Monday, February 28, 2005

DavidT's Fitness Guide

People sometimes ask me: "How did you lose weight?", "How did you get in shape?". So I developed a Fitness Guide with before and after pictures. It's for both Advanced and Beginning Levels and includes:

1. Before and After Pictures
2. Budget
3. Eating Plan
4. Workout Plan
5. Finding a Partner
6. Motivation and Obstacles
7. My Story

Anyone find it useful or thinking of using it?

David Trigueros’ Fitness Guide – 2005

People ask me, ‘how did you do it?’ or
“what did you do to get in shape?”

Here’s what I’m doing…

- From Nov 2003 to Sept 2004 I did the Beginning Level
- From Sep 2004 to Current, I’m doing the Advance Level

My Results
Lost 40lbs in 12 months (about 3lbs a month)
From 225lb to 185lbs in 12 months
From Size 39 to size 33
Los 20 lbs in first 12 weeks
Lowered BP, Cholesterol levels
Lower anxiety levels, lower stress levels, less visits to chiropractor
More energy during the day (afternoons)
Less tired
Better sleep at night
Higher muscle tone in arms, legs, shoulders, back, tighter abs, flat stomach

I exercise for the joy of it, for my family, children, my wife, for strength for ministry long term, stress release. It is my hobby. I don’t worship my body, my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and so I take care of it. There’s more to life than exercise, but I want to get the most out of this life.
I am still going strong (a year and a half later, it’s a life-long commitment for me)
There have been down times – injuries, personal issues, holidays. But the key is consistency and sticking to a program.

Advanced Level, On-going

Exercise
Arnold Swarzennegger’s Body Building Basic Training
M – Chest/Back/abs
T – Arms/shoulders/abs
W – Legs/lower back/abs
Th – Treadmill/abs
F – Chest/Back/abs
S – Treadmill/abs
Sun – Rest

Eating Plan - 6 meals a day, small portions, equal carbs, protein
8am, Breakfast – Oatmeal, fruit, water
10am, Power bar, string cheese, yogurt, apple, water
12n, Tuna sandwich, low fat chips, string cheese, apple, water
3pm, Protein drink
6pm, Dinner, Rice, veggies, chicken, water
9pm, P&J sandwich or Cheerios, protein drink
Thursday night - Free

Beginning Plan, 12 weeks

Eating Plan, Monday-Saturday
8am, Breakfast – Oatmeal, fruit, water
10am, Power bar, string cheese, yogurt, apple, water
12n, Tuna sandwich, low fat chips, string cheese, apple, water
3pm, Protein drink
6pm, Dinner, Rice, veggies, chicken, water
9pm, P&J sandwich or Cheerios, protein drink
Sunday – Free day

Exercise, 6 days a week
M – Upperbody, 45 mns.
T – Treadmill, 20 mns.
W – Lower body, 45 mns.
Th – Treadmill, 20 mns.
F – Upperbody, 45mns.
Sat – Treadmill
Sunday - Free day

How do I get started? Start by writing out your Values…Why do you want to get in shape? What are the obstacles to getting in shape, what foods are the hardest to give up?

Values
1. Goals
2. Motivation
3. Obstacles
4. Find a Partner
5. Commit for 12 weeks, it will become a habit

Resources/Questions
1. www.bfl.com - Body for Life
2. Eating for Life – www.amazon.com
3. Body for Life Book by Bob Phillips – www.amazon.com
4. Budget
5. Grocery shopping
6. Eating out
7. Gym, home gym
8. Arnold’s Encyclopedia of Body Building – www.amazon.com

What to do after the 12 weeks
1. Do another 12 weeks
2. Adjust workout to fit your health needs and goals
3. Develop a lifetime habit of fitness and healthy eating

Budget, avg.
Protein Drinks - $40.00/mo
Protein Bars - $50.00/mo
Gym - $30.00/mo or home gym
Grocery shopping – varied
Rewards – priceless!

Before and After Shots: Will post later.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Jamie Fox Loves His Grandmother Too

It just reminds me I need to keep talking about how much I loved, miss, cry over, remember, am thankful for my grandmother Amanda Morales, who died Jan, 3rd, 2005.

If Jamie can cry over his grandmother, so can I:

"This is probably going to be the toughest part of this speech. My daughter shares my grandmother's name, 'Marie.' My grandmother's name is Estelle Marie Talley. She's not here tonight. And this is going to be the toughest part. But she was my first acting teacher. She told me to stand up straight. Put your shoulders back. Act like you got some sense.

