I Did It

Well today marked my final day of NaBloPoMo...I did it.

Surprisingly, it wasn't all that hard and I really enjoyed it. Yes, somedays I felt a little pressure to write something on here when in reality I had no ideas of what to write. But overall it reminded me of blogging days of yore, ala 2008. I am glad that I participated and ya know, I think I will do it next year too. I am hoping that I can keep up the posting, maybe not every day but definitely more for sure.

Its funny how if you do something enough it becomes second nature, kinda like making your bed. Kinda like doing dishes (we don't have a dishwasher), lately I have forced myself to do dishes as I dirty them instead of letting them pile up. And sure enough I have made cleaning the dishes right away a habit. Humans are funny that way.

So mark my words, I am going to try and blog much more often!

Did you do NaBloPoMo?

How often do you post?

Let There Be Shoes!

I have realized that in wedding planning there are MANY choices to be made: choices about flowers, cake, colors, invitations, seating charts-you get the idea. One of the choices that I have been most excited about was the choosing of the shoes. Even though the idea of searching the internet for shoes thrilled me it also intimidated me. So I sent out an email out to my bridesmaids asking for some help finding bridesmaids shoes.

One of my bridesmaids, Carrie, is seriously the living, breathing version of Carrie Bradshaw (fashion wise)-except in San Francisco. If anyone could find shoes Carrie could. Carrie found these beauts!

So there ya go, bridesmaids shoes taken care of. But now I need to figure out what shoes I am wearing on the big day. Carrie has come to the rescue again and has given me many options. Here are the top three so far!

Ivanka Trump, Alluvia

RSVP, Michaela

Nina, Electra

Which ones do you like? Do you have any suggestions for navy blue dress shoes?

You May Now Kiss The Bride

I know this might not count as a whole post....but....I think this clip is best without words.

Well Isn't That Pinteresting?

It's official.

I am the last person on the internet to talk about the wonder that is Pinterest. Pinterest is like the google reader for all my other online bookmarks. I remember before Google Reader I had a loooong list of bookmarks on my computer of blogs I read-but then GR consolidated that and wow I loved it! Now, Pinterest has done the same for all the other book marks I have. Is there a recipe I want to remember? Done, I put it on my recipe board. How about a craft I just might do one day? Bam, its on my "well isn't that neato" board.

Plus I love the fact that I can actually look through pins of other peeps. So awesome. But nothing is perfect and sadly that applies to Pinterest as well. My bone to pick with them? Oh nothing, just the fact that their website crashes more than a bumper car. I mean really, I cannot tell you how many times I have fallen down the Pinterest wormhole only to be road blocked by a busy server. I get it that maybe their site grew faster than they had anticipated but it still gives me a case of the angeries when it happens. Oh and don't get me started on their iphone ap. I just. No, I can't get started on it. Seriously though.

Are you on Pinterest? If so look for me I'm SensiblySassy

Do you have trouble with their website/iphone ap too?

Acne Update: The Clarisonic Mia and Dudu Osun

When I last updated the Acne Update saga I had just purchased a Clarisonic Mia. I have been using it twice a day for two weeks along with the Dudu Osun black soap I also purchased. Well let me take a moment to break it down.

Dudu Osun:

I have been using this soap for about two months and I can honestly say that I have not had a hard cystic break out since roughly a month after I started using it. It makes my skin feel clean and healthy. Also, my skin doesn't burn or get painfully dry like it did with other acne washes. Score! However, even though I wasn't breaking out any longer my skin looked weathered from the acne I once had; meaning I had scars and my skin did not look smooth or shiny.

Enter the Clarisonic Mia:

I have been using the Mia twice a week for the last two weeks (with the Dudu Osun soap). My initial reaction was that I LOVED the way it felt on my skin. Even after the first use my skin felt like there was more circulation going to it (I realize that this may have been all in my head but hey, I'll take it). Two weeks later the little mounds of very old breakouts are still there (see the thing about my breakouts is that they are painful skin mounds, not pop-able zits so there is no way to get rid of them quickly so they take forever for the skin mounds to go away). So anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the skin mounds and some of the scarring are still present but the redness has reduced and the over all tone of my skin seems to look better.

