Woman of Leisure

Being a woman of leisure is awesome. I have spent my days off sleeping in, working out (running and yoga), getting massages, shopping, cooking, drinking wine, pedicures.... the list could go on and on.

I won't be afraid to step on the scale at the end of the weekend (success!)
But not so excited to check my bank account!

Cheers.

Cornucopia Bloggin'

I have a plethora of thoughts to share with you today.

First off, I did my 2nd Bikram class this week and it was so so so much better. I actually enjoyed some of the postures and didn't feel like I was going to puke. I'm really excited to be motivated about it again. I also asked the owner if she's seen the hot detective around. I guess he hasn't been in a while. BUT there is a yoga Christmas party. If you remember the last yoga party, it was quite fun.

Of course it's Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Thanksgiving marks the start the eating frenzy that we call "THE HOLIDAYS." It's the time of year that we allow ourselves that extra cookie, slice of pie or bottle of wine, in my case. Now don't get me wrong, I am all about indulging and enjoying life. But there's got to be a way to get through the next month without blowing your entire diet out of the water.

Here are a few of my tips, but please share your own in the comments!
And you know I am no professional or doctor and I'm a bit psycho, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Actually no need for extra salt. ha ha.

1. Drink lots of water starting from when you wake up.
2. Eat a little BEFORE you go to a party so you don't dive into the appz table starving to death. Even if it's a handful of nuts or a string cheese.
3. PORTIONS PORTIONS PORTIONS. I can't stress this enough. With all the wonderful selections of food, we tend to pile our plates like we preparing for a rationing. But if you have just a little taste of each, you'll be full in no time. AND STOP when you're full (this is a hard one for me).
4. Try to stick to foods that are high in protein and lots of veggies (just not the creepy ones covered in cream of mushroom sauce - ick).
5. Exercise. Hey, we have time off work - it's the perfect time to get an extra run in. Or grab the kiddos and go to the park, play a game of touch football, try a yoga video, go for a walk with your hunny to get away from your crazy family for 30 minutes. Or WALK to the store when you run out of wine.

Finally, a tradition for most of us this time of year is to go around and say what we are thankful for. In my family, Grandpa Snook makes us hold hands. Seriously peeps. It's weird and annoying, but we all go along with it. So here goes my thankful list:

1. I'm thankful I have so many things to be thankful for, but I'm only listing 5.
2. I'm thankful for my sister who is my best friend in the entire world. And her darling little baby girls who will hopefully take care of me when I'm an old spinster.
3. I'm thankful for my healthy body that allows me to do all the things I enjoy.
4. I'm thankful for my friends who pull through for me when I need them.
5. I'm thankful for a job, apartment & car in the crazy economy.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and remember....

PORTION CONTROL!

Back to Bikram

I feel like an old lady today. And it's all Bikram's fault.

You know I was totally freaked about going back. It's been over 6 weeks! I wasn't sure how I would be able to hold up and I was afraid to fail.

The class seriously kicked my butt. First of all, I think I was a little calorie and water deficient. I had to sit down like 5 times. Plus I thought I was going to puke. But I stayed in the class and tried my best and was so glad I did.

My muscles today are so sore. I forgot I had muscles in in some of these parts. I am looking forward to getting Bikram back in the rotation. I really do feel like it strengthens so many parts (especially back) that I wouldn't work otherwise. I've said it before and I'll say it again - anyone who says that 'yoga is just stretching' has never taken a Bikram class.

Despite having sore muscles, my run this morning felt great.
Think the two are related????
I do.

Song of the day: All I Ever Wanted by Basshunter

Indiscriminate Invitation

I was all geared up for a night of the total "Newport Scene" when I got the invitation for the grand opening of CODE. There was a lot of chitter chatter about how this will be the new "it" place. Needless to say, I had high expectations of big boobs, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, inflated lips and Louis Vuitton.

We (Spicy Latina came with) arrived on time (which we thought was early) and there was already a line around the building. But it seemed to be moving quickly, so we waited. Glancing around this wasn't the typical Newport scene AT ALL. My first clue was the 65 year old man behind me in a Member's Only jacket trying to chat us up about hot spots "back in the day." But with the promise of free booze and appetizers (I LOVE appetizers) we pressed on.

