The Biggest Bird You Have Ever Seen

Cha-Cha-Cha-CHANGES!!

2011-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

If you train with me and dont follow the other blog you might want to start, or at least check it out.
If you dont know, you never know.

http://cfsvdiner.blogspot.com/

Returned

2011-06-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
It would be really hard for me to break this news to everyone, one person at a time. So using the infinite abilities of social media I have decided to just post this message for everyone. That and I dont want to get yelled at over and over and over.

It has been decided that I will not be returning back to California. I have made connections out here, will brave the weather, live out of Heathers pocket and just enjoy all that the East Coast has to offer.

I will be in touch with you all though, at some point.

I hope this message finds you well.
XOXO

The Final Day

2011-06-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Im back!!

"No, no, the trip is far from over."

I have heard that sentence before and each time that I have ever heard it, it has struck a heavy fear inside of my chest.

Like normal people we started the day with breakfast.

A (few) big cup(s) of coffee (scotch) and alligator sausage (alligator sausage). Breakfast of Kings.
I have recently learned it best that no matter what meal it is that a person should eat and then go for a walk. Anywhere works, no particular direction. One could do this alone but having someone to walk and talk with works just as well.

And sometimes when you walk, you walk upon a pinkberry. If this were to happen to you stop in and enjoy. I recommend though, not choosing walks that always end in pinkberry or possibly, eventually, walking may become difficult.

One of the best ways to work off a breakfast+pinkberry is to find a giant rope tied to a tree in a local park.

My brother actually introduced this to us after a night at the bars. Its a common practice to go out and party all night, get late night food and then head to the park and swing yourself sober. We hit it up again in the day time just for the fun of it. People we just hanging out in the park BBQing and drinking. I dont like it when people drink in parks in LA but when in another town I just consider it a local experience. Its somewhat different than when we were in San Fransisco where people were also high on whatevers. Google "The Peoples Park" if you want to talk about a really fun park. Take your kids there for sure.

(Its funny that the last 3 numbers in this picture are 666)
More to come...off to work

Hunting Party

2011-05-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

I was born around what people consider stars. Non-natives jaws drop and their knees get weak at the site of them. Ive seen them at their worst, these stars. Ive seen them how everyone wants to see them; gripping soapboxes like bar stools, falling down drunk, high, broke, abandoned, alone, on top of the world, living the dream, wandering through the broken dream boulevards looking for the pulse that will jump start their careers. Im usually not tickled by them. But when you see them, in any light, youre still slightly impressed, even its a complete let down, you are impressed by the size of the let down. People want to say "theyre just normal people." But they arent, they arent because in a dark room somewhere they, without ever having known you, struck some kind of an emotion from you, maybe even changed you. They can touch you without every touching you at all. Thats not normal.

Spotted

Stalking. No not the big girls. Far right of the pic.

Target down.

For those of you who cant tell who the handsome scruffy guy is its Gerard Butler aka King Leonidas from the motion picture 300. He was super reluctant to take this picture. When Heather asked "is it ok?" Butler responded "No but come here." To ease the situation and strike a familiar cord with him I told him that I train and am a huge fan of GymJones (those are the masterminds responsible for getting him into the shape you saw in the film). In which Gerard through back an extreme compliment to me "Awesome man! You look more 300 than I do right now! Keep it up."

This was a particular "moment" for me. The only reason I got into Crossfit was because of a first soul breaking encounter and then obsession with Gym Jones. I saw a teaser trailer for 300 more than 4 years ago while working a shitty morning shift at a globo-gym. I was shocked by the trailer and started researching. I found the Gym Jones website and read that what they did do the actors they did using a style of training I had never heard of with a mental game I had never encountered. Without that teaser trailer I wouldnt be where I am today.

Back to the tour.

Stars faded.

The streets change like the weather. We walked down one avenue that was jazz bar after jazz bar noticing that some bands almost play every night. The bars are always open and anywhere in the city you can find music. Men with saxaphones just walk down the street playing on to the beat of their own footed commute. Since mostly everyone plays the same kind of jazz blues, as you walk all of the notes flow into each other rather than crash.
We turned the avenue and the music lightly fades but an explosion of color and paint bursts from shop store windows. Its a street strictly of art. Beautiful painted portraits and photographs of the city in ever angle, shadow and color.

If you look closely you'll shit bricks. Hint: Theres a tranny somewhere in the pic. We didnt meant to take of picture of it/him/her/it.

Tranny free pic. Just 2 beautiful people.

Charle's NEW Angels!!

Random Rhymes

2011-05-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Black Horse

Midwestern morning,
Eastern rising dawn.
Supple dew drops shroud the field.
Gray skies brush the grounds.
The search for long grass
through the stench of famine and spring.
Days spent with head slung low.
Dollar signs, breaking necks, folding
at the knees, brings the above mentioned
to the prayer position.
Pressure on the platellas.
The dew sinks into the jeans
in through the skin.
                                                                                  Cursing at empty clouds.
                                                                                  Choking and gasping at broken eastern dawns.
                                                                                  A black horse shuffles by, looking for
                                                                                 tall grass, not looking at its exposed ribs.
                                                                                 We spend midwestern mornings in the field
                                                                                  hungry, looking for something new.

1st Day in Nawlins

2011-05-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

So we had our virtual to do list and headed out amongst the mayhem of New Orleans around the 2pm hour. My brother was out filming whores (no joke).

Editors Note: Some of you didnt know this but I have one brother (pics coming, but I swear he got the ugly gene) and he has been working his way up the ranks for the show "The Bad Girls Club" which is a reality show about a bunch of drunk chicks living in a house doing not a damn thing except defaming the idea of women everywhere. You would think "who the hell would watch this shit?" which was my exact question when he told me about his new job, as my bro stated it is like the number one show on its network. Oh yeah before you roll your eyes it plays only on a womens network (Oxygen). Way to go ladies! Now I really feel bad when I watch and intoxicated Freeman try to hit on you by walking up behind you, slapping your ass and yelling "F**K me if Im wrong, But dont I know you?!" My brother does live in wonderful Cali with me but took an awesome opportunity to move out to N.O. to film a season. Im glad he did it and Im glad I visited and yeah, Im kinda glad H came. Also, my brother has some amazing pictures that I will try and post as well.