Here are some before and after shots of my face. I'll make sure to keep updating the blog with before and after shots as I use the Mia.

Turkey Trot

As I mentioned here, I signed up for a 5k that I would do on Thanksgiving day. I was excited to see how my back would fare but I was also very nervous for the same reason. Well I am so very glad to report that I finished my first 5k yesterday-and I ran the whole way!

After dealing with a chronic back injury I had sworn off the idea of being so active again. So as I trotted along the course on Thursday I was overwhelmed by the fact that I was running after not being able to for so long. Life can surprise you sometimes. I had a great time running and truly could not have done it without Jon's support and encouragement.

Here are some shots that Jon snapped during the race.

Who knows, this could be the beginning of a lovely relationship between me and running....we shall see!

Thankful Leftovers

I have scheduled this post for today so that I don't sully my NABLOPOMO streak.

I hope you all are having a lovely Thanksgiving with lots of laughs, good company and of course great food. But most of all I hope that you are able to get a clear vision of what it is that you have to be thankful for.

I find it so easy for myself to focus so hard on what I am thankful for during this one day a year but sometimes it is not so easy to keep all those things in mind as the days go by. But to be fair I am thankful for so much everyday not just today. So I will keep in mind today as I fill my heart with thankfulness to save myself some thankful leftovers for the average day.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for?

Friendsgiving

This past Sunday Jon and I joined some friends for some turkey and lots of laughs, that's right we had a Friendsgiving. Are you familiar? Yes, we all know about Thanksgiving in which we share special time and scrumptious food with our families. But Friendsgiving is something I have been hearing more and more about lately, and it just so happens I celebrated my first one this year.

They say that friends are the family you choose and I totally agree. Even though I wasn't born knowing or loving my friends, doing so feels just as natural as it does with my own family. SO it only makes sense that I share a Friendsgiving with them. Tiff and Lisa hosted and they went above and beyond by making a turkey and most of the sides. Jon and I brought apple crisp (I was struggling to find a fall appropriate dessert).

While the food was delicious there was something so special about sharing the time with my friends. It was neat to share family traditions and recipes with one another-its funny how one holiday can generate so many variations. I definitely want to make Friendsgiving a tradition from here on out...maybe next year we will host.

Do you celebrate a Friendsiving?

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

When I was younger I wanted a Volkswagen Beetle SO bad! I wanted it for years and when I was 18 my dream came true. Enter, Nadia-my red Volkswagen Beetle! I have had her ever since.

While I still love my darling Nadia I do have some other dream cars in mind. You know, for the future. The first car (they get progressively more pricey) is a BMW 328i. Understated elegance amIright?! It is sensible...yet, sassy! Yeah, I said it.

Now I know this next choice is a bit much considering I don't have kids or a job that requires such a big car. But. I can't help it. I just love the Range Rover.

Now this one is the ultimate dream car...it is the Maserati Quattroporte. I mean.

I just. yeah, she is flipping beautiful. But if I got her I would need some better clothes. So I'll work on the wardrobe first and then work my way up to the Maserati.

What is your dream car? cars?

Images courtesy of google images

The Wedding Dancer

Now I am not exaggerating when I say this: Dancing at weddings is quite possibly one of my favorite things to do! Really though, there is something about the combination of the happy vibes for the bride and groom and being in a room full of friends and family and oh of course the music!

The night will start out proper enough:

We'll have dinner, mingle and then all of a sudden the lights dim and BAM!

I AM A DANCING MACHINE!!!!

Thankfully I have a willing partner that does his best to keep up with me.

But should Jon need to take a break I am not above finding other partners if need be.

And it doesn't matter if they aren't even old enough to drive or vote or go to Kindergarten.

And should my substitute partner need to take a break to swig a juice box I will be more than willing to dance on my own.

Are you a wedding dancer?

*Photos are courtesy of GoodEye Photography and one of our dear friend's weddings.

