more solid feeling) but not any slimmer. I want slimmer! So most likely I need to start focusing on dropping lbs on the scale if I want to see the results I want. So that means, more cardio...

Less than 10 days left in the challenge and I'm still going strong!

Day 22

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 10 Push Ups / 18 Mountain Climbers

Every day I do my reps for my challenge and every day I make a face when it comes to doing the mountain climbers. I still do them but I just don't like them. I made it to the gym today and to my delight there were only ladies in the gym so I felt very comfortable. I know I shouldn't care or feel insecure but I have a small gym and when there are guys in there I feel a little more timid sharing the machines with them. They have the machines set on 100+ lbs and I come along and change it to 15-20lbs lol. I know the guys in the gym don't care and don't give it a second thought but I'm still building up my gym confidence. I worked out hard today and might need to take it easy tomorrow but I'll see how my muscles feel in the morning.

Day 23

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 10 Push Ups / 20Mountain Climbers

No great updates today, I was feeling a little fatigued from yesterday so I decided to take it easy today and only do the reps for my arms and abs challenge.

Day 24

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 10 Push Ups / 20Mountain Climbers

I got a little lazy updating my blog last night but what I did remember to do was my workout. I did the reps for my arms and abs challenge and for the rest of my workout I decided to do Blogilates video "The ULTIMATE Hot Body Workout for Flat Abs, Slim Inner Thighs, Perky Butt & Toned Arms". It was exhausting but I felt really good completing the 17 min video. Cassey had us do cobra pushups which killed my arms!

Day 25

Today's Challenge - 10 Tri Dips/ 11 Push Ups / 20 Mountain Climbers

For day 25 I did do my reps for my arms challenge and for the rest of the days workout I ended up doing similar workout to yesterday. I did cobra pushups which hurt like hell but honestly it feels so effective like my fat is melting off and I also did extra ab focused exercises.

Day 26
Rest Day

Day 27

Today's Challenge - 12 Tri Dips/ 11 Push Ups / 22 Mountain Climbers

I've failed to update my blog post entry for three days, now I'm playing catch up. But I am proud that I have been working out daily and have not missed a day of workouts! On day 27 I of course did my reps for my arms challenge (and abs challenge). Feeling inspired to murder the fat on my arms I've been including those cobra pushups into my daily routine. As for my remainder workout for the day I did Blogilates video called "6 min to a Sexy Little Waist".

Day 28

Today's Challenge - 12 Tri Dips/ 11 Push Ups / 22 Mountain Climbers

Day 28, every post I have to resist going on a rant on mountain climbers, I just hate them so much. Did my reps for my two challenges, I can't remember what else went on this day but I did do the Blogilates video "3 min thigh challenge".

Day 29

Today's Challenge - 12 Tri Dips/ 11 Push Ups / 22 Mountain Climbers

Day 29, wow the days really feel like they went quickly! One more day of workouts and my challenge is over, I feel great that I accomplished a lot and didn't give up on either of my two challenges. If anything I pushed myself during the two challenges to do additional workouts. As for day 29, I did my reps for my challenges and for my remanding workouts for the day I found so intense workout music on YouTube and did a random variations of abs, butt and a little bit of arms workouts.

Day 30 is actually today, once I finish my days workouts I'll post my 2nd to last entry for this challenge!

Day 30

Today's Challenge - 12 Tri Dips/ 12 Push Ups / 25 Mountain Climbers

Day 30, I have successfully completed the 30 day arms challenge! I seriously feel like I need to signup for another arms challenge, my arms is one of the areas I just hate, I wish they were slim and dainty. I'll post my final stats tomorrow morning, not expecting any miracles...

End of Challenge Stats

• Weight = 158
• Arm Measurement = 13.75 inches 

Overall I lost 4lbs which is 1lb a week which I hear is a good goal to achieve. As far as my arms getting slimmer, there was no change to the measuring tape! I know I have muscle because I can feel them, they feel more solid. I have been researching online and have learned that just because you are targeting an area during a workout does not mean that area will automatically get slimmer. You have overall lose weight to start seeing the slimming results across all areas of your body. This makes total sense but a part of me is a little disappointed that I'm still far off from having slim arms. 

When I look in the mirror I overall think I look great, I do look slimmer in my waist section and I still feel motivated to keep going and keep working out. I know its not realistic to workout for a month and poof have a beautiful sexy body but damn, I wish it happened faster. But faster does not equal healthy. And you know what,  losing 1lb a week is really good! If I keep it up and continue to lose 1lb a week, by summer I'll have a banging body!

What challenge shall I tackle next?

Selecting the Best Blender for Smoothies

Whats an easy and healthy breakfast you can take on the go? Smoothies! 

If you have recently gotten into health and fitness or are a seasoned pro, chances are you've come across countless smoothie recipes on the Internet. 

