#39 HOT OVER 40! WISDOM, WIT & WONDER 1/20/13

7%      

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
 
Are you one of the 7%?  

You'd be happier and healthier if you were, Oh and hot too!
 I printed this and posted it on my closet door.  A great reminder every morning. 

 THE 42 LESSONS LIFE TAUGHT ME 

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.


12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
 
15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

 26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

 29.However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

  30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
 

 36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield. Winning isn't always worth it.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."



Oh and as an addition, my 92 year old mom advised,
"Read Shakespeare!"

It's estimated 93% won't share this. If you are one of the 7% who will, share this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%.  Are you?

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#38 HOT OVER 40! LIVE IT! DO IT! GO FOR IT! 1/1/13

 2013

LIVE IT! DO IT! GO FOR IT!

This post is very inspiring. 

Please read this link from "Tiny Buddha".

"Happiness comes to those who live their calling."
I promise you will love it.

Live your dreams - no one else can.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/happiness-comes-to-those-who-live-their-calling/

 

A toast to all of you - may good fortune, friends and fun find you this year 

Up On The Roof ....  right smack dab in the middle of town.... I found a Paradise that's trouble proof..... -- thx James Taylor!

xo jo

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#36 HOT OVER 40! HOT HEADED BABE 10/31/12

OH, NO YOU DI'NT!

OK SO ITS HALLOWEEN, A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATIONS AND WEARING COSTUMES CHOSEN TO REFLECT ONE'S ALTER EGO'S, SELF IMAGE, INTERESTS OR JUST PLAIN WISHFUL THINKING...
A GOOD TIME TO THROW SOME EGGS AROUND TOO.
SNARKS 'n SNOOTERS BE- AWARE!

I UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE WHO FEEL THE NEED TO FEEL SUPERIOR ARE REALLY JUST MASKING THEIR DEEP INSECURITIES....  

USUALLY I CAN OVER LOOK SUCH BLATANT  IMMATURITY.
(can we get past highschool? really!)
HOWEVER AT TIMES, AS DAD ADVISED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STAND.
Bad behavior is bad behavior-this ain't the stage its real life.
(I am a Bronx gal - we don't take crap from anybody)

The snide aside can be overheard.
HAHAHA, QVC, HOHOHO, BRAZIL WHAT LIFT? TEEHEEHEE.   HMMMMM........
YOU WANT TO LAUGH? DISPARAGE? MOCK?
I GAINED WEIGHT BECAUSE I HAD CANCER AND HAD A HYSTERECTOMY SO WITHOUT OVARIES - I BALLOONED 40 lbs.IN 2 MONTHS! That's how my body reacted to zero hormones.

I don't need sympathy just maturity. Jeez, get a life will ya!

IT TOOK ME 7 YEARS TO DISCOVER HOW TO LOSE THE FINAL 25 lbs. AFTER ONLY BEING ABLE TO LOSE 15 ON MY OWN.
THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND. 7 YEARS
I wasn't a potato chip munching coucher either. I was really trying.
NOT 2 OR 4 MONTHS
BUT 2,555 DAYS OF HAVING TO GET DRESSED, DISLIKING THE IMAGE THAT WAS REFLECTED BACK AT ME. (perhaps, privately you can relate?)
It affected my work opportunities and my interactions with people.
 
I WAS EXERCISING AND EATING HEALTHILY SO I THOUGHT I WAS DOING ALL THE RIGHT STUFF. I WASN'T.
BECAUSE MY ENTIRE CONSTITUTION  HAD CHANGED.
I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF IN A DIFFERENT WAY.  A MUCH MORE INTENSE, VIGOROUS, DISCIPLINED WAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE. 
I NOW REALIZED I COULD TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
Not one "ok a forkful", not one " I want to sleep in today," not one " I am just too, too busy."  Now none of that was - or still is - allowed.

