Cupcakes and Om

Day O Love

2012-02-14T08:33:00.001-08:00

Today isn't just a regular Valentine's day, it also happens to be L's bday. So, we started the morning off right with some snuggles then I got up and got a workout in. Today's was a strength workout. On my way home from the gym I stopped and picked up Starbucks for both of us. We get the same thing (grande latte) but L orders his extra hot. I swear the inside of his mouth must be burned off or something. He has already eaten by the time I got home so I made myself some gluten free waffles, one with egg and apple butter, the other with almond butter and apple butter. (Just put butter behind anything and I'm sure I'll like it.)

I have a few cute little surprises for L for later today and also a full day of work. Does anyone else feel like they have been going non-stop lately? I sure do. I'm very much looking forward to this three day weekend coming up.

Why, Hello, 2012

2012-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

2012. You snuck up on me. I'm not prepared. I haven't been a good girl and done my goals or resolutions. Woops.

I'm sure you all know I don't blog all that regularly. I want to be one of those people that has all kinds of time to take pictures and share them. Let's just say.... I'm not. 2012, I promise I'll do better! I can't promise every day, but hopefully more than once a month! But is there even anyone out there? We'll see....

I hope 2011 brought you guys all love and happiness. Or, if you are like me, love, happiness, sadness, joy, pain, and about 5 extra lbs. Ugh. What can I say, it has been a tough couple of months. But, here I am and I'm ready for you, 2012. I'm coming at you full steam ahead. Wait, not really because I've been so damn tired from my calorie deficit! Ha!

I will try to do a goals post later this week.... when I determine what my 2012 goals actually are. I'll also go through and see if I met any of my 2011 goals. Until then, I hope you all had a very merry holiday season and are looking forward to 2012 with as much gusto as myself.

Beau-dog under the tree

Beau-dog at my parent's house (how cute is he?)

India-Mittens under the tree. She was SO upset yesterday when we took it down. She sat at the door and whined because she knew it was outside!

One of the best pinots I have had. YUM. We went wine tasting here on December 23 with my parents.

Self portrait of L and I in Vegas, post Christmas, pre NYE.

Moi, rocking AM in Vegas.

Ok, off to accomplish some more work for the day! Cheers to 2012!

XoXo,

LG

Uh oh....

2011-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

It is only December 5 and somehow I have slacked on a million things. I'm behind *gasp* in my nutrition class, rarely work out, and have been eating anything and everything. Then, I got on the scale this morning. I knew my pants weren't fitting all that great.... And the scale reflected that. So, I put on my BIG BIG girl pants, and decided it is time to start counting calories again. It is going to suck, but there is virtually no other way. I cannot get out of control seven days a week! Also, no more carbs for a little while (veggies don't count.) Gotta keep it under control. It SUCKS when your clothes are too tight :-(

So, my goals are simple for the month of December:

1. Keep track of all of my food, every day.

2. Get to the gym or run intervals at home at least 5 times per week.

3. No wine on week nights.

Sounds simple enough, right? Boy, do I have some self control issues..... But, I have to figure something out because I'm starting to feel like this in my clothes:

Sausage Dress

That is not an attractive look. (While she is still not huge by any means, there are much more flattering dresses for her current body shape!)

Time to go drink some green tea. Le sigh.

XoXoXo,

LG

Good Intent

2011-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

(This is totally me!) Courtesy of www.myshoes.com.

Do you ever have the intent to do something and then just cannot seem to follow through? That is how I have been with, well, just about everything lately. It all started about mid October when I had a rather ridiculous experience with an opposing counsel where he called me a racist (clearly he has no clue about my life) and then said "what's wrong with you, I don't see a ring on your finger?" IN A DEPOSITION. Nope, not kidding. This is how family law attorneys act. Because you know something, the Bar Association doesn't care and the courts don't care. They don't want attorneys to "quibble" and refuse to do anything at all about bad behavior. The issue with this attorney's behavior was not that he was aggressively advocating for his client, but that he took the time to insult a young female attorney. Talk about gender discrimination. (Oh, and again, he knows nothing about my life.... clearly.) I knew this guy's reputation and went into the case with the intent of being nothing but professional. To my credit, I have upheld this position. I really hope this man doesn't have any daughters.... The good thing is, when I'm done with this case, I get to go on being me and he has to stay him. Ah, sweet justice.

Anyway, despite realizing this now, I was pretty pissed off for a while. Here I am, trying to be courteous and professional, and getting my ass reamed for it. WTF! At least I set the intent of being professional from the get go. If I had gone into the situation with a different intent I might have not acted in a way that reflected who I am as a person. Good intent.

Next, I am taking a class to become a nutritional therapist. I seriously love the subject matter. LOVE IT. Something I'm not so sure about... learning how to perform a "functional evaluation" on a client. Yup, that means I have to touch people. If you know me at all, you know that is really not my thing. But, after performing it a couple times over the weekend, I now realize it isn't that bad.... actually, I'm really interested in it and can't wait to practice on the BF. I have a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope! How cool is that? ha! The sad part about all of this? I had the best intent to keep up with my homework and not fall behind. I guess that full time job part is a killer. (On a side note, I have been freaking called on in class two out of four days.... CALLED ON. I did NOT take this class to feel like I was in law school again. And you will have to laugh: the teacher asked me "Have you ever had the experience of being called on in a class before?" Um, yes, I have had that horribly humiliating experience, over and over again for three years. I get it in court all of the time. And I'm not into it in something I'm solely doing FOR FUN, thanks ;-)) Anyway, my intent was to do something out of my element that I enjoy. And, quite frankly, to get over myself. Let go a little bit. Ah, good intent.

Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about where I am, where I want to be, what I want. There are times where I have been so inspired. I was recently appointed as a Commissioner to the Seattle Women's Commission. I am working on a community proposal for my nutrition class. I have an amazing family and friends. Then there are times where literally, I crawl under the covers and hang out with the dog. The change of seasons get me every time....

I think the important thing to remember when dealing with difficult people and life changes is to focus on your intent. Your own goals. How you want others to see you. Do you want to be seen as a professional? Be respected? Do you want to challenge yourself? Do things you are uncomfortable doing? At the beginning of all of my yoga classes I always set the same intent. Be kind to yourself today. I have a habit of pushing myself, of being mean to myself when I'm not good at something, but for that 90 minutes I make it a priority to be kind. So, I've decided to start living my entire life this way. (This won't just be an overnight change, but a positive step in the right direction.) Good intent. Be kind. Don't be mean to myself when I don't get all of my homework done. When I have one too many glasses of wine. Or 1/2 a block of cheese. Kindness. Good intent.

My life philosophy is this: BE KIND. Kind to yourself, kind to other humans, kind to animals and kind to the earth.

And, just so you know I'm not becoming a total hippie:

XoXo,

LG

Irresponsibility in San Francisco

2011-10-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Woops. Epic fail. So much for saving money! Somehow I came home with a new, rather spendy, wallet. I love it but yeah.... it was NOT in the budget.

Ok folks, this was my first time in San Francisco! A couple of years ago, on my 30 before 30 list, I put "spend a weekend in San Francisco" on the list. I didn't manage to get it done prior to 30, but just a week after turning 31 I finally made it! I'm not sure why I wanted to visit there so badly, but apparently gut feelings are usually right. What an amazing place! The trip started out with an upgrade to first class. Free wine and yummy food courtesy of Virgin America. (best airline EVER, in my opinion.) Landed in SF, met up with my girlfriend and headed in to the city. Of course the first thing we did was have a celebratory class of vin followed by some birthday shopping. That night we went out to 5A5 Steakhouse and then back to the Redwood room for drinks. Believe it or not, but I shut down the bar. The last time I was in a bar when the lights came on was..... oh lord, I don't even remember! Woops!

The next morning we dragged ourselves out of bed to go see the sights. We stopped in Chinatown for lunch and had some delicious fare. We then walked the entire way to Fisherman's Wharf where we sat outside and sipped a lovely pinot noir. On our walk back we walked through North Beach/Little Italy. So cute! We just had to stop for another glass of vin before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the night. Saturday night we headed out to the Tipsy Pig (cutest name ever, IMHO) and then to Tacolicious. We headed back to the Redwood Room (we stayed at the Clift, so that was easy) but then decided we had enough and went upstairs to pack/sleep. Sunday was a short day so we ventured out to Cafe de la Presse for some yummy French breakfast. Seriously, so cute.

I have to say I'm fairly obsessed with SF. SO cute, reminded me a lot of NYC. And I'm sure it didn't hurt that the weather was PERFECT! 80 and sunny. It really doesn't get better than that for a girls' weekend b-day trip!

Now I am seriously out of cash for a minute so no more trips for a while. That is A-OK with me b/c I'm a little burned out. I think I slept for 11 hours last night and could have stayed in bed all day except for this deposition prep.

Ok, back to work for me. Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

XoXo,

L

Burned chicken fail.

2011-10-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

So last night I did something I've never done before. I nearly ruined my Le Crueset and burned the chicken, tomatoes and beans. I blame this atrocious cold. So, I did what anyone would do. I whipped up some home made salsa in the mocajete and sent the bf to the store. Wait? What's that you say? OH, yes, you KNEW it. I took Mon-Wed of this week off to celebrate my BIRTHDAY! Woop! That is the only way I could ever find the time to do both. Otherwise we would have been eating frozen spinach. Microwaved. Oh the joy.

I have been pretty MIA on blog lately despite my best attempts to blog more. Not sure what it is but lately I haven't read anything that wasn't nutrition related (outside of work, of course) or even spent time journaling. And let me tell you, things aren't looking much better for the next two months. Friday night I'm going to see Sarah Weddington speak at the Washington Women Lawyer's annual banquet, all day Saturday and Sunday I have class and my own birthday dinner Saturday night. I don't think I can, or ever would, skip that. Next week is back to work as normal then headed to San Francisco (for the first time ever!) for the weekend. I get back, have another crazy week at work with a million depositions and deadline (what else is new?) and then my parents, aunt and uncle are coming into town.

Did I mention I was in Las Vegas again last weekend? Nope? Oh, well.... you know what they say.... Nothing stays in Vegas when you go with your parents.

So, given my CRAZY upcoming schedule, what do I hear from my sister last night? Oh, that's right.... that my mom and aunt are coming to Seattle for the weekend of November 4. Panic. Attack. Look, I love my family, but I also love my sanity. If they come up that weekend then the following weekend I have my class again and I'll NEVER get any stay at home, chillax weekend time. I need my weekends. Ya hear?

Seriously? What did I sign up for? Maybe this is why I burned the chicken.... Seriously.

Pumpkin goodness.

2011-10-13T11:16:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd share this disgusting looking bowl of goodness. This morning I wanted a pumpkin spice latte. But then I realized, gross, that is just fake crap with a ton of sugar and I'm already chubby enough. So, I made my usual protein oatmeal and added about 1/2 cup of Libby's pumpkin. So, while this may look nasty, lemme tell you about how good it tasted!

1/2 cup gluten free oats
1 scoop Advocare Muscle Gain
3/4 cup coconut milk
cinnamon (to taste, I put a ton in)
nutmeg (again, to taste)
1T Chia goodness
1/4 cup Libby's pumpkin

So easy, kept me full until about 1 today, and totally fixed my pumpkin craving!

PS - Sorry for the nasty pictures. I'm getting the new iPhone tomorrow so here's hoping the camera is better than the 3gs!

Wow, motivation, where did you go?

2011-09-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle

Wow. I just updated my daily workout log. And I have been LAZY since I went to Vegas a few weeks ago. It is crazy how one week off (due to a neck/shoulder injury) can have such a dramatic effect. I'm sure it also doesn't help that I have been spending 10-15 hours additional each week working on my NTP certification class while still holding down a full time job and trying to stay afloat. I really admire people who are better at juggling and myself!

Let's take last night for example. I had another *rough* day in the office. I didn't get home until after six, had to make dinner and then my brain was fried. I *should* have gotten on the treadmill to do some intervals but instead I watched Tuesday's episode of The Biggest Loser and drank Kombucha. After that I lit a candle, drew up a bath and spent about an hour reading "A Clash of Kings" (the second book in the Fire and Ice series.) How I wish I was doing that right now.... OK, that is a different story.

I think the biggest thing is that I'm a smart girl, I technically *know* how to do things (meaning managing my time, working out, multi-tasking, lose weight) but I seem to always find an excuse. I'm too busy.... I'm too tired. But you know what people, sometimes I am too damn busy and too damn tired! That's life! So, what I am going to do is to not be hard on myself for slipping up a bit. I'm going to take it as it is, realize that slip ups happen and move forward.

Onward and upward, friends! And if I'm not there yet you know I'm curled up on my bed or in the bath reading a good book, mentally escaping my day ;-)

XoXo

LG

What happens in Vegas....

2011-09-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Leads to the Advocare 24 day Challenge. Seriously. Did you really think I did anything that would need to stay in Vegas? Come on people! I'm too old for that ;-)

So, after three days (only two nights though) of eating, drinking and being overall NOT healthy I'm back in business. I started the amazing cleanse yesterday and already feel better today. This means no booze, wheat or dairy for 10 days. (I already cheated and had coffee w/ milk.... I just can't do almond or soy, it isn't the same.) After the initial 10 days, you basically continue to eat the same but just change supplements to the Max burn phase. You can also do carb cycling for the second phase if you like. It surprises me how much easier it gets every time I do it. The first time was hell. Not gonna lie. When you go from eating like crap to eating super clean and healthy your body freaks out a little bit. But, everyone needs to detox. So here I am, at my desk, with a giant bottle of water with lemons in it and typing away dreaming of ..... well nothing, I think I had enough of everything in Vegas ;-)

I've started my reading for my nutritional therapist program and it is really making me think about all of the crazy crap I have done to my body. Seriously?!?! How come I didn't know 10 years ago that eating tons of veggies, tiny amounts of dairy and only lean protein was the way to go? I spent so much time trying to figure out how to lose weight that I forgot to be healthy. Yeah, I'm over that. Now I've decided I actually want to feel healthy not just look thin. That, my friends, is a big difference. And if you feel healthy you probably look healthy too.... just sayin' ;-)

I wish I had some fun Vegas pix to post but I didn't take my camera this time around. So instead, I'll leave you with an obligatory cute kitten picture for your enjoyment.