When selecting a blender, you'll need to ask yourself two important questions:

1. What do you plan on blending, will you solely be making smoothies?
2. How much are you willing and/or can afford to spend?

Of course in an ideal world we could all afford a Vitamix Turbo Blender but seeing how the Vitamix runs close to $400, many of us may need to take our wants down a few notches. 

When I chose my blender, I knew that I would be using it to make smoothies 95% of the time. I also chose one that received good reviews, was easy to use and reasonably priced.

In the end I selected the 'Oster My Blend Personal 20 oz Blender. 

 

This blender more than exceeded my expectations!

• Very good price in comparison to other blenders: $20 (found on sale at Target)
• Great Reviews: 4 out of 5 stars (946 reviews) on Amazon.com
• Easy cleanup, blade and container quickly rinse clean
• The container comes with a lid making it easy to take on the go
• Its portion controlled to only 20 oz so you won't accidentally make too much!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) - Movie Rant/Review

This is a movie review for 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Movie spoiler alert on below content, read at your own risk.

Movie Review

For someone who grew up with the original Ninja Turtles I went into the movie with very low expectations. I also took my kid and a part of me worried she would be frightened with how they looked as she is normally accustomed to the cartoon. But to my pleasant surprise she still thought they were awesome.

A lot of young kids went to see this movie which is understandable but I do think that its very unlikely very young kids would follow the storyline. Its not a complex storyline at all but at least for my kid, if the turtles weren't on the big screen for a long stretch of time she would focus more on her popcorn. All my kid knows is that there are good guys and there are bad guys and the Ninja Turtles are the good guys.

Upon the start of the film we are introduced to April O'Neil played by Megan Fox. Overall, Megan Fox had too much screen time which only highlighted her bad acting. A part of me can't help but speculate if she was brought in to simply lure in more (male) audience members. Having witnessed first hand the audience that came out to see the movie (young kids and their parents) that strategy was a miss.

We eventually are introduced to the Ninja Turtles and through watching the movie I felt like they were a little unbalanced. They look like total badasses, the type of badass that could rip off your head with their bare hands, but then at times they would act and sound very childish. We are also introduced to Splinter, I didn't like his look at all, maybe its because I prefer him more furry.

There were not enough action scenes that highlighted their martial arts abilities. They are suppose to excel in Ninjitsu, I wanted to see some badass choreography and impressive weapons demos. But all we received was some weapons being swung around in an unimpressive manner and a few bodies flying through the air, meh.

This is random, but did anyone else notice that in one of the scenes where they are fleeing the area, in one shot you see Megan Fox and in the next shot (which is suppose to be a continuation of the same scene) you see Megan Fox again but this time her hair looks fresh with tighter curls and miraculously more lip gloss was applied?

There are many nitpicks I could give this movie but I'll just a name a few:

1. One of the turtles called Splinter 'Father'. Yes, its true Splinter is their father figure but I like when they call him 'Master Splinter' or 'Sensei' 
2. Splinter learned Ninjitsu from a book. He learned and mastered the art of Ninjitsu from a book! No, just no...
3. Shredder looked like a miniature transformer. 
4. When I think of Ninjas I think of stealth and invisibility, so why on Earth would they willingly leave behind a calling card?

Ok, I know it seems like I hated this movie but I actually overall thought it was enjoyable (I went in knowing it was created with a different vision). There was a lot of missed potential but I didn't hate the movie. Out of 100 I would give it a 50 and will probably rent it again once its out on RedBox. My kid also said she enjoyed it but she may be a little biased as she's a TMNT fan.

One last thing I'd like to add, I love the 'Shell Shocked' song, good beat and very catchy. I don't understand all the hate...

George St. Pierre - Rush Fit - 28 Day Challenge

I'm back! I took an unintentional 3 month break but now I'm back and ready for a new fitness challenge. Over my 3 month break my weight has fluctuated down to 153 and back up to 157.

This month I will be taking on George St. Pierre's "Rush Fit - Beginner Level" (28 days). I have tried Rush Fit in the past and I quit after two weeks. It's both tough physically and mentally (at least for me) but it does honestly work at shedding the pounds and building muscle.

It's a new month with new goals and I really want to challenge myself this month and see what I am truly capable of. I can't guarantee I will make it through 28 days or the first week for that matter but I'm going to try.

Per usual, I will document my journey through each day below:

Day 1
Today was the Strength and Endurance DVD. Don't be fooled, this series will make you sweat but its absolutely doable. Going into the first DVD of day 1 I automatically started feeling skeptical as to how long I will last. More than anything I know it will be an uphill climb mentally. You know what you're going to be in for each session and its so easy to talk yourself into skipping days and before you know it you stopped altogether. All I can do is take it one day at a time.