BRAZIL BUTTLIFT CAME INTO MY LIFE AND VIA DILIGENCE,  AND LEARNING WHAT I NOW NEEDED TO DO, (WITHOUT THOSE HORMONES taken waaaaaaay before my time),
PLUS ALOT OF COMPASSION FROM LEANDRO (& Lara - she's low profile but pivotal too) 
I DID IT. I GOT BACK TO BELONGING TO MYSELF.

It was, and will always be, alot of hardwork however, I am so glad I found that avenue; so I don't appreciate anyone trying to make less of it. It takes commitment and discipline on a daily basis.  How many individuals can attest to that?
 
So, yes, the name might sound funny. Heck it is!  Saturday Night Live could have a blast with it...... I hope they do one day. I could be the butt of the joke. With pleasure!
Oh, and let me remind you I CAN CLIMB 20 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS as a cardio warmup - and do it 4 more times in a row ---- for the nay sayers, "can you?"

"Maybe somebody was cruel to you
So you think that's what you're supposed to do
One day, it might be you
When you need a friend, but you no longer cool  ....." (Rachel Crow)

And now that my "oh no you did'nt" moment has passed,  (its better to enunciate,afterall) if you feel poofy, bloated & out of shape - contact me.  I am always willing to help out. 

             I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY. JOANNA


oh and I do some really crazy ear tricks too...got me my first commercial with that ability. Sure it's not Chekhov, but a nice check nonetheless. Who would have thunk it?

HALLOWEEN and HOLIDAY EATING TIP:
don't deny, indulge but with only 1 or 2 candies --- Three Musketeers in small size can fit the chocolate craving, along with KitKats --- not too fattening or calorie laden compared to other candy treats.  Apple slices covered with cinnamon work well too.

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#35 HOT OVER 40! "WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD" 10/11/12

LOUIE ARMSTRONG

AN ICON

AN ICONOCLAST

AN IDEAL

HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS SINGING ABOUT

when you need succour for your soul, turn to this song...

I believe it will sweeten your perspective.

TAKE A MOMENT...

LISTEN....

after all it's the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy.

Oh and how does this relate to being Italian?  Well, my Italian Dad introduced me to this song --- it was once of his "lessons about life."  So for me, this song is Italian!

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I dedicate this blog to mia familgia, and my very close amici - I look around me and realize what a wonderful world I have.  Molti grazie for having you in my life - when healthy or sick, heavy or skinny, young or older....;), flushed or flimsy.  You are always there for me. Abondanza! And especially to Spinny, Spiffy, Speedy & Sparky; Shuffles who when last seen was still in the Arctic; and all the rest of the gang.  xojo

CREATING ONE'S WONDERFUL WORLD
 -- give everyone you love a hug and special hello today- preferably in person.  Then watch everyone smile.  Now, wasn't that just Wonderful?!?




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# 26 HOT OVER 40! CELEBRATE YOUR EXISTENCE 7/15/12

BLUE COLLAR BABES
ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATE YOUR EXISTENCE

"I HOPE YOU DANCE"

Songwriters: SANDERS, MARK DANIEL / SILLERS, TIA M.

I love the lyrics to this song.  They speak of joy, taking chances, appreciating the beauty that exists all around you, and simply loving Being.

On your birthday remember to cherish yourself, your loved ones and the simple fact of being alive.
I play this song on my birthday to remind me of what is important in life.  
The purpose of this blog is to share with you my philosophy that it's not just about looking good on the outside, it's about how one chooses to live one's life.  Make choices every day that reflect what good you want to appear not only in your life but in the lives of other's close to home and around the world. 
Find & share the beauty within and without.  

 

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance ....
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart
 

Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion, always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

And if you get the chance to sit it out or dance, please do dance, soar, move, exhult, laugh, frolic and sing.

HAPPY BIRTH-DAY -
THE DAY YOU ENTERED THIS WORLD &
ADORNED IT WITH YOUR PRESENCE.

It's July -- HAPPY BDAY AMERICA!

