Saints & the NFL Draft

Hey everyone! In honor of the draft a couple weeks ago, I've decided to dedicate today's post to just that. Now, I'm going to warn you that when I talk sports and decisions in sports, I sound kinda dry. This is serious stuff to me and I like to handle my opinions professionally and well... kinda like a guy. Haha, I apologize to all my female readers ahead of time! So in the next few paragraphs, it's going to be straight up information, no heightened emotion or my usual exclamation points! Hope y'all enjoy!

Let me just say first that I think the Saints had a good draft. Could have been better, but I actually am pretty satisfied with it. The defense is what had me worried. My first instinct was that we needed a pass rushing linebacker like Jarvis Jones, but then I got to thinking that the secondary also needed help. Kenny Vacarro out of Texas was a solid choice if the team decided to go in that direction. He will be an improvement to the secondary if they either move Roman Harper to safety or Malcolm Jenkins to the nickelback position. Overall, the first round pick was a success.

I really thought the third round picks were great choices. Moving to the 3-4 defense, a nose tackle position is vital. John Jenkins from Georgia is a great pick up, especially getting him in the third round. He will probably not be an every down player for the first couple years, but has potential to do very well in Rob Ryan's system.  My favorite pick is Terron Armstead, offensive tackle out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He fills the need at left tackle and provides a different feature. He has unusual speed for an offensive lineman, which could benefit Drew Brees when the other team sends their best pass rusher.

The lack of picks the Saints had means each pick is seen as bigger than normal. So while many don't understand choosing a wide receiver, I think it will work. Anytime you can help an offense as prolific as the Saints' offense, it is a good pick. Kenny Stills will contribute at that position. The last pick was Rufus Johnson, a defensive end from a small school, Tarleton State. I don't know much about him, but any defensive help is a good choice. Overall, I was satisfied with the Saints draft and think they'll improve from their 7-9 season. Or hopefully they will. I can't handle another season like the last... fell asleep through the games way too much. Haha just kidding, but really I did get bored out of my mind sometimes.

Oh, and feel free to leave your opinions in the comments below. I'm totally open to discussion and hearing what all y'all have to say. Until then, have a great one and take it easy!

Group Fitness Certification

How's everyone doing today?

As my usual readers know, I'm in the midst of obtaining a undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy. My classes consist of the usual science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, along with multiple kinesiology classes and activities. I love those classes so much, especially the activities. Those classes are just one hour courses that are some type of exercise like tennis, jogging, aerobics, etc. I took my first one this semester and chose aerobics. It was so much fun and I learned how to work out my body without even hitting the gym. 

I learned things like the stagger push-up. Its such an amazing tool! It works the pectoralis major (chest), triceps brachii (triceps), rectus abdominus (abs), and external obliques. You should definitely give them a shot! I listed a website down below that has a video on how to do them, so check it out!

https://youtrainfitness.com/the-benefits-of-performing-staggered-pushups/

One of the best things I took from the class was an interest in being a group fitness instructor. We were all divided into small groups and assigned a day to teach the class our own workout for the entire class period. We had to combine 20 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio. We could do anything we wanted as long as we met requirements. Some groups did dance, while others did adaptations of Insanity type stuff. I chose to do kick boxing combinations and the class loved it! I felt really confident teaching and it all came to me naturally. At the end of the class, a few students and the teacher came up to me and said I should consider getting certified to teach group fitness classes at the Rec!

(I actually learned how to do a lot of the moves I taught from Turbo Jam! This is a great program to check out if you're looking to spice up your at-home workouts.)

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbo-jam.do

Long story, short... I have decided to begin the process of becoming certified! I have ordered the study materials and am signed up to take the class in August! I'm beyond excited; not only will this look good on my graduate school application, but it will also give me more experience and knowledge in this awesome field... and hey, it may come with a little side of cash! ;)

This website is where I did all of the research, ordering, and signing up. They also have personal training certifications as well. 

http://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/group-fitness-certification/default.aspx

I'm super excited on where this journey is going to take me and I hope to keep y'all updated on how it's going!

Later gators!

My health journey

Hello friends! I was thinking about the blog this morning and was wondering what I should post. Asked my BFF and she was recommended that maybe I share something about myself so y'all could get to know me a little more. Well, I think that is a great idea!

So, everyone has obviously seen my love of sports, which is one aspect I would like to play a big part of my career in physical therapy. But health is already a huge part of my future career and it has become a big part of my life. 

During sophomore year of high school, I actually developed an eating disorder. I hated my body or my body type. I had a butt (OH NO!) and thighs, but a tiny waist... What the heck was wrong with me!? I was by no means over weight but I didn't really look like my best friends, who were complete tooth picks. I just wanted to drop a few pounds, but what was a few pounds ended up turning into a summer of not eating, a 90-pound teenager, and an extremely insecure girl.

If she was on the biggest loser... She definitely understands!