Each session starts out with a warm up which is nice especially for me as I haven't done any major physical activity as of late. One of the hardest things for me was holding that chair squat. After the first few seconds you feel the continuous burn! What I like about the series is that George does the workout with you, its not like other DVD's where you can see a scene break and the person on the screen never breaks a sweat. George was sweating up a storm and I won't lie, he was nice to look at! Onward to day 2!

Day 2
I woke up sore today but its only day 2 so I still feel determined. Today is Cardio day and I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and made sure to get my heart rate going. Lettuce wraps and pan seared tofu for dinner.

Day 3
Today was the Abdominal Strength & Core DVD. Is it a problem that I get winded during the warm up? Ab/Core day wasn't too horrible but it all depends on the size weights you use. I stuck with 5lb dumbbells because mainly those are all I have. All was well, that was until I reached round 5. It was terrible, I was tired and the last thing I wanted to do at the end of round 5 were those damn mountain climbers. As far as today's meal, for dinner I had pasta which I know I shouldn't have. I'm just hoping today's workout burned it off.

Day 4
Today was cardio and the Stretch for Flexibility DVD. Starting off the day I was feeling sore from yesterdays session and was not looking forward to today's session. This morning I did my 30 min cardio at the gym with the elliptical and it felt like the minutes were dragging on. Before dinner I did the Stretch for Flexibility DVD and to my pleasant surprise it was very easy. The stretches felt good on my sore muscles, some of the moves were the same as the moves in the cool down. I'm proud of myself today for not giving in to laziness.

Day 5
I took one look at the calendar and knew that I was going to be miserable during today's workout session. Today was the Fight Conditioning Workout DVD. It started out easy enough but soon got harder and there are no breaks. Be glad that you can do these DVD's in the privacy of your own home because today's session requires a lot of coordination. I know I looked like a total moron as I fumbled through a few of the moves. I pushed through this session and I feel good afterwards.

Day6
Today was cardio, I did 30 minutes in the gym and the Balance and Agility DVD. Today's session was a different kind of hard. I feel live I've been sore every day this week and the jumping moves in the DVD did a number on my calves. The balance moves were not too bad for me but the jumping and crawling moves made me sweat. Tomorrow is a rest day, yay!

Day 7 
Rest Day!

Day 8
The week starts over and we are back to the Strength and Endurance DVD. I worked a very long day and I was not in the mood to workout but nonetheless I was able to do it. Compared to the other DVD's I had to do last week today's DVD was surprisingly pleasant. I grumbled during the squats but still did them. I know what you are thinking, that I complain a lot which I do not deny but the difference is, I'm still doing the workouts and haven't given up yet. One of the pro's of today is that I did my daily workout, one of the cons of today is that I had take out for dinner which was a lot of carbs.

Day 9
Cardio day. 30 minutes of Cardio seemed easy today.

Day 10
We are back to the Abdominal Strength and Core DVD. It was apparent today that my core needs a lot of work. I had trouble with those glute bridges and near the ending rounds I was starting to wobble when doing anything plank related. I was feeling good in the beginning of the session, I had a lot of energy and was able to keep up. Near the end I continued to push through but Im pretty sure I went into survival mode, my mind kept repeating Eric Thomas quotes, "don't cry to give up, cry to keep going..." and "pain is temporary..." I felt the pain today!

Day 11
Rest Day!!

Day 12
I forgot to update my blog entry last night! But yesterday was the Fight and Conditioning Workout DVD. I looked at the calendar yesterday and was disappointed it wasn't something easy like stretching. I procrastinated my workout the entire day but finally about 3 or 4 hours before bed I put in the DVD and did the workout.

Day 13
Day 13 was Cardio and the Balance and Agility DVD. For my Cardio I swam laps in the pool, as for the DVD session of the workout, I multitasked and ran the DVD on my laptop and watched a rerun episode of American Ninja Warrior at the same time (I was still able to follow along without hearing commentary). The session was at a slow enough pace in the beginning for me to watch American Ninja Warrior (and to the guy who wore the skin tight gold outfit, we could have done without seeing your penis more or less flapping in the wind, thanks). Once we got to the ground work and the crawling, I was not able to multitask any longer. But that was okay because it was a rerun episode of my show. As far as eating healthy I am doing terrible! But at the very least I have not missed a workout session on the calendar.

Day 14
Rest day!

Day 15
I worked a 12 hour day and right after work I put it the DVD and did my daily workout. Today was the Strength and Endurance DVD, which wasn't too bad at all. One of the things that I still cannot do is the pop-ups and so I end up doing some variation during that part. One of the improvements is that I was able to keep up with most of the push-ups. That chair squat is still extremely tough, I can only hold it for a few seconds at a time.

Day 16
Cardio day - 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.

