tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41192080969003549532024-03-05T00:30:58.487-08:00Tuesday@elevenTuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-40559877895515778632010-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:55:03.288-07:00Sudden Fame, Soup and SaladI saw one of my ongoing clients today at 9:45 in the morning. She had a double hip replacement a couple of years ago, and is doing pilates privately with me twice a week to become stronger in her hips as well as to gain overall strength and flexibility. <br /><br />but right as we were wrapping up her appt, S., the owner of the studio, came into the room and stood there, looking at me with some urgency. This was odd. he doen't usually show up like that. He asked me if I had 20 min. or so, and I said yes. He asked if I would "jump into" the pilates classroom, where an advanced pilates class was happening (taught by his wife and co-owner of the studio, H.). There was a camera man in there, filming for either a commercial, or a webpage.. I'm not sure which yet, but S wanted me to get on the one last empty allegro (pilates machine) so that the class would be full during filming. Two of my co-workers were also in there, taking part in the class, so the room would look nice and full. I knew that we were going to be doing some filming this weekend, but I had no idea that they were actually starting today.<br /><br />I didn't have time to think really... just ran to the back room, put on my toe sox really fast, and ran into the classroom. The class was going in full force - right in the middle of doing some intense 100's roll ups, H. cueing abs and rib funnel. It was fun and slightly surreal all of a sudden to have to "perform" and have a camera man stare down at me with his lens. The whole class was more quiet and focused than it usually is. People act differently when they're on video! <br /><br />I didn't bring quite enough food to work with me today. Lunch was a sprouted wheat bun, toasted (the toaster at work has really come in handy) with almond butter on it. I also had a banana, an orange, and half of a Pure bar for a snack. <br /><br />Towards the later afternoon I was really hungry. I stopped at my favorite" save-me -in-a-starving-pinch" health food store on the way home from work. Seriously, I'm sometimes embarrassed to go to this store, because I'm there just about EVERY day. Yes, I'm the woman who doesn't know how to do a big shopping once a week (I'm working on that). I picked up some ready-made organic salad. I love shredded beets, so my salad was full of beets, some sprouts, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, pumpkin seeds ( REALLY good in salad), and a little bit of feta dressing. I added some flax oil to it when I got home. I also had a big bowl of lentil soup that I made a couple of days ago, some raw filbert nuts, and lemon/ginger tea with agave and fresh lemon juice. It was delicious! Soup and salad are two of my favorites. I'd like to make a pot of soup every weekend during the fall and winter. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTzvMf6QTw6ah8uKXzdvrvkYT6WzN30l5_pn_V1JaKL-XhW54_RGLmHYaBW7Cum2xS64MUvyREC9ndPzerYKT62lNPp7KINPhTFaX4m5TLuwHQvUkDXirytUuU9niclz_kd-xhloE2wM/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTzvMf6QTw6ah8uKXzdvrvkYT6WzN30l5_pn_V1JaKL-XhW54_RGLmHYaBW7Cum2xS64MUvyREC9ndPzerYKT62lNPp7KINPhTFaX4m5TLuwHQvUkDXirytUuU9niclz_kd-xhloE2wM/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533309944834003010" /></a>Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-86941189772082963752010-10-20T21:12:00.000-07:002010-10-20T22:04:17.933-07:00True ColorsLike many people who are trying to eat nutritiously, I sometimes use stevia powder as a sweetener. I use the little packets of white stevia powder to sweeten my tea, lemonade, smoothies, and even coffee. The packets are convenient and since it is so sweet, a little goes a long way. But being the organic snob that I am (I'm admittedly addicted to organic food), I began to wonder why I can't find any organic stevia. <br />Today, I wanted to make a smoothie as part of my lunch, and I had an idea. I'd look at my favorite health food store (just a few blocks away from my house), and see if they had any organic stevia in their bulk spice section. They have just about every other spice and powdery substance in bulk, but I never thought to look for stevia there. <br /><br />And I found this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidvV2iE0wegMhI2ovRrCmDP2nECRNY5Jo7QXlrXfRhaO-OVSCSs_G36JIDTIf8QlDzhbeedhYNal4F8MfOivyubZLmMlC2LNjwtZHHDZ5vQ_tnarFR50_8XWtAlP41X7-BetEAeeRTQY/s1600/IMG_5257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidvV2iE0wegMhI2ovRrCmDP2nECRNY5Jo7QXlrXfRhaO-OVSCSs_G36JIDTIf8QlDzhbeedhYNal4F8MfOivyubZLmMlC2LNjwtZHHDZ5vQ_tnarFR50_8XWtAlP41X7-BetEAeeRTQY/s400/IMG_5257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530356047352020002" /></a><br /><br />organic stevia leaf. <br /><br />It's green......<br /><br />It makes sense that it's green, since stevia is a green leaf plant. I wonder if they process it to make it into the white form that you usually find it in. <br />So, this made me very happy to find! It's organic and it seems to be closer to its natural form. You should take a look at your health food store and see if you can find some. It's realllllly sweet. I used a little too much in my smoothie, but it was still tasty:<br /><br />(all organic)<br />apple juice, non-fat milk, frozen strawberries, apple, cinnamon, and stevia.<br /><br />I drank it with this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv31f5MZZXgHVk798Mg7mKxaYxlwv2jhzTjgoMyIUnJspLOOaOM7v-G2wGrZCMDVakEpvQAyGfGm0CNzKJ20Xep3fwku_vkOuewWZ7bHmChQ6cHwoFjx4j8gPoBmF887ERFhrkBi4CtA/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv31f5MZZXgHVk798Mg7mKxaYxlwv2jhzTjgoMyIUnJspLOOaOM7v-G2wGrZCMDVakEpvQAyGfGm0CNzKJ20Xep3fwku_vkOuewWZ7bHmChQ6cHwoFjx4j8gPoBmF887ERFhrkBi4CtA/s400/IMG_5263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530358131986103682" /></a><br /><br />two organic frozen flax waffles, with organic peanut butter. It was delicious, and just the right fuel after my run and before I went in to the pilates studio to work. <br /><br />Oh, and half of this bar which is my favorite right now. It's organic, raw, vegan, and so GOOD. It's a chocolately brownie treat with walnuts. I'm thinking of buying a bulk box online. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuO12mgwpoQ8eAkgyqmOZ5__5Fg4T4TlM75xpseTRanX0Wa_J9RqCbUwoLrIVkuIal5_EJIuA2Yq3AlOt7V3jPTW6HyHJjOrbRgLGvEJs8Ke6MFz9POKkad9_uqWGwduv971i08wLvQo/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuO12mgwpoQ8eAkgyqmOZ5__5Fg4T4TlM75xpseTRanX0Wa_J9RqCbUwoLrIVkuIal5_EJIuA2Yq3AlOt7V3jPTW6HyHJjOrbRgLGvEJs8Ke6MFz9POKkad9_uqWGwduv971i08wLvQo/s400/IMG_5261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530356877557935634" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of colors, I'm loving the fall colors of this time of year:<br />My buffet at the moment:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UKE3inYDmT9unbcr1qv1LQmDF-Xzp_-_Wqg5qkOJUvFcp36xDPWxaOqdRVnNxsP6pC3eAxxGWRkwJyLNoKLsDf-wuen-2XUiBXBN6lujVge2h8QF_i07o1aqFatTjI40W2iralWL6Z4/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UKE3inYDmT9unbcr1qv1LQmDF-Xzp_-_Wqg5qkOJUvFcp36xDPWxaOqdRVnNxsP6pC3eAxxGWRkwJyLNoKLsDf-wuen-2XUiBXBN6lujVge2h8QF_i07o1aqFatTjI40W2iralWL6Z4/s400/IMG_5256.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530356043550149362" /></a><br /><br />Bright red (spotted while taking a walk):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xxPRLCW-rW71b5KqjAqhCHIC0M7YX0YEqHU5HpY9RvCBcl571tSC86dvhBZr2MxaYhEIlRo-s7Jwmvnj6VtZ1djP5zXvc3FXvPVDd_HNSK8cmJ5IS5PP2lGgXNh50T8YSpkrfxsLm2E/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xxPRLCW-rW71b5KqjAqhCHIC0M7YX0YEqHU5HpY9RvCBcl571tSC86dvhBZr2MxaYhEIlRo-s7Jwmvnj6VtZ1djP5zXvc3FXvPVDd_HNSK8cmJ5IS5PP2lGgXNh50T8YSpkrfxsLm2E/s400/IMG_3102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530356039520295506" /></a><br />Enjoy,<br />xoTuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-70270997154191569002010-04-18T21:36:00.000-07:002010-05-04T06:53:14.265-07:00On Travelling 3,000 Miles, Conquering a Phobia, and Going Back To The Birth Place.I kept hush about it before hand, but my mom, Alex, and I went to New York on April 7th. We had planned this trip since last October, when my mom called me one day and in a hesitant tone asked me if I wanted to go to New York with her in April. Her hesitant tone was due to the fact that she knows I'm deathly afraid of flying. She can understand though, because she too, hates to fly. As a matter of fact, it was in 1982 that we last went to New York together, and our plane lost power in one engine on the way back. We had to make an emergency landing at the San Francisco airport. Yeahhh, that is probably when our flying phobias got rooted. <br /><br />Nevertheless, we're from New York, have family there, and my cousins daughter was having her bat-mitzvah on April 10th. Our family there has been putting the pressure on us to visit. My mom decided she was going to go, and Alex decided he wanted to go with her. It came down to if I was going to go also - free tickets included from my mom's credit card points. I said yes. <br /><br />This was the first time the three of us.. my mom, me, and Alex have gone on a trip together. It was such an adventure! I should tell you that Alex had never been on an airplane before (he's 15). He'd also never been on a train, or through a revolving door! It was fun to do all of those things with him. I mean hey.... the New York subway is a heck of an introduction to riding the train, wouldn't you say?? <br /><br />At the San Francisco Airport, waiting to get on our flight to NY.