The not eating part slowly recovered with the help of friends and family, but the 90-pound teenager turned into an overweight one, and the extremely insecure girl still struggled on the inside. I picked up this book one day out of curiosity and it actually helped to change my perspective on everything.

My journey begun slowly. I dropped a few pounds here or there, but my confidence level improved drastically. Of course, I wanted to lose more weight, what girl doesn't? But I didn't find my worth in it anymore and it didn't have such a strong hold over me. Here are a list of other books on recovering from eating disorders like anorexia and even binge eating. (Just a heads up, they are mainly Christian oriented.) http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=784094&sp=71457

I have a date with this place almost everyday!

It wasn't until my freshman year of college that the weight really started to come off. I was in control of what I could eat and I now had a membership to the gym on campus. I began reading other health books and started working out about 5-6 days a week, and by sophomore year, I was a total of 30 pounds thinner!

Now this does NOT mean I do not still struggle with my weight. I am still working on my relationship with food and I do have my ups and downs. But its the fact that I am still happy in my own skin and I am confident that I can do whatever I set my mind too. That is what being healthy means. You must incorporate these six things to achieve optimum wellness:

So, let this be a lesson that all aspects of your health are important. Don't neglect one for the other and don't overdo one over the other. Balance and moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle! LIFESTYLE! Not a diet or temporary fad. Make being healthy a lifestyle so you can actually have a long life!

Hitting the Trails: Running

Good morning y'all! 

Just wanted to stop in and share a little bit of what has already happened in my day! Why yes, I am an early bird, it's no secret. When the sun rises, I rise! (Or try too... sometimes the pillow calls my name too loudly.) Back to the point!

On Sundays, my schedule is pretty hectic between church, family/friend lunch, homework, nap time, and church again in the evening. Needless to say, it's difficult to find a time to get a good work out in.  When I first moved to LSU, this became a dilemma. The UREC doesn't open until noon on Sundays! Where the heck was I gonna get my early morning workout in? I remember calling my mom (she's always the one I allow myself to complain too and she loves it... I think) and venting to her and she said two simple words... Go run. 

I bust out laughing at this every time!

Running + Me = Clumsy, awkward, in agonizing pain FOOL. I was never a runner- I hated it and avoided it at all cost. I could never work past a mile and I felt like I was dying while and after I did it. Sure, I got the "runner's high" sometimes... but I dreaded the long process of getting there. It just wasn't my cardio exercise of choice. However, with that said, I not one to complain and then not do something about it. So, I started running.

I started off by doing a plan similar to the one above. Not gonna lie, it took me longer to complete it then the time given. Physically, this plan is a great tracker of average progression. But you gotta remember I also need a general heart change for running and that needed more time- it needed to happen in my own time. Long story short- I love running now! No, I am not IN LOVE with it, but I do do it around 3 times a week, always on Sundays, and understand why and how people enjoy it. 

The LSU Lakes are where I release, relax, recuperate, and reload for the next day/week.

I honestly think that everyone should try and incorporate a little running into their weeks. It provides so many great physical and emotional benefits like...

• Raising your good cholesterol levels
• Improving lung function and use
• Boosting your immune system
• Lowering your risk of developing blood clots
• Preventing disease (breast cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart attack & stroke)
• Losing weight, of course
• Relieving stress (Big one for me! Can we say college?)
• Eliminating depression

Just to name a few!

Also, check out this 91 year old MARATHON runner for some motivation!

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/mike-fremont-91-finishes-knoxville-half-marathon-304

But really guys, running does tremendous things for your health. Now, don't think that you have to run everyday or that this is the only exercise that provides benefits. All cardio exercise is good for your health, but note that you need to remember to change up your exercise in order to prevent muscle memory. Incorporate as many exercises as possible for entertainment and to continuously challenge that body!

P.S. This blog isn't for politics, so I'm going to avoid details about the nature of this event. However, I think it would be a sweet thing to do to make your next jog in remembrance of the event and all of those who ran and all who were affected by the bombings.

Super Bulldog Weekend: Hail State!

So I'm not sure if this post will increase my readers or send them running, but I was not always a LSU Tiger. Gasp! 

Can't tell by this picture, can you?

Yes, yes, it is true. I was actually a Mississippi State Bulldog my freshman year of college. I am not ashamed to say I loved every second of it either. Why did I come back to my home state though? Well, you all know about that little thing called TOPS...where if you graduated from a Louisiana high school and pass a certain curriculum with a high enough ACT score, you can receive free tuition? Well, I was kind of throwing that away by going out of state. I also changed my major to pre-physical therapy and I needed a medical school that was directly linked to my undergrad to increase my chances of getting in (It is SO competitive nowadays). And to be honest, I missed my friends and family a whole bunch, so with a lot of praying and time, I made the decision to come back. I don't regret it thus far, but I do miss State sometimes. I made a lot of friends there along with lots of memories. I hadn't seen my friends in a while and was wondering how the campus had changed, so I knew I was due for a four and a half hour trip that way. Yeah, that is sort of a long time, but I had a free weekend and a big paycheck that week so I decided I was hitting the road. Starkville, here I come!