Apparently, the restaurant sent out an email blast to everyone under the sun. They had a "buffet" of appetizers set in the middle. Now it really hit us: Free food = senior citizens. I felt like we were on a cruise ship. I swear we saw this little old man go back for shrimp cocktail 3 times!!!

Most of the women (I'm talkin' 45+) were all dressed like they were 20. Picture this, if you dare: White mini skirts with boots, jean shorts with fish nets (yes you read that right) and bra less sparkly tank top situations that my brain is still trying to recover from seeing.

Now for the men. What is it with the trend of older men dressing "young?" By "young" I mean shiny, tight shirts, Ed Hardy Shirts, spiky highlighted hair and faux hawks. Now show me an older, sexy grey haired man in a nice tailored suit and I'm all over that like white on rice (I LOVE older men). But if he's trying to dress like he's 20, it just creeps me out.

Anywhoo, we bellied up to the bar and found out there were only 3 cocktails offered. A mojito (love, but too many calories), champagne and a vodka concoction. I went for the vodka, left the bartender a hefty tip and sauntered on. The scene got worse and worse. Honestly, there was not one person that I would make out with. Considering I'm on the rebound right now, my standards are not that high. So that's pretty sad.

We attempted to get a 2nd drink, but after waiting about 20 minutes I thought Spicy Latina was going to bust a cap in some one's ass. So we opted out. We went to the bar next door (pool, dive scene) got a big fat dirty martini and called it a night.

Now I remember why I don't like going out.

Song of the day: All I Ever Wanted by Basshunter

4 Folder Copy Cat

I'm copying Chia's homework today:


1. Pick the 4th folder on your computer

2. Pick the 4th Picture

3. Explain the picture

4. Tag 4 more peeps. (you know I will skip this part)


I had to go to my shutterfly folder because I don't keep pics on my work computer.



Sooooo, this is from my Vegas trip with Spicy Latina a couple weeks ago. Remember? The trip when we made out with Kidd Rock (ok, not really). We were in the penthouse suite at the Palms for a cocktail party (yeah, that's how we roll). After a few martinis we thought it would be fun to lick the ice sculpture and take pics. I was hoping her tongue would stick because that would be a good story. At least we didn't fall in the pool in the room - some drunk girl did.


(Note: My dress is not very flattering in this pic, but I swear it's cute in person. It looks like I'm pregs.)

This was a super fun game. For me at least. I suggest you do the same. Maybe next week we can chose another folder and another number. Maybe this could become a fun Thursday thing - maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.

Going to a grand opening for a new restaurant/bar in town. Hopefully will have some interesting blogging material para manana. It will be the total "Newport Beach Scene." I'll explain tomorrow.


One last thing... I made up a fun recipe last night - it was kinda like a shrimp & vegetable quinoa jambalaya. If I can remember the recipe, I will post it. I just made it up. Healthy and delish!

Song of the day: La La La La by LMFAO

Pity Party Averted

At times like this it is so easy to fall into a full-fledged pity party.
I got dumped (again).
My car is acting crazy.
Work is beyond explainable.
My stomach is killing me (stress? 5 cookies I ate for breakfast? who knows)

Then I slipped away from the office to go to South Coast Plaza.
I bought new make up.

As I was walking back to my car, it hit me. No, not my car. But my attitude. It needs adjusting.
I am healthy.
I have a job.
I got my hair done and it looks great (thanks Kim).
I can still fit in my size 4s.
There are possibilities.
There is hope.

I guess retail therapy does really help!

Song of the day: Bruises by Chairlift (guess who that's dedicated to??)

Cha Cha Changes

Since this is a running website, I guess I should update ya'alls on my running. Well, it's been lacking. I have been doing the bare minimum to get by. But I'm totally blaming my lazy weekend on the fires. It was smokey and gross on Saturday and Sunday so I didn't run. But I'm getting in 4 to 5 miles every other day (kinda) so I'm ok. I will bump it up to 8 this weekend. I haven't been taking my Garmin with me. I'm trying to just run for the fun of it.