A walking tour through the French Quarter.

I am not sure exactly why it is called the French Quarter because it really doesnt remind me or look like France in almost anyway. I also did not hear 1 French accent or see any French writing. The French certainly dont act like the savage natives here or the deplorable visitors. In fact if you act like an 'stupid American' in France you will probably be arrested or get your ass beat. That is why it is safer to say you are Canadian when traveling to Europe. NO isnt as thrashed from the hurrican as everyone thinks it is. Yes, parts are run down, there are a many broke down buildings, poverty etc. But it is not a city in ruins. A lot doesnt have to be rebuilt as it still stands intact. Like an older women, much of the beauty still remains. And if you have any kind of romantic bones in your body you can find beauty in the destruction. This is a key thing to do while traveling through life, if you cant, you will only see decay, and the cup of life you drink from will never taste as sweet as it could.

The heat of the city seeps in past your loose clothes and sticks to your skin. Heat on the East Coast comes in wet and stays on the skin. On the west, it is dry and only touches you like a memory. The city is next to water, one of the largest rivers in America in fact but you dont feel it. Before you notice you realize that its not the heat that is making your clothes stick to you, its actually the city, its musical notes, cars and side walks. Its color and inhabitants all hold on to your skin in the form of tiny droplets and if you relax and stay untensed you can feel it absorb into your own flesh.

There are a few specific certain reasons H would finally pack her bags and move to California and they have absolutely NOTHING to do with me. One of those reasons is a little place we take for granted back home called PinkBerry. Some people dont like Pinkberry and thats ok as I have stopped talking to those people as they are now dead to me. H and Pinkberry and like those lovers that no matter how bad or long the break up, they will still hook up with even more passion than the last time they were together.

There are a few things you need to know about me, this is one:

Momma always said I was special. She's always right too.

A little taste of Nawlins:

This is the backside of a Pirate. No shit kidding a freaking pirate. There is not a themed pirate anything in town, no costume bars, no shows or acts but this bad ass was literally dressed as a pirate. Sword, bird on shoulder, eye patch, whole 9.

Slap ya mama seasoning. Nothing taste better.

Im definitely making a shirt.

More to come soon!

Back in time

2011-05-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the Bama wods I was speaking of:

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

Vaycay

2011-05-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Whats up homies!!
Or homie!
I think only one person is reading this by now...... :(
Sad.....

Anyways Im gona talk to myself about my vacation then. Basically it was the trip of a life time. Super amazing people to be around, super amazing trips in a fantastic city that I highly recommend everyone visit for just about no reason in particular. Its been about 2 months since I have seen my brother and it was wonderful to hang out with him and catch up as well as get into a whole lot of old fashioned trouble.

My brother is a unique snow flake. I realize this more everyday. As Hunter S Thompson put it best concerning a dear friend of his "There he goes. One of God s own prototypes. Some kind of high powered mutant never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die."
That quote really sums up my older brother.

H&I's trip down there was interesting. Im mostly in a car with her, in fact, a lot of our relationship has been spent in a car, which I believe is a good things. Out relationship covers a lot of ground and we have had some extremely memorible times in vehicles. We drove straight to Knoxville and worked out as explained. Dined in a Waffle House (gross btw, they had memorial pictures and plaques for patrions who had died....they failed to explain if they died as a result of the food. I wanted an answer, I wanted to read the auptospy report, they refused) and we slept in a motel 6. Morning came and we headed out at leasure to a local coffee house for updates before trying to make it the rest of the way to Nawlins.

We stopped at literally the worst intersection in the world that I have seen to try and find food. We figured that while in Sippi we should try the famous BBQ we hear so much about. What we found was this:

This was in a horrible getto and attached to the back of a house we think. I dont know, I wouldnt stop the car. H wanted a picture so I shifted to creep mode and looked for snipers. We got lost and drove through and out like we just held up a liquor store. We settled on a different BBQ place in a well lit area off the free way. This place sucked. We caught them right at close. Cold food, horrible service, I was pissed and blamed H because I wanted sushi next door. Give the girl what she wants, thats why my dad used to tell me.
It was a straight shot through Sippi until we finally pulled into Nawlins. Beat and confused we spent the next hour sitting in the car trying to book a hotel. Finally we found one.

I called my brother (it was about 2am, he had work at 530am) and he gave it to me straight, "are we going out or are you just coming over to say whats up, because if youre just gona say whats up Id rather sleep if not lets go out." We went out, going pretty much directly to Bourbon Street. There are no pictures of this night and if you happen to find any of us please burn the evidence.

Hotel:

Breakfast sometime around 2pm. We had a hell of a housekeeper who did everything she could to get us out of the room. It beind Nawlins I didnt really want to piss her off because a lot of people know voodoo down there. If you think that shits a joke by the way your a damn fool. Dont ever piss anyone off who dabbles in that stuff, Jesus will barely be able to save you and Moses dont stand a chance. This little bitch knocked, called and hung up, ring and ditched, banged and even had another person ask me to get out. I decided to keep delaying our departure just to piss her off. When she poured sand outside the door I knew it was time to leave. My brother texted me a massive to see list and we decided to get started on it.

First bfast at St. Charles Tavern

Once fueled up it was time to hit the city. (Slide show coming tomorrow)

From the road...

2011-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Que pasa Home skillets?!

Right now the qt and I are at starbucks in Knoxville, TN filling up before we head out to our final destination (9hrs away) New Orleans. Weather is pretty fair. Open country skies, small cool breeze and everything is super green out here. Some of it is "cuntray" some of it is pretty modern. We are in a strip mall that smashes most of our malls, pretty dope.