Day 17
Today was the Fight Conditioning Workout DVD and today my heart wasn't in it. Everyone has those moments when their life feels like its on a downward tailspin. That is how my week is feeling. I did the workout but I did it half-hearted. My squats were robotic, my sprawls and my jabs were lazy. I probably moved 10 times slower than I did on my other days. I'm trying to keep my chin up during the bad/stressful times. All I can do is work harder tomorrow.

Day 18
Today is not a rest day but I am moving my rest day to today. I need a mental rest day due to life stress.

Day 19
Picking up where I left off, due to my unscheduled rest day yesterday I am doing the Abdominal Strength and Core DVD today. It went well, taking a rest day yesterday, today's session felt easier and I felt well rested before hand. One of the hardest things still for me is the glute bridges. The backbend I do a variation, I can do a backbend but I don't like to, it feels like all the blood rushes to my head. The mountain climbers were slow going, those really make my legs burn.

Day 20
Today was cardio and the Stretch for Flexibility DVD. I did 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical and the DVD was very easy. The stretches felt good like an "Ahhh... that hits the spot" type feeling. I skip the cool down because a lot of the moves of the main workout were the same and I felt the workout was slow paced enough to not need a cool down.

Day 21
It was an exciting day, I got to unwrap another DVD, the Full Body Strength and Conditioning DVD. But unwrapping the plastic is where the excitement ended. Once Eric said that you will feel lactic acid throughout your entire body my eyes got wide and I could already feel the pain that was to come. First five minutes I was getting winded and my arms were getting wobbly on the Hindu Pushups. It was go-go-go throughout the entire workout and my 5lb weights were starting to feel like mini boulders. But I'm not going to lie, this DVD is tough but it feels good afterwords. One of the pros of today's session, lots of close ups of Georges biceps!

Day 22-28
I absolutely fell off the wagon after day 22 and I feel terrible about it. There are many things I can say  that contributed to me dropping off on the last week but truth be told those are just excuses. All in all, I lost a total of 4 lbs, keep in mind I did not eat healthy at all. I did feel like I was getting stronger and my husband said I was looking trimmer.

I am planning on trying the next calendar of Rush Fit, weeks 4-8, but will most likely have to start that at the beginning of the week.

Gravity - Movie Rant/Review

Movie spoiler alert on below content, read at your own risk.

Today I watched the much talked about movie Gravity starring Sandra Bullock. The movie is about how astronaut Sandra Bullock loses her crew and has to somehow find her way home to Earth against all odds.

We purchased this movie and watched it at home in 3D. If you have the ability to watch in 3D I recommend that you do, it does add a certain element of feeling like you are in a zero gravity environment.

I thought Sandra Bullock did a wonderful job portraying the fear and despair her character underwent in the movie. Considering the fact that she most likely did most of it in front of a green screen is really amazing.

The movie backdrop is beautiful. Everyday I'm surrounded by trash and ugly buildings and I forget just how beautiful Earth is. But back to the movie, in the beginning scene you see the astronauts are feeling light hearted and having fun (as much fun as you can have in space). Eventually they get an urgent call from Mission Control to get back to Explorer because of a debris field. At first Sandra Bullock is hesitant because she wants to get some work done. I am no astronaut, but if someone at NASA told me to get my ass back to the shuttle, I would drop everything and do what they told me (seems like a no brainer).

When the debris field knocked down the satellites George Clooney's character mentioned that half the nations Facebook went down. I thought this was pretty funny, I once lost power for 3 hours and I was devastated that I didn't have Internet.

There is a popular scene where Sandra Bullock takes off her space suit and we see her curl up into a fetal position as she floats in zero gravity. First of all, if they wanted it to be more accurate, they should have made Sandra Bullock wear an adult diaper instead of booty shorts. Now that would have been a sight to see!

There is also a scene where Sandra's character (its easier for me to call her Sandra!) has to detach a chute from her pod. She is outside with her drill that she briefly loses hold of and has to leap to grab it. If this is a real portrayal of how space tools are easily lost then NASA should take some pointers from Nintendo. If the makers of Nintendo strongly recommend wearing a wrist strap as you wave around a Wii remote in front of the TV, than surely it should be required that space tools should have some sort of wrist strap especially being in zero gravity. Once you let go of that tool and it floats away your done, you just added more junk to our ring of space trash.

This of course is a movie, so we know that Sandra Bullock through all the problems she runs into will make it to the end. I for one in this situation would have died a long time ago. Did you see how many manuals and buttons that pod had? I can barely follow the instructions required to put together a desk from Ikea let alone push the right buttons required to get back to Earth alive.

Space is no joke, this movie also reminded me how primitive our technology still is, it's no where near Star Trek status. I can't help but wonder if extraterrestrials from other planets are watching us and are saying, "Stupid humans and their stupid space litter!"

Overall I thought this movie was great and I recommend watching it!