XoXo

LG

How do you deal with...

2011-09-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is me lately. I literally want to pull out my hair. I cannot remember the last time I had so much on my plate or so many things going on at once. I know I'll get everything done, but in the mean time I'm freaking out.

This week has been a tough one for me. I had a full blown panic attack on Monday after work. Literally. I can't even begin to tell you about my Tuesday either. All kinds of running around yesterday, meetings and no time to get work done, today more meetings.... Sometimes life just throws you curve balls. Gives you lemons. Etc. So.... my friends, how do you deal with....

Life?

I've been taking super good care of myself this week, eating extremely healthy, doing my morning pages, drinking enough water, getting to bed early and exercising. That is really all you can do. That, and use the planner pad to determine what can get done when and what is a priority! (Posting is cathartic for me, despite maybe not being of the *highest* priorities :-))

Earlier this week I felt I was questioned about whether or not I am serious and if I can be trusted. I am the most trustworthy, hardworking, serious person I know. I never flake. Never with work related stuff. (Hence the stress!!!) I always get things done and do a good job. I really felt my integrity was being questioned or that I came across as some ditzy school girl. That is not me. It never has been. But sometimes first impressions are hard to get over....

So, when life gets tough, the tough get going.... back to work for me. If I am a bit MIA you know where I'll be (desk at work!) I'm going to try to pull together a September goals post and recap on August goals this weekend! Until then, stay healthy, be happy and love life!

XoXo

LG

Green Monster

2011-08-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

If you didn't think I was crazy before, you will now! Inspired by www.sweatandthecity.com, I made a green monster smoothie. One banana, 1/2 avocado, about 2 cups of kale, almond milk, protein powder and ice. This should make up for the fact that I had trader joe's eggplant parmesan for lunch! YUM.

Weekend Review

2011-08-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend was absolutely perfect! The weather, the company, the events. The weekend started a bit early as I took off around noon on Friday to get ready for my parents. I stopped by the Pro Shop and picked up a new Seahawks jersey and a Seahawks shirt for my dad. I then headed to Whole Foods to pick up stuff for dinner. Oh, and spent over $100.00. How is that possible?!?!? After that I got home, cleaned up and by that point I needed a brief rest so I sat in our sun room/office and before I knew it my parents were here.

We spent some time catching up and then went to Restoration Hardware to return some clock my mom bought. After we got home we opened a bottle of wine and just caught up. The weather was perfect and I couldn't have ask for better food. For dinner we made grass-fead new york strip steaks, lobster tails, shrimp, zucchini cooked with mint and sauteed onions. YUM (and a bit excessive!)

Saturday morning I made breakfast for everyone, which included an egg scramble with cheddar and basil, then my mom and I headed downtown to get some shopping in! We hit up the usual spots, Nordstrom and Pacific place then also hit up All Saints and Anthropologie. I only ended up getting a couple things at JCrew but overall it was a successful shopping trip. We had lunch at Nordstrom Cafe and then headed back up the hill to rest before the game.

Saturday night was SO FUN. We took the bus and train to Century Link and got to the game pretty early. We immediately got some wine (and beer for my dad) and headed to our seats.

Yep, that is Pete Carroll. Dreamy. The Seahawks lost so that sucked, but oh well. Much wine was consumed as well as clams and chips from Ivars! (NOT healthy at all!)

Yesterday we got up and went to Coastal Kitchen and I had my usual Big Sur omelet made with egg whites, which has fresh avocado and tomato and a dollop of sour cream! My parents headed home and I went to Trader Joes to stock up for the week. After we made lunch I sat down on the couch, hoping to rest for 30 minutes or so, but woke up at 4:00 p.m.!!!! Starving. So, I finally showered and we headed downtown to get Japanese. I had sashimi and a seaweed salad while the bf had yellowtail collar and brown rice. Overall, it was a fabulous weekend.

Today the morning started off right.

Oatmeal, protein powder, ground flax, cinnamon, unsweetened almond milk and blueberries.

Things I'm looking forward to this week:

- Getting back into my routine
- Crossfit
- Yoga
- Getting paid (shopping and Whole Foods were hard on the pocket book this month ;-))
- Sun
- Healthy eats

Hope everyone had a fab weekend. What are YOU looking forward to this week?

XoXo

LG

Healthy Panzanella

2011-08-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

So, I experimented with one of my favorite summer dishes, panzanella. For those of you who aren't familiar, it is a Tuscan bread salad with cucumbers, tomato and red onion. On Monday night I really wanted something that tasted fresh and healthy but didn't want all of the bread so I substituted the bread with that lovely grain quinoa! Wow, the salad was just as good as ever and even better the next day. If you want to try it, this is how I made it:

1 cup quinoa, then cook per instructions
1 tomato, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 T red wine vinegar
liberal amounts of a good olive oil (the quality of the olive oil is very important)
chopped basil and parsley (both fresh)

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl, let sit for 20 minutes and POW! An amazingly healthy bread salad!

XoXo,

LG

Makin' Changes

2011-08-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ok friends, I have been talking about some exciting upcoming plans. As you may or may not know, I'm an attorney here in Seattle and while I enjoy my work, I do have other interests ;-) (As you may have noticed!) More and more over the past two years I have been into exercise and nutrition - it is a way of life! I've noticed how when I eat certain foods I feel fantastic and others make me feel blech. I started getting involved with supplements, leaning what to take when, what not to take and what is safe. I've watched my trainer struggle through fitness competitions, seen friends and coworkers with chronic health problems..... And then the cats saw the vet.

What, you ask? Well.... it turned out one of the cats has GI issues and the other stomatitis. Poor kitty girls! BUT..... guess what? By feeding them a grain free diet and simply changing their food they can feel better! (Well, the stomatitis will also require ongoing dental cleanings but the food helps too!) Food... health.... things were starting to click for me. I was thinking, how great would it be to take some class that focused on this? I don't want to go back to school for another four year degree or even masters degree (I think a B.A. and a J.D. are plenty for now!) Also, I didn't want to quit my day job. So... what to do?

This is when I discovered the Nutritional Therapy Association. AND, you can take a 9 month class and become a certified nutritional therapist! The curriculum is awesome, and I've already read a bunch of books on the reading list! How cool does the program sound? Maybe I'm just a nerd ;-)

But, for everything there are a list of pros and cons. Would I have time? (Well, that's easy, the answer to that is always yes if you really want to do something.) Um, can I afford it? This was a bit more difficult to determine.... Would it really be worth it to me to spend nearly $3500 on a "class"? I decided that if I enjoyed it, the absolutely, yes. Will I want to give up one weekend a month? Ugh... sometimes I'm still a bit worried about this (What if the Seahawks make the playoffs?!!?!?!) But the hardest part for me: What will other people think? Of course I thought this. Here I am, this fairly young professional with a good job... will people think I'm going to give it all up? (Who cares.) Will they make fun of me? (Maybe, but they are just jealous, or so I tell myself!) Tell me it is a dumb idea? Hmmmm...... Doesn't it seem like you should be able to say, screw it, who cares what people think. Well, let me tell you. I apparently care. I struggled with this, even to the point of not telling certain people until I had already signed up and then I would downplay it. I would say things like, oh, it is just a class, I'm just interested in it, it is silly.

But you know what, I'm sick of that attitude. I'm doing it and I'm excited about it. Maybe I'll hate it???? Maybe it will require something I absolutely don't want to do (touch people, ha!) But I will never know if I don't try.

At the end of the day, I'm doing it anyway. I decided that MY interests are important to ME and I'm going to do what makes me happy. Period.

In a weird way I'm SO excited to "go back to school." I realize it is likely to be a huge time commitment, especially along with a more than full time demanding job but I'm ready for the challenge.

So friends, I have to ask you: When you make a big life decision, how much do other people's opinions affect you? Do you think about it but then do it anyway?

Cheers to life changes! I leave you with a picture of yesterday's lunch (4oz cage free organic chicken breast, brussels sprouts sprayed with olive oil.) And yes, that is my beloved planner pad in the background!

XoXoXo

PS - There will be other big news coming up, but that will have to wait until next year :-) And NO, I'm not pregnant! HA!

Antioxidants and Protein Power!!!

2011-08-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

I always try to make breakfast the healthiest meal of the day. Getting an equal amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein. I also like to make sure I'm getting some other healthy nutrients including fiber and antioxidants. This summer, one of my favorite things to make are smoothies! This morning I made a frozen raspberry vanilla smoothie.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup frozen raspberries (no sugar/other added ingredients)
                      1 cup 1% milk (I'm out of almond milk)
                      1T ground flax
                      1t vanilla
                      pinch of cinnamon
                     AND the most important ingredient
                     2 scoops Advocare Muscle Gain in vanilla

This lil baby tastes fantastic and not to mention so healthy! Normally I do not use milk in my smoothies and opt for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but it was OK in a pinch. You could substitute the milk with almond milk, water, unsweetened juice, soy milk, or just about anything that sounds good to you!

What healthy meals are you guys whipping up this weekend? What about exercise? Make sure to try to get at least 30 minutes a day!

XoXo

Leslie

A time to mourn

2011-08-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am beyond sad about this. Every time I would drive across the bridge it would almost bring tears to my eyes it was such an amazing site. Such a sad sad day.

August !?!?!

2011-08-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is August already. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday it was July 1! The bad thing about today? I have a terrible cold. Yes, in the middle of summer! Grrrrrr...... Nothing a little Seasonal Support won't fix up in a few days time.

So, a new month, new goals, right? Not so soon... I'm going to do a repeat of my July goals! I didn't do a very good job, I got a lil too cray cray at the Nordstrom anniversary sale and a douse of food poisoning killed my workout schedule. (And a lil' trip to Whistler!)

Sorry for the short post, this cold is making me not be able to think!

XoXo

LG

Beautiful Monday

2011-07-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Arguably, there is nothing better than starting your week off on the right foot. For me, this means preparing all of my food for the week, setting goals, going to the grocery store and spending some quality time with L&B. Although I missed out on Harry Potter, I was able to accomplish everything else I needed to get done over the weekend and went to a friends' birthday party! It has to be said though, the weather has been horrible. It is July and was in the low 60s and raining all weekend. YUCK!

So, this morning, I'm up early and preparing for my week! Writing down goals for the week, made a lovely breakfast (Spark, 1 piece of Canadian bacon, and high protein oatmeal (oats, 1 scoop Muscle Gain, 1T ground flax, cinnamon, unsweetened almond milk.) YUM! I have decided that it is imperative for me to get back into yoga more. I have to make at least two classes a week going forward. So, my workouts will now look like this yoga 2x, crossfit 2x, personal trainer 2x plus one long run outside on the weekend.

This week is going to be very routine, which I love! Get up, work out, make breakfast, go to work, read in the evenings.

How cute is Beau-Dog with his Seahawks bandana on?

July!

2011-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Happy July! Happy Summer! FINALLY it looks like we'll be having some decent weather here in Seattle. The weather has been super cool this June (well, not that unusual) and I'm very much looking forward to some sun. When I lived in Oregon I couldn't wait for the hot (100) days, now I just pray for anything over 70!

I have some lofty July goals but I'm SO excited for this month.

1. Go to crossfit 3 times per week.
2. Go to yoga at least once per week.
3. Start my Jog-a-Dog program!
4. Read, read, read! (Goal, 4 books!)
5. Buy curtains and throw pillows for our "office."
6. Go on a shopping hiatus. I'm trying to save money for a new venture (to be discussed later!) and really need to cut back on my shopping for a couple of months. This is going to be SO hard because the Nordstrom anniversary sale is this month!
7. Get some sun!

What are your July goals? Are they fitness related? Health related?

La Dolce Vita

2011-06-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day back in the office after having three weeks off. During my time off I had planned on accomplishing a lot more, but I'll take what I can get ;-)

Week in review:

June 20 - Greenlake with Beau-dog

June 21 - Worked out with Ms. Angie Lewis, read "The Art of Non-conformity" and spotted two bald eagles on my drive across the 520 floating bridge

June 22 - Again worked out with Ms. Angie Lewis, took my new Garmin for a spin (about 2.7 miles), and made these delicious cupcakes, courtesy of Sweet Tooth Sweet Life! (I didn't let them cool enough before putting the icing on! Bummer!)

June 23 - Took the day off from working out but made Julia Child's coq au vin for dinner!

June 24 - Took Beau-dog for a run. We did a hair short of 4 miles in about 44 minutes!

June 25 - Worked on rental house stuff for most of the day with the bf.

June 26 - Took Beau-dog to the off leash swim park! He loved it, I thought he wasn't going to come back for a minute!

I have really been thinking about what I want out of life lately. I would say that I have a nice life. I created this life. But, there are certainly parts that need work. I'm very outcome driven and it is hard for me to enjoy the process of changing things. I have been trying to slow down and enjoy getting to the outcome but it is a very hard thing for me to do. As always, as a Libra I strive for balance.

I also have been struggling with the question of "what do I enjoy?" What feeds me? Makes me lose track of time? How did I spend the rest of my time last week? Reading, reading blogs, researching foods to cook, desserts to bake, napping, watching House Hunters! Seriously, how can one spend an entire week doing those things? Yet, I did. Ok kids, off to crossfit then going to make going to make Hungry Girl tuna casserole for dinner.

XoXo

LG

Crazy Minou

2011-06-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Minou snuggling with 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, Problogger and The Art of Non-Conformity. Love her.

Paris, Je t'aime

2011-06-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

The bf and I just got back from a 8 night trip to Europe. We spent 3 nights in London and then 5 nights in Paris. Oh, how I have missed Paris. As expected, we had an amazing time. Ate amazing food. Saw amazing sights.

We flew from Seattle to London through JFK. We arrived in London town late afternoon and checked into our hotel, The Bloomsbury Hotel in Covent Garden. Each of us took a Slam and headed out the door to walk around Covent Garden. Many glasses of vino were consumed over the next few hours. We decided to go low key for dinner and had Italian (we shared a super yummy rocket covered pizza.) The next morning we decided to head out and do something touristy so we took the Original Bus Tour (which I also took in 2008 when there with my mom.) It is a great way to get acquainted with the city and see the sights! That night we had Lebanese/Moroccan food which was blah. The BF dropped his meat on the floor and still picked it up and ate it. I'm still disgusted by this!