Bored...I'm Doing It Wrong

You know what baffles me? When people say they are bored. I really don't get it. In fact, I can't remember the last time I was honest to goodness bored. I'm not sure what this says about me but I feel like any time I get to sit down I instantly come up with a substantial list of things to do.

Reading is the mainstay of said list. At any given time I have at least two books going and a small stack of magazines. Basically, when I'm unsure of what to do I read, bam (!) boredom be gone!

Right now I am reading Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman. This book is the biography that the Kiera Knightley movie was based on. Unlike most biographies this one goes reads much like a novel. So far so good!

The second book I am reading is Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was a huge fan of Eat, Pray, Love so I eagerly anticipated this book. I am about a third of the way in and so far I find it really interesting. I am loving the way she weaves her story in with tons of great research on marriage.

Do you get bored?

What are you reading?

My Little Bestie

I had wanted a bulldog for what seemed like the longest time. When in reality it was probably a solid year of bulldog insanity. (Poor Jon). And now nearly three years of welcoming Frank into our home, I sometimes can't believe I have a bulldog-or it would probably be more appropriate to say that I can't believe Frank has me.

I knew that having a dog was something that would suit me well. But I had no idea it would be so much fun. Without a doubt I am guaranteed to have some outdoor time every day because Frank needs to get out and exercise. By taking care of him he somehow takes care of me.

My friends and family have all accepted the fact that I am head over heels for my little guy. And as much as Jon thinks that he is one of the "others" that understand my love for Franker...he's nearly as crazy for this little guy as I am.

My little sidekick brings me daily happiness for which I am so thankful for and wouldn't be the same without.
If you are waiting for a point to this post I'll save you some time and let you know that there isn't one. Other than the pure fact that I am really loving being thankful for the good things in life as they happen instead of after the fact.

What is good in your life RIGHT NOW? Ready share!

Very Superstitious. Writing's On The Blog

I know some people that do not have a superstitious bone in their body. These peeps baffle me. Now I'm not exactly hopping over cracks in effort to spare my mom a broke back. BUT there are some things that strike me as necessary in order to avoid calamity.

-Not putting shoes on the bed: Nani always told me that if you should put your shoes on the bed you will be doomed to bad luck. (Plus it is just gross to think of the germs that are on your shoes being on your bed)

-Keeping your purse off of the floor: I was told that putting your purse on the floor means that the money will soon leave your purse-or something like that. Either way, I'm not going to chance it.

-Knocking on Wood: Whenever I think I am jinxing myself I will without fail f ind the nearest piece of wood and knock it, it's like a reflex. If wood is not available I will knock on my head...because that is the same? I dunno.

-An itchy palm means you will be getting a windfall of money. I haven't had a windfall to speak of but I have noticed that when my palms itch I will find a dollar or two or get paid a little extra than I expected to.

-Oh and of course there is the ole don't walk under a ladder or open an umbrella inside.

Are you superstitious?

Back In The Game (?)

So here's the thing, I have had chronic back pain for years-I have torn discs and arthritis in my spine. Sounds like a good time right? Well I sadly turned down the dial on my activity. I'll be real with you, it depressed me quite a bit. But eventually I discovered a real love for yoga and I became satisfied with my new level of activity (or lack thereof).

But as I became more enthused on yoga I realized that my back muscles were actually getting stronger. My back would still ache from time to time but not nearly as frequently as it used to. It seemed as though the muscles around my spine were making up for the arthritis and the torn discs. Well I got confident the other weekend and I ran for a few feet. Normally, even this little jaunt would send me to the couch with my legs elevated for the rest of the week. But I was fine this time.

And then I tested it again by running for half a mile. And I was fine. And then I threw caution to the wind and ran a mile and a half two nights ago. And I'm not in pain. I'm dumbfounded, a little cautious, and kinda excited. So what does one do in said situation? I signed up for a 5k.

I may be putting the cart before the horse here but I don't expect to run the entire thing but it will be nice to dip my toe back in the proverbial water.

Rumor Has It

Do we all watch Glee?