So something I am going to change (actually change BACK to) is that I am going to talk about DATING and BOYS and all that crap again. This does not pertain to the Captain because he is off limits, but anyone else who crosses my path is free game for discussion.

The first in the discussion in the 'short fireman.'
History 101: Short fireman and I went to JUNIOR high together. Then both of our families moved in 9th grade - get this- to the same town. So we ended up going to high school together too. We were always friends, sometimes we flirted, but I had a boyfriend all throughout high school. After HS, I moved again to where I am now. He had some friends in the area, so we met up once or twice and went out as a group. One of those night he kissed me goodnight. But that was that. We stopped talking. I just wasn't into him. We bumped into each other again at my 10 year reunion (2003). That was the last I saw of him.

Flash forward to a month ago. My sister was in Palm Springs for a bachelorette party. She was at the pool and was spotted by the short fireman. He came over to her to say "hi" and introduced my sister to his friends as "the sister of the love of his life." He went on about how I am the one that got away.

WTF?
Why is it that I'm rarely into the ones that are into me?

Picking up the Pieces

Thank you everyone for all your kind words over the weekend.
I would peak on my cell phone to see a message from one of you. It definitely cheered me up.

I spent a lot of time this weekend with friends - lots of friends.
I went out dancing Friday night to LMFAO - LOVE these guys!
I had brunches and lunches and dinners.
We got pedicures and walked on the beach.
My friends are awesome.

I have to be honest, I am feeling ok about things.
Not great, but better.

Hurting

Sorry for the non posting of late.
I'm having a rough time right now.

I knew this day would come but it doesn't make it any easier. If I could only be mad or angry I might be able to be stronger. But I'm not. I'm just sad and hurt and disappointed.

I've always held on to things way to long. I don't know how to let people go (unless they've blatantly hurt me or someone I love - then I can cut them off and never look back). But in relationships where nothing bad has happened and we care about each other, I hold on and on and on. Even when we want completely different things. I always think there is hope and we can make it work as long as we both try.

I know I have to let go.
I have to feel this pain.
I have to go through the motions to get over this.
I will not mask it with rebound dating or drinking or obsessing about my weight.

A good blogging friend once told me to rip the band aid off. (Hugs with pants HL!)
It will sting at first, but it will heal.

I hope I do.

Facing the Music

Since the marathon (over a month ago) I have been in post-marathon "do what you like" mode. For me this means running sporadically and eating whatever I want. This also means that there is no turning down a night out of drinks (or night in, for that matter). I haven't even stepped on the scale. Now if you read this blog at all, you know I am obsessed with the scale.

So this morning I decided it was time to face the music. I did go on a nice 5 miler this morning, so that's always a good time to check in with the weight. (Note: I also did a very hilly 5-miler at my sisters over the weekend and OUCH - it was very challenging).

To my complete and utter surprise, the scale said 134. This is within my range. Of course 130 is my miso-happy weight, but 134 is more typical for me. As a matter of fact, I weighed 135 after the marathon.

So what this tells me is that I am getting pretty good and comfortable with knowing HOW (and how much) to eat, even when I'm not technically counting calories or obsessing about my intake. This makes me happy people. This tells me, "hey self, you got it figured out." Even though I wasn't thinking about what I was eating, I was still keeping things in check. I did NOT go out for burgers, fries or fatty meals. It now comes natural for me to make a healthy choice, especially at a restaurant. How awesome is that?

Wee Wee Weekend

Hallelujah

Praise Sweet Little Baby Jebbus

The weekend is here!

Holla.

I am hitting the road in a few to travel 81 miles to my sisters house where I will be smothered with luvin' by my adorable nieces. Ok, maybe not. But I did bring presents because I am not above bribing them for love.

I called my sis today and asked her to put Gi (3 y.o) niece on the phone:

Sister: Gi, do you want to talk to Aunt Sis (that's what they call me)

Gi: No

Sister: Do you want to talk to Cinderella?

Gi: Yes (She runs and grabs the phone)

Gi: Hi Cinderella

Me: Well Helloooo Dear Gianna (in a really creepy princess voice)

Gi: How is Disneyland?