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6IQXwFVMHMqeyMEgpmu6_3oOpU4dmEhMjn2W2ORx91WUCd8Zggm75YsGJjqBVaWC2iyLRLWksUj4K1hUZHjhUy0OQYwEd5SeLFaqzKgTWNasjhu9m1MbxhiRlxJkZNSbaCtFpaNUJks/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6IQXwFVMHMqeyMEgpmu6_3oOpU4dmEhMjn2W2ORx91WUCd8Zggm75YsGJjqBVaWC2iyLRLWksUj4K1hUZHjhUy0OQYwEd5SeLFaqzKgTWNasjhu9m1MbxhiRlxJkZNSbaCtFpaNUJks/s400/IMG_4468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467259669329587634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedaLuAuDw4MgWwfiDvuzaXKA2euUC0TMTv35ZoMf00E2t_86PpxX2R5B4eLPaKUWOa_9Zx8lcTtJ-UKFSM-7_SgLh0CjP4E1r5YQNseyorszqkFuMCnXr2tLAalv44K7or7et4Cc59ys/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedaLuAuDw4MgWwfiDvuzaXKA2euUC0TMTv35ZoMf00E2t_86PpxX2R5B4eLPaKUWOa_9Zx8lcTtJ-UKFSM-7_SgLh0CjP4E1r5YQNseyorszqkFuMCnXr2tLAalv44K7or7et4Cc59ys/s400/IMG_4466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467259663782675282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK-Bmn8OYxVkTYoaREAk7WlCFSOdp5OR6Q5Ox4PfHwCRrCd-4mK3GnrNb5La37Sk2xSe9WZa0CoBJug5wnU66PHjftiSDTbeifVCiwtavJarJnx-3GrjaUKQZPHrPWL9jTclolYHMrRg/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK-Bmn8OYxVkTYoaREAk7WlCFSOdp5OR6Q5Ox4PfHwCRrCd-4mK3GnrNb5La37Sk2xSe9WZa0CoBJug5wnU66PHjftiSDTbeifVCiwtavJarJnx-3GrjaUKQZPHrPWL9jTclolYHMrRg/s400/IMG_4460.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467412316246482290" /></a><br /><br />We stayed at my aunt and uncle's house on the beach, about 30 min. outside of Manhattan. The beach is their backyard. So relaxing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GCmXRAj-sSid-aETzQGJ-nPcXjP9ZFeNiH7M5uNemO7yxq77iGpsKvq0HpI0esyCGU12YR7yzhDNhUFMxVmsbYCGRjFwFiC4ZbhyphenhyphenDQryY9vxdHgwcaAt6_EoqkabUYSPDFD76Ht2Uv4/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GCmXRAj-sSid-aETzQGJ-nPcXjP9ZFeNiH7M5uNemO7yxq77iGpsKvq0HpI0esyCGU12YR7yzhDNhUFMxVmsbYCGRjFwFiC4ZbhyphenhyphenDQryY9vxdHgwcaAt6_EoqkabUYSPDFD76Ht2Uv4/s400/IMG_4483.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467255143411093090" /></a><br /><br />One of the main reasons we went to New York, was for my cousin's daugher's bat-mitzvah. I had never been to one. It was quite the event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeQyziEjFnDD6HWwjEG185bCuq06kP1dArp6D0GxsONc3XmhX1xQYNIPl8oNnfpMci3_5y6nlEaZxwU2CfzAsOBLB2IBR9_FLGGR50cfWCVoknhMQIZEK3qY3omL53kR4g-AmT6chN0Y/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeQyziEjFnDD6HWwjEG185bCuq06kP1dArp6D0GxsONc3XmhX1xQYNIPl8oNnfpMci3_5y6nlEaZxwU2CfzAsOBLB2IBR9_FLGGR50cfWCVoknhMQIZEK3qY3omL53kR4g-AmT6chN0Y/s400/IMG_4559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467255618510750306" /></a><br /><br />I like to watch the Regis and Kelly show (I'm home some mornings at 9:00). Something about it is very "nostalgic New York" to me. I sent away for tickets to be in the studio audience, and got them! Alex and I went to the show on April 9th. It was very surreal. At one point, Regis came right up to me and said "hi." <br /><br />Waiting in line to get in to the show<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3-JeF74l-AURI0E5tVaRbTYNfK15C8UGIYllwiBBQEpEjrR4dItR4saeMM5POshZmH1lRAC9ja32YNCKudC73xWWilVDQBmZeQ0Ntk4OPs5JjCHPF9AYbVnYck1kua-U6JEUNtODC1E/s1600/IMG_4498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3-JeF74l-AURI0E5tVaRbTYNfK15C8UGIYllwiBBQEpEjrR4dItR4saeMM5POshZmH1lRAC9ja32YNCKudC73xWWilVDQBmZeQ0Ntk4OPs5JjCHPF9AYbVnYck1kua-U6JEUNtODC1E/s400/IMG_4498.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258944887281426" /></a><br /><br />More from Regis and Kelly<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUfqRboNd1FHkvr-rbaSZpYx0AAFjoNyrz75bAkatMUWIU13gR44nwo367k1g1ZcjkLnECuQWgqe-_bfI_8O7wfS1MP5NFoOJXtiIYixXXQM78wRWQp7BLjrcH5gjtkzXp6HiTCyFtaw/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUfqRboNd1FHkvr-rbaSZpYx0AAFjoNyrz75bAkatMUWIU13gR44nwo367k1g1ZcjkLnECuQWgqe-_bfI_8O7wfS1MP5NFoOJXtiIYixXXQM78wRWQp7BLjrcH5gjtkzXp6HiTCyFtaw/s400/IMG_4511.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258531186463954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz42jD_7iQ2yUHHdGbQRwUnEsI3-I2kQzIee4VLaTS5IfmQdZWUjZ7JV_EbCr7orpKGHfuytdr7REcvLVILbnQGqMMgDUlfUW1PAR2B-hhp5V19_UBPnhJO_mmNjJH6WjZLHeebmCWBc/s1600/IMG_4530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz42jD_7iQ2yUHHdGbQRwUnEsI3-I2kQzIee4VLaTS5IfmQdZWUjZ7JV_EbCr7orpKGHfuytdr7REcvLVILbnQGqMMgDUlfUW1PAR2B-hhp5V19_UBPnhJO_mmNjJH6WjZLHeebmCWBc/s400/IMG_4530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258511874619810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiN_UCITYuIC0ZDmwoK0thSBxkIBm5eNpP9Mdcv1lFG_79r3HXSuWI5xuaLPJzcGY712ELpwabC1iFq_OOs9uKgXXDxt_a3chSVCQwYaSTKc7t3dk1b0I0n1DApGssOdwLdQBzGdDyOMU/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiN_UCITYuIC0ZDmwoK0thSBxkIBm5eNpP9Mdcv1lFG_79r3HXSuWI5xuaLPJzcGY712ELpwabC1iFq_OOs9uKgXXDxt_a3chSVCQwYaSTKc7t3dk1b0I0n1DApGssOdwLdQBzGdDyOMU/s400/IMG_4532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258509678057314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpvIIcwV-J6sc_BXrI1o7lUJQaQGHRwUQG2JIwpIUI9CQKyaZK1FyHxuODqZDQ6NfmHEOoVEnDn1Kv7Nv823jQtNkHB4RlpCVdqVgdI4awCxNLpcHdJHY7f7zptXGo-ZoQjjGjyNH2II/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpvIIcwV-J6sc_BXrI1o7lUJQaQGHRwUQG2JIwpIUI9CQKyaZK1FyHxuODqZDQ6NfmHEOoVEnDn1Kv7Nv823jQtNkHB4RlpCVdqVgdI4awCxNLpcHdJHY7f7zptXGo-ZoQjjGjyNH2II/s400/IMG_4505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258500516573442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJUoxmrjFSC902yxljS2-SOsLKxlrBIrjpkAjZznrJ5GRu3LGH7_M2FBp-Pu2JVKU3T0Yz48w65AtzvyVOxYxIXNZd8ZSBtcpKhIsFeoVAjjRxH1vIss0RndXrB9UJc49qOs8H7xvWqw/s1600/IMG_4501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJUoxmrjFSC902yxljS2-SOsLKxlrBIrjpkAjZznrJ5GRu3LGH7_M2FBp-Pu2JVKU3T0Yz48w65AtzvyVOxYxIXNZd8ZSBtcpKhIsFeoVAjjRxH1vIss0RndXrB9UJc49qOs8H7xvWqw/s400/IMG_4501.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467258484751248370" /></a><br /><br />We spent a whole day in Manhattan- walking, shopping, looking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8l5LVdjnPttjPB6N2zD-hhQJSCLlQPsEosWxgqlfhbBmpd15yl7iR_f2TXs7TUZGG6s990DKcTSx1VixwAmCtou7xqI4kk-buobAoWqdjQ0z2peljnZNe9F9w5mw7n-Gbg5NXPKoerk/s1600/IMG_4539.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8l5LVdjnPttjPB6N2zD-hhQJSCLlQPsEosWxgqlfhbBmpd15yl7iR_f2TXs7TUZGG6s990DKcTSx1VixwAmCtou7xqI4kk-buobAoWqdjQ0z2peljnZNe9F9w5mw7n-Gbg5NXPKoerk/s400/IMG_4539.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467263965555280402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CJtP9iP8FcOglyqRpPwf0l2NvlssoLdEDRnIXPzmcktWR19QbH1GeXfX8CXCn46oTIAor05bByRCPHj0ewtLlhtfH5ioS-GjgMVpXghjdozzHcBYc4vQI8fLi50uE0cOmHTrsREDKPY/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CJtP9iP8FcOglyqRpPwf0l2NvlssoLdEDRnIXPzmcktWR19QbH1GeXfX8CXCn46oTIAor05bByRCPHj0ewtLlhtfH5ioS-GjgMVpXghjdozzHcBYc4vQI8fLi50uE0cOmHTrsREDKPY/s400/IMG_4533.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467260975945288210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk375u0iYYQpnCYNehcnqkVUQOiIMvQfFybh61Hdr2SjAqjF25c9oUDZsKoDvU6rqqazJyihkgc46whx7T221BYF9oUw8TxZDLJAmEx26PjM5E7biaYp3i6ZhUSBPpfXBxchieiwT17M/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk375u0iYYQpnCYNehcnqkVUQOiIMvQfFybh61Hdr2SjAqjF25c9oUDZsKoDvU6rqqazJyihkgc46whx7T221BYF9oUw8TxZDLJAmEx26PjM5E7biaYp3i6ZhUSBPpfXBxchieiwT17M/s400/IMG_4535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467260968946001026" /></a><br /><br />Pigeons on top of the Empire State.