We are making a snap load of videos called 'Updates'. They are crazy fun. Im kind of leaving it up to them to tell the whole story. Ive realized that too much caffine and excitement makes me cuss like a sailor so Im going to make an effort to tone it down in the next few videos. If you know me you know I love the use of dirty, real, gritty language and nothing is off limits. Please bare with me during my transformation of reformation.

We pulled into a small stop outside Knoxville last night around 128am. I had been up since 530am the previous morning as well as going through the games 5 wod. We ended up eating dinner around 1030 at a Waffle House. No I didnt get waffles :( We kept it pretty paleo and I massive dosed fish oil when I was done. Im going to try and do a Easter Post that should save a bunch of you a few pounds. Please tell others about this post. They dont have to read the other bs I post about but this post should be important.

Right now Im going to try and pull a 20-24hr fast so I really dont have to worry too much about whats for dinner. Not a lot of good late night options on the road. We did pack some goodies (larabars, coconut bars, cucumber) but forgot protein (Heather did, even after I reminded her). Il try and let the vids explain the rest of the trip.

Enjoy!

On the road again.....

slowest.....drivers......ever.......

INTERCOURSE!!!! yes the town name is Intercourse, of course.

I dont see that too often anymore....sun...

View

Road friends. One tried to get in the car. I was making a ton of inappropriate jokes with a word that sounds like 'wussy' but Il spare you all, or y'all.

Heather during a Rest stop WOD

Me battling the same wod.

Duck Tape: It will f**king fix anything.
What dent?

Recover

2011-04-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a little experiment and it was certainly interesting. I recommend this to everyone and anyone. Please do as I ask in the video and submit your own videos of such an experiment.

WARNING!!!!: I am partially naked in these videos. There was no way around it really. If you find yourself getting turned on or using this as porn ask yourself "why?!" I dont know what is appealing by this but if it stimulates you please just explain yourself to me. Thanks!

WARNING!!!!: Graphic language is also used. I couldnt help it after a point. Please do not watch or listen to these videos in public. That would just be weird. Also I recommend you try and talk as much as you can during the experiment because you will just sounds really drunk. Its hysterical. I dont remember saying half of the things I did.

Right now H N I are grabbing some bfast before we head out on the road. Wish us safe travels. It should be very interesting. We will of course keep you as updated as possible.

Take care and enjoy!

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

Friends over for Dinner!

2011-04-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

We named him Henry.
You can watch Heather screw things up in the first video. The second is of us actin' a fools...Why? Because we literally raped and pillaged the super market and got away with some great deals. Like our dinner guest for like $12 bucks!! Bad ass if you ask me. Also the band in the video playing is one of my favorites and if youve been in my classes you have for sure heard their old band. Their new band is Bars Of Gold and H and I are SO FREGGING excited because we are actually gona see them live next week. Enjoy the goofyness that is us in awe and jealousy.

Me post wod 2. Im trying to score points but everything works better in my head.

Oh yeah! She knows how to change her own oil. Most women dont even know how to change a tire. H! Changed her jacked her own car - changed her own oil - in the rain - at night. You aint got nothing....Now if I can only get her to cook something......

I helped. I held the light.

Friends over for Dinner.

It was like a de-feathered - bald - cold - naked baby.

Son of bitch is done and ready to eat!!

We called him Henry. Henry was delicious. Best dinner guest you could have over. He brought food, cooked it, and didnt talk.

Updates!!!

2011-04-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all!!
So finally here is an update from me. I decided to make a video that you can watch whenevers. Its kind of long, I didnt really think I would talk that long but I think its good stuff.

Warning: The mic is a lot better than I thought - so dont turn your volume up to loud because you will hear my heart beat.

Warning: I get kind of naked.

Overall its a pretty good update and conversation. Please feel free to watch half of it and then come back, watch it when you eat dinner and its like Im there with you. Its definitely a ramble.
Enjoy!!

Rambling up to date from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

New Jobs??

2011-04-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

So its been a while and the amount of concern you all showed about if Im ok was astounding. Please call off the search party. (If you dont know me by now then you wont figure out that the past 2 sentences were extremely sarcastic).

Anywho: Im in the process of trying to get 2 new jobs on top of my coaching position. It looks like no matter where I live I have to work at multiple jobs. Right now I am applying for a job at GNC supplement store. I actually have to reinterview Tuesday so hopefully that goes well and I can start there the next day. Why? Because everyone out here failed to tell me that I dont get paid for the coaching job until THE END OF THE SEASON...........................................................................................................
As most of you dont know, Ive been broke, completely broke about 2 weeks after I moved out here. There are several reasons of why which I wont go into because its rather complex. So basically I need to find other work because everything is actually down to survival now.

The other place I am trying to get my feet into is a wonderful gym called Crops Fitness (http://www.corpsfitness.net/). This is a very large gym (which will help me get used to a layout similar to Simi's new home which I am very excited to get back to) with an awesome group of instructors and amazing community of clients. I dont know what it is about me but I like me some military men. Andy Ret. Navy Seal and the owner of CF Chris is a former Marine.

Sunday I taught my 1st class at Corps Fitness which went awesome. How awesome? 12mins into the warm up one of the member told me "to go to hell." I knew I hadnt lost my touch. These people walk in the door and dont stop moving until they get back into their cars. They are used to running on all cylindars for an hour+. Its crazy to watch and Im getting a lot of new ideas ;) So I had to keep the wod for the day somewhat similar to the pace they are used to. But because I give movements I had to stop them so I could coach and they were like sponges. Here was the break down for the class:

Warm up:

400m Run

15x Shoulder roll - OHS - GM - MK

3x10 pull ups - push ups - T2B - Squat - Oly crawl

Tabata: 20sec Flutter kick - 10sec push up

Deadlift: 5-5-5-3-3-3

Wod:

15x #d Squats

10x Box Jump

5x GI Janes

200m Run

5 Rounds

1st girl in Pink shirt, knocked this out in just over 15min. She is a definite go get-er. Super bad ass performances. I gave them free range on picking their own weights for the squats and BJ height. They went ligther on the squat weight and higher on the boxes that I would have wanted or perscribed but it worked out for a different kind of ass-kicking.