We would go places. And I would wild out. And she would say, 'Act like you've been somewhere.' And then when I would act the fool, she would beat me. She would whup me. And she could get an Oscar for the way she whupped me because she was great at it. And after she whipped me, she would talk to me and tell me why she whipped me. She said I want you to be a southern gentleman. She still talks to me now. Only now, she talks to me, in my dreams. And I can't wait to go to sleep tonight because we got a lot to talk about. I love you."

Friday, February 25, 2005

The Flag of My Country is Gone

In thinking of ways to describe how I feel about gramma's loss....

Before I do that, here's an email from a friend that describes how American grieving is different than what I'm doing. I think she may be on to something, perhaps expressing her own feelings towards my grief process:

"One more thing...I am so glad that you are reminding us of your pain about the loss of your grandmother. It is so healthy to do that for so many reasons. First, for you. Just, saying Hey, this is real, I hurt, it stinks and I am in pain. It is so healthy for those around you. Because we are called to support you in that. and be real with you and pray for you and walk with you in it. You are not allowing the americana version of grieving...which is so unhealthy...(which is kind of what happened for me I think with my mom for lots of reasons) funerals over lets move on...Do you feel like that is how you are being treated? I think our culture does not know how to grieve well. ....I am so sorry about your deep loss. So David please know...When, you remind me, in your emails...I will pray for you. I am glad you do remind us. When I see you, I will bless you. Laura."

What do you think of her feelings about the 'americana version of grieving'? Has anyone experienced this kind of grieving?

Back to what I was saying...

In expressing to a friend today about how this feels:
"It's a loss of a part of my culture here in the States. As an immigrant, a Nicar-American I feel my last connection to my home, the Nicaragua of old, the grandmother understanding of the food, the culture, the rasing of children, what a husband and man is to be, is gone. It's as if the flag of Nicaragua that used to hang on the walls of my heart is down."

I understand that now that understanding lives somewhat in me, but the loss of how much more could have been shared is still apparent.

That's what gramma's loss feels like to a young man raised in a different country by his grandmother, and now that person is gone.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Time, Time, Time

Sometimes, like today, it feels like the main help for grief is = let time pass by. You'll feel less and less pain over time, you'll remember the good times more than the sadness you currently feel.

Let me tell you, that theory stinks and doesn't work. There's all kinds of grief work that I've done in the last 4-5 years that's a step in the right direction - Time and Space say the counselors. Good advice. But bottom line, all you can really is do is let time pass while you do the right things. Wow, tough stuff.

My gramma would have had her 2nd knee surgery today. Her birthday would have been March 4th. She would have turned 79. Today, I spoke to my uncles and aunts, they are all feeling this hard. They used words I relate to - 'unbelievable', 'hard to accept', 'now what do we do', 'we have to keep going', 'it's a huge emptiness'....That's how I feel.

We'll get through this, and yes I worship God in our loss, and yes, there is joy in the Lord.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

How Do I keep Accountable?

Like all of us, I need to be accountable in 3-4 key areas I've identified as 'my stuggles'. I won't go into them here...

So how do I keep accountable? (don't you just love that word?)

1. I meet with Kevin my friend, same life stage, amazing man for breakfast about once a month

2. I write him a monthly or so Well Check Report. I am as honest as possible on there about specifics. We then talk about them at our breakfast.

3. I am honest with him. Some people hide in accountability relationships, I don't have time for that. This is not some checklist I'm trying to finish, this is for my marriage, the ministry, my well being, for who I am as a child of God before my King.

What do you do?

Monday, February 21, 2005

Les Paul White-2004 Custom Shop

I'm not ready to get into this bid, but my contacts say it's a good deal. Any thoughts?


Les Paul White
Originally uploaded by dtrigueros.

I'm Going to Russia

Yesterday, our team was commissioned to Russia, July 2005. About 10 of us are going through SOAR International and Bethany (our church) to work at an orphanage, with the fatherless. I am fatherless, not an orphan, but I feel a connection to some degree.

Children: Our two daughters are such friends. Right now they're playing CandyLand. Wow, it moves me how Isabela loves to play, talk, and calls out Canela when she can't find her. "Canela! Where are you?" It makes me tear up. I guess I want that in my life, don't we all? A friend, a sister (I have two in Nicaragua) that I can play with.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Workout 6x This Week

My goal this week is to get back into my 6x a week workout routine. Tonight, I did 20mns. on the treadmill and abs. Tomorrow, I do chest and back/abs. I've been sick, but it's time to get back on track with the 'program'.