I didn't watch the first season because I thought it was kinda lame. Imagine me, too cool for something. That's hilarious! After much convincing I rented the first season and ever since then I was hooked! I love the tongue and cheek humor and of course, the songs.

Well imagine my dismay when this season just did not tickle my fancy. I had actually feared that my beloved show had jumped the shark as they say. That was of course until this week. This mash up totally rejuvenated my oomph for the show.

Do you watch Glee?

Wedding Update

Yesterday marked five months until our wedding!

Oh my goodness, five months.

Wow.

While I feel like we have so much more to do (which we do), I must admit we have some pretty big stuff taken care of.

Like the venue:

My "vision" for the wedding was to have a Great Gatsby-esque vibe to the whole night. So we needed a venue that had some impressive architecture as well as some gorgeous gardens. And we found it! We're getting married in an honest to goodness mansion!

We have also decided on colors: Navy blue and blush pink are the colors! I am really excited about the colors because it is very feminine and masculine at the same time. Plus pink is one of my favorite colors!

Oh and we also have booked a kick ass photographer, miss Emily of Emily Dawn Photography will be capturing our special day! I couldn't be happier about her shooting our wedding because not only do I adore her work, I pretty much think she is an awesome gal too!

We have a bunch of other little details decided on too but those are the main ones for now. Oh and I got my dress...and I wish I got to wear it more than once.

Some Holiday Reminders

I woke this morning to two holiday related emails that spoke of plans being made in the upcoming weeks.

It was official.

The holiday season is officially underway!

Now, I'm not sure how this can be possible but Thanksgiving is next week. Is it just me or does it feel like we all were blogging about our New Year's Resolutions?! I felt a slight twinge of anxiety when I realized that holy goodness its the holiday season already so I jotted down a couple of reminders to see me through this time of year.

1. Stressing over THINGS (shopping list, time constraints etc.) will monopolize your time with PEOPLE. This is not a good thing. Put it in perspective-this time of year is about people.

2. Let yourself feel the holiday spirit when you feel it. I often sit inside myself waiting for the Christmas spirit to hit me like its some sort of shooting star-and then I get dissappointed when it doesn't come soon enough. Lower your expectations self, it will come and it will be awesome.

3. Remember: it is the little things that make the holiday special, twinkling lights, hot cocoa and cider, ice skating and of course being with friends and family. Black Friday has nothing on those things.

4. The holiday season will leave as quick as it came so enjoy it!

What are some reminders you want to give yourself as the holidays fast approach?

I"m Torn

So remember when I read Twilight and was so excited to because oh my gosh, everyone else loved it? And then I didn't love it? I was really bummed about this because I really wanted to like it-I wanted the excitement that everyone else had for the book-but I didn't. Well I read Hunger Games this past week and I didn't totally love it. I mean it kept my interest and the story was really unique but at the same time I didn't feel the pull that everyone else reports having.

So now my conundrum is since I didn't hate the book but I didn't love it either...do I finish the series? I am totally on the fence on this one. I just don't know. So I need to hear from you all. If you read the series would you recommend I push through and continue?

If you haven't read Hunger Games was there every a book you had high hopes for and it didn't live up to your expectations?

Cyster, Cyster

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that I was having a pretty intense pain in the right side of my lower abdomen (think ovary height) (you are desperately wondering what the picture has to do with this post aren't you? Hang tight). This spot was so tender that when I wasn't able to do "happy baby" (see below) in yoga anymore, the pressure was just too much. And the other night I laughed so hard that it made my ovary issue clench in pain.

So I knew I should consult a professional. No, I'm not talking about Dr.Google. I'm talking about a real, honest to goodness doctor. She listened to my symptoms and checked me out and said that she thought it would be best if I had an ultra sound. I asked her why and she explained that she wanted to see if it was a cyst or heaven forbid, a tumor.

Well yesterday was my ultra sound and I drank a crap ton of water (which actually made the pain worse) and waited to see what was going on. So I laid back on the table and looked at my insides on the tv screen. It is such a head trip to see your uterus on tv. It looks like everyone else's sonograms except it is missing a baby. Very rarely do you see an empty uterus on the sonogram tv, well at least I don't see it often. So I reminded myself we are NOT looking for a baby we are just looking to see the source of the pain.