Here are some pics from the day:

Nutrition Talk

2011-04-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all!!
Ive been making a lot of changes to nutrition due to research so recently Heather and I went at it and made a video about it. Enjoy!!

Remember the password is: biggestbird

Dinner Time Chat from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

In the news!!

2011-04-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

What up my dirty little rascals!!
Oh how Im starting to miss all of you....some of you.......just a handful......ok mainly the peopel that just owe me money. Im kidding!! I kid. I love you all and miss you. No one is updating me. No texts, no calls, its just me and the cold and the silence of the falling snow outside. Yes!! Its snowing!
FFFFFFFFFFFFF*&(*&*&&^*&^**&)(*&(@&#(*@#@$&(*&@#*!*(@&!(*@&!$(@*#KKKKK!!!!!

I honestly dont think Im ever really warm. And for you all complaining about the heat and texting me with the temperature out there: Knock that shit off. Its not funny or cute.

Whats new?? Ok here we go (This is gona be a big post. Maybe read a little - go for a walk - have a cup of coffee - read a little more - smoke a cigarette - its kind of like sex, take your time with it enjoy it. For some of you it may be too much of me to handle on in one sitting is all Im saying.

Work: Its going. Everyday its beyond cold. I havent worn just a T shirt 1 freaking time. All the other kids are running around, me? I trying to turn my back against the wind and rain and go to a warm place in my head. I think I have said before NONE of my clothes are PA proof, this is bullshit. Kids are doing well though. Im starting to get down more and more what I am actually coaching. Ive never done these movements before. I was actually kind of lied to when I got out here so I am adapting. I have taught 4 girls how to pole vault (I have attempted it a handful of times, Im not bad but I aint good, I would just need to practice at it). We had our first meet recently and we won every event except 1 so not bad but some have the kids on the team have some serious skills and they stand out. I like these kids more because of their abilities and somewhat less because they rely on their abilities to get them by rather than listening to me and taking my advice and excelling further. I have caught wind that I am quite the talk in the womens locker room. I had to only listen to part of what the informant was telling me. When she said "oh yeah, that girl would totally get with you" I had to draw a line sand. Some days I just walk around yelling "No TOuching!!" and making sure my words or actions are not miscontruded and twisted. I cant be in a room alone with students, no touching, language, jokes, etc. I swear some days, depending on how hyper the kids are being, I do more PR work for myself than coaching. So of the kids get on my nerves but its highschool and I remember very much what it was like to be in almost all of their shoes. I cant get mad at them just try and steer them a better way. The town I work in is super small so therefore is the mindset and mentality of some of the town folk. I recently got myself in a lot of trouble by giving a nutrition lecture. Basically what happened was some kids misheard - didnt understand - or twisted what I said and then told other coaches and their parents. Their parents have contacted the school asking why I would recommend "no fruits, strict Atkins and no grains" to their kids. I wanted to respond "because your kid is fat" but I dont know who was the kid or parent so I had to explain in detail what is Paleo. Ive tried arguing science and even "look at me. Look at them. Who would you want to look or perform like." With little budging. The kids are ok with what Im saying, the adults are not. I feel like Kevin Bacon in Footloose. You know me I like causing a ruckus ;)

Play:
Recently (Officially last Wed 3/23) and then this past Sunday (3/27) Heather and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary. This was a big deal for both of us so we partied it up folks. Let the reigns go, kicked our shoes off, let our guard down basically everything short of stripping down to birthday suits and running through the zoo setting the animals free. Below are some pics of that and us with some of the little kids at this place called "The Please Tough Museum." Which is a cool place until you realize that it really is: the adult world made small and fun with no real rules. If you can imagine going through the regular day but with the mentality of a child. It was fantastic people watching: watching parents with children, children with children, the occasional pedo running around. I could write a book. The best thing is something I call "mommy boobies." What are mommy boobies?! Well Im glad you asked, its basically a young mother with still inflated breasts in a very inappropriate low cut top...basically hang out. Tons of nipple slips. I was not turned on in the least, more over just shocked and I could not for the life of me stop singing "My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard and their like its better than yours!" So there is some pics of that.
Enjoy the slide show!

I actually dont know these kids...Kidding. I love ducks!!

They were captivated by my vast knowledge of operating machines.

I never did understand this book.....

Fingers are food too.

These are the snack choices they had for everyone. Pizza, soup, hot dogs, pasta....wow....

See mom!! He's not just in my head!! Tea time with the March Hare (In March!!) and the Mad Hatter. This was my favorite part because if you know me you know I am a Huge Alice In Wonderland fan and they had a whole section dedicated to it.

They did have gluten free options. These werent half bad for you.

Drink options: 1) Sugar juice 2) Soda 3) Diabetes (3 actually comes with both 1 and 2 :)

Beginning of Operation Anniversary. We stopped and fueled up for game time with some Fraps from SB.

Doesnt look the best but holy snaps is it tasty. It Cajun and damn good. Its called a P'oh Boy Special.

Oh yes. Could you have just one?

The other section. Its amazing. I love coming here. All kinds of samples and no nutritional info - none needed.

Dinner. We love an Absinthe bar called TIME. A-mazing bar bugers, fantastic salad, usually live music and super super chill. I wish they had one in LA. So much fun to hang out and eat there. By far one of my favorite places.

WOD one and other BS

2011-03-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Its so.....so.........so f**king cold here!! The weather refuses to make up its friggin mind so one day its hot (think low 60s) next days its rain/lightening/snow next day the sun is out but its freezing ass cold. Weather reports are useless, looking outside is useless, almost all of my REI stuff is useless. I'm in the process of trying to cut down body fat % and I am starting to think that it may be a bad thing because some extra tires around my mid section could keep me warmer.

Really?!?!?!

What sucks worse is I feel like I'm getting it the worst with the weather. Some of these kids will literally show up with short and a t shirt to practice and I'm wearing A) High socks b) long johns (paints and shirt) c) under armor heat gear d) shirt e) sweater f 2 jackets. Its only a matter of time of me standing on the field that I start to lose feeling in my hands, limbs, ears, nose, mouth.