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#22 HOT OVER 40! SURVIVING CANCER - I RUN FOR ME, MY MOTHER, FOR LIFE 5/12/12

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I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A CANCER SURVIVOR-- MAY 25th, 2002.

 I survived cancer. But hated the way I looked. 

I gained my life. But lost my self-esteem. 

For 7 years. 

Then - * I got the woman in the mirror I liked to see back again. 

I am determined to make up for those 7 lost years.

In between, I learned that we all really need and want to feel beautiful.  That society puts way too much pressure on woman to be skeletal skinny and prepubescent and that there is a huge prejudice for any woman out there who is a size 8,10, 12 or 14. 

 I had a conundrum. 

I feel magnificent as a size 4, fat as a size 10 --- so what can my philosophy be? 

"Are you a hypocrite?", I asked myself.

No.

My viewpoint is:

I am not advocating skinny, nor am I condoning too much fat.  Neither is good - both are reflections of poor eating habits and perhaps poor exercise regimes.

I decided to propose & promote a positive outlook --- 

to seek health and happiness based upon your own values.  Not Vogues.

The thinking that "taking care of yourself" is important.

A tall building won't stay upright without a deep foundation and strong supports.  The same goes for your body- it needs proper food and exercise to excel.  Take care of the inside and the outside will take care of itself. Your spirit needs to wonder and feel light.  That's why we love mountain aeries.  Feeling close to the sky transports you.  You must have moments in life when you feel as if you can jubilantly soar through the Heavens.

 

The more  you take care of yourself, the better and lighter you feel. Your mind and emotions need to feel inspired.  Creating new ways of eating, moving and then yes adorning, create a sense of well-being.

LIVING IS ABOUT HAPPINESS.

 I want everyone to look and feel as pretty as they can, based upon there own comfort levels. Because I know, I know that no matter what any woman says, she wants to look and feel beautiful.

The reason why I am a lunatic in the gym?  

Because I can be.

Because I am still here. 

I could have been LONG gone. 

I am grabbing Life and not letting go. 

No one can stop me. No one can pull me down. 

I won't let myself and I won't let anyone else.  

AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.


No matter where you are in your journey to look good and feel beautiful, remember that you are alive and able. 
Just start.  It will become a wondrous adventure full of surprises. You will surprise yourself the most. 
I guarantee it.

 Sure there are setbacks.  Life is about "dancing in the rain" afterall. Any rebirth symbolism involved water; a sprinkle or a plunge, drinking or sweating, it's all the same.

When I am in a class and basically moving at 100 mph an hour while others drop around me.  I am not showing off. 

I am exhilarating in the fact that I can move,
that I am alive.
 

I am not competing -
I am exhulting in movement and breath and life. 
I look in the mirror and I am grateful, incredulous and absolutely amazed.

Working out has become a celebration. 

So yes, I run  for my mom who has survived not one but TWO bouts of breast cancer, and I run for me. 

The scars on my body are my testiment, her testiment, every woman's testiment.  They say "I have survived." 

YES! I RUN FOR LIFE!

If  you are a cancer survivor I would love to hear from  you. 

   

If you would like to read some other blogs about cancer, my fitness and weight loss journey and getting your groove back with Brazil Buttlift 
see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

Fitness tip: Brazil Buttlift w/ Leandro Carvalho  www.leandrofitness.com

*thanks Leandro - I may not be a VS model, but who cares? I feel like a gorgeous one and at my age --- that is enough for me!

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#17 HOT OVER 40! MARILYN MONROE SIZZLE & SMARTS! 2/25/12

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Real vs Reel Beauty 
Yes! Marilyn knew the difference.

Sizzle + Smarts = 
Sensational  

 

My favorite Marilyn photo - with a BOOK!

