GET FIT WITH KATE

Day 70- Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mejico

Tonight’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” new years resolution was to see the Cirque du Soleil show Luzia: A Waking Dream of Mexico in San Jose.

About LUZIA

Discover LUZIA, where a waking dream transports you to an imaginary Mexico. Experience a wondrous world that inspires you to explore your senses, enveloped in light and nurtured by rain..

Luzia’s Inspiration is drawn from

NATURE AS METAPHOR: In its annual migratory journey from Canada to Mexico, the monarch embodies the deep connection between two sister countries. Spreading its butterfly wings, the Running Woman personifies the legendary speed of the fleet-footed Tarahumara people.

A NOD TO MODERNITY: Mexico shines with its monumental avant-garde architectural wonders. In a nod to highly modern structures, the 300 mirrors on each of the swimmers’ costumes sparkle in the limelight.

ODE TO SURREALISM: The characters with hummingbird head and wings are straight out of Aztec mythology. They are part of Luzia’s surreal menagerie where it is perfectly normal to encounter a woman wrapped in an iguana shawl, a man gobbled up by a fish, or a guitarist with a crocodile head.

LIVING EMBODIMENTS OF MYTHOLOGY: A demigod of rain emerges from the pristine waters of a “cenote”, a naturally occurring sinkhole the Mayan believed was a gateway to the afterlife. He gains the trust of a magnificent jaguar, an iconic figure in Mayan and pre-Hispanic mythology.

Day 69 – Time to be a lady

Today’s first for the ‘one new thing a day for 100 days’ new years resolution was to give my always playing outside hands a little manicure love. This ‘first’ is thanks to my amazing sister, Fran, who gifted me a manicure for my bday. She knows what a tomboy I am and always pokes fun at my nails – she is right 🙂 look how much better the ‘after’ is (pic on the right below.). My manicurist was Ling, she moved here from Vietnam with her parents when she was 7. She is now 22, works at the salon 4 days a week, school 2 days a week and 1 free day. She is studying english, but I was impressed by how much she already knows after only 2 semesters.

Day 68 -Davenport Pier: “An Abandoned Pier that is a Photographer’s Dream”

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days new years resolution” was to trek down a sketchy trail to scope out Old Davenport Pier (originally intended to go to shark fin cove, but encountered this gem in route)..

This unique spot is the site of old concrete pier ruins in the quaint coastal village of Davenport, which now is just a set of concrete pylons that used to hold it up. Davenport is located just North of Santa Cruz, on the northern edge of the famed Monterey Bay Peninsula. The town has a whopping population of 408, probably why the energy that surrounds it is so calming. Certainly worth the stop when driving on hwy 1. The pier is a spot known to attract photographers from all over wishing to capture the eerie but beautiful scene in one image. Proof of this was the gent you will see in the pictures – photographer Justin – who I met while making the descent.

Day 67- gingerberry kombucha

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days new years resolution” was to try a new flavor of kombucha brew – I tend to alternate between a couple of ‘go tos’.. twas time to branch out. More 411 on kombucha and it’s benefits below the picture.

Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits (of course there is controversy over this statement as there is no ‘scientific evidence’ out there. From my experience, Kombucha has never had an adverse effect on my system and has been beneficial for my digestion, but I did notice that drinking a whole bottle felt like too much carbonation for my stomach. My advice is to see how your biochemically unique body responds to the brew.. one man’s food sometimes is another man’s poison right?)

FYI: http://www.organic-kombucha.com/kombucha_should_not_use.html

WHAT IS IT?

Kombucha is a fermented beverage of black tea and sugar (from various sources including cane sugar, fruit or honey) that’s used as a functional food. It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar. After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic).

7 Health Benefits of Kombucha:

In research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food 2014, researchers from the University of Latvia say the following about the health benefits of kombucha:

It is shown that [kombucha] can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies and promotion of boosting immunity.

1. Detoxification

The detoxifying properties of kombucha are immense..

In one study, liver cells were protected from oxidative injury and actually maintained their normal physiology, in spite of being exposed to a toxin! According to researchers, this was “probably due to its antioxidant activity and could be beneficial against liver diseases, where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.”

2. Digestion

The greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid, probiotics and enzymes.

Some research has shown kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal leaky gut and stomach ulcers. In some instances it’s even proven to be as effective as drugs like Prilosec, which are commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD and ulcers.

Kombucha can also help heal candida yeast from overpopulating within the gut because it helps restore balance to the digestive system. Kombucha is a great way to fight candida because it contains live probiotic cultures that help the gut to repopulate with good bacteria while crowding out the candida yeast. Kombucha does have bacteria, but these are not harmful pathogen bacteria, instead they are the beneficial kind (called “apathogens”) that compete with “bad” pathogen bacteria in the gut and digestive tract.