I'm gona have to do a post on how coaching is actually going. Hopefully tomorrow. There is a bunch of funny stuff going on with it. But as per what my lawyer allows me to say, I have been advised to keep my mouth shut (that's legal speak) about certain topics. If you would like the full x-rated version you will have to contact me some other way.
Really all that's been going on is work, training, eating. We are finally going to have some fun couple time this weekend that we are both really looking forward to. We are going to the Please Touch Museum.....I'm sure all of you, every single one just had a dirty thought.........for shame.....and then hanging out with her mom, bro and maybe some friends and then Sunday we are going into the city to the farmers market (one of our favs) to indulge in some of the tastiest things they have (il post a full confession) and then probably going shopping so we have food for the rest of the week. Below are some pics we have been taking so enjoy! Right now I'm going to switch blogs and post the recipes and info you all have been waiting for.
If I haven't heard from you please leave a comment, text or call me. I miss you guys. I know you got some rain recently??? It wasn't actual rain, don't worry, it was me crying over the city about not being there.
XOXOXOX

Took this before H and I went for a 6am morning jog. It was drizzly and there were lightening flashes and like fools we both wore dark clothes. We lived and we are better for it though.

A lil late night foam rolling session.

My dinner, some night.

Our diner: salad, steak, sweet potatoes+cinnamon+apple butter.

3 Year Anniversary set up (I made her dinner:)

3 year anniversary execution: BBQ chicken Meatza, veggie stir fry, choco balls. Like I told wendy: there are two ways to a girls heart; through her eyes or through her stomach. If you cant buy something shiny just make her something tasty.

Me post wod.

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

Dwelling

2011-03-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here it finally is folks!! My humble-eloquent-sytlish-modern-santuary-escape from the world-cave of wonders..... or better known as "Home."

Enjoy the Video!! (The password for the video is: biggestbird)

"So who knows the difference between houses and homes??...When you're lost and you're found.....that's when you'll know."
~Cursive

Untitled from Christopher Espinosa on Vimeo.

In the News

2011-03-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

What's going on folks!!??

So the sun is out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was amazing!! Truly amazing. I have missed it so, so much. Its been fleeting if it has been out because basically if there is space in the never-ending clouds it will momentarily light up my world and then quickly disappear. It was actually warm today (55F?) and even had to kick on the air conditioning which sucks because Im never ok, or in a consistent temp throughout the day. So it was actually ok to be outside today watching everyone do their track thing.

Speaking of which, it has been going pretty well but I have to look into more details concerning the actual technique of what the heck is going on. Most of the guys are down to try anything really even if they know they will look goofy or get hurt. The girls are almost scared to do anything. Ive been coasting on just general guide lines but now its getting serious and its coming down to finding the devil in the details. Hand position, foot position, the amount of steps required, rules etc etc. Ive never done this before so I am inexperienced and completely uneducated concerning the details. I can get peeps to run faster, jump higher no problem but pole vault - get the hell out, Ive got nothing for you. So mainly I look out of place for 15% of the time then we end up in the gym or need to stretch and then my A game shines. I'm liking it though, none of the kids have attitude or don't want to be apart of what I'm doing (and if they don't want to listen I just don't talk in their direction), they cuss for me, they pay attention, they love doing mobility stuff and they are really putting forth effort. Its a little bit tough when boys and girls are together because it gets inappropriate fast (between them, I stay out of it) and everyone gets distracted. Normally though I stand out there and completely freeze my azz off. Its been getting so cold that I actually will lose my ability to talk correctly. I basically sound like I'm drunk - so I do a lot of finger pointing and hand gesturing.

Apartment tour coming up soon, probably by the weekend. In the mean time enjoy some pics we snapped tonight of us making dinner - which was SO amazing!! I'm performing the 1st qualifying workout tomorrow after practice for the Crossfit Games. My hips are extremely tore up. Today alone I have stretched - rolled- LAX'd 3x iced 2x and even got stimulus treatments where the coach hooked (literally) my ass up to electrodes and shocked me for 15 mins, 4th strangest thing I have ever felt back there. Hopefully all heals well by tomorrow and I get 9 rounds on the wod. I will post the video here as well as send it to CF HQ and CFSV HQ.

Take care every body!!

The cutest kitchen helper ever!!

Slicin' and dicin' bitchez!!

2 birds - 1 stone: Refuel & Recover. LAX ball at dinner :)

GLORY!!!

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Like true G's plates cleaned. Ive learned well from Andy - there is no such thing as "left overs."

No Oats Oatmeal!! Thats right we found it and its for tomorrows Bfast! :)

Moving - Moved - Tour

2011-03-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Hello every-body!!

So I know there was a break in my posts and I am sure that all of you were like super concerned and just chomping at the bit to hear from me.........I'm sure........

News!!:
We moved! It was a horrible 4 day experience with all kinds of bumps and hiccups along the way but we got it done. And just you wait until you see the place....that's all I'm gona say.

I learned something about Heather this past weekend!...........She has way too much stuff. Like WAY. I think she has a sweater fetish, although I can understand from the weather but I mean: COME ON!! Maybe I will count and give you guys a tally. We are trying to adjust to our new place and get settled. The funnest place is the kitchen. We have been making some good and sometimes tasty things and should probably do a video on such activities.

I should be doing a video on our apartment soon. Tomorrow I have to go to the ER and the chiro so I'm not exactly happy. Coaching is going well but I may just sum that up in a vid post as well.

In the mean time enjoy this recent video of me showing you around town. Enjoy!

Something to think about

2011-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

I came across this in the 2012 book and thought it was amazing. I switched the paragraphs around because the second one ends with such a slam in your face about truth, the self and reality its incredible.

Similar to the famous line: "You think that's air you're breathing?"

Post to comments your immediate feelings and reaction, Id love to hear them!

Let the Enlightement BEGIN!!