Earlier today, I spoke to a friend who almost divorced his wife. He is an artist, musician, amazing man, but is struggling. It's hard to break through the music-talk, but we did and it was good.

Other notes:
1. It's raining hard tonight (for Long Beach)
2. I spoke tonight in Resonate after a 10 week layoff (gramma, Christmas, etc) It went well, I was running on fumes.
3. Our roof is still leaking
4. I miss my wife. We need another weekend getaway soon
5. Our children are getting older
6. I'm learning not to micro-manage, I think I'm doing better in that area
7. I should be sleeping right now. I'm done.

Friday, February 18, 2005

The Thing About Grief: More Than Tears

If you've lost a loved one you understand. If not, try to understand. Grieving the loss of my gramma is more than crying and tears. It includes anger (snapped at band member last night...), tiredness, feeling overwhelmed, depression. On the other hand, it also includes business and stress. And that's just MY list. How about your list?

An honest friend often asks me regarding gramma, "aren't you better by now?" Jan. 3rd, 2005. Today is Feb. 18th, 2005. Most people see things in terms of time and space. That's more than 6 weeks for goodness sake, get over it! sigh....

And yet, those of us who grieve, have to live in two worlds...our loss and your life. For the rest of the world, life goes one, and so it does for me. I just carry this thing with me that pains me. Grieving people can be a nuisance, that's all they talk about! Get a life man, get over it, move one, let go and let God. Grieving person can be these 'woe is me, I'm so special, no one understands, my pain is so unique...." And it's true, my pain is unique. And so is yours. And as Henry Nowen says in "Life of the Beloved" it is the uniqueness of our pain that makes us human. But we need to work through the grief. You're right and I'm doing it. I work every day, I work out, I love my wife on Valentine's and daily, I put on my socks every morning and get crackers and cheese for our 3 year old just like the rest of the world. But...

When I went through the New Hope Grief Support group, they taught us about the acutness of pain 6-8 weeks into grief. We're here right now, and let me tell you it's tough. It's not just tears, and it's not that I don't 'feel better'...It's practical for me right now as well.

This morning I vaccumed the whole house. I enjoy doing that. It's my job. But gramma would have picked up the chairs and toys off the carpet to make things quicker for me...you know what I mean? That's gone. Selfish? Whatever....it's a reality we live with, the loss of relationship is the deepest form of loss with her, then comes the loss of her hands and feet, then comes the loss of wisdom and input...It's not linear friends, it just has different levels.

Have a friend in need? It's more than tears for them, it's also practical, daily things. Help them with groceries, help them go to the auto zone and buy some oil, help them buy books for school. And after the dinners are gone, and the cards stop coming, and I have to review the proofs on my grandmother Amanda's marker, "Amanda Morales - March 4, 1926 - Jan. 3rd, 2005 - beloved mother, sister and grandmother" (like I have to do today).....remember to be patient with me and others. "Please Be Patient with Me, I'm a Grieving Person."

The Official Crash and Burn: Fatigue and Illness

I feel terrible. My body is done with this pace, this stress, the grieving, the push to keep going. The truth is that withouth gramma here, our lives are twice as fast. This is the way it should have been from the beginning, but we were glad for gramma's help. We also helped her and were there for her. Nonetheless, now it's up to Rachelle and I to make things happen - I'm talking about all things home - cooking, cleaning, children, the usual.

I've been sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, body ache, cold sores, headaches all week. During a meeting this last week, I nearly fell asleep (and there were only three of us in the room!). It's just all catching up with me. The biggest loss is not being able to lift weights or run for almost 7 days. I usually lift and run 6 times a week. I've been doing my abs every day and keeping to my eating plan, but I feel my body fading when I don't lift. I also miss the stress release lifting brings.

And work goes on right? I speak this week in Resonate, 1st time since gramma. Sunday is Sunday, it's a'comin. We're also working to get Good Friday set, as well as Easter. Then, April 10th, we are changing our service times. The service I help lead which is usually at 8:30am is moving to 10:45am which is a great move for reaching our city. The issue for our band is that we will lose our bass and drummer. We have 3-4 other guys, but the loss of relationship, the learning curve, all those things are tough. So I'm trusting God for his plan, but all these things bring stress and my body is just done. Tomorrow is our girl's birthday party.

