Divine Connections and Workout Murder

Hello world!

First of all, can a post title get any more contradictory?!

The other day I got to meet with Sophia, Jordan, and Sophia’s parents.  That’s right, I had the privilege to eat, drink, and converse with these amazing individuals!

Not only are they really [almost supernaturally] sweet people, but they are also very wise in various ways.

We had the opportunity to connect all the way from talking about God’s love, to conversations about how beautiful divine connections are, while we enjoyed dessert, tea, and porridge together.

“Porridge?!!! What do you mean porridge, Ellie?  That is so random!”

Yup, porridge is random indeed….

But that is because we decided to meet up at the most raved about shop on Sophia’s blog–Hwa Sun Ji in Los Angeles.

This Red Bean Shaved Ice was enjoyed by Pastor Lee (aka Sophia’s dad) and Jordan.  I had a few bites and it was so delicious!  The green tea ice cream gave this dessert a really fancy touch.

Sophia’s mom and I both got ourselves some Sweet Red Bean Porridge, while Sophia ordered some sort of a Korean tea.

Hwa Sun Ji is an adorable place because it not only depicts the old days of Korea so clearly through its decor, but it also gives customers a feeling of tranquility and rest.  Plus, it also helps that they are constantly brewing some kind of natural holistic herb, which by the way, is a custom that is followed in many traditional Korean households.  (FYI:  Not that kind of herb! haha)

We were able to get along really well, and we felt that it was a divine connection that God had set up for all five of us.  It’s so amazing how individuals from opposite ends of the world can connect without effort!

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Lately, I have been rather busy trying to get things done around the house.  We have so much to pack for our move this Tuesday, and tomorrow is the day my little nephew is leaving us!    *sniff sniff sniff*

It’s a bittersweet moment for me because I have grown to be with him every single day for nearly a year.  However, I am pretty sure there will be a real bright side to this change.  For one, I won’t need earphones or earplugs anymore! Hah!  Don’t let this cute face fool you because I kid you not, this boy can work up a 1000 decibel scream.

Since there is so much activity going on, I am trying to fuel myself properly because I know my body well enough.  If I don’t eat well and often throughout the day, I tend to get very ill at the most important times in life:  exams, moves, trips, and the list goes on.

So…!  This brings me to today’s breakfast.

I made my favorite Protein Pancakes, but I had to tweak the ingredients a bit since I didn’t have everything on hand.  These are carob chip protein pancakes topped with, what else but coconut butter, sunflower butter, maple syrup, and bananas?!   Per usual, my addictive personality decided to have coffee on the side:  Peet’s Cafe Domingo Medium Roast.  This roast is seriously the bomb!!

I like to have lots of protein, especially in the morning, because it helps the food digest slowly without making me drowsy and lethargic.

Fitness

The other day I promised to share some cool workouts that I’ve been doing in addition to jump roping, running, and so forth.  I realized that even though I love to strength train and do body weight intervals, I also enjoy adding the “cardio” aspect because I feel more….”fitnessistically” complete.   That is totally not a word.

Make Your Legs Weak Like Jello Workout

1.)  Weighted Squats-  15  (30 lbs)

2.)  High Knee Runs-  40 each leg

3.)  Lying Leg Raises w/Medicine Ball-  15  (8 lb) <–Place the med ball in between your knees and squeeze together.  With back pushing on the ground, straighten your legs while bringing them down, and in a controlled movement, bring them up.

4.)  Plie Squats w/Weights-  15  (30 lbs)  <–Stand in a plie stance, and squat down with weights right on the chest

5.)  3 Explosive Lunges with a Kick-up-  10 total <–Do 3 explosive lunges, and then bring the back leg forward and kick upwards.  Keep going till you reach 10 of those.

There are 4 sets or rounds of this whole circuit with short rests in between.   The whole routine took me 20:10 to complete.  If you decide to try this, let me know how it went!  It was a really good cardiovascular and lower body workout.  Actually, even my upper body felt fatigued due to holding the weights.  I love excruciating fitness!  Is this freaky at all?  Please tell me you are like this too.

Abs Suicide Workout

(Excuse the crazy title, but I thought it would be fun to be creative)

1.)  Lying Leg Raises w/Medicine Ball-  15  (8 lb)

2.)  Planks on Elbows (or palms to make it easier)-  1 min. hold

3.)  Side Planks-  30 sec. each side  <–I did these on my elbows instead, to up the challenge

4.)  Renegade Rows-  6 each arm

I performed these exercises for a total of 3 rounds/sets.

Well, I hope you’re having a blessed week and I pray that you may have complete peace and joy in your hearts.  Amen to that!  Because I sure need it right now.

Are there particular times when you tend to get sick? 

Do you follow the guidelines of eating meals composed of carbs, protein, and fat?

-I am a carb lover, but I feel really good when I eat lots of protein and fat

How do you relax your mind and heart during hectic times, such as moving? (Psychologists say moving is one of the top “stressful” events in a person’s life.  Interesting!)

-I try to get in prayer as much as possible, and I exercise more than usual!  I think it’s because of the endorphin release

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: body weight workouts, coffee addict, fitness, Hwa Sun Ji, meeting up with friends, moving, protein pancakes, running