Excerpt from A Singularity in Time - Peter Russell

Prophets of Wisdom
Another consistent realization of the awakened ones is that the essential nature of mind, uncluttered by worry and chatter, is one of deep ease, joy and love. Not recognizing this, most of us look to the world around us to provide us with peace and happiness. But despite all the messages from marketing and advertisting industries, things and events do not bring happiness. On the contrary, our minds are so full of scheming, planning and worrying whether or not we will get what we think will make us happy, we seldom experience the peace and ease that lie at our core.

The enlightened ones have realized the illusory nature of the concept of a unique individual self. When we examine our experienes closely, delving deep into the nature of what we call "I," we find that there is nothing there - no thing, that is. This sense of "I-ness" that we all know so well and that has been with us all our lives, is just our sense of being. It is awareness itself - so familiar, yet completely intangible. Thus it cannot be "known" in the ordinary sense. Not realizing this, we seek to give our sense of self some form, some substance. We dress it up in various psychological clothes - all the things we think we are, or would like to think we are. This is the reverse of the emperor having no clothes. With true self-awareness, one discovers there are lots of clothes, but no emperor inside them.

Pics from Yesterday:

Best view of the day.

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For those who miss the horrible sound of my voice

2011-03-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos I made using my badazz laptop webcam. Some of you think I'm bitching too much so here is some footage of me stuck in a car doing not-a-damn-thing. Enjoy!

Also NOTICE: I got in trouble for this: My parents were super troopers in helping me get out here. They changed the locks before I left, put my stuff on the curb before I left and even slapped me on the bottom yelling "GO! GO! GO!" when they pulled up to the airport and kept the car rolling so I could jump out and practice my 'tuck and roll' cause as my mom says "you'll never know when you are gona use it!"

Im kidding. They noticed the airport was closed (yes airports close) rather than abandon me to the wolves they hung out with me at IHOP amongst the drunks until we all felt it safe enough to leave me behind all at 340 in the morning. I couldn't have made it without them, extend that for life in general actually. It was a horrible long drive out there and they drove home and watched the sun come up. I miss them. They were super supportive and awesome. I love them. I hope they aren't having too much fun without me but I do hope they are enjoying themselves and their first time ever in their relationship and marriage without the "babies" around.

Updates from the Giant

2011-03-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Where I kick it with coffee and Internet connection.

Thank you for those who noticed that I hadn't posted anything for like 2 days and sent out a rescue party to find me.

I am still adjusting to the time difference and its throwing me off. On top of that I don't have a schedule - I have Heathers schedule and dammit you MUST abide by that thing unless you want "The Wrath." Internet single is scarce and carefully guarded like a Mother Lion would a cub. I'm dark out here, its basically whites, blacks, me. Oh! Occasionally there are a few middle eastern-ers but they don't really leave the Dunkin Doughnuts they own. I think they live there but I am not 100% sure on that.

So whats been up?

Ok so 1st day of coaching was Monday. It went over pretty well and like I mentioned to a few of you before I left I am in charge of Jumpers. Those being the long jump, double and triple jump, high jump and pole vault. I have one female who wants to try pole vaulting (it took everything within me not to make dirty jokes during this conversation) and 2 males who already do pole vaulting. One broke 3 meta-tarsals in his foot last year and the crazy little bugger still wants to do it. Hats off to him. He's is actually one of my favorites of the kids, probably because he is stronger and faster than the rest, so I have singled him out.

All of you forgot to tell me that Track and Field is an outside sport. SHAME on all of you. I didn't bring enough clothes or beanies or body fat for this shit. Every time we have practice I curl into a ball and get into the fetal position shiver and cry. It is SO windy on the hill where the field is. After this I should totally be able to pass Navy Seal Training....naked...with a smile...the entire time. Practice was short and we did some outside Plyo stuff like jump squats, jumping lunges, broad jumps and burpee broad jumps..so right away they didn't like me.
We went inside though to the gym shortly after the warm up and I gained all their respect by teaching the Deadlift, Press, Back Sqaut and Pull Up/Body Row. These kids only want to lift really and they were super excited when I said if I had my way we would lift everyday. They nicknamed me "Coach King Leonidas" after seeing me do pull ups and muscle ups.
Its hard to watch my language and hold back jokes. There is one black kid on the team and they all (including him) make racial like jokes - even the coaches, which kind of shocked me. I have seen 3 confederate flags while driving around, so naturally I keep a low profile. No one has asked me "what are you?" yet and I am sure none of them know anything about the middle east so luckily I don't have to deal with dumb ass questions like "are you Persian?"

Yesterday it was UBER windy and freezing. I until yesterday, have only been training the boys. When I was walking across the field I was approached by 3 younger girls jogging towards me. Naturally, I resorted back to what I did in high school......I ran like a mutha F**ka in the opposite direction!!! Kidding, they came up and we exchanged introductions and started playing 20 questions: "are you the new coach?!" "Are you gona coach us?" etc. I told them what I knew and when I mentioned lifting everyday which is my intent they lit up and proclaimed me the best coach ever. Then the lead female track coach came down and went OFF on them. I guess they aren't suppose to be talking to male athletes or coaches. They got in a bunch of trouble from what it seemed like. This may be because all of my paperwork hasn't come back yet. Later the same head coach asked if I could "take them" while everyone else trained. Turns out I will be training them. The boys were tested running sprints as fast as possible for time trials and I put the girls through the same warm up (they didn't complain an ounce) and workout as I did with the boys the day before.