Since this is a blog about beauty, image and the pressures society puts on women to look gorgeous no matter the circumstances, I harken back to Marilyn. Why? Well she did re-invent herself.  She was her own creation.  And creating one's own rennaissance whether it be through fitness or schooling, or relationships, or just a new pair of jeans is what this blog is about.  Creating a life and look that makes you happy,  gives one confidence, and authenticity - that is what I would hope for you. Because you are doing it for yourself, not to be selfish and narcissistic, but to be happy and healthy and fulfilled.
You deserve it.  
Marilyn was often misunderstood, however she was a brilliant actress and business woman.  A woman before her time who fought for her beliefs, and the rights of others.
I think if she could have continued to withstand the pressures of fame, stardom and her own personal demons, she would have been a true aging beauty.  
A role model on how to age with grace and style. 
With a face that moved and continued to move us too!

A true iconoclast. A forerunner. Trailblazer.

"For decades, irresponsible biographers like Norman Mailer have represented Marilyn Monroe as nothing more than weak, psychotic, junkie, nymphomaniac, idiot. I have tried to read her life in a different way. True, Marilyn was sometimes mired in the ideology of the past: she married men to gain an identity she wished for herself; she was over-reliant on her sexuality for success in her career. But, at the same time, she displayed real agency by divorcing three unsupportive husbands who interfered with her career and her self-esteem, by fighting for her modeling and film success, by continuing to perfect her art by taking acting classes long after she was a big star, by battling Darryl Zanuck to have more control over her own destiny, by starting her own production company, by buying her own home, even by jogging through service alleys, lifting weights, and wearing jeans. All of these things were accomplished six years before the first feminist protest at the Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and eight years before the First Congress to unite Women in New York."   (Excerpted from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/)

INSIGHT FOR THE DAY:

MARILYN JOGGED AND USED WEIGHTS BEFORE THE BOOM OF THE FITNESS CRAZE, GYMS, TRAINERS AND EXERCISE GURUS ---- SO FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE ---

YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOURSELF THROUGH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION.  And no it ain't easy, however, eventually it will actually become fun.  Trust me. I know.
UPCOMING BLOGS ON VARIOUS EXERCISE STRATEGIES DURING SLUMPS, MALAISE & INJURIES.   

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, COMMENTS, READERSHIP, CURIOSITY, CARING, SHARING.

CHOOSE HAPPINESS - EVEN DURING DURESS.
IT WON'T CHANGE THINGS ALOT, BUT PERHAPS, IT WILL CHANGE HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.

if you are new to this blog and want some background on my philosophies and life after cancer IN A BIKINI   see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 &14

#13 HOT OVER 40! HAPPY HEALTHY HOT NEW YOU! 1/1/12

 TO DO LIST FOR A 2012 HAPPY, HEALTHY, HOT YOU!






 Celebrate yourself with a glass of champagne...







 Try something new just for the heck of it...





Say, "I love you" often...
Call your mother and compliment her...
Tell dad your proud of him...


 Eat really tasty food, you deserve the good stuff...
 

Take lots of long, long meandering walks...
Tell someone an unexpected truth that makes them smile...



Be especially kind to animals, children and the elderly...


Laugh as much as possible, as often as possible, and spend time with the ones who you care about the most...

Travel... explore... excite your mind...exercise your body.  LIVE!

#12 HOT OVER 40! SAY GOODBYE 12/30/11

Say goodbye...
Say goodbye to all your doubts and self-recriminations...
Say goodbye to your guilt, the late night food fests & self -prevarications...
Say goodbye to the 4th slice of pizza and the whoopie cookie binge...
Say goodbye to dressing room dread and summer clothing cringe...



Before the midnight bells ring 
 this is what I wish for you on January 1st 2012...
Joy ---   in your first breathe of the day as you open your eyes
Joy ---   as you feast on the sunshine and clouds and wonder of nature
Joy ---   as you plan all the activities that will make you smile.


Savor ---  your morning coffee
Savor ---  the first hug of the day from  your loved ones
Savor ---  every step forward, every smile, every kindness



   



    

    Keep ---  your wonder
    Keep ---  your hope
    Keep ---  your determination



 and think of all that you have and not what you want.