3. Energy

Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people is credited to the formation of iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process. It also contains some caffeine (although in very small amounts) and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.

Through a special process known as chelation, the iron released helps boost blood hemoglobin, improving oxygen supply to tissues and stimulating the energy-producing process at the cellular level. In other words, by helping the body create more energy (ATP), the ancient tea can help those who regularly drink it stay energized.

4. Immune Health

The overall effect that kombucha has to modulate the immune system is best seen in its ability to control free radicals through antioxidant measures.

Clinically proven to decrease oxidative stress and related immuno-suppression, a powerful antioxidant known as D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL) was discovered during the kombucha fermentation process that’s not found in black tea alone.

Scientists suspect that DSL and the vitamin c present in kombucha are its main secrets in protecting against cell damage, inflammatory diseases, tumors and overall depression of the immune system. Also, we know the probiotics found in kombucha support the immune system.

5. Joint Care

Kombucha can help heal, repair and prevent joint damage in a number of ways. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This supports the preservation of collagen and prevents arthritic pain. In the same way it supports joint collagen, it also supports collagen of the entire body and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.

6. Cancer Prevention

Kombucha is also beneficial for cancer prevention and recovery. A study published in Cancer Letters found that consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.

President Reagan even reportedly drank kombucha daily as part of his regimen to battle stomach cancer.

7. Weight Loss

Data from a study in 2005 showed evidence that kombucha improves metabolism and limits fat accumulation. Though we need to see more studies before we can confirm these results, it makes sense that kombucha supports weight loss since it’s high in acetic acid (just like apple cider vinegar is) and polyphenols, which are proven to help increase weight loss.

Day 66 – Imperial Courts with Eddie

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” new years resolution was a tour of Imperial Courts where my friend, Eddie, plays tennis. He is quite the considerate gent and offered to show me around the club.

I met Eddie’s contagious smile and bright blue eyes while I was on line for confession at St. Joseph’s church in Capitola, CA. His features matched his positive energy and light spirit. I could see how much gratitude this man had in every bone in his body and I left our encounter feeling inspired to see everything in this life as a miracle. I remember leaving the church that afternoon thinking perhaps I crossed paths with an angel as something divine had surely touched my soul..

Day 65 – Community Workspace

Today’s first for the ‘one new thing a day for 100 days’ new years resolution was using a free 1/2 day pass at Satellite – a “co-working” space – to get much needed admin work done for my business. What a great concept, to nurture a team-orientated environment among independent entrepreneurs. Meeting like minded people who are involved in a variety of industries was an added bonus to utilizing the awesome space. This “space share” idea is becoming quite popular – tons of locations spread throughout the state. (similar companies are cruzio.com and nextspace.us) Camaraderie sure does make for a better workplace! I appreciated being able to witness the relationships that have clearly developed among frequent Satellite visitors, as well as feeling right at home as a one time visitor.

ca·ma·ra·de·rie

noun

mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

Susie, the wonderful office manager, is pictured below. She made the logistics quite smooth for me today, Thanks S!

“The Satellite Los Gatos is the office and workspace you need — co-working, private offices, virtual office plans, meeting and conference rooms — available when you need it, 24/7.”

More info:
The Satellite Centers is developing a network of comfortable, connected, professional workspace and office space for rent in community commercial districts — for everyone from telecommuters to solopreneurs to consultants, therapists, salespeople, and startups.

Why The Satellite CentersSatellite Centers offer a mix of private offices, workstations, meeting and touchdown space, virtual office plans, mail services, print/scan/copy facilities and videoconferencing — available 24/7 to members and during the working day for non-members. Each Satellite Center includes high-speed broadband Internet, ergonomic seating, community events, VoiP phone plans, virtual office plans, computer and admin support, and free coffee.

Different membership offerings and The Satellite’s unique technology enable people to have just what they need, whether they want a full-time office or just a professional business address, a place to drop into with a laptop or to make conference calls, somewhere to meet clients for an hour here or there, a meeting space for community activities or regular classes, help with a powerpoint, or a workstation for a few days every week.

The Satellite Centers help companies reduce facility costs, reduce attrition and absenteeism, meet environmental goals and have the flexibility to open in new regions without the hassle of long term leases. They help individuals work close to home, but away from the distractions and isolation of working at home. And Satellites benefit communities, through avoided commutes (and gridlocked roads and emissions) while increasing activity to local coffee shops, restaurants and stores by providing office space for rent in your neighborhood.