Me: It is lovely this time of year. You should come visit me at my castle.

Gi: What is the name of your prince? (Where the hell does she get this stuff?)

Me: His name is Prince Charming.

Gi: Ok bye. I love you Cinderella.

Hey, I'll take what I can get. But I think now she is expecting Cinderella to come over this afternoon instead of me. Anyone have a blue ball gown and blond wig I can borrow?

Talkin' A Little Smack

Sometimes it's really hard to keep this shiz to yourself. I tried, Lord knows. But it must come out for the sake of my art (ha ha, kidding).



1. I was having a political convo with someone is only 10 years older than me and a 17 yr old. The older woman said something to the effect of, "your generation" referring to me and the 17 year old. Now I know TECHNICALLY a generation is about 30 years. Whatever. For some reason it was annoying that she was putting me (a 32 yro woman) in the same category as a 17 year old when I am actually closer in age to her. It felt patronizing.


2. I sent out an email to a bunch of girlfriends inquiring about some plans. One of them actually emailed me back and was offended that she was on the "CC" line instead of the "To" line.


3. Most of us have had email for at least a decade these days. Most of us know that we will not magically get one thousand dollars in the mail from Bill Gates if we forward his emails. Most of us also know that we will not be struck with bad luck if we don't forward a floating ferry or some b.s. like that. But my friends, not all of us know this yet. I STILL get forwarded this junk from people, some of them quite intelligent (supposedly). How does one explain this?


Ok, that's enough gossip. Anywhoooooo I'm looking forward to this weekend to see my baby sis and her babies. Sister time Fall 08 - rules. I have to try to get a run in on Sat or Sun, but the cool thing is that her neighborhood is really hilly so it will be fun and different :)

Song of the day: Womanizer by Brittney (I know, I'm a teenage today so go with it).

POM Ponders

Things that make me go hmmmmm:

• Why are my weekend long runs at a faster pace than my morning short runs?
• How can a liberal state such as Cali be so close-minded regarding certain rights?
• Why do men like to watch sports, barely rarely play sports?
• Why is golf considered a sport?
• Why does the morning fly by but the afternoon lingers on forever?
• When is Eminem's new CD going to come out?
• Why have I run out of blog ideas?
• Why are the holidays more stressful than fun? (another post on this later)
• How can $hit hit the fan and roll down hill at the same time?

What's on your mind today?

Ode to the Rain

Rain, rain is finally here.
It only comes a few times a year.
Grab your blankies, scarves and gloves
Snuggle up with someone you loves.

California drivers, don't get so manic.
Leave for work early, you don't have to panic.
New casters announce "Storm Watch 08"
It's just a few sprinkles; give me a break.

I love the beach when it's raining outside.
All the tourists are gone, there's no need to hide.
My street always floods; my apartment tends to leak,
A price I will pay, for the empty beach that I seek.

My running gear is not up to season.
Time to go shopping, any little reason.
Don't mind running when it's just a little wet,
but at 5:30 am, I might change my mind just yet.

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday

So, in case any of you are wondering, the hodgepodge Halloween costume ended up being a school girl. I know it's totally cliche, but I didn't have to buy anything. And I realize some "items" look out of proportion in this pic. I've been sworn to not reveal Victoria's secret.

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Feeling insecure and sucking in the tummy all night, I asked the Cap how I looked. "Your body is better than a 20 year olds." He scored some major brownie points with that one.

The rest of the weekend was fun and mellow.

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I managed to get a 6 miler in on Sunday in the RAIN. Yes, you read that right - it finally rained here in sunny So Cal. But it was a warm rain, I still wore my tank and shorts. And, of course the rain stopped right when I got home. I didn't mind though. I always feel so bad ass running in the rain (and it's a lot better than the wind). I even took Big G on the run - I haven't run with him since the marathon. My time wasn't too bad. 6 miles = 50 mins = 8:20 average. I'll take it!

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Now that it's November, it's time to get re-focused. I want to work on being consistent again. And get back to yoga. I know I keep saying that. I don't know what's holding me back.