 You are your own creation
BREATHE DEEPLY   
Please, Do it all with Heart

HEALTHY TIP:   CRANBERRIES  Eating a heart healthy diet is one important step you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease & lower cholesterol. Cranberries contain no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium.   ( read entire article at www.uscranberries.com )

#11 HOTOVER 40! AN ITALIAN XMAS - BUON NATALE 12/25/11

BUON NATALE!
My Italian Christmas centers around   L’albero di Natale e Il pranzo di Natale
My mother started this tradition when we were little girls. Every year we would wake up very early and dress in a special outfit, usually red, to hop onto the express bus that deposited us right in front of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  There we would climb the steps in anticipation, buy a button and then skip behind the grand staircase, into the Medieval hallways that opened majestically into the cavernous room that displayed the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Creche.  Every year I was awestruck with a vision of splendor. Being Napoleatano it had and has special meaning. I continue this annual pilgrimage still.

Picking out our own tree was an annual sojourn.  Finding the perfect tree was critical.  To this day my trees have to be tall, chubby and full.  The lights (luci dell’albero di natale) always multi-colored, the ornaments (palline dell’albero di natale) varied and sentimental with silver tinsel as the final dressing. Our own Nativity creche (presepio)  nestled below in an undulating sea of red velvet and pine needles.  An Angel always set atop to look over us and keep us safe and warm.  Annual viewings of "White Christmas" (hence, my ongoing love affair with songs sung by Rosemary Clooney) were mandatory.  Today decorating the tree is a festive occasion of Medieval and Renaissance holiday songs and red wine. 

A Classic Italian canzone di Natale-     www.youtube.com/user/CoccoleSonore

 Our Italian Christmas was focused around food and family.
Xmas Eve (la vigilia di Natale) was dedicated to fish: shrimp appetizers, baked clams, bacala, broiled cod, drowned broccoli rabe better known as Christmas broccoli  and i dolci -chocolate biscotti and cartellate and the tall cupola-shaped panettone. Midnight Mass (la messa di mezzanotte) with friends or at home watching Il Papa in Rome, and then, opening gli regali, the presents.

At last, Christmas Day and Il pranzo di Natale (the Christmas day meal). It started with our own traditional antipasti of soppressatta, sharp provolone, roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes, mozzarella and bread sticks. Then a broth consisting of pasta, cappelletti in brodo, little hats stuffed with chopped meats.  Next, most people have turkey but our house was reserved for the Christmas lasagna stuffed with over 100 tiny meatballs, accompanied by hand rolled braesola.  To this day, friends, neighbors and family clamor for my mother's recipe as it has been handed down to me. (A guarded family secret)

Again, demitasse coffee and i dolci ---
 struffoli (Neapolitan honey pastry); cenci (fried pastry ribbons sprinkled with powered sugar); dried figs, candied almonds, and chestnuts.

Being also Calabrese, my father would recite the following children's rhyme from when he was a boy in the mountains of Serrapedace.

La filastrocca di Natale
Babbo Natale viene di notte,
              Father Christmas comes at night;
viene in silenzio a mezzanotte.           He comes in silence at midnight
Dormono tutti i bimbi buoni
              All the good children are sleeping
e nei lettini sognano i doni.               In their beds they dream of gifts.
Babbo Natale vien fra la neve           Father Christmas comes in the snow
porta i suoi doni là dove deve.
          He carries the gifts where they must go. 
Non sbaglia certo:                             He never makes a mistake.
conosce i nomi
 di tutti                       He knows all the names
quanti i bimbi buoni.                         Of all the good children.

un Natale pieno di amore,
pace e felicità

and don't forget a 5 mile run to work it all off.

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Sojourn for your eyes and soul:
*The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays 18th-century Neapolitan crèche figures collected by Loretta Hines Howard and gifted to the museum with a Christmas Tree - until January 8, 2012. Lighting ceremonies on Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sat. at 4:30pm and Frid. & Sun. at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30pm   www.mma.org