With the smoke billowing from the grills of Left Field Lounge, everyone in Starkville, Mississippi knew that this was going to be an incredible time of baseball and fun.  During the weekend of April 19-21, Bulldog fans were swarming the campus of Mississippi State for Super Bulldog Weekend.

This weekend consisted of BBQ, music, football, baseball and other activities.  On Friday, baseball began their series against the Auburn Tigers, followed by a fireworks show after the game. Now I'm not usually a big fan of fireworks. The loud noise hurts my ears and to be honest, I've seen prettier things. But seeing them light up State's campus and everyone in such good cheers, I couldn't help but get this happy and peaceful feelings, even though it was anything but peaceful, ha!  Saturday, football concluded their spring practice with the Maroon and White game at Davis Wade stadium. I have my favorite players and they were all even divided among the maroon and white, so I just cheered for complete passes, awesome tackles, and of course every single touchdown; I have to support all my boys, right? These events were all building up to the Saturday evening baseball matchup, where the fans would try to set another attendance record in college baseball. This was going to be HUGE.

Mississippi State holds nine of the top ten on-campus attendance records in college baseball.  On Saturday they accomplished their goal of gaining all ten.  14,562 fans rolled into Dudy Noble field that afternoon, which was the seconds largest in college baseball history.  I was amazed as I walked to my seat. Never had I seen the stands packed to the brim and overspilling into the aisles. It made me so proud to have history as a student here. It was the moment I sat down in my seat, smiled to my left and to my right, that I knew I made the right choice of driving four and half hours for this. The energy of the crowd that evening summed up the entire spring weekend in Starkville. 

Hail State!

Goodbye to the Hive, Hello to the Coop

It was a sad day for many Hornets fans, but a happy day for some.  The last day of the 2012-13 NBA season was going to be the last time the Hornets every played a game. The team wasn’t disappearing, but new ownership was trying to increase attendance and energy with a new mascot…the Pelicans.

RIP Hornets: You will be missed.

Many, like myself, felt no need for the re-branding of the New Orleans squad. While the mascot holds true to the New Orleans vibe, it has become the laughing stock of the sports world.  Even though there are other goofy mascots such as the Magic and the Wizards, none compare to the Pelicans. Think about the announcer at the games now… He is going to sound so ridiculous stating the name and then following it with the New Orleans Pelicans! How intimidating…

I have no idea what the marketing team thought would happen by changing the mascot. Wins sell tickets, not mascots. Sure, we did not have the greatest season and we need to change a lot of things up… but the mascot is not the answer. The fact that so many were disappointed to see the Hornets go shows that there was no need for a bird as a mascot, especially when the bird is a Pelican. 

I would like to take the remainder of this blog to reminisce about the good ole days...

Our last game at the Hive :(

Chris Paul jersey for 3 dollars!

Hornets Vs. Clippers: Such a great game!

The Masters: Congratulations Adam Scott

It’s no secret that I am a fanatic of sports. However, I do have sports that I like more than others and I also have sports that are a little more difficult for me to watch… Golf. It is just so boring! Hit. Wait. Repeat for 18 holes. I need continuous competition. I enjoy the type that puts me on the edge of my seat and has me biting my nails. Now don’t get me wrong, the athletes who play golf deserve a lot of credit for the skills they have mastered. And that’s exactly why I do watch it and like to be informed. Just I tend to doze off sometimes into my mid-afternoon nap. But with all of that said, I thought I should report on the Masters since they just finished up.

The 2012 Masters Golf Tournament started like any other Masters.  The beautiful landscape looked like it always has.  With Tiger Woods being the unanimous favorite heading into Thursday, this seemed like another historical weekend in April.  However, this weekend became memorable for other reasons, but as usual, Tiger was still in the midst of it all.

Breathtaking!

Friday afternoon, Woods was approaching the 15^th green when his ball rolled back into the water.  Woods had three options: hit where his ball crossed the water, hit from a drop zone, or hit from his original spot. Woods chose to hit from his original spot, but he did not drop the ball from the original spot. He stated in a post-game interview that he wanted to move the ball back for a better shot, which raised many eye brows among fans and judges.  The next day, Woods was penalized two strokes, thus hurting his chances for the green jacket.

Not this year, Tiger! (Sorry guys, was never really a fan!)

With Woods out of the picture, many fans felt a lull in the entire tournament. However, the Aussie Adam Scott stole the show with a sudden death playoff against Angel Cabrera. Scott had come so close so many times, but he never had won a major.  This time he was up to the challenge, and he finally put on the coveted green jacket.

Congratulations Adam!