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSS1ir0EVwDDce8a5eGHW7ltqp6diBH-A7QX1xo7uMwgW5oR-JhltJbb2codI_82frhTdueJaq3ytQ3TtQQ0aBio4tINucUgpEtxqrYdNooD6JlwIae0M1_hM18idiyPEaSRFHa5WVok/s1600/IMG_4548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSS1ir0EVwDDce8a5eGHW7ltqp6diBH-A7QX1xo7uMwgW5oR-JhltJbb2codI_82frhTdueJaq3ytQ3TtQQ0aBio4tINucUgpEtxqrYdNooD6JlwIae0M1_hM18idiyPEaSRFHa5WVok/s400/IMG_4548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467260960966532738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjwn00qJSqsFRS6rO5D0eCfIsjuSTB2UQkgBnODIXVDPAshNfwjtzrdH9tVj5ZO8yo-yX24mFMH4p84FzOhmHiIuwYs0PtUns-U-ozIw3ZSBHZWzogMcuIyxWjj79Z7KYKgmmxRM33lc/s1600/IMG_4541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjwn00qJSqsFRS6rO5D0eCfIsjuSTB2UQkgBnODIXVDPAshNfwjtzrdH9tVj5ZO8yo-yX24mFMH4p84FzOhmHiIuwYs0PtUns-U-ozIw3ZSBHZWzogMcuIyxWjj79Z7KYKgmmxRM33lc/s400/IMG_4541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467260952192285570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN4iAZzGPOkM952mxCBNKzPqHcRfabFMZJ-H-lvIT6jlP8nA-hM5SE4IwMgd22zsukBI3VDq_HaTFbdS14lIz8zMTI602qnqLmLFRV1YcQNrANY7bL7KHxQ4NlJBaM85X1KUZg02Ql2s/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN4iAZzGPOkM952mxCBNKzPqHcRfabFMZJ-H-lvIT6jlP8nA-hM5SE4IwMgd22zsukBI3VDq_HaTFbdS14lIz8zMTI602qnqLmLFRV1YcQNrANY7bL7KHxQ4NlJBaM85X1KUZg02Ql2s/s400/IMG_4551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467410249217196162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7lC9yajAeEM7plHXP_0qar5tVuy1JEKHX6KZw955ndYTVgq4heUddHN23M1e0yT76t2bE7thhTWSkZtMR871Pnd5cI1y9kUBCa14XIXUc6n6ykN4Wm9YusLPuFi9wMrQSFt5lB3m9bI/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7lC9yajAeEM7plHXP_0qar5tVuy1JEKHX6KZw955ndYTVgq4heUddHN23M1e0yT76t2bE7thhTWSkZtMR871Pnd5cI1y9kUBCa14XIXUc6n6ykN4Wm9YusLPuFi9wMrQSFt5lB3m9bI/s400/IMG_4538.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467410234717959666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICWKQbw1YhZYwHkLVAVuYYtTbnzZn_ZUq4Ha0yY5TEKN38ClUUkaPeLAxNBMHEYYqybSQfz3PovIGdFu_d3e6iifDNKcybMgnLv7gFHqtSCd7FaAiaUVCFCkdYH6V6zrCpVWIp-EuPbM/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICWKQbw1YhZYwHkLVAVuYYtTbnzZn_ZUq4Ha0yY5TEKN38ClUUkaPeLAxNBMHEYYqybSQfz3PovIGdFu_d3e6iifDNKcybMgnLv7gFHqtSCd7FaAiaUVCFCkdYH6V6zrCpVWIp-EuPbM/s400/IMG_4544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467410223158082802" /></a><br /><br />And a day in Brooklyn, where I was born. I love the old architecture there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBK_wuWWaZvUBFTR1xfJDuR4wW6XkuGDQP2_zMA5K3SzfLqwnif1Ve_epOaPssq6X25jjiaSOajQObQRhuLJSD06mksBVqsdqB8K3NNxOt7k8xwNKPFIsQUg03LHW_bUWu7abIFCeAig/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBK_wuWWaZvUBFTR1xfJDuR4wW6XkuGDQP2_zMA5K3SzfLqwnif1Ve_epOaPssq6X25jjiaSOajQObQRhuLJSD06mksBVqsdqB8K3NNxOt7k8xwNKPFIsQUg03LHW_bUWu7abIFCeAig/s400/IMG_4641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467262493408456850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruy7mr5ch-qPRq7FLc1LGjfx26OPtsQPhLCHVGGp82HhHswUWY98sgeGu2Chyphenhyphen5ugqFrpBAJ_k2lRUFxiyevQpFR8oD-uRqc1qjqZ8YLnmYIotchB3IkLH5n64RIHAtVkxsZUYs68NkQI/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruy7mr5ch-qPRq7FLc1LGjfx26OPtsQPhLCHVGGp82HhHswUWY98sgeGu2Chyphenhyphen5ugqFrpBAJ_k2lRUFxiyevQpFR8oD-uRqc1qjqZ8YLnmYIotchB3IkLH5n64RIHAtVkxsZUYs68NkQI/s400/IMG_4636.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467262480106181762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhincaoobheSWanq5_ow7hxcir6piQIukWsnUrhu0IvS07CUuBj28v3HnoSuOs7MwzOEt6MrQf-RX2l1J6xfccihYWXbdAWiLzF0r8ObDEuO4zPu7mRFKPYQC5FhhyF4SyrPEUXpivHyb4/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhincaoobheSWanq5_ow7hxcir6piQIukWsnUrhu0IvS07CUuBj28v3HnoSuOs7MwzOEt6MrQf-RX2l1J6xfccihYWXbdAWiLzF0r8ObDEuO4zPu7mRFKPYQC5FhhyF4SyrPEUXpivHyb4/s400/IMG_4632.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467262474432698546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BWP4YV8b2mx_c-2lCYOFuUTbRAb4Fpkion2fA_Ezo89pP30_rGqnsMKmdP7bThz65pMOlIPKhZ5sfxbV7657EtD5yKGKPbj3wNeJA42M6PIQJqrMyiVUxsAUDXltocNqDu_2gUsu5DM/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BWP4YV8b2mx_c-2lCYOFuUTbRAb4Fpkion2fA_Ezo89pP30_rGqnsMKmdP7bThz65pMOlIPKhZ5sfxbV7657EtD5yKGKPbj3wNeJA42M6PIQJqrMyiVUxsAUDXltocNqDu_2gUsu5DM/s400/IMG_4642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467262464953979074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYll-n4zHx39SIuUMAXgRpULtjGX4UDuvuy1LXMdY0M0r3Dm3hbKbYweSYH3dOOst4d0EqBmilU3qcKR7vIJ5L6IIL6CkVLlH7t8aXYlxsvQoWXMU8xteO_RH6o98qWy0_rc0DOVRD4Xc/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYll-n4zHx39SIuUMAXgRpULtjGX4UDuvuy1LXMdY0M0r3Dm3hbKbYweSYH3dOOst4d0EqBmilU3qcKR7vIJ5L6IIL6CkVLlH7t8aXYlxsvQoWXMU8xteO_RH6o98qWy0_rc0DOVRD4Xc/s400/IMG_4643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467262454624114002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfdAgZQr_GgMLaJS1YY0KLPm5q9zHufub385NCsk3rXLiS9LIHjX5aEZz1vuB2IeVjPem-1L1FXUSYy-7PoGqkT7ier-NRtumsAvkIZgZY-2JFWRtOy85uBsFa7YSRZznBsa1_qtA8fI/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfdAgZQr_GgMLaJS1YY0KLPm5q9zHufub385NCsk3rXLiS9LIHjX5aEZz1vuB2IeVjPem-1L1FXUSYy-7PoGqkT7ier-NRtumsAvkIZgZY-2JFWRtOy85uBsFa7YSRZznBsa1_qtA8fI/s400/IMG_4650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467263144929056370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSfKlUR35B-LgN1kUImKSNQNrsRaG-uFgTqRaxYtAjKGQmcUG5GCuFxxTj9qjtbilPEMzYqvSybBSczq-qgHCqm4eoXGs1o-ZhXlZl7OOOUpwgOcw7VvMMgkxLUtzMTDKv_t_vwwgI-Y/s1600/IMG_4640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSfKlUR35B-LgN1kUImKSNQNrsRaG-uFgTqRaxYtAjKGQmcUG5GCuFxxTj9qjtbilPEMzYqvSybBSczq-qgHCqm4eoXGs1o-ZhXlZl7OOOUpwgOcw7VvMMgkxLUtzMTDKv_t_vwwgI-Y/s400/IMG_4640.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467263139371441698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPHQiZo2VgkSEWERaRQn-GhnFujRYEnt4wM3mr7prOT_zwm2e5afn7KVPuQWfQMKiYoGH56GWGGgzMYjKpu4xXIVj1mXma1IqiapklIqTAlRsJQpcZQX0fVuW0_bCTm6iMWhoVasqXPw/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPHQiZo2VgkSEWERaRQn-GhnFujRYEnt4wM3mr7prOT_zwm2e5afn7KVPuQWfQMKiYoGH56GWGGgzMYjKpu4xXIVj1mXma1IqiapklIqTAlRsJQpcZQX0fVuW0_bCTm6iMWhoVasqXPw/s400/IMG_4637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467263131396816114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNzK6l38DblTeR31rdovsl9fKM1kAdWPFFiltfHlpvPESbcxHJxZUuhwuSz0H3TGW07G1dop2WyRpoyCWNNMRV-zfjCv1RrrjMDKZui5nugJj4tMYBYxS4NxAMsPZx5GBRLuyQ1yomGU/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNzK6l38DblTeR31rdovsl9fKM1kAdWPFFiltfHlpvPESbcxHJxZUuhwuSz0H3TGW07G1dop2WyRpoyCWNNMRV-zfjCv1RrrjMDKZui5nugJj4tMYBYxS4NxAMsPZx5GBRLuyQ1yomGU/s400/IMG_4552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467263122182559586" /></a><br /><br />Is my fear of flying cured? Not 100%, but I'm definitely better about getting on a plane than I used to be. I was able to get into the "organization and rhythm" of flying more this time. Everything has a purpose and a timing, and works like it should for the most part. It also helped to tune into the air traffic control station and listen to the captain talking every once in a while. His voice was calm, and I knew that things were okay. I'm not ready to book another flight yet, but I'm glad I went. <br /><br />What vacations are you looking forward to? Tis the season.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-52799796147202953902010-03-14T19:33:00.000-07:002010-03-14T19:48:31.876-07:00Early Spring SundayI love Sunday mornings. <br />Who doesn't.<br /><br />Today, mine consisted of some of this on the coffee table, reminding me that spring (my favorite time of the year) is on the way:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0QXx7BycSxrY2438fPtmpP_qxCYVpvIJNYgHREi85er5lseAbOGF7AVGU-BCf2cK3xXsYE1lEC2XH3INb6CnWc7QjBeK4wZIlYtfS4GnYpt590abvu5cImKjkmJL-P2V1d-Q0-PiXAc/s1600-h/IMG_4245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0QXx7BycSxrY2438fPtmpP_qxCYVpvIJNYgHREi85er5lseAbOGF7AVGU-BCf2cK3xXsYE1lEC2XH3INb6CnWc7QjBeK4wZIlYtfS4GnYpt590abvu5cImKjkmJL-P2V1d-Q0-PiXAc/s400/IMG_4245.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448684973587170034" /></a><br /><br /><br />And this for breakfast:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0X5a658agDV48YhCmEFX_WYBfI5mfpbwMo3RkZUj-N3iHyg1eo7hETbaT3D1ZQx19FYsUG431UfxiX5W0TzOILhkuvKbU2za1dijQXAwd1og30lr3HtrIWd7SsdpV1GY_NOS8QB4UPo/s1600-h/IMG_4246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0X5a658agDV48YhCmEFX_WYBfI5mfpbwMo3RkZUj-N3iHyg1eo7hETbaT3D1ZQx19FYsUG431UfxiX5W0TzOILhkuvKbU2za1dijQXAwd1og30lr3HtrIWd7SsdpV1GY_NOS8QB4UPo/s400/IMG_4246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448684990588469266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtAoSp-Tkt1owvY5n3D-5z98LZ5_vyiy25DNiGfAssTDiQRnKbN7L7o13mIhm8TDujXD7wk8coGj8N1s5mUgYgOFsvW3U8ZX4iXWKPN5uRZYvk3H4-DTRt_qj2ZKlBz8x0Y53qrBUKwk/s1600-h/IMG_4254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtAoSp-Tkt1owvY5n3D-5z98LZ5_vyiy25DNiGfAssTDiQRnKbN7L7o13mIhm8TDujXD7wk8coGj8N1s5mUgYgOFsvW3U8ZX4iXWKPN5uRZYvk3H4-DTRt_qj2ZKlBz8x0Y53qrBUKwk/s400/IMG_4254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448684976063704562" /></a><br /><br /><br />I don't usually eat pancakes, but today they sounded (and tasted) especially good. These are organic buckwheat pancakes topped with a little banana and pure maple syrup, which contains none of the junk like high fructose corn syrup that "regular" syrup contains. It costs more, but it's so worth it. This breakfast was quick, easy, delicious, and made with foods close to their source. My kind of meal. <br /><br />Until next Sunday.....Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-26827860264094449212010-02-14T08:35:00.000-08:002010-02-14T08:40:33.648-08:00Valentines Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA6GHordavrZs0-sbXZQ4jygGk92kxm0Xc3lfb2qtyllBLvOL-5AVEW08Ex1qy_P6BUYLZyc11IjhA4S7onObla-DQ34L189v4IX0-gYxs1BrXyUJOV29WOyLDcJRxPw9q3fMApj3hus/s1600-h/3337352410_cbdd102d4b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA6GHordavrZs0-sbXZQ4jygGk92kxm0Xc3lfb2qtyllBLvOL-5AVEW08Ex1qy_P6BUYLZyc11IjhA4S7onObla-DQ34L189v4IX0-gYxs1BrXyUJOV29WOyLDcJRxPw9q3fMApj3hus/s400/3337352410_cbdd102d4b_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438138957899340146" /></a><br /><br />~Enjoy whatever and whoever it is that you love today~Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-75268118447456104282010-01-23T15:37:00.000-08:002010-01-23T16:59:30.900-08:00Medicine Cabinet Clean OutI'm a little embarrassed to admit that when I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, I think about organizing my house, to help lull me to sleep. Oh yeah, I've analyzed this one a lot. Organization is something that I've been "working on" for years. Do you have anything that you've been trying to do/achieve, however "small" it may seem, for a long time? Organization helps me to feel calm, in control, and accomplished. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like the fact that a lot of things in life are beyond our control. It makes me uneasy, and spikes my anxiety. I don't really love the process of organizing a mess- but I love the finished results. And the process has taken on an almost meditative quality for me lately. When I'm focused on an organizing project, everything else gets pushed aside. My mind is quiet. <br /><br />One thing that I love about our house is these built in cabinets in the hall by the bathroom. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vejKXBv8XLXzOJox-UVcuRLWajc4ml2m3PYz_Yk85tTr6prU0noEQdmQheXNDd2ksaWmO5aOZQoleWzeRtHCE7vjC6-aI3DGAHMKZsJU1iizTKpZrGf4E2FlJ3XzrIa1_9CUofDPbuc/s1600-h/IMG_3866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vejKXBv8XLXzOJox-UVcuRLWajc4ml2m3PYz_Yk85tTr6prU0noEQdmQheXNDd2ksaWmO5aOZQoleWzeRtHCE7vjC6-aI3DGAHMKZsJU1iizTKpZrGf4E2FlJ3XzrIa1_9CUofDPbuc/s400/IMG_3866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430084313930188818" /></a><br /><br />In the bottom left, we keep towels. In the top left is our bedding.. sheets, etc. in the top right is extra shampoo bottles, and other bathroom items. In the lower right is the medicine cabinet (we don't have one in the bathroom). <br /><br />Sadly, the medicine cabinet got to a point of disarray. Actually, it never was well organized. <br /><br /> Here's a before photo:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrw1kYl-X17QDVcLiDi8zau5PVHPEcgjIKj_coM-u7OrdgtGbCPT1w5N0Dl4LtzIeDvnhlUBiHPmhSo5iDeRGfOWuaEfspiG1TbLqZKTGZtpBHkQqWS79ZAWe4THFZG-tWDzUEewezQM/s1600-h/IMG_3869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrw1kYl-X17QDVcLiDi8zau5PVHPEcgjIKj_coM-u7OrdgtGbCPT1w5N0Dl4LtzIeDvnhlUBiHPmhSo5iDeRGfOWuaEfspiG1TbLqZKTGZtpBHkQqWS79ZAWe4THFZG-tWDzUEewezQM/s400/IMG_3869.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430084301852284706" /></a><br /><br /> It's been bothering me lately, so I ordered some Clear Stacking Bins from the <a href=http://www.thecontainerstore.com>container store</a> which fit into the space perfectly. I like that they are open in the front, so you can easily see and access what's inside them. I'm thinking about getting a label maker for labeling such bins. <br /><br />I took everything out, wiped the shelves clean, tossed the things that we don't use, and organized most of what was left into the three bins. I thought about taking the medications out of their packaging, but realized that we might need to read the directions! Now, there is a lot more room. When you live in a small house, you need to make every part neat and functional, I think. <br /><br />Here's what it looks like now (so much more pleasing to the eye, right?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aoplhN87BY2oikgurlESOfiW9ftjsaJNT8wWqt4F3Te_t30UUduNnTkgOfMQi-JW6DNQZfZTsV8C7aWT_jb2iA7TjbbSok7yAnvvNC95r4b15Tma_7QFxwme8MXaX86gGZndPU86hmQ/s1600-h/IMG_3973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aoplhN87BY2oikgurlESOfiW9ftjsaJNT8wWqt4F3Te_t30UUduNnTkgOfMQi-JW6DNQZfZTsV8C7aWT_jb2iA7TjbbSok7yAnvvNC95r4b15Tma_7QFxwme8MXaX86gGZndPU86hmQ/s400/IMG_3973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430084591090979282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgserY3Iblapmqh1Vfe_FzmczjAW9bcf1BLC0FUILFm5UB8nrf9yUu9ftwSMCJbvkZ8GF0X5uCr1LHfbXsOh28SmQfha6BdwTkNV5pbNTd1Hlsx3T1EON_kRfXSRRGcWFEXHejuOeTxgvo/s1600-h/IMG_3972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgserY3Iblapmqh1Vfe_FzmczjAW9bcf1BLC0FUILFm5UB8nrf9yUu9ftwSMCJbvkZ8GF0X5uCr1LHfbXsOh28SmQfha6BdwTkNV5pbNTd1Hlsx3T1EON_kRfXSRRGcWFEXHejuOeTxgvo/s400/IMG_3972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430084329044358338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqGE549u557az4ag0KNzYWYRJoaxtbSdpuib2__qPovd2xIX6jXY6pypfUBFlGOQ1KBsNIt1T_cP4SiKMMZtV6bncs6Zfp4CnSFBhVhm_dpfs8BjXn6TJEE6usmLu9Z6wwERiZLI02r8/s1600-h/IMG_3970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqGE549u557az4ag0KNzYWYRJoaxtbSdpuib2__qPovd2xIX6jXY6pypfUBFlGOQ1KBsNIt1T_cP4SiKMMZtV6bncs6Zfp4CnSFBhVhm_dpfs8BjXn6TJEE6usmLu9Z6wwERiZLI02r8/s400/IMG_3970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430084321298867362" /></a><br /><br />Just $20.00 or so, and about a half hour of time, and it's so much better.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-65496445526692993372010-01-10T08:53:00.000-08:002010-01-10T10:00:32.715-08:00The Basic Work OutUntil I started my new job at the pilates studio about seven months ago, I taught fitness classes for 13 years. I taught it all... step aerobics, dance aerobics, kickboxing, body sculpting, abs/back class... of course, not all at once, and usually I only taught two or three classes a week. Getting exercise was easy because it was "built into" my job description! I also tried to get into the weight room a couple of times a week and lift weights.<br /><br />Lately, there has been a big shift in how and when I work out, and I'm still adjusting to it. When I started my new job training for pilates, it was so intense ( I really felt like I was in medical school) that I hardly worked out at all for a number of months. That felt horrible, but it was all I could do to squeeze in a little walk or short run here and there. Maybe it was partially the emotional aspect for me. I was so overwhelmed and overworked for those months of training that I just came home and flopped, and didn't want to move. But my body started to feel the effects of not having enough regular exercise. I was getting sore and tight in ways I hadn't felt before, and that scared me. <br /><br />I realized just how important movement is for me, physically and mentally. I knew that if I could work out more, it would help me relax and feel more centered at work, and in all aspects of my life. So I've started walking/jogging more. I like to record when I exercise on the calendar on my computer. Doesn't it feel good when you can look back and see that you worked out "X" many times during the week? I also try to take two pilates classes a week (not always easy when you have clients that conflict with class times) and, I'm trying to use the gym at work more. <br /><br />I know, it seems kind of weird for a pilates instructor and personal trainer to be struggling with her own work outs, right? But even when you work at a gym/pilates studio, it can be hard to find the time/motivation/ whatever/ to get regular work outs. I'm dealing with the same issues that everyone has to deal with... finding exercises that I like to do, that I'll do regularly. It's different now that I'm not teaching cardio classes. When I teach pilates classes, I'm not actually doing the movements with the class for the most part- I show them what to do, and then walk around correcting their form, etc. It's also not cardio, though it's some good strengthening and stretching. <br /><br />My new goal is to fit in a work out in the gym Monday mornings right after my 7:30 client, and then again on Thursday or Friday. I usually do about 20 min. to a half hour of cardio, and then some weights. It's not a long work out, but I feel like it's enough for now. I also try to take a pilates class twice a week, and then I walk/jog once or twice on the weekends. <br /><br />I'm starting to feel like I want to take some kind of class on the weekends, but I'm not sure what kind yet. Spinning has been appealing to me, but I haven't tried it yet.<br /><br />You really can get a decent work out in only a half hour. If you've been struggling with wanting to start doing something, but are having a hard time getting going, try this on a weekend morning...