Locations and hours on their site:

thesatellitecenters.com

Day 64- zoology

*Ten things you didn’t know about Alpacas at end of blog post!*

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” new years resolution was to check out the Charles Paddock Zoo that I happened to see on a map while looking up directions (amazing what neat activities are within a 2 mile radius of us at any given time when we take a moment to look…)

“If you reach up and rub Topper’s snout before entering the zoo, it will bring you good luck”.. I’ll report back 😉

The Charles Paddock Zoo was started by Charles “Chuck” Paddock, a county park ranger, in the county animal shelter in 1955. Paddock would nurse wild animals back to health, and by 1959 his menagerie contained over 125 birds and mammals. In 1963 the animals were moved to the current location adjacent to the Atascadero Lake Park, just off State Route 41, and the new zoo was named Atascadero Children’s Zoo.

In 1979, the City of Atascadero took over management of the zoo after it was incorporated. The name was changed to Charles Paddock Zoo in honor of its founder in 1980.

What we didn’t know about Alpacas..

1. They’re ancient

Alpacas were domesticated by the Incas more than 6,000 years ago and raised for their exquisite fleece. Due to its quality and all of its superhero characteristics, alpaca fiber was reserved exclusively for the elite and nobility.

2. They’re trendy

In 1984, a small group of importers brought the first of a carefully selected herd to the United States and Canada, and they’ve been dotting the bucolic landscape ever since. The North American herd has grown from a few alpacas in zoos and private farms to about 20,000.

3. They grow superlative, hypoallergenic fleece

Alpaca fiber is much like sheep’s wool, but warmer and not itchy. It is lacking in lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic and also allows it to be processed without the need for high temperatures or harsh chemicals in washing.

4. They’re flame-resistant!

Well, technically their fiber is flame-resistant, meeting the standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rigid testing specifications as a Class 1 fiber for use in clothing and furnishings.

5. They’re water-resistant

Like wool, alpaca fiber is water-resistant, but it can wick away moisture because of its unique ability to mimic cotton in moisture regain. These attributes are what make alpaca feel lighter than wool but warmer than cotton in cool and damp climates.

6. They come in a rainbow of hues

Alpaca fiber comes in 22 colors and hundreds of shades, from white to light rose gray to dark fawn, in addition to the blends that can be made from those, thus minimizing the need for pollution-intensive dying.

7. There are two types of alpacas in this world…

Alpacas come in two types: Suri and the huacaya. The suri has fiber that grows long and forms silky dreadlocks. The huacaya has a wooly, dense, crimped fleece — like a teddy bear — giving it a very wooly appearance. About 90 percent of all alpacas in the North America are huacayas.

8. They can mix and match

Alpacas and llamas can successfully cross-breed. The offspring they create are known as huarizo, which are valued for their longer fleece.

9. They share a bathroom

Alpacas use a communal dung pile (where they do not graze, thankfully). Because of their predisposition for using a dung pile, some alpacas have been successfully house-trained.

10. They hum and haw … and orgle

Humming is the most common sound that alpacas make. Alpacas hum when they are curious, content, worried, bored, fearful, distressed or cautious. When startled or in danger, a staccato braying is started by one animal, then followed by the rest of the herd in the direction of the potential threat. During breeding, the male alpaca Romeo emits a unique throaty vocalization called “orgling.”

During the National Alpaca Farm Days, alpaca farms across the country will open their gates to visitors of all ages to meet the wooly loves.

Day 63 – Majestic Madonna Inn

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” new years resolution was to tour the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. What a neat experience, the highlight was certainly when I found a nook to explore and stumbled upon 3 young gents who were training for the college rodeo coming up in April at Cal Poly (more info at end of post)

THE MADONNA INN IS A LANDMARK on the Central Coast of California. It expresses one couples imagination to create their dream. Using the natural materials of native stone and utilizing the workmanship of skilled artisans, the beauty and charm of the Madonna Inn became a reality…

History of the Madonna Inn

The first 12 rooms were completed December 24, 1958, and were given complementary for that night’s stay, to a very surprised group of travelers. An additional 28 rooms were quickly built, making a total of 40 rooms available to travelers.

Demand for public areas to handle the rooms encouraged us in April 1960 to start construction of the main inn, which was to eventually consists of the wine cellar, bakery, coffee shop, dining room, the cocktail lounge, banquet rooms, ladies’ boutique, men’s gift shop, and the gourmet shop.

One hundred ten unique rooms now exist, each decorated differently to suit many individual tastes…rock rooms, waterfall showers, rock fireplaces, European fixtures, and fine furnishings to name a few.

The Madonna Inn sits on over 1,000 acres and the large rocks used in the construction came from these surrounding acres. Some of the larger rocks weigh in excess of 200 tons each.

The leaded glass work throughout Madonna Inn and the large etched glass windows in the coffee shop, almost things of the past, were custom made for the Inn. The leaded glass inserts in the windowed area facing the large fireplace are of particular interest, since each insert illustrates one of the various Madonna enterprises: construction, lumber and cattle.