Our final full day in London the weather was horrible! POURING down rain and freezing. I did not bring enough warm clothes, thinking it wouldn't be any colder than it is in Seattle. Mistake. We took the tube to Harrods and walked around for a couple of hours. I also spent hours tracking down these platforms in my size from Zara (we went to about four different Zaras!) That night we went to dinner at St. John. Oh. My. God. We looked up Anthony Bourdain's recommendations and this one did NOT disappoint. Now, this is not a great post for vegetarians..... but at least all of the cow is getting used. Yes, we ate bone marrow. And loved it. I have had bone marrow many times before, but the BF refused to taste it the last time it was served to me in LA. I was shocked he liked it as he isn't a super adventurous eater. The atmosphere was fantastic, the staff helpful. All in all a truly great experience.

The next morning we got up early and headed to the train station where we took the two hour twenty minute train ride into Paris. We arrived in Paris and I could hardly contain my excitement! We got a taxi and proceeded to our apartment in the Marais. Of course, in true Parisian fashion, there was a demonstration at the Place de la Republique. Our taxi could not proceed so we got out. I immediately bought a map (Excusez-moi, avez-vous un plan de Paris?) We hoofed it with all of our bags to our apartment! I have only stayed in hotels (some really horrible hotels and some OK hotels) and dorms (the grossest place on earth) in Paris but never an apartment. The BF has a friend who owns this apartment and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking to stay longer than a few nights in Paris.

After we got settled, we went to the store to stock up on some yogurt, fruit and deli meat for breakfast. (Protein is a must with all that walking.) That night we went to a fresh fish market for dinner and went to bed early. Traveling can be exhausting!

The next morning we had coffee (cafe creme pour moi, s'il vous plait) and an omelette. Apparently they were out of croissant? This was the ONLY time anyone was rude to us our entire vacation! I still don't believe there weren't any croissants! We then walked over to the Louvre to meet two of the BF's law school friends who recently quit their jobs and moved to France to go to school. Jealous! That night we went to Fontaine des Mars (where the Obamas ate) and had super yummy food. We had the "floating island" for dessert, which is this almost meringue like creation (it must have been made out of whipped egg whites) on top of caramel. To die for.

Monday when we woke up we took le metro down to the Champs Elysees for lunch and walked up to the Arc de Triomphe. After that we decided that we needed some rest so back to the apartment we went, where we napped and got ready for dinner. That night we ate in the Marais again at a local French place. We also decided that we were going to take a trip to Strasbourg for Tuesday night to enjoy a place outside of Paris and so the BF could see more of France. I checked to make sure we could get the train that night.

Tuesday morning we packed up for the night and headed to the train station. When we got there the train we wanted to take was full!!! There wasn't another train until that afternoon so we scratched the trip to Strasbourg, headed back to the apartment to drop off our stuff, then went to the Latin Quarter and went shopping! I mostly did window shopping that day and we didn't go in many stores. I LOVE Save the Queen, which they don't have in Seattle, but couldn't justify buying anything while on an already spendy trip. That night we booked a dinner cruise on the Seine. It was a nice experience and quite romantic ;-)

Our final full day in Paris we decided to go to lunch at L'Atelier. It was AMAZING. The best lunch I have probably ever had. And a great way to spend the last afternoon in Paris. Afterwards we went shopping (again) and this time I did buy a super cute necklace and a dress. Of course, it has been too cold in Seattle to wear the dress, but hopefully we'll get some warm weather soon.

Now, I'm back in Seattle and very much looking forward to my "staycation" next week. I have a week full of pampering and self-care. I have days of yoga, reading, cooking clean eats and crossfit ahead of me. I'm not sure I'm going to want to go back to the office after this!

Juin!

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to June, friends! This month brings all kinds of adventures pour moi, including a very long anticipated return to Paris! Mon amour and I are headed to Europe next week for a quick stop in London then a week in La Ville Lumiere! I. Am. So. Excited. Seriously, I cannot stand myself! As you may or may not know, I lived in Grenoble for six mois during undergrad and then in Paris for trois mois during law school. (I also backpacked for an additional two months after the Grenoble stint, but that's another story!) Paris is my favorite place on the planet, and I've been quite a few places. There is something about it.... This time we are staying in an apartment in the Marais! I'm very excited to explore a part of Paris that I haven't spent much time in. I'm also insanely excited to share Paris avec mon amour! It is going to be the best trip! Now only if I hadn't left my bank card in the ATM on Tuesday.... Hmmm....

So, over the past few months I have made some changes in my life. I was having the hardest time losing any weight and didn't feel great about myself. During a trip to Vegas I saw an ad for Freshology. It is a fresh meal delivery system. For those not in the LA area (moi) you get FedEx deliveries on Monday and Wednesday. The food is amazing. No, seriously. I initially signed up for 5 days (not 7 so I could not waste food on the weekends when I want to go out!) for four weeks. I was getting such great results that I signed up for another 2 weeks! I didn't lose mass amounts of weight (about 5lbs) but that was really all I needed to get a jump start.

After eating that healthy for six weeks, I decided I really needed to make some real changes in my diet. The main thing was I needed to get off of gluten (for the most part.) I (self diagnosed) believe I have a gluten sensitivity. My tummy gets all upset and I get bloated (all over, not just my tummy but hands and feet) when I eat too much bread. My eyes get puffy. It is just not good. So, every Sunday and generally Thursday I head to my neighborhood Trader Joe's and stock up. While I love to cook and bake, I have a rather demanding full time job so I have to keep breakfast and lunch (and sometimes dinner) as quick and easy as possible. For breakfast most morning I have an individual size Fage 0% Greek Yogurt, 1 teaspoon agave, blueberries, and ground flax mixed together. (I haven't been able to get entirely off of dairy but I'm working on it!) Generally I'll also have one slice of rice bread toasted. This keeps me going until noon when I have a salad (purchased premade from Trader Joe's). I'll have some veggies (celery, carrots, cauliflower) and a slice of turkey as a snack. Dinner usually consists of salmon or other fish and cooked veggies. I have made this a couple of times for breakfast also. I also tried this on Sunday (when I have more time to cook.) I have to say, Fitnessista is one of my new fav blogs! I'm loving all of her recipes and tips!

Another new thing that I LOVE. Seriously, LOVE. CROSSFIT. Holy moly are the workouts tough! But, my trainer has been out of town and I really needed to get some hardcore workouts in. I'm addicted. I cannot wait to go tonight! If you don't know what it is, go here and check it out. I like to challenge myself and love the group atmosphere that the crossfit gyms have.

On May 1 I completed my second half-marathon and I beat my last time by over 10 minutes!

So, onwards and upwards to le moi de juin! I have more lofty goals for this month, mostly to take a million (well, maybe not quite this many) pictures during my travels, continue to hit up crossfit 4 times a week, maybe check the Survivor run out, and continue to eat tons of yummy veggies and gluten free foods!

Gros Bisous! XO

Lovely weekends, slow Mondays

2011-04-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

There is just something about a Monday after a fantastic weekend. I have a lot to look forward to this week and would almost rather be any place other than the office! Especially because I can actually see some sun out there! Then again, we all have days like that ;-)

Over the weekend I went to watch my trainer compete in a fitness competition, joined good friends for dinner at Golden Beetle in Ballard, went to see another good friend put on her burlesque show and went to see A Midsummer's Night Dream performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet company.

I sincerely hope all of you are having a fantastic Monday and have tons of fun activities planned for the week! Staying busy doing things you love makes for a fantastic life!

The Simple Life

2011-03-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like life is a constant struggle of trying to excel, always be the best me I can be, and just wanting life to be simple. Easy. Why do we have to make things hard all of the time? I went to dinner with friends last night for a birthday. I'm on this cleanse thing where I'm not supposed to have alcohol, dairy, fatty meats, wheat, etc. Well, we went to the Melting Pot. Did I order a simple salad and call it a day? NO, I engorged myself on all of the deliciousness. Today, I was two lbs heavier on the scale. Those 2 lbs that I struggled and starved and ran for, all down the drain. Again, I have to ask myself, why isn't this easy? Why can't I just ENJOY my meal with my friends, get up this morning, go for a run today and not gain weight? Why can't it just be easy? I guess it is easy. I need to eat less. Plain and simple.

I'm also struggling because I would like a lot less stress in my life. Just for a little bit maybe. Remember spring break? Summer vacation? Right now I'm fantasizing about a summer in Paris. With trips around France. Brining one small suitcase with me, watching my money closely and being as French as I can be. Enjoying two hour lunches. The beauty. The architecture. The smells. The fashion. The crepes and patisseries.

Please, dear readers, don't think I am complaining about my life. I have a lovely life. But, sometimes, even the loveliest lives crave change. Crave stimulation. Crave creativity. I would LOVE suggestions on how you lovelies create these things in your already incredibly busy lives. Simple. Luxury. Creativity. Thoughtfulness.

Some things never change...

2011-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

So, I had lofty goals for 2011. One of them was to get my weight down. After two years and ten pounds, I really want to drop this and get back to what I weighed for the previous 15 years. I have been working out like crazy, 6 days a week mostly. Making sure to get 100+ grams of protein a day, counting every calorie, keeping track of all of my nutrients. For at least a month. Yes, I cheat on the weekends, go out to about two dinners a week and also probably drink too much wine on those nights. For three weeks I was solid, perfect. Did the scale change? Nope, not at all. Did my measurements change? Nope. Not one little bit. So, I decided to eat whatever I wanted and have wine with dinner more than twice a week. Did the scale change? Nope. Did my measurement change? Nope. Excuse me for my language, but WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON? I obsess, nothing. I do what I want. Nothing! Have I mentioned that I am beyond frustrated? I just want this god damn ten lbs to go away. I want my suits to fit me. I realize it isn't 50lbs and I realize that I am "healthy" but for me, 10lbs is a lot. It means I can't wear half of my clothes. It means I feel chubby. And it means my face looks fat. Maybe I need to stop being so hard on myself. Maybe I should just be happy where I am. But really, I don't think that is reasonable. B/c if I accept this, then I will accept another ten pounds, then another, then another. Does anyone have ANY ideas? I am about to just start not eating!

Anyway, sorry for the rant. This morning I cried after I got on the scale at my gym. I cried at home after my boyfriend told me to not yell about how it makes me upset. Then the dog came and tried to sit in my lap (he is a 70lb yellow lab) b/c he knew how upset I was. Funny how animals know.

In good news, I am meeting my savings goals and there will be one other REALLY big change in 2011/2012. I am starting to put it together now..... let's just say I finally have an idea of what I want to do career wise!

XoXo,

L

Create, Thrive, Love, Live

2010-12-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

The year draws to a close. Over the weekend I sat down and set out my 2011 goals. I'd like to share them with you all and can't wait to hear your goals for 2011!

I plan on accomplishing all of this in 2011. It will be a big year.

In 2011 I will save $500.00 per month.

In 2011 I will workout 5-6 days per week.

In 2011 I will run two 1/2 marathons and will run one in under 2 hours.

In 2011 I will make an additional $500.00 per month through Advocare.

In 2011 I will take a four week vacation.

In 2011 I will weigh 125lbs.

In 2011 I will only drink alcohol two days per week.

In 2011 I will ask myself (when thinking negatively) what if what you think isn't true? What if it is true that...?

In 2011 I will BE HAPPY and JUST BE.

In 2011 I will read instead of watch TV.

In 2011 I will take my vitamins every single day and remember to floss.

In 2011 I will not worry what others think about me, I will trust myself.

In 2011 I will be confidant.

In 2011 I will stay in love and make time for my love.

In 2011 I will donate to the Humane Society.

In 2011 I will write a book.

In 2011 I will take at least one class to continue to expand my knowledge.

In 2011 I will do me.

XoXoXo,

LG

Fall Love

2010-11-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings lovelies and friends! It has been quite some time since I posted anything on my blog. My weeks have been so busy and full of fun and exciting little treats. Work is busy also :-)

I love fall, it is my favorite time of the year. The changing leaves, the brisk air, my birthday, Halloween, and of course, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. I love having a four day weekend. I love eating all of the amazing comfort food. And mostly, I love the concept of taking one day out of the year to think about everything in life you are grateful and thankful for. Why don't we do this more often? This is something that is often brought up in yoga class or in the vast majority of self improvement books but for some reason, having one holiday set out specifically for this, really makes me think.

I cannot believe the close of 2010 is upon us. Where did the year go? So many wonderful happenings in 2010. Life is pretty good right now.

So, I want to know, what are you THANKFUL for? Family? Friends? Having enough food to eat? Warm clothes?

For me, I am thankful for my current life. I am thankful that I have friends, family, and I am always trying to be a better version of myself. The next year I am going to work on minimilizing my life. Do I need three planners? 15 coats I don't wear regularly? 3 new books a week? Not likely. Have any of you started thinking about what you will be THANKFUL for in 2011? Dream it and you can achieve it! Or, as I like to say, go big or go home.

XoXo,

LG

Lovely b-days

2010-10-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

30 came and went with only a tad bit of drama. I woke up that morning to a yummy nonfat latte from Starbucks and a balloon clipped to the dog's collar! O. EM. GEE! Cutest thing ever. (Oh, and a stunning necklace.) Then... I realized it was Monday and I had to go to work. My attitude changed and I declared it the worst birthday ever. (Un peu dramatic.) After that "episode" I received tons of birthday wishes and the best card ever from mon ami and that evening we opened a bottle of our best wine (Le Petit Rouge from Masset Winery) and then headed to Spinasse, where the chef is one of Food and Wine Magazine's 2010 best new chefs! Needless to say I got over the silly "worst day ever" attitude pretty quickly ;-)

Now, this was my first time at Spinasse and I had heard nothing but how great the staff is and how the food is beyond amazing. I am not going to complain about the food at all, but I do have to say, they screwed up our reservation. This is the kind of place that even on a Monday you have to have a reservation for a table. At first they just couldn't find it, but then they realized they had made it for Monday, October 18, instead of the 11th. It was my 30th! birthday so there was NO WAY the amazing bf screwed that up. It just isn't possible; that is not something he would do. So anyway, we sat at the counter, which is FINE on a normal night, but on my bday I would have preferred a table! (The counter is SO small and you are crammed in there...) While the food was, what I might have to call, the best pasta I have ever had, including in Italy, I was disappointed that they KNEW it was my 30th birthday and they didn't even comp a drink for screwing up the reservation. It just bugged me. You would think that they would offer something after messing something that big up. Or even say something??? Sorry we screwed that up??? But, nope. Nada. Nothing. OK, I'm over it, but I thought I would share what an annoyance that was!