<br /><br />Go on a half hour walk.... walk up some hills... you'll start to break a sweat. If you want to, you can add some short intervals of a slow run. When you come home, get on the floor and stretch/ do some abs for five or ten minutes. That's it. This has been one of my very basic work outs these last months, and it's made all the difference when I felt like I couldn't do more. Oh, and feel free to mark your work out on your calendar, and then have a nice warm cup of tea or coffee with a healthy breakfast....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5YTCf-iIDUa-mfZ5cFUqdUkpCMZm4molyLqnVJxuW_6bEVnVqYKYJwlkaaEz0SKUffLTXNKy6wfUzT0ZsrqId4E9aOg2P9VQWVjg5N7ns_61b-54wBzXjaWy5wALuCxtXRqGM1xMyMc/s1600-h/IMG_0125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5YTCf-iIDUa-mfZ5cFUqdUkpCMZm4molyLqnVJxuW_6bEVnVqYKYJwlkaaEz0SKUffLTXNKy6wfUzT0ZsrqId4E9aOg2P9VQWVjg5N7ns_61b-54wBzXjaWy5wALuCxtXRqGM1xMyMc/s400/IMG_0125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425171360066376642" /></a>Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-42546678953236097442010-01-02T20:45:00.000-08:002010-01-03T08:57:19.593-08:00Happy New Year, And A Little On ResolutionsHappy New Year, <br /><br />I hope you brought in 2010 in a way that felt just right. <br /><br />I usually stay in on New Years eve and do something cozy, but this year we had a little surprise. Lisa's cousin and her boyfriend (who we had never met) came to see us. Lisa was extremely excited, because her cousin had never been here. We took them out for dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Then we took them to our favorite dessert place. The food was delicious, and we had a great time talking and laughing with them. It was one of those occasions when you are suddenly mingling with (someone) you don't know very well, yet feeling connected. Lisa commented that she thought I did really well with the surprise visit, because I'm not always one to be able to be spontaneously social. But I've been trying to be more "in the moment" and adventurous, and I think it's showing. That makes me glad. <br /><br />It's hard for me to make resolutions, because I'm always "working" on something. But the start of a new year does make me stop and think about where I've been and where I'm going, and hone in on some goals. <br /><br />Here's the list that's been running through my head:<br /><br />-Continue to try to be in the moment.. don't dwell on the past or the future- be aware and appreciative of what's right in front of me, and don't procrastinate on having what I want/need <span style="font-style:italic;">now.<a href="http://"></a></span><br />-Help a person or family ( and ) animals that need help <br />- continue my quest for better organization- (organization is broad for me- my house, my finances, the things I don't enjoy like doctor appts., and even the way I speak<br />-make sure that I do enough creative things- esp. photography and writing<br /><br />Have a good Sunday!<br /><br />~Tuesday<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />-<br />-Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-33165626790979112302009-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:002009-12-28T14:15:44.344-08:00ProgressThe bedroom is painted, and it looks so much better/fresher/brighter than the dreary green that it once was. It's amazing what a new coat of paint can do for a room. <br /><br />A peak at the two tones of grey (sorry for the bad lighting- winter doesn't lend itself well to taking good photos).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYlgz6oJfaBMAC32hFUpAsWkrVJOaH5CJIgIjGCi9GiXky-QT1peYSCEpSjZvMV9fc1pkgGNq1SLtLOfAkdCzmEZaQm-WWKwzvYZLFXRJsMM-f6SBXxDNzyN__lfxqhsEQg48WwDqZKg/s1600-h/IMG_3846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYlgz6oJfaBMAC32hFUpAsWkrVJOaH5CJIgIjGCi9GiXky-QT1peYSCEpSjZvMV9fc1pkgGNq1SLtLOfAkdCzmEZaQm-WWKwzvYZLFXRJsMM-f6SBXxDNzyN__lfxqhsEQg48WwDqZKg/s400/IMG_3846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420408700970532530" /></a><br /><br />I'm still deciding on bedside table lamps, and plan to pick them this week. A few of the contenders: <br /><br />This Pablo "tube top" lamp also comes with a charcoal base and white shade, which I think would look nice-<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CHmJ8OHcu6BMlsBcJru0kYJL82E3Y6ff5srb9S5OnXEXwbtO6pYeRfLnl1n79WPxdlPpIcPIkKqalj183VPV-pn99elrCBRLQKO8VDp8IXb8p0AULcg55fVWMoFmuMLj7gZJGUmw1Pk/s1600-h/pablo_tubetop_table3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CHmJ8OHcu6BMlsBcJru0kYJL82E3Y6ff5srb9S5OnXEXwbtO6pYeRfLnl1n79WPxdlPpIcPIkKqalj183VPV-pn99elrCBRLQKO8VDp8IXb8p0AULcg55fVWMoFmuMLj7gZJGUmw1Pk/s400/pablo_tubetop_table3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420412369958728530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vUPZ2K6GgjtkO6fnXSMmFhSNnnwV-kWfoqsleWc_51KwRjCPVfpQMXSgpp39WMwgUNDbXYrm_fcjs_OAo50n78qDQSoYKb7U7hfNa51JKAFzwBpfcejE9SnYG3YUw2iVIRJBldj8klA/s1600-h/pablo_tubetop_table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vUPZ2K6GgjtkO6fnXSMmFhSNnnwV-kWfoqsleWc_51KwRjCPVfpQMXSgpp39WMwgUNDbXYrm_fcjs_OAo50n78qDQSoYKb7U7hfNa51JKAFzwBpfcejE9SnYG3YUw2iVIRJBldj8klA/s400/pablo_tubetop_table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420412362526305426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8V8otrHudplDEzI_oIr9YGMLpRPiHBtfBXOdgFKp69ZEsNQnyGOyJmGXrg7FpV8wA2_o823iC9iTC_pCAWPfcrnyEk6ATOZmTUXJ6E9Qf-LkRmpAcuZ7u1NHAwwmoBMf8mtePLI9Cho/s1600-h/lu_meridian_mediumtable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8V8otrHudplDEzI_oIr9YGMLpRPiHBtfBXOdgFKp69ZEsNQnyGOyJmGXrg7FpV8wA2_o823iC9iTC_pCAWPfcrnyEk6ATOZmTUXJ6E9Qf-LkRmpAcuZ7u1NHAwwmoBMf8mtePLI9Cho/s400/lu_meridian_mediumtable.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420409893779864450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAzyGXRgwLTNbUCbanNtwwelgcssv_EWuquqBmtygNBBpLMheLP6LgZAVMxEEGeyx3oxvzNLQDw3vLdcUpwO1B4nrJs5w5aPHaJJ_VVC6dVZ7ru3N_sEoZ6UvbYIusxrhL3aJy15aI4U/s1600-h/yhst-69328165909994_2087_293322257.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAzyGXRgwLTNbUCbanNtwwelgcssv_EWuquqBmtygNBBpLMheLP6LgZAVMxEEGeyx3oxvzNLQDw3vLdcUpwO1B4nrJs5w5aPHaJJ_VVC6dVZ7ru3N_sEoZ6UvbYIusxrhL3aJy15aI4U/s400/yhst-69328165909994_2087_293322257.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420409889602719602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RZBHSJENTYrYcrxY5umn1c0IcxfWGHxY7lLnYmvUxrqVlCTBMqybFig3prRlUIm1l2LjRkfmdomXmyPxVOyzDS0y-hM2Lr-wQVksrZytaYX_4CCQslYxInqnvjXZWBB5vjP3qyUWa0I/s1600-h/yhst-69328165909994_2087_134494286.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RZBHSJENTYrYcrxY5umn1c0IcxfWGHxY7lLnYmvUxrqVlCTBMqybFig3prRlUIm1l2LjRkfmdomXmyPxVOyzDS0y-hM2Lr-wQVksrZytaYX_4CCQslYxInqnvjXZWBB5vjP3qyUWa0I/s400/yhst-69328165909994_2087_134494286.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420409885559874146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD9ZrcdwNJmAOf6zm1PR7R-Mz9D9W1yHZNdZ5MGmgdG_afv3_lL_xwDguihSUNQRIwZtRZcPGsxDYDHPHA6ea461Ekl3MggqjxRKkqD-pHzMh41aAtPBla-V926vdzN__eE0IKkwGzcE/s1600-h/yhst-69328165909994_2087_134320616.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD9ZrcdwNJmAOf6zm1PR7R-Mz9D9W1yHZNdZ5MGmgdG_afv3_lL_xwDguihSUNQRIwZtRZcPGsxDYDHPHA6ea461Ekl3MggqjxRKkqD-pHzMh41aAtPBla-V926vdzN__eE0IKkwGzcE/s400/yhst-69328165909994_2087_134320616.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420409539836570274" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm also still deciding on window coverings and a new duvet. Since when did duvets get so expensive? The ones I'm looking at are $275.00. Yes, they're high thread count and well made but....<br />I just might bite the bullet and order one if I love it enough. <br /><br />Hopefully I'll be able to show you the finished results soon! So stay tuned,<br />and please let me know if you have any opinions about the lamps~ <br /><br />-TuesdayTuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-14443175838923516532009-12-05T13:01:00.000-08:002009-12-05T15:14:32.968-08:00The Bedroom Re-Do, and Why Change Is So Hard For MeTime is really flying. How did it all of a sudden get to be December?? <br />I hope you're all enjoying the nesting phase of early winter. Even though the rain, cold, and ice can get to be irritating and maybe depressing, there's something very comforting about donning the warm clothes, hats, scarves, and drinking hot beverages numerous times a day. <br /><br />With more time spent inside, I finally decided to get moving with the bedroom re-do that I've been wanting to do now for, Oh... about two years. The problem with me is that when I want to make some kind of change in the house, I'm so overwhelmed by choices and indecision, that it's hard to get it started. I spin my wheels looking at design photos online, thinking about paint colors, styles of lamps, which duvet cover to get. I drive myself crazy. I've always been like this though. <br /><br /> It all stems back to childhood, and a very nice (but somewhat traumatic) day for me. My parents took me and my sister and some other kids to a big park. We rode the merry-go-round, and then went to the snack stand for ice cream. I couldn't decide between an actual ice cream cone, or a popsicle. My seven year old brain hurt, trying to decide which would make me happier. The thought of being disappointed overcame me. Well, everyone else got an ice cream cone, but I picked a popsicle. We sat down to eat them, and I took a few gingerly licks, as I gazed at everyone else eating ice cream. I tried to relish the popsicle, but it all of a sudden hit me that I made the wrong choice. I really wanted ice cream. Who knows why this felt so traumatic to me at the time, but I completely broke down and cried. My mom, always wanting to please me, told me that it wasn't a big deal, and got me an ice cream cone instead. But that feeling of making the "wrong" choice has somewhat haunted me ever since. I know.. call in the therapist! <br /><br />Anyway, back to the bedroom....