I thought this was kinda cute. . .

Happy New Year!! Here's me out and about, enjoying the results of all those spinning classes. . .

The answer is Bill Phillips. . .

Today was my first powerlifting training session! My trainer was so impressed, he was convinced I already had a personal trainer. I do, I said, his name is Bill Phillips and he lives somewhere near the Rockies, lol. Seriously, all that BFLing has done me some good, even if I never did reach that elusive size 8.

One of the things that attracted me to powerlifting was the simple fact that I'm pretty big and slow. No matter how positive I think, there is no way I'm going to be a ballerina, a sprinter or a basketball player. Big and slow, that's me. But I'm strong as an ox and always have been. So, I thought to myself, why not capitalise on my assets?

Anyhoooooo, I thought I'd test myself out with a trainer--and I'm about 3K away from breaking the bench-pressing record for my age and weight group. With no formal training, that's pretty damn good. God Bless You, Bill.

My technique for the squat (powerlifting is bench presses, squats and dead lifts all added together to get a score) leaves a bit to be desired but as I can leg press almost double the record for squats (I can do it for six reps even), my trainer thinks that, with some work on my core muscles, I can do quite well. It's the same for the deadlift--once the basics are mastered, he thinks I'll be able to do much, much more. In other words, he thinks I'm in with a chance for the competition next year! I do have to go back to square one to get the techniques right but that is something I can live with: it's all a matter of balance and practice. That and not sticking my butt out so far, lol--I tried to explain I wasn't sticking it out, it's just like that.

I will still follow the BFL programme (because, as my trainer points out, there is no point in only exercising the big muscles) but will be concentrating on the extra training two times per week. So, there ya have it. I lose 12 stone and I immediately put it back on again! But at least this is weight I can take off when I want to. . .

Did I mention I'm addicted to spinning classes??

Lost: 12 stone of stupid ! Or a lighter, happier Persephone?

At last I am a free woman!!

I've found a new activity I enjoy: powerlifting! I've always been big and slow--but very strong. S I'm going to be coached and will hopefully enter some contests over the next year. We'll see where we end up!

Have a great BFL day.

Decree Absolute

Yesterday I lost 12 stone of dead weight, lol. I finally got around to getting to the courthouse to officially become divorced. Embarrassingly, quite a few years ago I was mislead by my divorce lawyer into thinking I had this piece of paper (a decree absolute) and that when I wanted it, it would be there when I needed it. So I needed it and was it where it was supposed to be?? Hell no! Anyway, the deed is done and to say I feel a little bit odd about it is a bit of an understatement. It shouldn't feel like getting divorced all over again but it does. I'm a bit all over the place but I suppose once I get back to school (on Monday!) I will have forgotten about how odd I feel.

In BFL news, I joined a local gym and love it. I've always been an advocate for working out at home (cheaper and less time consuming) but I love love love the steam room, jacuzzi and pool--not to mention the variety of exercise equipment. From Monday, I will be starting another round of BFL but cranking up the cardio and upping the ante on the weights. On Tom Venuto's advice, I'm going to be giving myself certificates every time I hit a milestone!

Woohooo!

Have a great BFL day.

The right to bare arms!

I've been steadily BFL'ing for quite a few months. I gotta say, I'm pretty pleased with the results! To the right is a photo of me (to the far right) last week and the one below was taken two years ago. Now, I know I still have quite a way to go but

viva la difference! Look at my arms! And I can now button up my jackets!

As for the wedding. .

Argggggggg!

So many things have gone wrong but the worst is that I don't have a decree absolute (!) so we have no choice but to postpone :(

The good news is that we are going to have 2 honeymoons ;)

We're going to the US at the end of July to visit with my parents and give the legal process a chance to catch up with us. Hopefully, by early autumn, the wait will be over.

I've waited this long so a few more months really won't make too much of a difference. And, it gives a few more months to shake off a little more booty.

While we're looking at pics, have a look at me in ultra glam mode. . .

Rockin' The Universe

I've just returned from the United Astrology Conference in Denver Colorado where I was a speaker on the main programme! Woohoo! That's right: Persephone has gone international!

It's been a long time since I've spent time in the USA and I got to say, I'm a little homesick now! So much so that REG and I are going to spend the summer with my parents after we get married. We had planned to go to Italy but we've been told it will be pretty damn hot--and I'm no fan of hot weather. Not that it won't be hot in Michigan in July and August but it won't be fry-an-egg-on-the-pavement hot.

We've also just had confirmation that the church will marry us--we had a scare because we were told this didn't automatically happen if one of the couple had been divorced. Anyway, we're going to get married where we said we would on the invites. Whew! Speaking of invites, everyone is excited and looking forward to it.

It's break now so I'll be getting my dress later this week. I had my week off of BFL as I had completed a challenge. Now it's nose to the grindstone for the next eight weeks!

Thanks for popping by. . .