My technician saw the source of the pain nearly right away. There were two cysts nestled smugly in my right ovary. Little jerks. I confirmed with the tech that we were indeed looking at were cysts and not tumors. She giggled when I very firmly asked her, "So we aren't looking at cancer, right?!", she then told me cysts were pretty common. Now if only the fact that they are common removed the pain aspect of it. No luck. While I am relieved that they are cysts and not something more serious I still am waiting to hear about what I should do about this pain. I'll keep you posted.

*Sorry to anyone that is disturbed by ovaries or to any men that may be reading my blog.

**I named my cysts Tia and Tamara

My Oh Migraine

Yesterday morning started out like any other. I woke up nice and early, washed my face, started too put on my make up and then all of a sudden I couldn't see out of my left eye. Splendid. This is usually the first sign of a migraine for me. But I hadn't had a migraine in MONTHS. So I tried to ignore the fact that I couldn't see out of one of my eyes. I tried to continue with my normal routine but as I bumped into walls and and missed drawer pulls with my left hand I quickly realized I wasn't going anywhere.

I started to pout all around the apartment as Jon got ready for work. I hate not going to work because I feel crummy. I felt like a little kid again, I always hated missing school when I was little because I was anxious about all of the work I was missing. Nerd alert.

And the worst part of it? I was all dressed with make up on and everything. The ole' all dressed up and nowhere to go. Harumph. It almost seems like it would be better if I realized that I couldn't go to work as soon as I woke up. So instead of working hard I was forced to stay couch bound with Frank.

Do you get migraines?

Early Bird

Can you have a growth spurt in your late twenties?

I swear if I didn't know better I would think I am finally gaining some much wished for height.

I was talking to my mom and my brother, Richard, the other day about how I fell asleep at 9:30 the night previous. I just couldn't keep my eyes open so I gave in and had some sweet, sweet, sleep. And it was glorious. So glorious in fact I did it the next night (and the night after that).

What can I say I like to sleep and I like to sleep early. After explaining this to Richard he asked me how old I was again. To which I explained I am either 90 years old or 9 months old. Whatever, make fun all you want but sleep is awesome and I can't deny myself something that feels so good. On average I am of the early to bed/early to rise variety. Late nights are my kryptonite-I watch Saturday Night Live re-runs on hulu so that I can actually watch them instead of trying to keep my burning eyelids open during them.

The one and only time I went to Las Vegas the latest I stayed out until was 1:30am which is considered weak sauce in Vegas but it was an all time personal record for me. Years alter there was one time when I stayed up until 3am and at the end of the night (morning?) I proudly said to Jon , "well I haven't been up this late in a while!" And he replied, "You mean ever?" So yes, it may be true, I may be a pitiful night owl but at least I am a well rested early bird!

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

My Favorite Home Remedy

About a year ago I had THE WORST sore throat. It was so bad that I was up late and crying and posting my misery on facebook. I know, I know, I went there. I'm not proud to say it. Usually I take my weak moments to twitter, I found the crowd there more supportive and not as judgy-like friends. Even though I have never met most of them. And my facebook is compiled of people I actually know. Ok this is getting weird.

I hope you can relate to what I am saying here: basically I try not to get emo on facebook because I feel like there are usually people ready to pounce. Which is weird because it is peeps I know. You know what I am saying? Ok.

SO ANYWAY.

I got the sads because I was feeling so crummy and posted something to the tune of, "ugh I'm up at 2am because my throat hurts so bad I can't sleep :("

And to my surprise one of my friends from high school replied with, "try one cup of hot water and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar"

And so I did and it actually worked! It made my throat less hurty and I swear it made my sore throat clear up quickly! So now every time I get a little tickle in my throat or start feeling less like myself I use this remedy and it works! AND my girl Kallie told me you can use Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner for your face! WOW.