<br />Here are a few photos that have inspired me ....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qT_ZYcLiNtw9QtzopUIqaTQzkQPTzTVZWU3aU2ycggbuu6M9kHtSNkXxWcn3xXKZ1Jq5HTLK2cdwsib1wC01t3Cu-yhniHjYSoYU14bhB6AATBGWTERp8uGwkRUZ0NcHGaRge9ZSYtg/s1600-h/5p.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qT_ZYcLiNtw9QtzopUIqaTQzkQPTzTVZWU3aU2ycggbuu6M9kHtSNkXxWcn3xXKZ1Jq5HTLK2cdwsib1wC01t3Cu-yhniHjYSoYU14bhB6AATBGWTERp8uGwkRUZ0NcHGaRge9ZSYtg/s400/5p.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411865460458318482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9-T6my9GBGZSYa5iuoCxde4-ut8cEImU2UI-fWMwJQ8t4gsI-nJzaimoYMPD6yDOP6YeLLYTmWlV7c7ervegiemvvLXmuljJdR56hTDdhxxT61f9AsLCnWFJHmANkdkAcImTWuaVojA/s1600-h/3175455794_4cf4e4702f_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9-T6my9GBGZSYa5iuoCxde4-ut8cEImU2UI-fWMwJQ8t4gsI-nJzaimoYMPD6yDOP6YeLLYTmWlV7c7ervegiemvvLXmuljJdR56hTDdhxxT61f9AsLCnWFJHmANkdkAcImTWuaVojA/s400/3175455794_4cf4e4702f_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411865457820555650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlSjOBNw98n66i9AKTza5PbFE6gJ8HscoUw51wakkS2PUjrDw9BOJU68TtBr7eE1-79JeA4wCCWQBDiShtcr51952fK0rHuFyzFCdoodaYBF4TMgIQN4TMALmmTCf7HM94_qZxo6iAx8/s1600-h/3139918446_f32f574f19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlSjOBNw98n66i9AKTza5PbFE6gJ8HscoUw51wakkS2PUjrDw9BOJU68TtBr7eE1-79JeA4wCCWQBDiShtcr51952fK0rHuFyzFCdoodaYBF4TMgIQN4TMALmmTCf7HM94_qZxo6iAx8/s400/3139918446_f32f574f19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411865446934237810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPcvz-XXLi8-v4H_bTUZqVREI0qzAkn1YuD8xaisXI275RoHs5-hxrP6aWW6oaj5OBsMckbkTHkG25Wnvvh2b2s5EFUJrxSY-X_4hEzIn5HZRSYgt9oVlIiCULcYpXeyA-_yE9TT2sJQ/s1600-h/06bedrooms112309_rect540.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPcvz-XXLi8-v4H_bTUZqVREI0qzAkn1YuD8xaisXI275RoHs5-hxrP6aWW6oaj5OBsMckbkTHkG25Wnvvh2b2s5EFUJrxSY-X_4hEzIn5HZRSYgt9oVlIiCULcYpXeyA-_yE9TT2sJQ/s400/06bedrooms112309_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411865442320042834" /></a><br /><br />I love <a href=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/>this</a> website, and spend a lot of time oogling over the homes. Don't you love to see into other people's houses? I especially love the San Francisco posts, since I love that city so much and grew up near there. <br /><br />I'm drawn to light grey, possibly with pops of color thrown in, so that's where I'm going with my bedroom re-do. The walls had been a moss green, with the trim a slightly darker green. I've grown to be really sick of that color. So far, we've got the upper part of the walls painted, and I think we'll get started on the trim this weekend. I need to pick out new lamps, new window coverings, and a new rug. I think I'm narrowing the choices down. I don't want to take too long deciding, because I want it all to come together quickly. Then I'll show you some before and after photos. <br /><br />Now, go make yourself a warm cup of tea or coffee and get cozy. <br />It's one of my favorite things to do.<br /><br />-TuesdayTuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-5904400491119418522009-09-17T22:11:00.000-07:002009-09-19T11:57:44.759-07:00Summer RecapSad to say, this summer has been so full (of the good, the hard, and the challenging) for me, that I haven't posted much to Tuesday at Eleven. I started my new job in full force at the end of June, which has proven to be much more than I imagined it to be- more exciting, and more challenging. It's pushed me to the outer limits of my body and mind. It's like I picked the exact job that gets right at the very things that I've been working on... the things that I've been wanting to improve.. such as better organization and taking my understanding of the body and how it works to a new level. This job doesn't let any of that hide.. I have to face it head on, and it hasn't been easy. Not to say that it hasn't been gratifying. I've never had a job that I felt so proud of. I've never wanted to work so hard to perfect what I do. <br /><br />Pilates studio, where I teach classes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG_H4AipKLqN4hI_utGd9MSGl-o5ajDRBc8zbWyAsFgKqjPonZBxrOiZeTUQ56gElCkaDu0qTSlkFQTqcsyuVcLqeehCD_T4L30oWdQZ77P2NbyvlzYdY-87mS9_DdWP-hvmugIThrmA/s1600-h/8133_127518547267_102960172267_2284532_6279801_n+11-41-24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG_H4AipKLqN4hI_utGd9MSGl-o5ajDRBc8zbWyAsFgKqjPonZBxrOiZeTUQ56gElCkaDu0qTSlkFQTqcsyuVcLqeehCD_T4L30oWdQZ77P2NbyvlzYdY-87mS9_DdWP-hvmugIThrmA/s400/8133_127518547267_102960172267_2284532_6279801_n+11-41-24.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383251154159728706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v5ht7tu4CiZmCmQEjzijVwcoJ5wNni6WgZyQgn0428jDPjZW2WFGUzCcJLspTTxrC9aW86iNEeSTp0YYl4NqO3nhbK1a1RCUwEe9zDCLFZMGubs5qsR-qAbKPY0d_BbYMYj_qTjkLas/s1600-h/8133_127518527267_102960172267_2284528_7843547_n+11-41-23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v5ht7tu4CiZmCmQEjzijVwcoJ5wNni6WgZyQgn0428jDPjZW2WFGUzCcJLspTTxrC9aW86iNEeSTp0YYl4NqO3nhbK1a1RCUwEe9zDCLFZMGubs5qsR-qAbKPY0d_BbYMYj_qTjkLas/s400/8133_127518527267_102960172267_2284528_7843547_n+11-41-23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383251147830638546" /></a><br /><br /><br />Another big event this summer was my sister's wedding. It was beyond beautiful. You know how weddings are- there's so much build up before them, and then they're over in a blink. But this celebration lasted all weekend. We were at a bed and breakfast by the river, and I soaked up every minute of it. After all, it was my sister's wedding (she's my only sibling) and it was also the only "vacation" I've had all summer. It was so nice being in a beautiful location with extended family, focusing only on "big" things in life like love. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1xl2KyO4G36121fOxka7z74_cZu20cQs7o0N475K9D3Ozqvv4piWTY8BS7sLaoXlf_8RxKCnkBqNrTMA42p2fpsPq1UIpHPcPCr4wopSHZ53ZVwkr8ToWsn3nqrwZiWL_yzubS4mOZk/s1600-h/IMG_2753+11-39-13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1xl2KyO4G36121fOxka7z74_cZu20cQs7o0N475K9D3Ozqvv4piWTY8BS7sLaoXlf_8RxKCnkBqNrTMA42p2fpsPq1UIpHPcPCr4wopSHZ53ZVwkr8ToWsn3nqrwZiWL_yzubS4mOZk/s400/IMG_2753+11-39-13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383251131187869938" /></a><br /><br />I did start a new book (which I'm almost done with). It's Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle." As you know, food is a big issue in my life, and I love reading books about food. This one is about a family's quest to eat only locally or home grown food for one year. It's opening my eyes to some new ideas about food processing and consumption. Very interesting. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLozn3fTwKN8e7j5saMtGwtPt3ws74zTMBjwoLIHGf6BCnPJykaD3R4heKksSI2wHkVGYtIVPPgg_RSKTW-lFQsWTdWX9jO6tDwR4iCWBNNaJh2HR7IArUei312MyJxYIeP9QizLZU4w/s1600-h/IMG_2906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLozn3fTwKN8e7j5saMtGwtPt3ws74zTMBjwoLIHGf6BCnPJykaD3R4heKksSI2wHkVGYtIVPPgg_RSKTW-lFQsWTdWX9jO6tDwR4iCWBNNaJh2HR7IArUei312MyJxYIeP9QizLZU4w/s400/IMG_2906.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383251142311849650" /></a><br /><br />My good friend Erin gave me this book for my birthday in August:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0UGsR07teBo89yeFmmKIZaxvC5FPxQ2mxvIlrCnFskDkFnQ4z2IOOJgcsV2RiLbbO95vsD4anlnGIT9Wsj2WhPkjsB1RZs5VLPYHYRGmKRbB8WRAmNJNBRLMXUJINa6dOc5xrmsySD8/s1600-h/IMG_2901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0UGsR07teBo89yeFmmKIZaxvC5FPxQ2mxvIlrCnFskDkFnQ4z2IOOJgcsV2RiLbbO95vsD4anlnGIT9Wsj2WhPkjsB1RZs5VLPYHYRGmKRbB8WRAmNJNBRLMXUJINa6dOc5xrmsySD8/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383250272212042386" /></a><br /><br />I'm super excited to try some vegan recipes. <br /><br /><br />For my birthday I requested (and got) some sprout making supplies. I tried one batch in a sprouting bag. they came out okay, but I'm not sure if I love the bag method. I'm going to try the jar method next. I'll let you know how it goes. I LOVE sprouts, but am always nervous to buy them in the store because often they have bacterial contamination. They're so healthy.. full vitamins and nutrients, since they're a very "alive" kind of food.