SONIA. WINS.

Well, I did it!  Not sure how it happened, but I somehow managed to win 1st place in CrossFit South Brooklyn's "Look, Feel, Perform Better Challenge."  I mean, I guess I know how it happened...I subsisted on nuts, berries and steamed fish for six weeks and dragged myself to the gym on a semi-regular basis.  Biggest thing I've learned is I'm way too hard on myself.  I am a do-er. I accomplish things I set my mind to, I just need to set my mind to it.  I don't have to be perfect to achieve results, just need to keep my focus on what's important to me.  It was also good to realize that eating healthfully and cutting back on alcohol actually makes life MORE enjoyable, not less so.  And I'm not done yet.  The Grand Prize was two full months of free gym membership, which is kinda insane.  Now I need to get my money's-worth and make another 6 weeks worth of progress for spring.

This weekend was CFSB's Iron Maidens Raw Open and there is a part of me that really wishes I competed.  I know I'm nowhere near the level of fitness the awesome ladies competing there today have achieved, but I need to stop being scared and do something outside my comfort zone.  In another six weeks, I think I'll be confident enough to sign up for a competition this summer.  Its a good goal to have.

In the meantime, I've got another two weeks of preparation for my Costa Rica Vision Quest!   I dragged out the old pack yesterday and dusted off all my diving gear. Its been far too long since I've gone diving -- hoping the water will be calm enough to get some underwater exploration in.  Its one of my favorite things in this whole wide world.  Something so calming about it, lying suspended in the beautiful blue, the tides softly pulling you two and fro, just another goofy clown fish floating in a sea full of benevolent monsters.  How lovely it will be to indulge in a simpler way of life for nine days.  Wake up at dawn, maybe eat some bananas, surf, write, lie in the sun, explore something strange and new and beautiful.  Sit with my thoughts.  Crazy to think that the simplest, easiest things in life are luxuries here in the city.  Nature.  Solitude. Peace.  All free here in the good old U.S. of A, but man, is it hard to find the time to take advantage of them.  Funny to think there is more possibility in those nine simple days than in the other 356 ahead of me.

Or maybe not.  Guess I'll find out soon.