In the gym they did a fantastic job. I could sense they were uncomfortable because everyone else in the weight room was a male. Trying to teach 3 female athletes surrounded by hormonal gawking teenage boys was tough, even I felt shy but they did super well. I used "California speak" and they thought it was amazing. Im like an alien here (no mexican jokes please). I was super impressed by how athletic they already were. Each could nail between 3-5 dead hang pull ups and I almost cried from joy. A lot of the other head coaches came out and over to check to see what I was doing and I completely understand. I have to be EXTREMELY careful of how I conduct myself. Ive always been able to be hands on in some way with clients but in this setting I have safety mitts, 10 feet of distance giving instructions behind 3 inches thick bullet proof glass. I get it though and this is how I should behave. I wasn't sure if they were into ANYTHING I was saying or doing but when the Athletic Director came over to see how I was doing the girls said I'm the best coach and should be head coach of everything. I asked them later if they were lying and they said no. I will believe them for now. I was up front with them because I feel like I need to be. I said if anything makes them uncomfortable or they don't want to/like to do something to let me know. I offered nutrition help which they all want and we ended the day foam rolling and stretching. Hopefully they will still talk to me.

I am trying to help Heather be more efficient. She gets caught up doing bs things and all of a sudden hours have passed. Unfortunately she is doing and handling a LOT. Some good, some bad, some just annoying life things. I am trying to help her as much as possible because she is overwhelmed by so much. I'm surprised she isnt fat because she has a lot on her plate (thats a joke people, do you see what I did there??) On top of it she tries super hard to be there for everyone and anyone but leaves nothing for herself. She spreads herself paper thin, transparent...everyday almost. We are having some pretty fun times but not even really seeing each other. Its fantastic to be this close to her though. Am I having fun? No, to be honest. I'm still living out of a suitcase, my bed sucks, the weather is worse I have created my own time zone and this is just me being a whiney bitch. I'm not having a bad time, I am some where in between. This is the transistion and I understand that, its not really suppose to be a blast and I was prepared for that. Its pretty relaxed and I'm not really killing myself doing anything just adjusting.

Today we should be signing the lease for the apartment. The apartment manager seems to be a testy bitch and if she rubs me the wrong way I just gonna walk out. I cant give someone access to my bank account, sign a contract with and be held under any rules and restrictions if they are immediately acting unfavorably. I am super excited to have my own place out here with Heather though. At least my clothes will be cleaner (its a joke mom.)

Eating has been kind of rough as well. As most of you know I have switched over to IF (intermittent fasting- google it if you all don't know or read my other blog) and meal timing has become difficult. I try to eat around 1, having to pack a pretty hefty meal and then I pretty much cant eat again sometimes until 9. There is literally just no time. I may have to switch my schedule around some but I am just trying to workout the details. I am not used to the stores out here so food choices were limited and unfortunately expensive. I am going to search out alternatives this weekend with Heather. I feel good over all except for the low back issue which I may have to see a chiro over and I am NOT at all happy about that idea. Sleep has been tough, uncomfortable bed (because its not a bed is a horrible mistake of a wannabe futon made for a midget) and its either super hot or super cold. I had another out of body experience the other day while trying to catch up on sleep that was very very interesting.

I just realized how negative this post is and how much I'm crying like a wuss!! Maybe this is my version of being home sick?? I'm just not adjusted. It should get better. I'm looking forward to it. I don't really have anything to worry about just need to get stuff done and help out the munchkin. Works cool and I'm liking it more and more each day. It was honestly like the first day of high school all over again; no one talked to me, everyone stared, I wasn't wearing the right clothes etc but I keep telling myself the same thing my mom told me my first day of Kindergarten "Quit being a p***y!"

I Miss my brother.

I'm rambling. Too much coffee in the blood stream, not enough water. Yes I noticed I used some bad words in this post, I cant cuss at school so I have to hear. Actually before practice I turn the radio up and sit in the car and go through a whole torrets-tantrum that would make a sailor blush to get it out of my system. Im taking photos and should be able to post em by the end of the weekend. Is everyone finding my stories?? See ya!

Started reading this today, should be done by tonight. Its coming folks!! Dont get it twisted!!

Kittens

2011-03-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Its pouring kittens out here. Literally kittens. All different kinds and colors. They make small little meows when they land on the ground, of course, always on their feet.

Its cold. To cold for sex. Removing layers and exposing skin for any reason sends shivers through synapses. Even the idea of being intimate becomes iced over by the thought of having to undress. I don't know how Eskimos have survived.

I am never warm. Showers? A heater? Yes! Its here, they have them but its fleeting. Once you step back in the shower to reach for the soap your over come with frost. You don't want to get out once you get in. No need for a towel, you just stand-shiver-shake the water right off. No wonder people are fatter out here, they need it for survival. Its life choice - one you make if you choose to stay alive.

DON'T TOUCH ME!! NO TOUCHING!! They have become catch phrases. Hands are always cold. No one warned me. Snow on the ground. Its teasing me, it looks how I feel. I try not to sweat because I don't want to create icicles. The sun isn't real. It doesn't do a.....godforsaken....thing.......

Something I wrote recently about such topics:

8. To me life can best be analogized by the moments on cold Midwestern days when, through the frost mid-afternoon air, you blow warmth into your trembling hands. For seconds your fingertips ignite like match heads, your palms burn, but only briefly. The warmth fades quickly and the tragic realization of cold hurries through the cracks. You stand there, shaking in the sun, surrounded by snow, inhaling and exhaling even though you know damn well its not going to make any difference.

The Party is Over

2011-03-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

I guess this is like the first official post. I am WAY to caffinated right now so lets see how this goes.

I left the party Friday and went home to finish packing. This was way harder than I thought to separate what I needed and wanted, what I could live without and the harsh realization, much like Jack, I own random, mostly unnecessary shit. My parents and I left for the airport around 1230 almost 1am and took what seemed like the never ending drive down to John Wayne Airport. I forgot that it is located pretty much in San Diego.

When we did get to the airport it was closed. No, that's not a type-o folks, it was funking closed. Dead. 3 TSA agents, some guy vacuuming and me. I convinced my parents that we should go hang out at IHOP for at least an hour to see if it opens and so I can get some coffee. I was afraid of falling asleep and the possibilities of the following: 1) missing my flight 2) having someone steal my stuff 3) ending up doing something weird in my sleep in front of everyone 4) someone touching me. Why is 4 the last thing I was worried about? Good question.

