Sleepwalking through Winter - Spring Awakening

I am going to out myself by admitting that I literally hibernate during winter.  I don't work out, eat more, sleep more.. I 'hunker down' frequently and basically enjoy all things cozy that the colder months offer.  After doing a fair bit of research on my 'condition' I found that this is a practice intrinsic to the human race, whether or not our busy regimented lifestyles allow us to implement and indulge it.

I won't bore you with all the statistical details, but here's a little ditty from people who conducted a poll... of those who were awake, one presumes (http://www.bettersleep.org/pressroom/hibernate.asp):

According to the nationwide survey of 1,000 adults, more than five times as many adults spend more time in bed during the winter than in the summer. 'The findings confirm what we've suspected all along. After all, who hasn't snuggled further underneath the covers for a little extra sleep on a cold morning?" In general, people prefer to lounge in bed rather than venture out in wintry climates. More than one-half of adults read more; and almost two-thirds spend more time watching television. With all the sleeping, reading and TV watching to be enjoyed while it's cold outside, only one person in ten pursues outdoor activities more in the winter than the summer.

So then it's NOT just me! Whew.  Now while all this is well and justifiable, the calendar makes it clear that we are no longer in winter... we have sprung!  Even Punxsutawney Phil has proclaimed the season is rebirth is upon us.


Fortunately my internal widgets have responded in kind.  Suddenly I am ever so keen to ride my bike in order to take in mother nature's newly green and fragrant glory, to wake up and start my day earlier... despite daylight savings' time absconding of morning light, to start buying lettuce again -- as a saladaholic it is disconcerting that i eschew cold greens in the winter months.

All said, I am eager and jubilant about the prospects of this year's rebirth.  I have had my winter roots weaved, have ceremoniously stored my Ugg boots, and am about to break out the white apparel and pastels... heck I may even go get a smoothie!  


Bikini body here I come! 

From Hibernation to Spring Vacation

Guest Blog: "The Martial Art of Giving"

Karla Bravo is a fighter…. but you may not know it talking to her.  She is gentle, civic-minded and cultured.  But as Manager of the Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio in Long Beach she is also trained and qualified to teach others the martial art of kempo.




Z-Ultimate is a national name that specializes in personalized martial arts instruction.  Founded in nearby Huntington Beach the board of masters has been training together for about 40 years.  Karen explains part of what makes their open-hand style so appealing is that anyone from age 3-103 can participate and benefit from the training.


Her own introduction to the martial arts began in the late 90′s.

“I got into kickboxing for weight loss 12 years ago when I moved to Orange County.”  It was then that she encountered Z-Utimate.  “I fell in love with all of it.  After a year I asked if I could help at a class and they said ‘yes!’”

When I went to meet Karla she was in the process of giving instruction in doing a form using a staff.  She said they teach technique with a variety of traditional weapon enhancements such as spears, nunchucks, staffs and swords.


I was impressed not only with her prowess, but her patience with her pupil as well as her ability to teach clearly and productively.  Frankly, I had a hankering to throw on a gi and jump into the action!


I asked Karla what she enjoys most about her work at the studio.  She didn’t have to think twice before answering that she loves to see people transform and their lives change… pretty heady stuff I thought, unable to think of words worthy of a response.  Karla noted that she had worked in a corporate environment which was a far cry from the perpetually positive and always uplifting atmosphere she works in now at Z-Ultimate.  But none of this feel-good stuff is meant to be selfish.  Time and again she stressed the importance of giving back to the larger community.


No surprise then she was thrilled to learn of Quiznos on Spring Street's offer to give the studio’s students special deals on food and beverage for the whole family.  There are 3 specials available through March 31st including a free sub sandwich when a student advances to the next belt level.



I asked if Z-Ultimate hosted any tournaments and my oh my do they!  Their competitions held at UCI’s Bren Events Center attract more than two thousand in-house competitors.  Tournaments are also held in Washington, Colorado and Kansas with a total of about ten competitions per year.



Her goals for the future involve growing the LB studio and finding a balance between running a business and teaching the art, between social responsibility and the bottom line.  To that end they have come up with a wonderful program to benefit local schools that have been heavy hit by the deepening budget cuts.  Call Karla for details, as well as to register for classes at 562-425-9878 and visit http://zultimatelb.com for more info.


And, of course, after training come into Quiznos and relax to enjoy a well-deserved toasty treat… at a discount, no less!  
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