Thank you for praying. I need to go and rest.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Brian McLaren: How can worship call Christians to look beyond themselves?

I think the song I just wrote, "We Proclaim" (see below) has a global/world orientation. As Brian says here, more are needed. I agree. Less "I'm overwhelmed with you" and more "all the nations will praise your great name." Feel me?

Brian McLaren: How can worship call Christians to look beyond themselves?

Brian McLaren:

"I wish that some of our songwriters would start writing songs that send us into the world in a spirit of service and love. I’ve been working on a few in this regard – we need a lot. As well, our prayers and benedictions can give us an orientation toward our world and our neighbors – for better or worse. I hope you’ll consider coming to the Worship, Art, Liturgy and Preaching conference in April at Asbury Seminary – this should be a topic of dialogue for us there. As well, we need to create some venues to share ideas and resources, since they might not be picked up by “mainstream religious media.”

Monday, February 14, 2005

For Valentine's I Got Both My Ears Pierced

At a body piercing place in Hollywood with my wife next to me and Rob the artist doing the honors with a needle. Two stainless steel hoops. It hurt a bit, but Rob did a great job (he has done all his own work, 15 piercings on his left ear and endless more...) Then Rachelle and I walked along the stars to Miceli's for some good Italian food. This morning Rachelle went shopping ALONE without children, that was a great gift for her. I stayed home with the little ones. It was a fun day.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Major Conversation with our 3.5 year Old

Isabela (our 3.5 year old) just had a 20 minute question and answer time with us about gramma and 'what happened to abuelita'...the full gamet of questions. She has asked these before, but this time the questions just kept coming. Wow, children are so perceptive. It just breaks my heart, but also makes me glad she's processing all this. She asked and said:
1. Where is abuelita
2. What happened to her head
3. Why don't hospitals make people better
4. Mom, are you a doctor?
5. I miss abuelita
5. Me gusta abuelita (I like gramma)
6. What's an IV?

She probably asked 10-12 more questions that I can't remember right now...Canela (6, this Tuesday), said she had a dream that abuelita had come back with a thing around her head. Gramma died Jan. 3rd, 2005 of a brain anyurism.

Side note: Today, as we closed the worship service with a song I wrote a few years ago called "For the Glory of Your Name" when it got to the part that says, "and when in Heaven I arrive/and this faith becomes my sight/with my crown before your throne Jesus/it is you that I'll adore/" I broke down and cried. After the service was over our pastor came up on stage to ask me how I was doing. I cried on his shoulder. It was a special moment. He told me that he was moved when I stopped to collect my thoughts, but the congregation kept singing my song.

Saturday, February 12, 2005

We'll Proclaim - My Latest Song

Just wrote this, lyrics, melody and chords, recorded it on ProTools and burned it to CD, now we're listening to it. It came in about an hour and it's based upon Psalm 22 where King David pours out his heart to the Father. It's exactly how I've been feeling with the loss of gramma, today was another tough day. The psalm starts with pain but ends with praise among the nations. It's such an awesome psalm. My favorite line in the whole song, and that's because that's what I feel most in my heart, is in the chorus, the WE section, "And to the nations we'll proclaim, of the wonders of Your Name (what more can I say)". I'm trying to write more WE songs, they are so powerful. Those last few words, "what more can I say" are also very personal for me. Those are the last words I spoke to my grandmother. I kept telling her (in Spanish), "what else can I tell you? I've told you everything, I love you, I love you."

The turning point of the song, the God line is "But my heart has turned to You." We can feel pain and loss, but who do we turn to? That's a choice we all have to make. I'll turn to God.

Jesus also quoted this passage on the cross. Wish you could hear it.

We’ll Proclaim (Psalm 22)

Verse 1

Be not far from me O Lord
I’m poured out and alone
All my bones are out of joint
And my heart has turned to You

Be not far from me O Lord
I’m poured out and alone
All my bones are out of joint
But my heart has turned to You

Chorus
And to the nations I’ll proclaim
Of the wonders of Your Name
And I will sing of this great faith
That You are good
That You are good
That You are good
That You are good

Bridge
Don’t stay away
There’s no one to help but You
Don’t stay away
What else can I say but You

Chorus
And to the nations We’ll proclaim
Of the wonders of Your Name (what more can I say)
And We will sing of Your great fame
That You are good
That You are good
That You are good
That You are good

©2005 David Trigueros, Bethany Church, Long Beach, CA.