So its my parents and me at an IHOP with about 20 severely drunk younger groups of what looked like club goers and flight attendants. Everyone was wearing way too short of a skirt and I'm not really sure if they were all girls. When we entered you could hear and smell some poor bastard who couldnt hold his liquor well for shit giving it all back to the drain in the bathroom. My parents had breakfast, I had 2 cups of coffee and by 330 in the morning they really didnt care if I had to wait on the curb. So they left me, in a nice way, and I parked myself inside until the airport opened at 5am. You think airports are boring?? Try being in one when NO ONE is there. It was a hoot! I waited for my flight and in all of my tiredness punched out this short story some time later. Enjoy! Story

This is what John Wayne AP looks like at 3:38am on a Sunday. I am surprised I wasnt detained, questioned or arrested for taking pictures.

One of the 3 books Im reading and kept me awake, entertained and untouched. I read 3 books at a time. Cant really tell you why. ADD much??

A Man the World could not Slay

2011-03-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Long Goodbye:

Full hearted hugs had.

I want to sincerely thank those who came out to wish me (as well as Jesse and Ian kind of) a fond farewell as I departure to the cold weather of the east coast and the warm arms of someone I completely love.

I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out last night. Surprised because I wasn’t sure as to the full extent of the relationship that had been formed between me and you. Between the “fuck you’s” and “you are the devil incarnate” and “Oh No!! You’re coaching this class?!!?! NO!” I wasn’t expecting a warm good bye. As I said during the event I am not sure if you guys are excited for this opportunity I am pursuing or excited I am leaving. Probably both.

I do have to say that I owe almost each of you an immense thank you. Most of you saw me at my complete worst and occasional best and probably never knew the difference between either. Some of you have known me for 3 years and I would not be the person I am today and in the position I am in if it wasn’t for all of you. Each of you has shown up at our door step searching for betterment and at the very least an ass-kicking. Each of you has allowed me an opportunity to make an effort in improving you in some way. I cannot thank Andy and Cathy enough for allowing me the chance to try and make a difference in other people’s lives, hopefully in a positive direction. All of you have come seeking a positive change in the Look, Perform and Feel better categories. Through daily research, learning, testing, succeeding and failing I have made serious efforts to change you and in turn have changed myself as well. I’ve literally dreamed of WODs. I have woken up many mornings at 5 am lying in bed or taken sun rising drives thinking of who is going to show up for class, what they expect of me and what they would like to do to improve. I have taught people the naturally ability of squatting at least 2,000 times. I hope that I have had an impact on you like you have on me. I have made friends and forged elite bonds with people that I would not want to lose in life.

This iron game is an interesting one. There are no real winners or losers just those who suffer because we believe that through self-destruction we can find self-improvement. That through the inducing of sometimes extreme pain we can better ourselves and improve in a positive way even though this is an extremely flawed logic and fallacy.

I hope that soon we can meet again under long flickering halogen bulbs on concrete or thick rubber mats inside some industrial box gripping unforgiving cold foreign steel and make pour from our brows and souls our imperfections, fear and love. I hope that I have taught you something. I hope that you remember it when you sit back in your heels, find it in the bottom of your squat, feel it in the trembling of your elbows as you force lock out, hear it in your breath in the drop of a burpee or full extension of a box jump. I hope I remain there in those moments. I have shared an incredible amount with several of you. I’d move away from the cliché “blood, sweat and tears” and say there has been more. More than and including but not limiting to: laughs and triumphs, defeats and harsh realizations, not just the occasional smear of blood on pull up bars or the horrible heavy wretching sound made during dry heaving. I have been there for conquered and failed PR’s, times of finding another gear deep within yourself or those precious moments of completely letting go and giving up(in). I thank you because you have been there for my own such moments and did not turn your back on me. As hard as it is to believe I ask you to try and understand I have only wanted the best for you. Since that first hand shake all I have wanted to know is your goals both inside and outside the box and I have strived daily, late into the night and even on days off to turn them into accomplishments. I pushed you because I thought it was the right thing to do, because I believed in the soles of my shoes that what I was doing was good for you and most importantly because you let me. I know it hurt. I hurt alongside you. I will hurt across the country for you because you, I believe, want and hope the same accomplishments for me. You came last night and showed me what one person can do, the impact one person can have. The house filled and bodies strung about outside and each of you looked me square in the eye and thanked me and wished me well. That is a feeling I can never repay. I meant it when I sincerely and whole heartedly thanked you in return.

Again, I thank you.

-Coach Chris

Try to understand

2011-03-04T02:02:00.000-08:00

I know some of you are confused or rather perplexed over my decision to take a hiatus. Ultimately all I can say is; you wouldn't understand. Even for those of you who "know" of my relationship still dont really understand.

Maybe though you can begin to try and conjure up an idea from the words in these pages: Reason

Departure

2011-03-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

For those who do not know I was offered the coaching job in Philadelphia and accepted. I will be moving out there March 5^th.

A lot of people are looking at this as some sort of abandonment or separation or even break up which it is most definitely not. This was an EXTREMELY tough decision to make but after reviewing it with those that were close to me, there was really only one option.

The job I am accepting is SEASONAL. A lot of people for whatever reason think that I am moving and never coming back, this is not true at all. I will be out there until some time in June but could in fact be back sooner. I still have every ones best interest, goals and agendas in mind and in no way am I turning my back on that.

This blog has been started to detail almost every damn thing that I do training, nutrition, supplementation, sleep wise and other while I am gone.

Like I said, and please believe me, this decision has weighed heavily on me. It was anything but easy and when I actually got the Ok from people whose opinions I value greatly I felt worse about it. Everyone has admitted than any reason they would use to persuade me to stay would be done out of selfish (but well intended selfishness) intentions. Both my reasons for staying and going would very well fall into this exact selfishness. I would like to have my pie and eat it too but this choice has made me realize that there are several other people that I share my pie with. Ultimately though, this is something I need to do for someone I truly love. I hope that fact is something that you and others can focus on rather than just my absence.

In short due time I will leave something that would hopefully give better insight in to why I am doing what I am doing. Until then, your guess is as good as mine...