The hand-carved marble balustrade in the Gold Rush dining room came from the Hearst Castle. All copper and brass items were etched and/or shaped from original designs and fabricated right on the premises. The 16’4″ tall, 29’6″ wide gold tree fixture in the main dining room was made from electrical conduit left over from building projects as well as from left over remnants of copper.

Several wood carvers were brought in for the specialty work of hand carving the doors, beams, railings and the many other carved adornments you see at the Madonna Inn.

The History of Cal Poly Rodeo

Since 1956, the Cal Poly Rodeo program has earned 44 national titles, making it one of the most winning programs in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association history and bringing national recognition to Cal Poly and its supporters. The Cal Poly rodeo program dates back to the first intercollegiate rodeo held on the C Bar G Ranch near Victorville, Calif., on April 8, 1939, when 15 student athletes represented Cal Poly and competitors Jim Blake and Carl Miller began its winning tradition. In 1951, Cotton Rosser and Don Koester continued Cal Poly’s winning tradition in front of 4,000 spectators at the first Cal Poly Rodeo.

Cal Poly captured its first NIRA national title in 1960, with more to follow in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973. Cal Poly continues to be a recognized force in college rodeo and has a long list of national champions. Some of the most talented student rodeo athletes have graduated from Cal Poly and gone on to compete – and win – in the professional rodeo circuit.

West Coast Region

The NIRA is divided into 11 regions. Cal Poly Rodeo competes in the West Coast region along with five other schools: Feather River College, Fresno State, Lassen College, the University of Las Vegas Nevada, and West Hills College. Geographically, the region includes all of California and Nevada. The region hosts 10 rodeos and is comprised of nearly 225 members competing in the following rodeo events: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping and Steer Wrestling for men; and Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying and Team Roping for women.

NIRA

The NIRA is the sanctioning body of college rodeo. They create and enforce rules governing the sport, handle national administration, and work with individuals and college programs to promote college rodeo. The mission of the NIRA is to foster and develop rodeo at the college level so that it will provide educational and competitive opportunities for students. The NIRA organization lives up to its motto of “preserving western heritage through collegiate rodeo” by hosting nearly 100 college rodeos each year for its more than 3,500 competing members. The association is made up of 137 schools and universities and is divided into 11 regions.

College National Finals Rodeo

Each college is allotted a 10-member team, consisting of six men and four women, to compete for team points at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). These team points are earned by coach-selected individuals and count towards the team’s standing. At the end of the season, the top two point-earning teams in each region qualify to send a complete team to the CNFR. Athletes from each of the 11 regions compete throughout the season for these individual and team points. Individual points are awarded for placing 6^th-place or higher in each respective event. At the end of the season, the top four point holders in each event qualify for the CNFR. At the CNFR, no season points are carried over to determine team and national titles. Instead, all national titles are determined through points earned at the CNFR.

Day 62-power of the pause

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” New Year’s resolution was a 5 minute meditation in Cuesta park after working a corporate wellness event. The event was wonderful, yet I left with a mind that was running away from the present moment-grounds for anxiety!-I knew I had to S.T.O.P. (Made this method up last month!) before getting in my car to drive home.

S: physically stop and pause

T: take 20 deep breaths

O: observe your thoughts and their validity

P: perspective and positivity, put things into perspective and choose to react positively. What you focus on will expand.

The power of pausing for just 5 minutes is remarkable, I was able to witness my thought patterns shift from fear based to gratitude/trust based.. when we are able to draw our minds into the present moment (even the tough ones), we are reminded that this life is truly a gift. While we cannot control all of our circumstances, we CAN choose our attitude .. always. 🙏🏻

Day 61- the fifth agreement

“BE SKEPTICAL, BUT LEARN TO LISTEN..”

Don’t believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind words, and you will understand the real message.

Today’s first for the “one new thing a day for 100 days” New Year’s resolution was to read the fifth agreement .. Not the whole book, but just familiarize myself with the “fifth”. I have read the book the four agreements and have heard of the fifth agreement but until tonight I was not sure of the concept..
In The Four Agreements, a New York Times best seller for over seven years, don Miguel Ruiz revealed how the process of our education, or “domestication,” can make us forget the wisdom we were born with. Throughout our lives, we make many agreements that go against ourselves and create needless suffering. The Four Agreements help us to break these self-limiting agreements and replace them with agreements that bring us personal freedom, happiness, and love. Now don Miguel Ruiz joins his son don Jose Ruiz to offer a fresh perspective on the Four Agreements, and a powerful new agreement for transforming our lives into our personal heaven: the fifth agreement. The Fifth Agreement takes us to a deeper level of awareness of the power of the Self, and returns us to the authenticity we were born with. In this compelling sequel to the book that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world, we are reminded of the greatest gift we can give ourselves: the freedom to be who we really are..

The first four agreements are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, always do your best