Anyway, so this Saturday a HUGE group of friends and I are going to Teatro ZinZanni! A Cirque de Soleil style show with a 5 course dinner by Tom Douglass. I am SO excited! I feel like I should get my hair blown out or get a tiara or something! Or maybe this giant zit I have will just go away.... zits and wrinkles, is this what my 30s are going to entail? ha!

The big 3-0

2010-10-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

I made it. I'm no longer in my 20s. This is kind of a crazy feeling. I'm not quite sure why this is such a big birthday for me. I feel like Rachel in that Friend's episode where she is refusing to turn 30 and someone says "We all turned 30 like big kids".... or, like Bridget Jones when she says "Now that I'm in my 30s I can handle my liquor" then proceeds to fall out of the cab hammered. What is it about getting older? Yoga is a tad bit harder, body fat wants to stick around. On the other hand, I no longer wear clothes that are not made for me (flowy items come immediately to mind) and I stand up for myself way more than I did 10 years ago. There are two sides to every coin and I think the biggest thing for me is staying positive and upbeat, knowing that I have amazing friends, a wonderful man in my life, great family and a successful career.

Also lovelies, I am going to start reading French lit. I didn't get my travel writing class signed up for (I had way too many expenses in the past month, including a trip to Vegas and a trip to Hawaii) so I need to do something that makes me think. I'm starting fairly easy with Madam Bovary. My plan is to get through it by the end of October. Do any of you have interesting hobbies that people might think are quirky? I'm sure French lit is a quirk! Madame Bovary (Penguin Classics)

It is almost here....

2010-10-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

The big 3-0.

Monday.

Scary.

Exciting.

I am having a hard time organizing my thoughts for this blog post. Usually I think of something, type type type away, and hit "post." This time I feel compelled to post something but honestly have a lack of words. I think I'm more afraid than a lot of my friends to turn 30. Does this mean I'm an adult? Do I have to start acting a certain way? In a lot of ways I'm excited to be 30. My 20s are done, I can take all of that knowledge and apply it. I know so much more about myself than I did at 20. (Not that I would ever want to be 20 again!) I'm pretty happy. And that, right there, is what I'm afraid of.... Does anyone else ever feel like that? You are pretty content so....? I guess life is all about changing and realizing that you cannot control anyone but yourself. I struggle with that. I want certain things to happen and I feel like others should do X, Y, and Z. In reality, I need to learn to let go of what I cannot control.

Over the weekend I am going to be thinking about what I want over the next year, next 5 years, next decade. Really, the biggest thing that I want to do is let go. Let go of what I cannot control. Realize that no matter what happens in the future I'll be OK. I'm me and I'm OK.

Lovely Kauai

2010-10-03T10:54:00.001-07:00

We are leaving today but in a way I'm super excited to nest in my new home this fall! And going to make October my healthiest yet, more on that soon!

Anxiety

2010-09-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have the absolute worst anxiety today. The kind that is physical. That you feel in your chest. Primal anxiety.

I have not been able to get back to a normal schedule or routine since my trip in August. It is now almost October. We are leaving again this week for a weddding, the following weekend is another wedding and then, that Monday, I. Turn. 30. I am terrified for some reason.

Things that cause me anxiety: flying, being gone from work (again), drama (fighting w/ bf), turning 30. All of these I'm doing in the next two weeks. Two weeks from today I'll no longer be in my 20s. Can you say panic attack?

This weekend my bf gave me an early bday present (it is so fancy I almost don't want to say what it is!) and for some reason I have all of this anxiety about that. Like, maybe I don't deserve such a nice present, sometimes I'm a huge bitch and don't clean up after myself and on and on and on. The nice gift gives me anxiety. Going to Hawaii is giving me anxiety. Do I maybe think I don't deserve these things on some subconscious level? Or, maybe, do I just need some calm time with myself? How do you know when anxiety will be something you can control or when it will start to overwhelm you? I better figure it out soon...

XoXo

Yikes

2010-09-21T23:25:00.001-07:00

I seriously need help with my closets!

How did I do?

2010-09-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

On July 5, 2009 I wrote a blog (after being inspired by another blog) on 30 before 30. Well folks, I turn 30 in less than three weeks so I think it is time to assess the damage.

1. Run a 1/2 marathon

In June, 2010 I ran the Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon w/ a time of 3:22!

2. Spend 3 weeks in Paris

Nope, but I did spend about 14 days in Italy! And went on a Mediterranean cruise!

3. Lose 15lbs and stay that weight

Not even close :-(

4. Go on a "yoga retreat" .... Maybe this one: costa rica yoga retreat at pura vida spa in alajuela, costa rica may 22-29, 2010??? http://www.kimberlywilson.com/workshops.html

Nope :-(

5. Save and extra $150.00 per month for a big trip for 30th birthday (if I start in July this would mean $2250.00 by Oct 11, 2010)

Nope, I need to figure this one out though!

6. Start riding horses again

Yes, started in December 2009, am currently in the market for a show horse

7. Grow out my hair

YES, TG!

8. Go to San Francisco

Nope :-(

9. Go on an overnight hiking/camping trip

Nope :-(

10. Hike Desolation Peak (and re-read Desolation Angels prior to hiking!)

Nope :-(

11. Re-decorate my new home

Well.... this has been changed a bit as I moved in with the BF in May of this year... we are in progress!

12. Hire a housekeeper (

Yes

13. Fall in love

YES!!!!

14. Stay in love

YES!!!!

15. Complete "The Artist's Way"

Nope, but will be a goal for age 30!

16. Buy new camera and take a ton of pictures

My sister bought me a camera for Christmas, I have only been OK about taking pictures

17. Run a 5K

Nope

18. Give up red meat

Nope

18. Join DAR

Nope

19. Go to India

Nope

20. Adopt a puppy

My BF and I got a yellow lab puppy together!

21. Buy one really fabulous handbag and use it for most occasions (I got one as a gift!)

I was given one as a gift for Christmas!

22. STOP being hard on myself

I'm better.... this is an evolving process!

23. Spend time furthering career

Again, evolving process!

24. Spend money on decorating my apartment (like I want to live there for an extended period of time!)

See above, decorating the new house is a work in progress

25. Walk along the Oregon coast at sunrise

Not at sunrise but did at sunset

26. Stop being negative

Again, work in progress

27. Spend time in the grass reading a fabulous book

Not sure about the grass but definitely did this on a beach and cruise ship!

28. Believe in myself

Work in progress

29. Re-learn French

Nope

30. Be in the "now" and stop worrying so much about the past and future.

Trying desperately to do! Work in progress!

I am really quite proud of myself for completing as many of these tasks as I put forth. Some of them may be longer bucket list type goals. Doing India and three weeks in Paris in the same year was a bit lofty! I am going to spend some time over the next three weeks deciding what I want my age 30 goals to be... Birthdays are always a time of reflection for me. Why is turning 30 so insanely scary for me though???

Any advice on aging? Have you guys been meeting your goals?

XoXo

LG

I'm Back!

2010-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies! How has everyone been? I have been FABULOUS! BF and I went on our cruise, took a FULL WEEK off of work, but alas, now I am back to the grind. (Or, posting on my blog, whatever fits!)

My week off consisted of napping, taking baths with Lush bath bombs, reading, watching way too many episodes of Mad Men, cooking, napping (did I mention that already? ;-)), sipping vino, going wine tasting, going out to dinner with friends and more napping! I had big plans for the week, including trying to go to yoga every day, work on my Advocare business, clean and organize my closet and organize my kitchen. These plans will have to wait for another day. I had a slight cold after getting back from Europe and I have been going nonstop for weeks so I really think my body just wanted tons of sleep!

So.... now that I'm back, what does September have in store? First, I really want to get back to setting goals each day/week/month. I have been seriously slacking on, well, almost everything lately. Second, I really need to get my head on straight about work! Third, I HAVE to save money (which may be difficult due to several upcoming trips for bachelorette parties and weddings.)

So, with those ideas in mind, my September Goals (starting after Labor Day, of course)

- go to yoga two times per week
- bring lunch to work
- limit clothes shopping to dresses for upcoming weddings and work clothes
- finish reading "The Joy Diet" and start implementing it into my day
- go running at least one day per week
- make it to work by 9:00 every day
- sign up for Intro to Travel Writing class
- attend one networking event
- eat clean 90% of the time

What does everyone have planned for the month of September? Any big plans? Exciting goals? Fall fashion tips? ;-)

XoXo

Italian

2010-08-21T22:04:00.001-07:00

Is there a classic Italian cookbook for Americans, like Julia Child's book?

I wish I had a Kindle

2010-08-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

The one thing I am looking forward to doing the most on my upcoming vacation is reading in the sun by a pool. Our weather has been completely insane this summer, cold and nasty then 95 for the past two days. It is supposed to be only in the 60s again this weekend. No nice moderate Seattle summer weather!!!

Anyway, I have so many books that I want to take on my vacation with me! I have downloaded most of them to my iPhone kindle but that small iPhone can get a bit difficult to read on. I also have a bunch of other books on my nightstand that need to come along for the ride (the problem is I can't let go of them and will insist on bringing them home with me!)

Coming with me on my iPhone are:

The E-Myth Revisited
Generation Me
The 4 Hour Workweek
Finding Your Own North Star
Heart of the Matter
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
Lonely Planet: Sicily
Experience Athens
Lonely Planet: Crete

Coming with me in original form are:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Think and Grow Rich
The Joy Diet
The Artist's Way

Think I'll get all of those books read? I highly doubt it, but I'm hoping to make serious headway on a few of them. The fiction books will get read first and the other books second. Pool time requires fiction!

I'm beginning to think I'm a boring blogger.... I need to spice things up. Work is sucking all creativity out of me lately.... I really need to do the Artist's Way on this vacation. Get back to moi a little bit!

Spoiled Diva?

2010-08-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was accused of being a "spoiled diva." Now, I'm not going to say that I don't like nice things or that I am not a tad materialistic. But don't think for a second that I don't work my butt off for everything that I have. I work in legal services where I make a fraction of what I would make in private practice assisting survivors of domestic violence in their cases. Maybe this is the wrong way of looking at life, but I work hard, I like to be comfortable when I'm not running myself into the ground to help other people.

I have been fortunate in life to have some nice things, live in a nice house and go on some amazing trips. A lot of this is thanks to one person in my life. I make a point to try to always express my gratitude for being able to live the life I live and still make a difference in other people's lives. Maybe I get carried away sometimes with the material stuff. Then again, I don't think making a JOKE about getting a new bag b/c someone else got a new car is really that big of deal.

I am just furious about this comment. I'm furious that it implies that I am not grateful. I'm furious that it makes me look, quite frankly, like an asshole. I'm furious that I am perceived this way when I truly work hard trying to help other people. Am I supposed to live in squalor and not enjoy nice "things" (clothes, bags, shoes, etc) to prove that I am not a "spoiled diva?" Or am I supposed to find a balance? Work hard, do good and also enjoy the good life I have been lucky enough to find?

Or, do I sound like an ungrateful bitch?

Security

2010-08-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.- Helen Keller

Recently I have been thinking about what I want out of life. How I want to feel, who I want in my life, the direction I want my life to take. One of my biggest fears is "what will other people think if...." Even though my blog isn't high traffic, I feel as though doing this has helped me break through and share parts of me that I might otherwise be inclined to hide. After all, who is really in the group of "other people?" People who don't like me? Who cares about them? My friends and family? If they aren't supportive then I might need to choose differently.

There are certain goals I want to achieve in my life. One of those goals is being financially independent and without debt. The only person holding me back is myself. Somehow I have found security in living paycheck to paycheck, I have an identity of being the girl with the debt and big spending habits. I have to change that view of myself. I have to start believing that I am the woman who is financially independent with no debt. Otherwise I will continue to perpetuate this same existence. Also, I have to not be scared about what "other people" think of me. I have to be brave and realize that the only reason I am staying in this same place is because, for some reason, it offers me some form of security. Life is better with some risk. It helps you grow, gives you greater experiences and makes you a better and more complete person.

Have any of you had to change your view of the "safe" you and take big risks? What have daring adventures have you gone on in your lives? Quit your jobs? Moved to a foreign country? Paid off debt? Stopped overeating? What have you done to change your "safe identity?"

Day 4

2010-07-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Gosh. I feel amazing.

I really did NOT feel very good the first two days. The first day was... well... interesting. I felt OK but my stomach was fairly upset. Day 2 I felt like I had the flu. Yesterday I felt restless and irritable and today, woke up feeling amazing, feeling great, not feeling hungry, I have tons of energy and wow. Wow. Wow!

In other news, because I haven't had any wine for four days now, I have been super productive at work (settled my case that was supposed to go to trial August 9), reading "Finding Your Own North Star" and starting to realize maybe I'm not quite as happy doing this as I "should" be, also reading "The Joy Diet" and loving it. I went to yoga last Sunday and Monday, worked out with my trainer Wednesday, walked 2.7 miles around Greenlake yesterday and going to yoga today at 4. I am so excited to have this much energy, life feels so completely different. It amazes me how much your diet plays a role in how you feel. It shouldn't, I know food is fuel and the type of fuel you put in determines how your body runs, but it does.

I also started using my hand written calendar again this week and I am sooooo much better at staying organized instead of just trying to use my iPhone. So many exciting things have happened this week! I cannot wait for the weekend to just play play play! This weekend the BF will be out of town for a bachelor party and my two best friends will also be out of town. I am still off the sauce (red wine!) for another 6 days so this weekend is going to involve lots of reading, working out at Full Circle, yoga at Be Luminous, playing with Beau (puppy) and organizing. Energy! (I'm sure the fabulous weather doesn't hurt!)