Ok so now it is your turn-share your favorite home remedy with me!

Aloha

Jon and I have narrowed down our honeymoon destination to the Hawaiian Islands. We think.

Last night we were trying to decide which island we want to go to and it went a little something like this:

Me: The islands all have their own little flavor-I'm having trouble picking which one I like best.

Jon: Well I think my vote is for Kauai.

Me: Really? Tell me more.

Jon: Beautiful secluded beaches. Very romantic. It seems peaceful.

....and the opening scene of Jurassic Park was filmed there. So there's that.

What Do You Have To Say For Yourself?

I know it is kind of a big "no duh" to say that words have a lot of power. Anyone that has been on the receiving end of a heartfelt "I love you" or a vengeful "I hate you" could attest to the power of words. Listening to a speech from a talented orator really can change things or at least make you feel like you can.

But have you ever thought about how you talk to yourself? I have been doing a lot of thinking about self talk these days. Some time ago I noticed that I had a really bad habit of saying things that didn't really help me out at all.

One that I noticed I said a lot was, "I'm SO stressed". To a degree that was true, life can be stressful at times but it wasn't as bad as I was making myself believe. So little by little I tried to kick this habit by stopping myself every time I reacted to some inconvenience with a stressful reaction. I would do this by forcing myself to really look at what was happening and see it for what it was. In fact, over time I replaced "I'm so stressed" with "it is what it is". When I could see things for what they were I could actually deal with them in a straightforward way instead of trying to fight through an unnecessary layer of self induced stressed.

And you know what? It helps a lot. Instead of giving so much weight and importance to little inconveniences, I am just seeing them for what they are. Believe it or not, I am a lot less stressed due to the fact I am not constantly reinforcing myself with this belief.

Right now I am trying to help myself find the true difference between "have to" and "get to" and the ole' difference between "need" and "want". It is true, words have power, especially the ones that you tell yourself.

What self talk habits do you want to kick?

NaBloPoMo

You might notice that posting around here is on steroids these days.

Well after five years having this blog I decided to participate in NaBloPoMo for the first time ever. Well, technically I didn't actually sign up for it but the long and short of it is that I am going to be posting everyday for the month of November.

Its only day six but this is actually pretty fun. It feels nice to stretch my fingers on the keyboard and stretch my brain and think of new topics to post about. It kinda reminds me of blogging circa 2008 when there was an excitement for sharing ideas and experiences. But like most things, life happens and there becomes less time to do things that really excite us. Funny how that happens huh?

While I can't bring back every one's fervor for blogging I can re-create it to an extent this month. I am inspired to see what posting everyday will bring to this blog. Are there any requests for topics you would like to see me write or vlog about?

Home Sweet Home Page

I know this is random but I need a new homepage.

For about a year or so I have had it set to Learn Something Everyday. I don't even remember how I found that site but I loved the fact that it changed every day and I was learning something everyday as well. Well I guess the people that started it are done giving random facts because I guess the whole site was for some sort of project to see if they could do it. Or something.

Long story short I need a new homepage.

You may be thinking I should just do yahoo or some news site. I say "Meh" to that. I want something that is kinda fun and changes daily. I know this is the weirdest thing to be talking about but I am kind of curious what your home pages are? Do you have any recommendations?

Let's Hear It For The Girl

Are you familiar with Mindy Kaling? She is best known as Kelly Kapoor from The Office but this past Tuesday her book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And other concerns)" came out. I for one can't wait to get a copy in my hot little hands (I've already an excerpt and LOVED what I read). Did you know that Mindy is a writer on The Office as well?

Had you not noticed it by now let me get you up to speed-I think I might have a gal crush on little miss Mindy. I saw her on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and it solidified it for me. She's smart and funny! And then I kinda got a little twitchy because some women are famous for being famous and making poor choices and you don't hear enough about the sweet, funny, smart gal.

So I just thought I would take a second to acknowledge Mindy on my corner of the internet. Are there any women that you would like to acknowledge? Tell me about them in the comments.

A Clarisonic Mia for Me-uh

I did it.