My iTunes My Life

I want iTunes to be an all-comprehenise music machine. This is what I expect from my next-generation iTunes/iPod:

1. Lyrics automatically searched and displayed as the song is played

2. Chords and Music Sheet ready to download for each song

3. Concert info for the artist being played and Purchase Ticket button

4. Video clips downloads for each artist, so I don't have to stare at the iTunes screen while listening to my favorite song

5. More art, art, art. I have FetchArt but I want the back, the front, the credits, the musician info. the thanks to, everything the regular CD has

6. To synch it ALL to my iPod.

This reminds me of Blog Maverick (Mark Cuban, billionaire) and his My cellphone, my life post.

Friday, February 11, 2005

Heart of the Artist Getaway Pictures





Pictures from Heart of the Artist Getaway in Big Bear, CA. About 40 of us went. We set up the whole thing - small groups, creative experiences, fun, food, worship, speaker. It was great. We'd love to help you set up a similar thing. Let me know how we can help.

More pictures here.

100 Phone Calls

I didn't log them, but I bet I made about 100 phone calls this week to artists, leaders, mentors, etc. It's been a week full of conversations regarding service times, musicians and bands, Good Friday and Easter, counseling and guidance, just caring and loving people.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

What is Ash Wednesday?

I've got mine. Do you? What is Ash Wednesday?

Her Sons Also Miss Her

My gramma had five children, two sons and three daughters. My uncle Al was probably closest to her, next to my mom. My uncle is going through some marital challanges right now and really misses her advice. I will call him and invite him to come over to talk. My aunt Sonia, gramma's daughter, recently moved to New Mexico with her husband who just retired. They left after living in California their whole lives. Their two adult children still live here. She also is struggling feeling alone in her new place.

We all miss abuelita.

Monday, February 07, 2005

1 month ago today

We buried my gramma one month ago today, Jan. 7th, 2005. Four weeks or so ago. What can I tell you? It hurts. I miss her. Today, I told Rachelle I feel I've gone from 0-5% acceptance of all this. She feels the same way. It's progress, but it sure is painfully slow. That's okay, that's grief.

Sunday, February 06, 2005

Back from "Heart of the Artist"

Great weekend, glad to be home. Great time with artists, looking at Scripture in small groups and creating experiences together. We will meet as an artists lead team, go through the evaluations and pray about the future.

I was gone for 2-3 days and I am so glad to be home to my wife and our three little ones.

Friday, February 04, 2005

My gramma's 'palo'

Last night I went into my gramma's closet....I love being in there, it's like she's there, the smells, her medicines and ointments, her clothes, her pictures. I took out her baston (her cane) and left it by her bed. It was such a big part of her daily life...el "palo" the stick, as I used to call it. It reminds me of her. I miss her today.

We would get in my truck to go to Big Lots, Kmart, etc. and she'd bring her palo and put it next to her. That gray, shinny stick helped my gramma get around. It was also a reminder of her daily struggle with her knees. Wow, she was in constant, deep pain. Then she had her 1st major knee surgery last March and things got worse for a few months then she felt much better. She was getting ready to have her other knee done this month.

Her knees are better now.

Every night before bed I'd go in her room, she'd be watching some Spanish TV show, and I'd kiss her goodnight. I'd say, "la quiero mucho toya (a nickname I had for her), ya me voy a dormir..." I love you gramma, I'm going to bed now. And she'd say, "yo tambien, buenas noches amor..." I love you too, good night love. I did that every night. I still do that. I go into her room at night and blow her a kiss.

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Bought a Plant Today

Today I bought a plant. It's for the Artist's getaway this weekend. I will do a talk on Psalm 1, "You shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water..." How do we become this kind of tree/plant?

I will also bring up some snails, rocks and potting soil.

Trying to have fun. I also bought an acoustic guitar for the $1.00 raffle.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

9.5 Theses on Worship

9.5 Theses on Worship does a good job here with issues related to worship in the Church - theology, WE songs, amplification, lifestyle and more. Some issues are overstated, such as the one on technology and amplification, but most are right on.

I especially like the idea of a Theo-Artist. That's an artist who has a theological background. I would add two more thesis:

Theses#10: Artists who love and understand people.
Theses#11: Artists who serve the city missionally.

Theses#1:
"Our heavenly Father wills that the whole
life of believers should be worship."