What do you lovelies have planned for the weekend? Summer festivities? Yoga? Working out? Eating out?

Cleansing

2010-07-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 1 of a 10 day cleanse and Advocare 24 day Challenge that I am doing to lose some pounds, burn some fat, increase my energy and in general be healthier. So far, the cleanse part is fairly easy. No dairy, no processed grains, no white rice, no refined sugar. Lots of lean protein and veggies and fruit! Basically the same diet I am supposed to be following. With one caveat: No alcohol. This, my friends, means no wine! Yipes! For 10 days! (And for two weeks following "limited alcohol") We all know one thing: I love my wine. This could be hard! I'm not doing this solely because I'm vain and want to lose that final 5lbs. (I say solely b/c that obviously is a factor.) I really feel like I have fallen off the wagon a bit in terms of eating healthy. I started getting sandwiches at lunch with white bread and have had cheese at nearly every meal. I have wine pretty much every night (1-2 glasses, but still, the smallest amount of alcohol can affect our bodies.) And this is NOT some crazy cleanse where I can only drink lemon juice or eat grapefruits. It is merely removing inflammatory foods from my diet for a brief period of time. Doing this helps eliminate cravings, helps your body burn fat, and jump start your diet! I'll be blogging to let you know how I fair doing this challenge. Here's to health and longevity!

Going it alone

2010-07-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday peeps! I have one goal and one goal only this weekend: make it to ONE yoga class! Ha!

Last night I went to this event and I really wanted someone to go with me. No one would go so I ended up going alone. I shouldn't complain, but I have to say, sometimes it just is NOT as fun to do something by yourself. I am a 29 year old woman, I have supported myself and lived on my own since I was 17. I have done plenty of things alone. I moved to Europe alone. Travelled in Europe alone. Gone to movies alone, gone out to eat alone. But, dang it, sometimes I want to share those experiences. And sometimes, you just don't want to do it by yourself. I did end up going to the event but it wasn't as fun as it would have been if my bf or one of my girls would have gone with.

What do you guys think? Aren't there just some things that are better done with friends?

What are your weekend plans? Summer is finally here in Seattle so I am hoping I get to spend some time outside!

Foodie

2010-07-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Lovelies! So, I have been talking in recent posts about my new obsession with cooking so here is the promised post.

For years I lived by myself and consumed mostly frozen meals, frozen pizza and wine. I never had a problem with my weight as I ran regularly or hit the gym at least 3 times per week. Then... I met L. And, you know what they say, relationship weight. We started going out to eat nearly every time we hung out, my wine consumption increased dramatically and the next thing I knew, BAM, 10 lbs. Now, I know that doesn't seem like a lot and in the great scheme of things it is nominal. However, 10 lbs is enough to make your pants not fit, make you uncomfortable in your suits and generally unhappy. One of my biggest issues is that my face gets fat. Yes, I look like a bloated Jim Morrison circa 1969. Not cool.

So, in order to get those 10lbs off of my ass I struggled. I tried to diet, eat Lean Cuisine, go to yoga, I tried Bikram. Then, I hired a personal trainer. My first trainer didn't stress the importance of diet to me. Or she did and I didn't listen, not sure. Next thing I knew, I was going to Mexico for my 29th birthday and up another 5lbs! WTF! Seriously! When I was in Mexico I decided to change trainers. I went to a new trainer who created a meal plan, cardio plan and weight training plan. Let me tell you, the meal plan SUCKS. Chicken breast and green beans w/ 1 teaspoon of olive oil. That is pretty much it. Oh, and have I mentioned I despise chicken? Won't eat it. HATE it. So I cheated. I cheated A LOT. But, somehow I was able to lose 10lbs. Just by cleaning up my diet a little bit, counting calories and wearing the BodyBugg. I still was going out to eat, but making better choices. Now, I generally send the bread back. I have two glasses of wine instead of 3 or 4. Small things but don't deprive myself.

But, my friends, this has not been an easy process. I have struggled, and sometimes failed, to change my mindset about food. I went through a stage where I felt like my issues with food were borderline dysfunctional. I never had an eating disorder, but they way I was depriving myself often led to binges. Wine binges, potato chip binges, pizza binges.

During this process I started cooking. I refuse to eat Lean Cuisine any more. (Have you seen the sodium?!?!) If I do eat a frozen meal, it is always Amy's Organics. And I bought a bunch of cookbooks. I decided that I needed to change my attitude about food. Not let the food control me. Carbs aren't the enemy. Neither is wine. Granted, some carbs are "better" than others, but they are all fine IN MODERATION. Wow, moderation, what a concept!

So, cookbooks in hand, I am now turning my food habits around. I'm no longer opposed to pasta. I just know to not eat it every day. I'm not even opposed to boxed food like Mac and Cheese. But I know to not eat it every day. (Actually the last time I had it was in the middle of one of my "clean" eating phases and it gave me a food hangover.... so I might be a bit opposed to that. What kind of food gives you a hangover?!?!)

Recently, on my trip to Italy with my mom, we took a cooking class outside of Siena. We made homemade pasta, panzanella, rabbit (yeah, not MY thing for sure) and biscotti. The food was delicious.

I have also made several recipes out of Julia Child's cookbook and am dying to take some more cooking classes here in Seattle.

Don't get me wrong, I still watch what I eat, I just am trying to think of food as nourishment, not punishment. On August 2 I am going to do the Advocare 24 day Challenge with one of my girlfriends. This starts with a 10 day cleanse, then eating super "clean" for the next 14 days. I'm doing this knowing that I could never maintain this type of diet long term, but just to let my body reset itself and take a break from all of the wine I have been drinking (my excuse is it is summer!)

Some books that have been extremely helpful to me are: Women Food and God and Mindless Eating.

What about you lovelies? What are your thoughts on food/eating?

Also, let me know if you want any information on the Advocare 24 Day challenge! I'd be happy to provide you with information :-)

Summer Reading

2010-07-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

I love summer. The long days, the warm evenings, not having to wear a coat! Last night we had some good friends over for dinner and I made panzenella, fried oysters and we grilled out. After dinner we sat by our fire pit and chatted.

The thing I love the most about summer is that there are no new TV shows on so I'm not compelled to spend hours in front of the TV. I love long evenings and cherish the time I get to spend reading. I am always reading about 20 books at a time and the kindle app on my iphone is not making this list any smaller.

I finished "The Carrie Diaries" last week. It was cute. I love SATC so much that it was fun to think about what Carrie was like in high school. It was a quick read and would make a great beach book!

I'm in the middle of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and am very intrigued. I can't wait to get more into it. I'm also reading "Mindless Eating" which is fascinating and "Women, Food and God." I am also going to read "Desolation Angels" and try to get someone to hike up there with me this summer. I have been dying to do that for years! "Tranquilista", "LA Candy", and "Finding Your Own North Star" are downloaded on my iphone. Also, I just pulled out "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" which is a separate blog post.

I live for books, I surround myself with them, they are on the floor next to my bed, my night stand, and I have a mini library in my new house. (One wall, all shelves, completely full of books.)

Sometimes I wonder why I'm so obsessed with books. Occasionally I buy books and don't finish them or even open them yet I can't get rid of them and I constantly am buying new books. It is hard for me to give books away and if I do I want to make sure they get read! I am a book hoarder!

So, what are you all reading this summer? Any trashy beach reads? Intellectual masterpieces? Magazines? New Yorker? US Weekly? I would love to hear! (And I'm sure give amazon.com more business!)

XoXo

Am I being nice?

2010-07-09T12:11:00.001-07:00

In general I think so, but the funny thing is I'm not sure how exactly to change my behavior. I think this is because I'm not entirely sure what "nice" entails. Would it be "nice" of me to clean up my messes in the house? Most likely. Would I be any "nicer" if I didn't snap at my boyfriend? Definite YES. Am I being "nice" if I go home for the weekend to visit my parents? Probably.

In some ways these are all good things, but selfish me says "what about being nice to yourself?" How can I be nicer to myself? The saying goes, in order to love someone else you have to love yourself first, right? So why do I tell myself mean things? Some of the stuff I tell myself I would NEVER say to another human being. Some of the stuff I do to myself I would never recommend other people do. Also, if I was nicer to myself, would I then be nicer to other people?

So, this is where I'm at... how do I change some of the "scripts" I have been telling myself for years? Those mean comments about not being good enough or thin enough or short or tall enough or whatever enough? How does one stop doing this? And what happens when outside influences "prove" that my inner critic was "right"? (It really is never right, but it sure is easy to convince yourself it is...)

Today I was in court for one of my two hearings and I sort of felt like a fraud. Sometimes I still feel like a little girl dressed up in my mom's clothes. I was sitting there thinking "Gee Leslie, you sure aren't as articulate as that other attorney." And then I said, "Screw you, yes I am, and I'm clearly as smart and just as educated. I have a job where they believe I can do this. I deserve to be here!" And that, my friends, is being nice to yourself and standing up to that inner critic. (Don't comment on my craziness of talking to myself!!!)

Now, how can I always do that for myself?

Happy July

2010-07-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

July is here and 2010 is now officially half over. I hope everyone had an amazing 4th of July. My boyfriend, myself and several of our friends went to the Tulalip Resort and Casino and spent the night. The rooms are amazing, the food at the Tulalip Bay restaurant is yummy and the club is fun. All around, a great trip. I would say, probably the best 4th of July ever.

July is going to be fairly busy as I prep for trial in August. There is finally going to be warm weather (54 and raining on July 2 is NOT OK.) I hope to get in some sun time, bbq time and friend time. What about you guys? Any big plans for July?

When I started this blog I would set monthly goals. I would set several goals with the intention of making big changes. This month I am setting ONE goal. I am going to be nice. All of the time. (OK, I realize this may not be possible, but I am going to make a huge effort.) I'll be checking in on here about whether or not I have been keeping up with my goal/resolution. It takes 21 days to break a habit (so they say.) Let's see if I can be any nicer by the end of this month.

I did it!

2010-06-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I completed the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon in 2 hours, 41 minutes and 21 seconds. My average pace was 12:19 mile minutes. I only stopped through water stations, at the top of this HUGE hill and for about 50 yards around mile 12.

I set out everything I thought that I might need the night before the race, including my clothes, GU, Advocare Slam, Advocare Spark, Catalyst and post race Cytomax. I uploaded new songs on my iPhone and edited my "gym/running" play list. I didn't go to bed any earlier than I normally would, I went out to dinner and had Mexican food (yum) and just watched some TV and tried to relax as much as possible. I didn't have any wine Friday night or Thursday night and made sure to drink lots of water both days. The last thing I needed was to be dehydrated on top of this being a huge physical challenge. All I could think was that I was going to have to call my boyfriend at mile 8 to pick me up because I wasn't going to be able to finish. I know this wasn't the most positive approach to take, but I hadn't done all of the required training and had also never run in a race before. I didn't know what to expect. One of my friends said to me "wouldn't it be cool if you surprised yourself and ran the whole thing?" Yeah, I thought, that would be cool but isn't gonna happen! Wow was I wrong!

The morning of the race I was terrified. I got up at 5 a.m., took a quick shower, ate an English muffin with almond butter and one egg for breakfast, had my Spark and it was time to leave. Lincoln drove me to the starting area. I kept telling him how badly I did NOT want to do this race. Traffic was unbelievable. The race started at 7. I was in corral 30 so I was pretty far back. By the time I got to the starting gates I was late and my corral had already left. I hopped in the next corral to go and off I went. Miles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were a breeze. I don't even remember anything significant about this other than the terrain was pretty steep. Around mile 5 I was starting to think, only 8 more miles.... Only 8 more miles.... I whipped out a GU energy gel around mile 6.5 and the caffeine/calories helped me power through. My play list was jammin' and there were bands every mile or so. About mile 8 I was struggling a bit so I high fived some cheerleaders and actually jumped! Where I got the energy for that, I have no idea. Every time my brain began to drift to how hard this was I smiled. I physically made myself smile and I kept going. Like a train by now. Miles 9-10 are on I90, one of the major interstates. I kept making myself think positively and only happy thoughts. I would think "how cool is this the interstate is closed and I get to run on it!" and "pain is temporary, pride is forever." Mile 10 I whipped out the Slam I had stashed in my bra (yes, in my bra!) and that gave me the burst of energy that I needed. I whizzed through miles 10 and 11. At about 11.5 as I was coming around the corner I saw Lincoln and Beau (the dog)!!! This was such an amazing surprise because I was only expecting to see them at the family reunion area after the finish line. The end was NEAR, I could feel it. Then, my knee all of a sudden was KILLING me. I thought it was going to give out. And, at mile 12.5 I decided to walk. That lasted about 50 yards. The streets were packed, people were cheering, there was no way I was going to let myself quit now. Less than a mile to go. So, I sucked it up and started jogging again. With the finish line in sight I pulled it together and sprinted, yes, sprinted, across the finish line.

Running this half marathon was one of the best experiences of my life. I was terrified. I had never run a race before, much less such a long distance. After the race I was exhilarated. If I could do this, I can do anything. My body felt strong and healthy. I was so proud of myself for not just finishing, but also for running. I told Lincoln that morning that I expected my time to be around 3 hours 10 minutes. When I initially put down my expected time for the race in January I had hoped to run it in 2 hours 40 minutes. I was sad that I was going to be half an hour longer than my goal. Even though I was one minute over my goal, I consider that achieving my goal. I consider that, based on what I thought I would do that morning, blowing my expectations out of the water.

I normally don't "brag" about myself or boast about my accomplishments, but this was awesome. It was an awesome experience and an incredible feeling to have actually done it. I know I am far from the only person who completed this race (27,000 people ran it) and some of the crazier full marathoners were finishing at the same time as me! But for me, this is a big deal. My first race. The first time I have ever run more than 8 miles.

The weirdest thing about all of this... it was fun. Yep, I said it. FUN. The feeling I got from all of the people cheering (obviously not just for me, but still!) and the feeling I got from finishing. Not to mention, I really enjoyed running.