I bought myself a Clarisonic Mia.

I have been so resistant to getting one because it makes me sick to think of how much money I have spent on my skin. Let's do a quick little list of the things I have purchased in the name of clear skin.

-2 Years of Proactiv, and then it just stopped working.

-Dermalogica

-Numerous Facials

-Dudu Osun Soap

-Tea Tree Oil

-Sunscreens

-Lotions

I mean the list could go on and on. So needless to say, I was gun shy about spending any more money on my skin. I mean, its almost embarrassing. But recently I would look in the mirror and even though the zits are at bay my skin looks like aftermath of a New Year's party. Meaning, there once was a lot of action going but now my face just looks a little tired and dingy (I'm pretty sure I even saw those 2011 glasses sticking out of one of my pours the other day). So anyway the Clarisonic was the only skin product left for me to try.

BUT it was expensive!

So when I got a 20% off coupon for Sephora I decided it was time to invest in the elusive Clarisonic Mia. So little miss Mia is on her way to me-and don't you worry I will keep you posted on the results!

It's HOT!

When Jon and I moved to San Francisco we joined a cool gym that has a climbing wall (which as you may remember, is not my thing) as well as a full gym and many yoga classes. My ears, perked at the last part about the yoga classes. Before we moved I went one day a week to the yoga studio near our house because once a week was all I could afford. The rest of the time I would do yoga classes at home or online. But at our new gym I can attend a class every day if I so choose. I'm really thrilled about it. You see, I'm not a huge fan of "throwing steel" as they say. Lifting weights and ellipticals are a little too obvious to my brain. My brain needs something that disguises the fact that it is good for me. If I am standing there with weights the jig is up, it is obvious that I am working out. And then I start to pout.

During the summer when I wasn't working as much I was able to fit in 4-5 yoga classes a week. Since I am working more now (no complaints here universe) I am able to fit in about 3 classes a week which still isn't too bad. My class is an hour and a half long and the heat is turned up pretty high-but I don't really think it is considered Bikram because I am pretty sure it isn't that hot in my class. One of the things I love most about my class is that my instructor plays really motivating music so the time flies and she is pretty fun and upbeat herself.

But the odd thing is, I think I am becoming addicted. Can you become addicted to yoga? I am not sure if it is the feeling of having my muscles stretched and utilized or if it is the feeling of getting in a good sweat but I am so hooked on it and I kinda get into a funk when I can't make it to class. Yoga is really easy for me to love because I am getting a great workout but I don't realize it because it is fun. It is like when you toss a little spinach in your smoothie and you can't even taste it.

What do you do to stay fit? Is your work out like spinach in your smoothie or is it like pulling teeth?

Exploring Our Surroundings

I don't know what got in to me this weekend but I woke up for my normal hour and a half long yoga class and when I got home I suggested to Jon that we take Frank for a hike. In between yoga and our hike I managed to eat four pieces of french toast. Its like I was training for a professional sport or something.

Once I scarfed down my french toast the three of us hopped in the car and headed to Marin which meant we had to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge (or the GGB as I like to call her). It was Frank's first time going across the GGB and Jon and I were very excited for him. Yes, really.

It was a gorgeous day for a hike. I was so inspired that I even tried to jog and climb a tree for a quick second-seriously who was I?

The trail ended at a beach which pleased Frank to no end.

It was a beautiful day, but it was also quite windy. I chill easily so about ten minutes into our beach visit I was wrapped up in Jon's vest and fashioned his t-shirt into a head scarf.

Meanwhile, Jon was shirtless and completely warm.ha!

It isn't runway worthy BUT it is warm.

Once we got home we parked it in front of the tv for our fourth annual Clue watching. I know most of our cohorts were out and about drinking copious amounts of Halloween inspired cocktails but I can honestly say that I was happy as a jack-o-lantern eating thai food with Jon and Frank. Hey to each their own right?

We also added Sleepy Hollow to the mix this year which was really entertaining. Halloween is on of my very favorite holidays and I was so very content continuing our tradition.

What did you do for Halloween? Did you dress up?