Today I am still sore from the race. My feet hurt and my knees are achy. I love it. I cannot wait to do another one. And another thing to cross off of my 30 before 30 list! Yeah! Bring on the next race and bring on the next challenge. After completing a half marathon, I know I am capable of a lot more than I normally strive for. We all are, we just have to push ourselves to an uncomfortable limit sometimes. Amazing!

mental strength

2010-06-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be participating in my first 1/2 marathon. I can't say that I trained properly for it, but I am happy to just go out there and try, no matter if I end up walking half of it. I am a bit scared and anxious but also excited to have done something I never thought I actually would do. This is what life is about. Pushing your limits, challenging yourself and, as they say, life is an endurance race, not a sprint. And that is what I'll take with me tomorrow...

Fun

2010-06-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

While life has been full of exciting and scary changes, I have been doing a lot of reflecting. I even had a Zoolander moment of "Who am I?" Ha! Kidding people. But seriously, in the past week I have been reflecting on what I like to do, what do I have fun doing, who do I have fun with? One of my absolute favorite things to do is to read. I am also completely addicted to books. Recently I decided to download books to my iphone (via the Kindle app) and while I have been reading that way, there is something missing. I love having books around me. It is the one type of clutter that never bothers me. I'll be moving the remainder of my stuff this weekend and the one thing I just cannot cull are my books. I guess L will have to live with that ;-)

A NEW thing that I have really started to enjoy is cooking/baking. Today I got home from work a bit early and took a lovely nap then made homemade biscotti. YUM.

BUT here is the thing, lovelies, I think I sort of have a complex about cooking/baking/eating. I am somewhat obsessed with only eating "clean" but cooking/baking "clean" is NOT exciting. You don't get to make fabulous creations, or luxurious/gluttonous dishes. Cooking "clean" is really boring, quite frankly. Plain chicken breast, plain green beans or green beans with soy sauce, eggs, irish oats, fish, more green beans... I have bought different books, tried to spice things up, basically if you want to lose fat and keep muscle/gain muscle you have to eat boring. I don't do boring well. Never have. Probably never will. I guess I need to suck it up and just recognize that I will never have a perfect body b/c, quite frankly, I want to indulge on occasion. And I will NEVER give up vino!

What are you enjoying? Oh, and more importantly, what are you reading?!?!?

Guilt

2010-06-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

I just had an experience that I am really conflicted on the way I acted. A homeless man, wet, shivering, hungry rang the doorbell and wanted to do some gardening work. It is 56 degrees out and pouring rain. HORRIBLE weather. Not gardening weather. He didn't seem threatening. He seemed wet and cold. I of course said I couldn't help him and basically shut the door in his face. (I am really uncomfortable with strange men knocking on the door.) Why didn't I give him the left over bagels and a water? (Leaving him on the porch w/ the door locked, of course.) After he left I of course saw the bagels sitting there and went back outside but he was no where to be found. Should I be ashamed of my behavior? Then again, I care about my personal safety and the safety of my home. UGH, why did I even answer the door???? And why do I feel sooooooo guilty? B/c I'm sitting on my fancy couch in my fancy house, warm, dry, with a roast in the slow cooker and reading a book on my iphone. I guess it is a reminder of how great my life really is. A reminder to not forget that or ever take it for granted.

Oh, I also told him to come back when L gets home. L is going to love that.

Being Nice

2010-06-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

OK, this isn't going to be the most cheerful blog post. I have been struggling with being nice lately. I have noticed that I am rude to my boyfriend, rude to strangers, and was using a bitchy voice with my co-worker today. What, I repeat, what is this all about? I need HELP before I completely ruin my relationship. (This post was precipitated by a HUGE fight where I was rude and my boyfriend totally overreacted, probably b/c I was rude earlier this week also...) How can I bite my tongue and have these bitchy statements not come out of my mouth? I'm sure it doesn't help that I have been sick for 10 days. It doesn't help that I was jet lagged. Or that my job is rather blah right now. But NONE of these are good reasons to be rude. I love my boyfriend dearly. I appreciate every thing he does for me. Why am I being such a giant bitch? It is like I need some sort of attitude adjustment, and I don't want that to be my boyfriend ending up leaving me b/c I'm such a bitch. And, I know you might be thinking, well, what has he been doing? The answer is nothing that warrants my bitchiness.

I think I am afraid. We decided to move in together and I am afraid. My fear is making me a bitch. Now that is figured out, how do I calm myself down? I am not a very laid back person. I like things done a certain way. I don't like strife in my life. But I really need to figure out a way to be nicer these days. I feel like I am nice most of the time but I started feeling really bitchy on my Italy trip. Probably had to do with being in a tiny room sharing a bed with my mother for 8 days who snores like a freight train. She would kill me for posting that, but something has to explain my lack of sleep. I felt cranky the entire time I was there and I haven't been able to shake it. So, dear readers, any ideas? Is anyone else sometimes a giant bitch to their boyfriend for really no reason??? And I can't even blame PMS!

Falling off the Wagon

2010-06-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know a thing about falling off the wagon? I do. The last few months I have been so busy living life and practicing what I talked about all of last year I haven't made time to reflect (or blog.) I find it interesting that when I am happier I don't feel the need to "work on me." The problem with this is in times of not so happy I don't feel like I have spent enough time reflecting to figure out what to do. This is NOT to say that I am unhappy. I have, really, a pretty good life. I just feel like I need to spend some time with myself. Or, with you, lovelies, if any of you are still out there ;-) Time to think out loud about life. Not to worry, I have been busy reading all of the blogs I normally read, just have not spent any time on my own blog.

Last year I set a bunch of goals and have actually managed to stick to a few of them reading back on my old posts. This year I have been busy "doing." I lift weights three times per week, I have been training for a half marathon (which is June 26, eek!), my boyfriend and I moved into a house together, I went to Italy with my mom for 10 days.... Like I said, I have nothing to complain about. BUT (isn't there always a but...) I still feel like I could be a little bit happier... a little bit more content... Maybe that is why they say life is a process. It certainly seems so. You get one thing down and poof! Something else arises!

My plan for the next few months is to get back on the wagon. Get back to doing things just for ME. Be a little bit creative. I am hoping to start actually blogging regularly. Then again, who knows with me, but this is the plan.

So, dear readers, if there are any of you out there, be on the look out for some new rants/raves/thoughts/rambling.

I hope some of you have stuck around!

Wow, where did 2009 go?

2009-12-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have realized that my blog is really more of a random collection of thoughts than serving any particular purpose. I look back at 2009 and it was a really good year. I have figured out more this year than I have probably in the past four years combined.

So that leaves me with, what do I want from 2010? What do I want this next decade of my life to bring? I am going to be a bit selfish and say I want more of the same. I want to laugh every day. I want to love every day. I want more time with my friends. I want to continue on this path of staying healthy. I want more travels. More fashion. More money (hey, who doesn't?). And, as always, more of living each day to its fullest. This can be so amazingly hard. I am the QUEEN of freaking out about the small things. Those small things are so just not worth it. Be happy for who you are and what you have. My best friend was telling me a story last night about a guy she works with. His sister was recently married to a soldier. She became pregnant with twins earlier this year. Then, a few months into her pregnancy her husband was killed in Afghanistan. She just gave birth last week to two healthy babies. I cannot even imagine the pain and suffering but also the joy at having healthy babies. Those poor babies will never know their dad. She has to raise those children on her own. (With the help of family, she is lucky to have that.) Life is precious, life is short. We really need to stop and put our lives in perspective. Grasp each second and never act in a way that you wouldn't want to be remembered for.

Happy holidays to all of you. I wish you an amazing 2010. You are all beautiful and special. Embrace it this year! Lots of love, Leslie

P.S.

There may be a more coherent blog topic coming in 2010. Look for it!

Thankfulness

2009-11-18T15:07:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on 2009 (and the year isn't even over yet!) I realize that happiness is achievable. It is a moment by moment experience. Have I been happy every day of this year? No, probably not. But, 2009 has been a GOOD year. A very good year. I am so thankful for all of my experiences this year.

January: Started out the year right with a trip to DC for the inauguration of Barack Obama as president. Had an amazing trip, despite the frigid temperature, made some great new friends, spent lots of time with my BFF, and learned a lot!

February: Trip to Scottsdale with my family. Was so nice to get out of the dreary Pacific NW for a few days. Bought a plane ticket for the WRONG DAY and ended up staying an extra day! Hahaha!

March: I have to say, the best part, I met Lincoln! Fabulous!

April: Overnight trip to Portland, got caught in a torrential downpour, caught up with old friends, spring!

May: Went to Colorado for a work training, rushed back in time to go to Sasquatch at the Gorge at George, WA, camped for two nights, bonded with friends!

June: Went to Hawaii with Lincoln, summer!

July: I love the 4th of July, had a housewarming party chez moi (a "sausage fest" literally with all different kinds of yummy sausage we picked up at Pike's Place), smiled a lot, my friend Katy moved back from London!

August: Trip to LA to see good friends, SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER!!!!

September: Worked my BUTT off, football on the weekends, easing into fall...

October: My birthday!!! Woohoo! My favorite month, I love fall! Oh ya, not to mention that little trip to Cabo with Lincoln ;-) Halloween (as little red riding hood!)...

November: Ok, I realize the year isn't over yet, but I wanted to get a head start on everything I am thankful for this year! Lincoln and I are going to Whistler for Thanksgiving and going to go snowboarding. We are spending three nights there and some friends are coming as well! I LOVE LOVE LOVE snow and villages and cute shopping and sitting in a hotel room by the fireplace sipping vino! OMG, I am sooooo excited! And, this weekend, Friday we are going to a French dinner put on by the French Business Association here in Seattle complete with wine tasting and a full french menu! Ooohhh lala! Sunday we are going to the MLS Cup and I will be about 10 seats up from DAVID BECKHAM!!!!!!! Yes, my boyfriend knows ;-)

What to look forward to in the remainder of 2009: December!!!!! Holidays!!!!!!! The first weekend in December I have a formal dinner to attend (hello new dress!) and then spending Sunday in a SUITE at Qwest Field to watch my beloved Seahawks. The following weekend I a headed to Boise to see my grandparents and have an early Christmas. The weekend after, dinner at Canlis! And then Christmas with the fam :-)

How are you lovelies spending the rest of the year? I hope everyone can look back at this year and pick something from every month they are thankful for. I am so happy with this year and have decided to make next year just as good! Happy Holidays ladies (and gents?)

Goals Goals Goals

2009-11-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been working on "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield and I am doing goal setting right now. I am going to list as many goals as possible, with completion dates. Let's get this party started!

1. I will weigh 130lbs by March 31, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

2. I will have body fat percentage at 19-21% by March 31, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

3. I will join one networking activity by January 31, 2009.

4. I will have the cash to write check for my car by March 1, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

5. I will pay off all student loan debt by April 1, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.

6. I will run half of the Seattle marathon in November, 2010.

7. I will brainstorm on ideas for career moves by December 1, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

8. I will speak French by December 31, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

9. I will save $200.00 per month, each month, and go to Paris for at least 10 days in October 2010.

10. I will be happy each day, every day, and I will trust my own happiness.

Holiday Season!

2009-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

The holidays are sneaking up on us. I want to give thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts this year. Any ideas for a mom, sister, dad and boyfriend?!?! I'll start out by saying my mom is the pickiest, my sis is fairly easy to shop for b/c we have similar tastes, my dad I'll just get some hunting/fishing stuff, and my boyfriend has everything he could ever want or need! Eek!! All thoughts/ideas are sooooo appreciated!

NOVEMBER!

2009-11-03T09:21:00.001-08:00

WOW, along with the rest of the world, WOW, it is November! This year has flown by. I'm actually glad for that, it makes me feel like I have been busy and not just sitting around doing nothing!

I haven't been blogging much lately, somehow time has slipped away from me. I miss it.

I have two goals this month -- write two blogs with actual topics and continue with my fitness plan.

As you may know, I have been struggling with my weight for several months now. I hired a personal trainer in July but didn't get great results. I recently changed trainers and have already lost 2 inches from my waist! (Let's not talk about the .5 I gained in my butt, what can I say, I'm hourglass!) This is a combination of eating "clean" and not eating refined carbs/bread/starch after 4 p.m., cardio four days a week (2 days endurance and 2 days intervals) and 2 days a week strength training. The eating part is the hardest for me b/c alcohol counts as a "white carb." And we know I love my wine! The best part about this is despite still not fitting into all of my clothes, I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I feel stronger, thinner (um, btw, havent' really lost any weight, I'm hoping it is b/c I am gaining muscle), healthier, I'm making better choices all around.

BUT LET ME TELL YOU, there are times when I want to KILL SOMEONE for a cupcake! Seriously. I also read recently that there is a link between seratonin production and white carbs. I'm not sure about the science of all of this, but I definitely had major withdrawels. Ask my boyfriend. Seriously, talk about being crazy after 7p.m. at night. The funny thing is, I'm excited about this. It sucks, I'm crabby, it is time consuming, but I'm still excited. I again feel like my body is a work of art. I sculpt it. I create how it looks. I by NO means want to become a body builder, but how cool would it be to say, I have 18/19% body fat? (Instead of ..... sorry guys, not gonna tell you!) To know that I worked sooooo hard on something and got amazing results. I think part of it is my trainer is really inspiring b/c she lives it. She looks it. She does it.

Feeling girly!

2009-10-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have been feeling super girly this week. I want to add some feminine touches to my apartment. My apartment currently is pretty neutral. I found this shower curtain on anthropologie.com and I LOVE IT! If only I had an extra 118 dollars! I think I love it so much because it reminds me of a cupcake! Yummy!

Speaking of, I am on a budget. A self-imposed budget. I took the bus today, which saved $10.00. That is $50.00 per week. What have I been thinking?!?!

I really want to get out of the living paycheck to paycheck cycle that I find myself in. Maybe I shouldn't have rented such an expensive apartment?!? But I like living there sooooooo much better than my previous place. I should cut down on my pedicures now that I won't be wearing sandels regularly. Brining my lunch to work regularly will save both calories and money. Maybe I should stop shopping??? The thought gives me a mild panic attack!

Inspiration

2009-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how to make things happen in my life. I understand the concept of "The Secret." I understand that I am not a victim, that life doesn't happen to me and that I MAKE IT HAPPEN. My questions recently are more around, what is it I want? How do I figure out the direction I want my life to take? It is easy to say things like, I want X (material items) but much harder to say, I want X out of life. I mean, what if what I want is a mistake?

And, in areas of my life where I am close, am I afraid? Am I afraid of change? The answer to this is a resounding YES. I am afraid. I have something that is great but, as all things, has aspects that aren't perfect. And, I am afraid to ask for what I want. I'm afraid that if I do things will go totally awry. I'm afraid I don't know how to ask or articulate it properly.

Have you guys listened to Leona Lewis's new song Happy? That sound is inspiration. And so true. I need to NOT be afraid. I need to realize that asking for what I want is OK and not doing that is only making me more afraid.

OK, deep breathes. Here's to no longer being afraid!

Turning 29....

2009-10-12T20:21:00.001-07:00

So, this is the last year of my 20s. Everyone says that they are happiest in their 30s so we shall see. It is a bit depressing for some reason. I think it is hard to give it up -- not sure what, but something. My whole life I wanted to be in my twenties, I don't want to be 30 next year. I realize that I sound like a whiny spoiled brat saying that, but there is something daunting about realizing this is the last year of my 20s and I have not accomplished anything near what I wanted to at this point in my life. That, in and of itself, should make me want to work harder, instead, it makes me want to hide under the covers and wait for the bad dream to pass. What is it about birthdays? And I actually had the best birthday of my life. I got to spend a week in Cabo, went to dinner with my bf and best friends and watched the Seahawks beat some ass yesterday at Qwest Field! Still.... today, the day after all the excitement is done, I feel...... BLAH. Majorly BLAH. I took the entire week off to focus on myself. At first, it felt like the best thing I could ever have done. One day into it I feel nervous, unsettled, sad. Sort of like the old cat lady.

Do birthdays have this effect on anyone else? Does anyone have any advice on getting my butt motivated instead of feeling sorry for myself? What should I do the rest of the week with this time off that I should be so grateful for?

Where does the time go?

2009-08-24T10:34:00.001-07:00

This morning I thought I would check some of my favorite blogs and I realized that I haven't blogged in weeks! I have no idea where the time goes, but with work, good friends back in town and it being summer it is just FLYING by. In the past few weeks I have found myself in L.A. for three nights, buying tix to Miami for Labor Day, eating out way too much and enjoying life. For example, this weekend I went to Italian with L on Friday night, woke up Saturday and went car shopping (no, not for myself!), got ready for my friend's birthday outing, went out and went to bed at 3 A.M.!!!!!, woke up late yesterday, went and ate more Italian (can you tell I was craving carbs this weekend?), watched Slumdog Millionaire again, two plus hours of "The TO Show" (I'm not proud of this) and A Time to Kill. Basically I did NOTHING. But sometimes nothing feels so great! Especially after my desk at work has looked like this for weeks:

August!

2009-08-02T00:12:00.001-07:00

I have taken a bit of a blogging hiatus. I have been so busy I have hardly had time to keep up with everything that is going on in the world!

July's goals:

For July I would really like to make sure I get to the gym a minimum of 3x per week, only have wine 2x per week and on holidays (I KNOW I'll want a drink on the 4th!), NOT buy any more books, hire a housekeeper and BE POSITIVE! My job has really been getting to me lately so I need to work on releasing that stress. I made it to the gym quite a bit. I'm not sure if it was exactly three times per week but it was definitely close! Yay me! Um, I definitely did NOT stick to the only having wine two times per week. Not even close. I didn't hire a housekeeper (I tried but that is a long story!), I didn't buy any books for the month of July (so of course I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and bought "The Success Principles," "The Bell Jar" and "The Witch of Portobello." I think I was fairly positive also! Overall, not a bad month!

Now for August's goals. I am keeping it simple this month.

1. Read "The Success Principles"

2. Continue to go to the gym a minimum of three times per week

3. Only eat out a maximum of 2 nights per week

4. Be more focused at work.

Sometimes I feel like I am all over the place. I haven't been feeling very inspired lately. I really need to take time for myself. I find that to be a challenge during the summer months. The weather is so amazing and I cannot stand to be inside. I want to hang out with my friends and be super social! I know that the weather won't last and I'll get back to my bookworm self. I guess I'll let it slide that I have been a little flaky lately!

I have a couple things I'm working on and will share those soon...

XOXO!

2009-07-23T22:51:00.001-07:00

I would love to hear all the lovely things ya'll will be getting into this weekend? Any fab plans?

Honest Scrap

2009-07-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

The lovely Carolyn at www.hangonlittletomato.com just posted an award she received and invited all of her readers to follow suit. Basically, you list ten honest things about yourself that your blogging friends do not know about you.

Ok, here goes:

1. I can be insecure.

2. I have a tendency to question every choice I make all of the time.

3. I get bored very easily. This results in starting projects and not finishing them (ie The Artist's Way, decorating my apartment, cleaning, work, etc)

4. I am a reformed shopaholic. I ran up my CC bills when I was younger and didn't know better which in turn got me in trouble because I couldn't pay them all. I now have not so great credit and NO credit cards by choice. On a positive note, I don't think it has affected my life in any way.

5. On that note, I also have a HUGE amount of student loan debt from law school. HUGE.

6. I am in LOVE with cheese. All kinds of cheese. From the stinky French cheeses to velveeta. Every single kind of cheese. Nope, can't think of one I don't like!

7. Sometimes on a weekend I will lay in bed all day, not shower, not get dressed, and just read a magazine, book or watch 10 episodes of Law and Order.

8. I really like cupcakes. I can't make them anymore b/c I will eat 4 or 5 of them in one sitting. I think I may have a binge eating problem...

9. I really really really like my new "bf." I think he is one of the nicest, honest fun people I have ever met! He makes me want to be better and be more positive. He inspires me to work harder in my career and to work out! He is fabulous :-)

10. Despite mentioning some things that are not so great about me above, I am generally pretty content with my life. I feel like is process and going up and down are all part of it.

Thanks again Carolyn for inviting all your readers to take part!

Hope ya'll do the same and post your own 10 things :-)

Staycation?

2009-07-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling a little burned out lately. I literally do NOT want to go into work for some reason. I have been feeling a little taken advantage of and under appreciated. Also, every time I take any vacation I am going going going. (I shouldn't complain, I sound so ungrateful.) All I want is to stay at home, read books by the pool, drink lots of Perrier and NOT run errands. I can hardly get anything done at work. Is it the fact that the weather is amazing and I'm stuck in an office? Do I just need a break? I have so many questions!! Also, I have nearly a month of "sick" time. I firmly believe I should be able to take some of this time as "mental health time."

On a somewhat related note, has anyone completed the Artist Way? If not, does anyone want to do a "long distance" buddy system? Any other good suggestions on getting back on track?

And, on a completely unrelated note, I want a puppy so bad I can't stand it. When I see puppies and dogs out I get so excited and get this feeling in my stomach!

Shoes, bags and more! Oh my!

2009-07-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

After this weekend I will be on a "financial diet" for quite some time. The Nordstrom sale was out of control. I think my mom is a bad influence! I ended up with a pair of Jimmy Choo's, a pair of Chanel heels, new Chanel sunglasses, new perfume, a new Coach wallet, a new bag, new work pants, new work shirts, random dresses from H&M and new workout clothes. Someone needed to stop me! I have mild anxiety about how much money I spent but overall I am pretty thrifty and don't go crazy too frequently.

Now I have that kind of "let down" feeling that you get after something really fun happens. I'm also really happy to be in my bed on my computer not entertaining!

I am so looking forward to this upcoming week. I have spinning tomorrow after work, then Tuesday my first personal training session at my new gym, dinner with a friend on Wednesday, personal training again on Thursday and hopefully dinner with a good friend on Friday! ALSO, the lovely K will be moving back to Seattle this week after two years in London and I am soooooo excited! She is one of my partners in crime and I can't wait for her to return.

One thing I really need to work on this week is staying positive and also eating healthy. Kind of random right? I have been eating crap lately and even though I was down two pounds on Friday morning, I'm pretty sure I have gained it all back over the weekend. How do you change your eating habits and break bad habits?

Also, is it wrong I feel guilty about lazing around when the weather is so nice out?

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Two of my fave things!

2009-07-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

Audi and hot pink nails!

Lovely Weekends

2009-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

I realize I have been a bit MIA for the past few days. I had a fabulous weekend and thought I would share! Sometimes just the little things can make a huge difference. Here is a rundown of what I have been up to the past few days!

Friday: I didn't get my work out in because I ended up working until 6:00. After getting home, showering and throwing on a cute dress I went out to dinner at The Dahlia Lounge with b/f and friends! Had a fabulous time then off to Spur for some after dinner drinks.

Saturday: Got up fairly early for me on a weekend (9:00!) and walked to the gym. Got a decent work out in and then stopped in the Market to get some coffee and brunch. Afterwards hit up Target and then back to chez moi. Did some cleaning and laundry then off to the ballgame with good friends. Enjoyed the game but stayed in the beer garden most of the time! Afterwards headed down to Belltown and hit up Del Rey then Karma where we danced the night away! Or, did my "white girl" attempt at dancing! Headed back to chez moi and decided to get some late night pizza at my FAVE pizza place, Belltown Pizza. Finally got home around 1:30/2 and passed out!

Sunday: Got up fairly early (10ish) and got ready for the day. It was CHILLY yesterday (high of maybe 64 and raining!) so I got to put on my fab Burberry jacket that I haven't worn since May! Went out to West Seattle to b/f's house and promptly got back in bed with my Starbucks and a Perrier to watch several episodes of Anthony Bourdain. We decided to get up and head to the mall where we browsed and then went to look at the new Camaros (sp?). They are sexxy sexxy. However, convinced Lincoln that he does NOT need a third car and that trading his Porsche in for a Camaro is NOT a good idea! Come on! Then we went downtown and did some more browsing then went to the theater and watched Bruno. It was hilarious but really raunchy so do NOT go to this with your parents/grandparents/children!! Afterwards we went to dinner at Cactus on Alki and ordered a fab bottle of vin. Only drank a small portion of it so we corked it and took it home. Finally got home and again, promptly hopped in bed in sweats to watch some more Anthony Bourdain (new episodes start tonight, ya'll!!!) Had another glass of vin, read some more of Tuscan Holiday and fell asleep.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend? I love being busy but also having lots of time to rest and be in my bed! (or L's bed :-)) The pic above is of the sunset the night of the Mariner's game. View from Safeco field! It actually does NOT do the sky justice at all but I tried to capture just how amazing it was (with my BB.)

Shopaholic

2009-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am REALLY craving going to Target, Barnes & Noble and Nordstrom. Sadly, my goal is to NOT buy anymore books this month! Eek! And, my mama, aunt and gramma are coming to Seattle for the Nordstrom sale later this month so I better save my money :-)

How can a person "crave" shopping? I recently read it can actually be addicting. Something about our brain chemistry and the thrill of finding a deal and being in the store? I really need to control myself! I know this is me b/c I got the Nordies sale catalog on the mail today! I am really frustrating nothing in it is online yet!

30 before 30

2009-07-05T23:29:00.000-07:00

I give credit to Suz's 30 before 30 blog for inspiring my little post. 30 before 30 is such a fabulous idea that I just have to add this to my blog also. I turn 30 in about 16 months! This gives me plenty of time to start getting with the program! (Whatever the 30 turn out to be!!)

I think I know of a few but I will need more time to actually get them on here!

Tell me, what are things you all are dying to do before 30 or 40 or any other milestone?

I also want to plan a post on 20 things I have done in my twenties and maybe 20 things I did before I turned 20!!

This is going to be fun! And it might make turning 29 in October less painful!

**update**

So, I just realized that I turn 29 in 3 months and 5 days! Eek! I better start my list!

1. Run a 1/2 marathon

2. Spend 3 weeks in Paris

3. Lose 15lbs and stay that weight

4. Go on a "yoga retreat" .... Maybe this one: costa rica yoga retreat at pura vida spa in alajuela, costa rica may 22-29, 2010??? http://www.kimberlywilson.com/workshops.html

5. Save and extra $150.00 per month for a big trip for 30th birthday (if I start in July this would mean $2250.00 by Oct 11, 2010)

6. Start riding horses again (started in December 2009)

7. Grow out my hair (started to do, already about four inches longer!)

8. Go to San Francisco

9. Go on an overnight hiking/camping trip

10. Hike Desolation Peak (and re-read Desolation Angels prior to hiking!)

11. Re-decorate my new home

12. Hire a housekeeper (done, October 2009, comes every 4-6 weeks)

13. Fall in love (DONE!)

14. Stay in love

15. Complete "The Artist's Way"

16. Buy new camera and take a ton of pictures

17. Run a 5K

18. Give up red meat (not gonna happen...)

18. Join DAR

19. Go to India

20. Adopt a puppy

21. Buy one really fabulous handbag and use it for most occasions (I got one as a gift!)

22. STOP being hard on myself

23. Spend time furthering career

24. Spend money on decorating my apartment (like I want to live there for an extended period of time!)

25. Walk along the Oregon coast at sunrise

26. Stop being negative

27. Spend time in the grass reading a fabulous book

28. Believe in myself

29. Re-learn French

30. Be in the "now" and stop worrying so much about the past and future.

Reflections on Paradise

2009-07-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, the man and I took a trip to Oahu. It is a fabulous "weekend" get away as there are a ton of direct flights from Seattle. I got advice on the best places to stay, heard not so great things about Waikiki, so we ended up staying at Turtle Bay on the North Shore. (If you have seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall you know this resort!) The first day we arrived the weather was perfect. I immediately put on my bathing suit and ran/dove head first into the ocean. Something about the beach makes me instantly feel 10 years old! The next day we decided to go stay in Waikiki for a night so that we could go to dinner at Nobu. Nobu is AMAZING. Absolutely amazing. Waikiki, was, well, it was crowded. We then spent the next day driving up one side of the island and made a little pitstop to "interact" with dolphins. I have to say, this was really freaking cool! I knew dolphins are smart, but they are amazing. We got to get in the water with them and "help" the trainers with their tricks. We also got to feed and pet them. It was seriously "neat-o!" Sadly, when we got back to our resort the weather had taken a turn for the worse. The wind was blowing constantly. And not a mild breeze. WIND. It was blowing so hard you couldn't lay on the beach, lay at the pool, go kayaking and we missed our shark diving excursion b/c of the wind also.

Overall it was an amazing experience. Lincoln is so amazing for taking me on his little trip and I am so thankful for getting to go. But, it really has me thinking. I think "paradise" can mean many different things to different people. Or can mean different things to the same person, depending on what they "need" at that current time. Paradise for me today was lounging around, going for a run, and now I'm in bed blogging. I would really like to go somewhere remote with few other people next weekend. Or maybe get a bunch of candles and take a giant bubble bath which reading a new book!

What does paradise mean to you? Is it that dream beach vacation? What about hiking into the mountains? Spending the night at a trendy hotel in your own city? Also, what are some "economical" ways to have paradise right in your own backyard?

I will leave you with some pictures of us on our vacay!

And let's have a positive happy week!

Great Quote

2009-07-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes." - Andrew Carnegie

July? What happened to June?!?!

2009-07-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

When I realized it was July today I seriously had to question what happened to June. I always like the start of a new month because, for some reason, there is something "new" about it! (Duh!) But, this month has me questioning just what the heck happened to June. Let's do a little review:

Goals --

1. Um, did NOT make it to the gym 3x per week. But, I have managed to save about $100.00 in parking in June by walking or riding the bus to work! (That has to count for something.)

2. Did a fairly good job of this. I also probably spent as much on groceries as eating out! Eek!

3. I'm still alive so I must still be breathing. (I'm feeling a tad bit sassy today.)

4. OK, this goal needs some SERIOUS work. I am very upset about how much weight I have gained since April. How did this happen? I find it interesting the weight gain started almost the exact date I changed BC to Seasonique. Is that TMI for a blog?!?! I really need to work on this in July. And cutting down on drinking I think will be a huge help b/c it adds calories and I tend to eat more.

5. I have been doing this! And lemme tell you, Floradix is NOT cheap! But, yay me!

6. Um, nope. And not going to for the next three months b/c I have ZERO desire to read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or the following two books that go along with with. Am I wrong? Should I give it a whirl?? I did read Bitter is the New Black, Bright Lights Big Ass, Such a Pretty Fat and Pretty in Plaid all by Jen Lancaster this month. And I bought Tuscan Holidy, The Last Queen and Omnivore's Dilemma. It is pretty apparent I am addicted to chick lit!

7. I haven't been keeping track of this! I need to journal more!

8. Actually this has not been so good. I think my weight gain coupled with super stress at work and the stress of moving (TG that is over with!) has had a negative impact. I really need to change this for July :-)

For July I would really like to make sure I get to the gym a minimum of 3x per week, only have wine 2x per week and on holidays (I KNOW I'll want a drink on the 4th!), NOT buy any more books, hire a housekeeper and BE POSITIVE! My job has really been getting to me lately so I need to work on releasing that stress.

P.S. I invited some fabulous friends over for a pool party on Friday b/c there is no work! I'm soooooooo happy about that! Yay!

P.P.S. Billie Jean is my new ringtone. That also makes me happy!

Having one of those days...

2009-06-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those days where I am just PISSED OFF at the world. I woke up late this morning, went upstairs to make tea and realized I DON"T HAVE A MICROWAVE. Remembered I have court this afternoon and only ONE of my suits fits me. I really wanted to wear my cute linen suit but couldn't even get it on over my hips. Finally got ready and got to the bus stop before I realized I forgot my lunch at home. I specifically went to Whole Foods last night to get a salad for lunch today because I am trying to lose weight. Then, got on the bus and remembered why I don't like to ride the bus. BO everywhere and me with my gym bag AND my work bag full of files knocking people around. I actually get a seat on the bus and then the bus driver and some woman get in a yelling match about giving some random guy directions. So, I have to get off of the bus and walk the rest of the way to work (probably better for the size of my ass anyway.) I decide to stop at Starbucks to get a nonfat iced latte as I haven't had any caffeine yet and some guy tries to wrestle with me through the door for a spot in line. Remember, I have a gym bag and a giant work bag full of files. I win. So, I get into work and the A-hole opposing counsel refuses to send me one of the documents I need to finalize my case.

Also, I am so overwhelmed at work I am almost frozen. I can't hardly keep track of everything I need to do and there are NOT enough hours in the day to get everything done. And, honestly, I work for a non-profit and make a non-profit salary so why kill myself? It isn't like I get paid based on my effort. It isn't like anyone even acknowledges me when I do something well. What is the point?

Anyone else have these days? What do you do to turn them around? I literally want to go home and crawl under the covers. But, even the kits are annoying me today and were being super needy this morning. UGH!

New Hawaii Bathing Suits!

2009-06-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

"Monokini" from Target!

Vitamin A Bathing Suit from Nordstrom!

If you can't...

2009-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.

A "new" day in the life of...

2009-06-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

My new apartment is coming together rather nicely. I finally have cable and internet again and can start putting books away in the bookshelves. I also need to hang pictures! I think my older stuff looks so much better in my new place. Notice Minou has already decided she owns the place?

Anyway, so now that I live about a mile from work I have decided to walk to work on the days it isn't raining. Thus far I have managed to walk yesterday and today. I am hoping that it helps to get rid of the spare tire that I have acquired in the past couple of months. (I am not a fan of dating weight!) Any good ideas on getting rid of stress/laziness/dating weight???

Decor

2009-06-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

As stressed out as I am, I am so excited to move! I love getting rid of old "stuff" and "starting over." I found all kinds of new things I want to put in my new townhouse (but there may be some budget limitations!) I have TWO balconies! TWO! One off of my living room and one off of my bedroom. I want to decorate my living room a sort of modern/asian theme and my bedroom totally Parisian apartment. (Is this weird in a totally 90's style building??? I miss Paris so much...) After being in a cave for three years! What do ya'll think about the following:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=351407&CategoryID=42880

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=202&f=3424

http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Furniture/Furniture/tabid/519/CategoryID/155/List/0/catpageindex/2/Level/a/ProductID/3967/ProductName/Peacock-Tufted-Dining-Chair/Default.aspx

I really need to figure out how to make my blog a bit more fancy! Posting links and this background just aren't very fun :-) Any suggestions would be FAB!

Friday I'm in Love!

2009-06-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Friday I'm in Love:

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in loveMonday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even startI
t's Friday I'm in loveSaturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...
I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love
Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...
Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a sheik
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love
I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

June Goals!

2009-06-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of setting goals for each day, week and month. I am so excited to be moving this month so I think it is a great time to set some goals and reevaluate. June is such a fabulous month. I believe that New Year's resolutions should be made in June, not January, when we are able to get outside and the days are the longest. Habits are much easier to form/break this time of year!

1. Get my butt to the gym at least three times a week!

2. Stop buying lunch and dinner every day/cook more at home.

3. Remember to breathe.

4. Cut back on my wine intake! I'm a wine addict but I think it is adding to my waist size!

5. Take my vitamins. This is so silly but I feel so much better when I remember to take my floradix every day and for some reason I keep forgetting!

6. Read my book club book.

7. Do something creative every day. Remember to look at new ways of doing things.

8. Always be positive. (I do a pretty good job of this but I'm a bit worried with the move. Moving tends to STRESS ME OUT!)

Back Online

2009-05-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

After a several month hiatus I am back and have big plans for the summer. The first is to complete 20 yoga classes in 30 days. This was my goal for May but sadly, I came down with a horrible cold and then have to travel for work. I may be close by the end of the month but this is going to happen in June. No questions asked. I am also working on a bunch of financial stuff -- planning, thinking about making some money, changing some stuff up.

Will be back soon with lots more!

xoxo

L

Almost a New Year

2008-12-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it is almost 2009. I am looking forward to another year of new experiences, great ambitions and overall excitement and fun! Life can be really crazy this time of year. Make sure to take some time just for yourself and do something special for you. Let go of the holiday stress (what stress??) and just be for an afternoon, or even just an hour! I really need to learn how to take my own advice. I am planning on setting my NY's resolutions early this year and to go through last years and see what I have accomplished. This has been a year of change and self discovery and I hope to continue this trend next year. I need to stop thinking in terms of "should" or "need to do" and just DO DO DO! Get up and work out despite it being cold, nasty, rainy, dark, whatever! Write! Work my butt off! Be happy. No trying, just BE. DO. And accept. Not fall prey to the negativity of others. Those sound like good enough resolutions on their own, but there is always more :-)

Tearing my house apart

2008-08-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

I need some change in my life so I have been tearing my house apart. It literally looks like I am moving! I want to redecorate and rearrange and renew! A lot of this costs money that I don't really have but I need the change. I have been making a lot of changes in my life lately -- new yoga studio (amazing place and the best workout I have ever had), rediscovering reading, buying a new computer (I think I'm gonna get this super cute white Sony!) going out and meeting new people, booking another trip to L.A., making plans to go to the Gorge, signing up for a belly dancing class (yay!), making plans to go to Spain and genuinely trying to get through moment by moment. We only get this one chance and life should get nothing but better as we age. And lemme tell you, I cannot wait to get rid of so much stuff in my house! I should post before and after pictures (but alas, no computer as of yet.... next week hopefully!) Even though this is a sad and scary time, I know I will be OK and I trust myself to make the right decisions. ....

OH --- BOOK REVIEW TIME:

Just read Twilight, best book I have read in sooooo long. I stayed up until 1:30 last night to finish it, I could NOT put it down. I am ordering the rest of the series today, or stopping at Barnes and Noble on my way home depending on what my evening plans end up being! (i.e. sushi date or yoga...)

New Quote!

2008-08-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Miguel Angel Ruiz

"Dont take anything personally, nothing people do is because of you, what people say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."

Quote of the Day

2008-08-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

What lies before us and what lies behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

No one can make you feel bad about yourself, except you

2008-08-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Why do we always think that if something doesn't go the way we planned its our fault? It is so important to know two things -- 1, any thing another does is never because of you, whether its love, hate, anger, etc, it is never b/c of who you are as a person and 2, you can't take anything personally, whether it is love or anger. You choose how to react. You choose whether or not you are good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. You choose this, remember that. It is a choice. And also always remember that whenever other people attempt to make you feel bad or hurt you, it is b/c they hurt, they are insecure, they feel lacking in themselves.

Now, enough of this, I am gonna go have some fun in the sun!!!

Love

2008-07-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Choose to behave in ways that show care for someone else’s best welfare. Assume that others’ hurtful words and behavior spring out of their fear and pain and not from who they are or who you are.

Life is all about choices. We can make the choice to believe that what we had/have with someone is special and ours alone or be so afraid that its replacable that it overcomes us.

A little Monday morning inspiration...

2008-07-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

This was taken from one of the blogs I read regularly and thought I would repost it here to remind myself...

It’s okay not to know. It’s okay to be vulnerable. No one has all the answers. We value and learn from the questions and the asking.
We are learning to appreciate the mystery and sacredness of our lives and the mystery and sacredness of life.
Life is short. There is no escape from old age, sickness, and death. Death is a great teacher. Recognizing the shortness of our lives provides motivation to live fully in each day and in each moment.
We understand the importance of taking regular quiet time for ourselves. Through reflection and by slowing down we develop an appreciation for life and we increase our capacity for understanding.
We are learning to trust our inner wisdom. Our bodies and minds are amazing, unexplainable, and unfathomable.
It’s okay to be uneasy, to be uncomfortable, to grieve, to feel pain. Recognizing when something is off, feeling the depth of loss, experiencing pain, is the first step toward change and growth.
Practice active listening — listening deeply to yourself and to others. Listen to others without formulating your own ideas. Listen to yourself before speaking.
We all seek balance in our lives — balancing work and family, balancing our inner and outer lives, balancing what we want to do and what we must do.
We are learning that we can be fully ourselves in all situations — at work, as parents, as children, as friends, as lovers.
Being ourselves at work is vital to our health and happiness. Our time is too valuable to sell, at any price.
Each moment is precious. In every moment we have an opportunity to discover, to grow, to speak the truth.
Each moment is ordinary. In every moment we can realize we are fine, just as we are. Nothing else is needed.
We appreciate what is paradoxical. What may at first seem contradictory or beyond our understanding may be true. After all, who is it that is breathing? Who is it that dreams? How is it that these hands effortlessly glide along this keyboard?
Age is a state of mind. We have the opportunity to grow to be more like ourselves every day.
Developing intimate relationships is a vital part of our lives and our development. Intimacy requires openness, honesty, and vulnerability.
Real, honest open communication is highly valued — and takes real skill and effort.
When we slow down and learn to trust ourselves, joy arises naturally.
When we slow down and learn to trust ourselves, creativity arises naturally.
Self-knowledge and understanding require persistence and perseverance. Developing awareness and balance is an ongoing, unending process.
Self-knowledge and understanding require discipline. Whatever path we take requires structure, guidelines, and feedback.
Self-knowledge and understanding require courage.
Diversity is essential. Our differences enrich our lives. There is no “other,” just as our right hand is not a stranger to our left hand.
A simple rule to follow is do good, avoid harm. Of course, this is not simple or easy.
There are many paths and many practices toward developing awareness and personal growth.
Our everyday lives and activities provide fertile ground for developing growth and understanding.
We can learn to appreciate the gifts we’ve received from our parents and to forgive them. We understand on a deep level all we have received from the generations that have come before us.
We feel a deep responsibility for our children and for the generations that will come after us.
We can all act as change agents. We can choose to take action in improving and healing our environment and our society. There is no shortage of issues to address, of healing to take place.
We are all change agents on a personal level — we either create healing amongst those we live and work with or we create stress.
We can choose to act as change agents in relation to our communities.
We can choose to act as change agents in relation to our society or on a global level.
Everything we hold as dear will one day change and disappear. Every business that now exists will one day cease. Every person now alive will one day die.
At a deep level, we realize that we are neither in control nor not in control. Our task is to paddle the boat, with awareness and integrity. The flow of the river is outside our doing.
We all have the power to find peace and happiness in the midst of change and impermanence.
We have the power to heal ourselves, our communities, and our planet.

Shoes

2008-07-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when life is tough a little retail therapy helps. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes staying busy helps. Sometimes it doesn't. We never know what is going to make us feel better. But the shoes didn't make it any worse!!!