<br /><br />Seeds Soaking:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtk1HtkP80k159BqVJXs241on1dFw43GQ4_b87Bl1hQ1k4YV6uvp3eanyrH-rCgrKMKvZGnOQERe2QfR0YLSLDNrMjHdvA5usCHx4NCYmnZDogl3ICt-np2NVRqU_VIV8cHJ1eN_RtvQ/s1600-h/IMG_2843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtk1HtkP80k159BqVJXs241on1dFw43GQ4_b87Bl1hQ1k4YV6uvp3eanyrH-rCgrKMKvZGnOQERe2QfR0YLSLDNrMjHdvA5usCHx4NCYmnZDogl3ICt-np2NVRqU_VIV8cHJ1eN_RtvQ/s400/IMG_2843.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383251975354215794" /></a><br /><br />I hope you've had a fulfilling summer.<br />In a few days autumn will be here. <br />I love this season.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-55892177737464392582009-08-08T23:12:00.000-07:002009-08-09T09:00:37.883-07:00Vegan FootwearI got a new pair of vegan shoes yesterday...<br />You might notice that they're somewhat similar to the Fluevogs that I posted about last time. However, these were only 13.00. I couldn't pass them up. They're higher than I've worn in a while, and surprisingly comfortable. I wore them today when I went out with my mom and sister to do some errands, and I wore them out dancing tonight....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKa3PGoFAIXMewrbQhY9BcpsbStoPDNi6I4M8mebgyZSGx67A_rTMm-zscYbeII2I55kWwGQITScFLVaDDP9iWDOuPZg1nEvm2X-yr248267YCtSH9pvcQsj-O6Xn4obfWFhzfNxHD_U/s1600-h/IMG_2612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKa3PGoFAIXMewrbQhY9BcpsbStoPDNi6I4M8mebgyZSGx67A_rTMm-zscYbeII2I55kWwGQITScFLVaDDP9iWDOuPZg1nEvm2X-yr248267YCtSH9pvcQsj-O6Xn4obfWFhzfNxHD_U/s400/IMG_2612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367843361349195954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1ukHchyQ9eo1acjm0Mu-vEasJSjFc2H1Klqe5WveNHuYuTZTAHwg-7bZDWTzof7KYh7fJqZgeo7pEO_FuYa6LQ6Rkg1yZ7ErRmIXlvDKzXspoXXKzw95bnf-Cef_jtE-qvUmvhH1VCk/s1600-h/IMG_2630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1ukHchyQ9eo1acjm0Mu-vEasJSjFc2H1Klqe5WveNHuYuTZTAHwg-7bZDWTzof7KYh7fJqZgeo7pEO_FuYa6LQ6Rkg1yZ7ErRmIXlvDKzXspoXXKzw95bnf-Cef_jtE-qvUmvhH1VCk/s400/IMG_2630.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367843351470223266" /></a>Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-48733125609536855872009-07-13T18:21:00.000-07:002009-07-13T18:54:09.292-07:00New AdditionsIt's been a little quiet here at the Tuesday home front. The last couple of months have been exhausting mentally and physically, with my training at the pilates studio. I'm happy to say though, that things are settling down now. I'm teaching 7 classes a week and doing personal one on one pilates training with clients as well as one on one appts. in the weight room. <br /><br />The studio I work at is very upscale, and the owners like us to have a professional yet funky/hip look. So, I've recently bought some new work clothes including these two tops from Urban Outfitters:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaJuOi43-PpAHMuSvRXEaDraa-S9Pd_0mkIBUFHBegT3hIaxaXNc78uEQsMswanwDBcB3_G6lCWFHtmmY_m0cCEfPewZh3_MD7fdSZ8Fg1AIisqFgPnLTHNMND1u2kEewW6qhvlBM6M8/s1600-h/16351405_04_b.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaJuOi43-PpAHMuSvRXEaDraa-S9Pd_0mkIBUFHBegT3hIaxaXNc78uEQsMswanwDBcB3_G6lCWFHtmmY_m0cCEfPewZh3_MD7fdSZ8Fg1AIisqFgPnLTHNMND1u2kEewW6qhvlBM6M8/s400/16351405_04_b.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358122845219348306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe18b3PLIRhCfKyexBjq44CKL149d-CAC2iQhgF2colTlOy1fc75QywEDte1c0dCNPZcGlvpIpmNA20RZ2DDRnPJDWnddJvs1L5_gBBmrtGSeTfT9BSoj1krJGd9FM6qkfCd2nnV9TNo/s1600-h/16277840_01_b.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe18b3PLIRhCfKyexBjq44CKL149d-CAC2iQhgF2colTlOy1fc75QywEDte1c0dCNPZcGlvpIpmNA20RZ2DDRnPJDWnddJvs1L5_gBBmrtGSeTfT9BSoj1krJGd9FM6qkfCd2nnV9TNo/s400/16277840_01_b.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358122837859746066" /></a><br /><br />I've been liking drapey tops lately, and I've been happy with both of these. I wore the grey one to a work bbq the other night and got a few compliments on it. I love the shoulder cut-outs of the black shirt. <br /><br />I also have my eye on a few other (non work related) items. <br /><br />These Fleuvog sandals.. hey, they're on sale for only 65.00. You can't get Fleuvogs for that price. There are only a few sizes left, and 6 1/2, my size, is one of them. I think they'd look nice with a skirt or shorts. They're 3 1/2 inches high.. higher than I'm used to wearing, but a little height might be fun for my 5 foot two inch little self. Fleuvogs are known for comfort, so I'm not too worried about them being uncomfortable. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ZwuXTSl74DGcTRZ0_5r9CMtv81wpUqKoKj0MdCtuAlXM0tBMBfju-RJXWz4dgfojgMHfKkMQ0cSPYB_61IXbZgvtw0JiHTEjVXhv_G4F1Zs9vLGc78ODEGGs583G_49z_ZuGm6MOjo/s1600-h/composite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ZwuXTSl74DGcTRZ0_5r9CMtv81wpUqKoKj0MdCtuAlXM0tBMBfju-RJXWz4dgfojgMHfKkMQ0cSPYB_61IXbZgvtw0JiHTEjVXhv_G4F1Zs9vLGc78ODEGGs583G_49z_ZuGm6MOjo/s400/composite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358124069564962210" /></a><br /><br />I'm drawn to plaid, and the red shirt is kind of cute, though I'm not 100% sure about it. The Black one was 58.00 or so, and is now on sale for 19.99. I think that's a sign that maybe I should get it. I like it more with the strings tied in front in a bow. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbL1HrTb8EVdC3Hqi29n13vK70TFUB8XuM-S3-ozli7gxaKO4GTGN62-HCcQ_yx0ft-NzIxhyDMGrQosR8CjuQfTpU_aLMgbOGMmiTlus8_mwoLqI6lvwHSuNXjgea3iSRr2e1FTOKqg/s1600-h/16041113_60_b.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbL1HrTb8EVdC3Hqi29n13vK70TFUB8XuM-S3-ozli7gxaKO4GTGN62-HCcQ_yx0ft-NzIxhyDMGrQosR8CjuQfTpU_aLMgbOGMmiTlus8_mwoLqI6lvwHSuNXjgea3iSRr2e1FTOKqg/s400/16041113_60_b.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358124070320877218" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrDonoAeXUDAwvPELgra36ptfKTUNYDL90aNdvKNg0fc92lDr7CU9yfwQHr12NrCknu2EkH0_66pWa_buvu5UBApP_cwK67o2zNssFNZXdbQPgXidLrg9Pe0quuc-_72uzar7BzZcwhM/s1600-h/16269565_01_b.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrDonoAeXUDAwvPELgra36ptfKTUNYDL90aNdvKNg0fc92lDr7CU9yfwQHr12NrCknu2EkH0_66pWa_buvu5UBApP_cwK67o2zNssFNZXdbQPgXidLrg9Pe0quuc-_72uzar7BzZcwhM/s400/16269565_01_b.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358124077423558370" /></a><br /><br />I have a feeling you'll be seeing more style posts here soon ......Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-21911631934824978172009-06-07T19:38:00.001-07:002009-06-07T22:18:36.579-07:00Eight Is Great, Tuesday EditionI've been tagged by the lovely and talented Bonnie Rue at <a href=http://goodgirlsandgeeks.blogspot.com>Good Girls and Geeks</a>.. to take on the "Eight Is Great" challenge.<br /><br /> 8 things I Am Looking Forward To:<br /><br />-finishing my pilates training<br />-painting my bedroom (well, not the process, but having it done)<br />-Getting my new shirts from Urban Outfitters in the mail<br />-Going to see my sister this weekend- finally getting out of town!<br />-relaxing bbqs with family and friends<br />-having more time to cook and garden<br />-reading a good book<br />-summer fruit, esp. watermelon, blueberries, and mango<br /><br />8 Things I did yesterday:<br /><br />-took a nap from 12-2<br />-bought new sandals<br />-went grocery shopping<br />-listened to a lot of music<br />-went to the vitamin store to buy vitamins, but they were closed<br />-talked to my mom about an awkward situation at work<br />-spilled a drink all over my desk, down the wall, on my papers. And I cried.<br />- ate some new non-dairy ice cream sweetened with Agave. <br /><br /><br />8 Things I Wish I Could Do<br /><br />-fly in an airplane without having a panic attack<br />-pace myself better, and not get anxious about things as much<br />-be more organized<br />-sleep in on the weekends- I always wake up by 7:00 no matter what time I go to bed<br />-change a few things that happened in the past<br />-be more bold/assertive at times<br />-start and finish a number of projects around the house that I've been wanting to do<br />-find a way to really help someone, or a family in need<br /><br /><br />8 Shows I Watch:<br />(this is hard, because I hardly watch t.v. I just watch the following SOMETIMES)<br /><br />-What Not To Wear<br />-Regis And Kelly ( I know.. stupid, but there's something about the "New Yorkness" and "morning routine" of it that I find compelling.<br />-Some cooking shows<br />-Moving UP<br />-the odd documentary<br />-*hides head* American Idol<br />-and,........ I really don't watch t.v!Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-13101585498232198882009-06-07T00:58:00.000-07:002009-06-07T07:48:40.388-07:00My Article is Up!Is it true?<br /><br />I've been away from my blog for almost a month! <br /><br />I do have a very good excuse though. <br /><br />You see, I've been living, breathing, and sleeping pilates. I've been in intensive training for a couple of months, and it will go on through the end of this month, when I start teaching my own classes. I don't know that I've ever been so busy that I basically have to schedule it in to run to the bathroom, but I'm now very familiar with that level of busy. <br /><br />Annnnd, in the midst of all this, I took on a writing assignment for Venuszine. I knew that I really shouldn't try to write an article while trying to stay afloat in the sea of training delerium, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to interview and write about one of my fave artists, Ashley Goldberg. <br /><br />I'm more than happy to say that I finished the article, I like how it came out, and it's up on Venuszine.com. Ashley likes it too, so she told me in an e-mail, which makes me want to giggle with glee. <br /><br /><a href=http://venuszine.com/articles/art_and_culture/art/5907/Queen_of_modern_cute>Go take a peak</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPXJ1QJ5P1X54fYPXTNoapUNNloP4cpWg-chwiyVBkiQLi9tJSwuIm9gL3Plci5S_WTXACJZfBH40JRut6Ml_HhCr9NANGIWpUtTC7PATVGy7l1dDnFUNo7uteB9aj3dr9tRgP2kMNzI/s1600-h/IMG_2225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPXJ1QJ5P1X54fYPXTNoapUNNloP4cpWg-chwiyVBkiQLi9tJSwuIm9gL3Plci5S_WTXACJZfBH40JRut6Ml_HhCr9NANGIWpUtTC7PATVGy7l1dDnFUNo7uteB9aj3dr9tRgP2kMNzI/s400/IMG_2225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344496066255531122" /></a>Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-66022101997351451382009-05-12T15:42:00.000-07:002009-05-12T19:32:33.738-07:00When It Rains.....Well, I've been in intensive pilates training for the last few weeks, and it's getting even more intense. My supervisors want me ready to teach by JUNE 29th. We're talking all three levels of "introductory" classes, plus advanced classes. At the same time, I'm in training to work one on one with pilates clients using pilates apparatus like the "cadillac." It's all a LOT to take in. Luckily, I'm fascinated by it all, and eager to learn it. And, the last 12 years working in the fitness industry really has helped make this new learning process easier for me. <br /><br />I also found out today that I have a new writing assignment for a magazine I write for! What timing. It's due May 22nd, so I'll have to spend many evenings writing. It's on <a href=http://www.kittygenius.com/kitty_genius/>kitty genius</a> or Ashley G, an amazing artist that I've loved for a few years now. Lisa got me one of her original paintings for my birthday year before last. I'm so excited to write about her and her partner, Drew. It's one of those situations where I feel like I know her already, from reading her blog, etc. I'll probably do a phone interview with her, which will be fun.<br /><br /><br />My Original Ashley Goldberg Painting:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRGu1rLvmhrb4yVtDtxPduVaadZkT86fb_24N0cAXX0K9uoPcMHimdMrYChyphenhyphenW0Z-W84mhRVgPhACpc1tX0f5Tx0Vz_jrfKLNEFzXmuSIpLka4w_iOyJxEnpJNkukNf7efagg2fOIdK6c/s1600-h/IMG_2101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRGu1rLvmhrb4yVtDtxPduVaadZkT86fb_24N0cAXX0K9uoPcMHimdMrYChyphenhyphenW0Z-W84mhRVgPhACpc1tX0f5Tx0Vz_jrfKLNEFzXmuSIpLka4w_iOyJxEnpJNkukNf7efagg2fOIdK6c/s400/IMG_2101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335130420414426706" /></a><br /><br />PEOPLE-<br />I am entering serious CRACKDOWN PRODUCTIVE mode! <br />Here we go.<br />Bring it on.<br />Maybe I need a drink :)<br /><br />cheers,<br />-LTuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-86279110055481474952009-05-02T17:48:00.000-07:002009-05-02T18:34:10.912-07:00HallelujahWatch this video. Turn up the volume. <br />It might make you cry. <br /><br />Lisa and I went to see K.D. lang. We bought the tickets months ago. She had seen her once before in Vancouver. I'd never seen her, and in fact, I haven't been all that familiar with her music. Sure, I knew who she was, and knew a few of her most popular songs. Lisa told me that seeing her live was incredible, and she was so right. <br /><br />We sat right up close to the stage, and let me tell you, it was truly a transforming experience for me. First of all, I haven't been to all that many live concerts that were of this caliber. K.D. was humble and funny, but most of all........ my god..... her voice. You want to hang onto every single note and not let it go. She has such incredible range and inflections. So rare. So pure. It made me feel a thousand poignant things about life. That's what good music does.<br /><br />This is one of my favorite songs from that evening, though it's from a different concert of hers. She has such passion, and it cuts right to your core. It makes you realize that true perfection of any kind doesn't have to be presented in a fancy way. It comes across effortlessly when allowed to. <br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_NpxTWbovE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_NpxTWbovE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-37138240356439615612009-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:002009-04-28T22:18:31.356-07:00What's In A Name and Cell Phone MadnessYou might wonder where the name "Tuesday@Eleven" comes from. For one thing, I have a slight fascination with people who are named after days of the week. It just seems cool. Although, recently I met a "Sunday" who completely rubs me the wrong way. We'll just overlook that one. Also, when I can, I like to make appts. on Tuesday at eleven. It feels like a comfortable day and time to me. Do you have a day or time of day when you like to do things? If you think about it, you might see a pattern there. <br /><br />Today at eleven I was at a Vorizon store waiting to speak with a customer service person. It was really busy, and I had to wait about a half hour. I had just come from the gym and was tired and hungry. I stood stiffly against the wall, watching the other disgruntled customers who were also waiting. I HATE dealing with cell phone issues.. what a long, dreadful, painful process. We got new cell phones about five weeks ago, and my son has had problems with his ever since. He used his own money to buy a fancy $155.00 touch screen phone. The first one he got went wonky for no apparent reason. The screen was flashing and spazzing out. So, they replaced it for free. The second one did something similar, and then the third one got water damaged in some mysterious, unknown way. He swears that he didn't get water on it. I have no idea. I just know that I wish I had bought the five dollar a month insurance so that we'd only have to pay fifty dollars for the phone I got him today, instead of 140 something dollars.<br /><br /> The woman who helped me at Vorizon explained that there was really nothing they could do but offer me a one year special deal, with a rebate. Water damage isn't something they take lightly. Originally the phone was 400, but marked down to 289, plus the 50 rebate, plus 40 off because my partner gets a government employee discount. I still have to send in my rebates for the first phones we got.. I should get 50 back per phone, and I have to send in the rebate for his new phone. Who can keep track of it all?? Yeah, cell phones are supposed to make our lives easier, but they've made mine way too complicated.<br /><br />I hope your Tuesday was a good one.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-24060371074582923042009-04-24T08:50:00.000-07:002009-04-25T17:14:02.481-07:00Better SpaghettiHelloooo,<br /><br />It's been a while since my last blog post. New job+ adjusting to working more hours is still in effect, and has me running around a bit ragged lately. I'll be posting more soon, but for today, I want to talk again about food (one of my favorite subjects, if you haven't already figured that out). When I'm under stress, I tend to not be able to eat much. I've lost a few pounds since I started this new job. It often feels like my stomach is in knots. But when I get hungry, I'm starving! I also don't have as much time lately to think about/shop for/and prepare meals. So, I'm trying to find easy and healthy things to make quickly at the end of the day when I'm tired and hungry. Recently, I came up with this for dinner, and it was so good. It's like spaghetti, but made with the grain quinoa instead of noodles. It's really healthy (quinoa has good protein in it). If you haven't tried quinoa yet, I highly recommend it. It's light, has a nice texture, goes with a lot of other foods nicely, and is packed with good nutrients. <br /><br /><br />QUINOA SPAGHETTI:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHMd-Wjg0mhUFT3QVSzWXpxwViIe-tjVcDqe8JTxGxCwCsX-JsdedOt5FQ1w4MQxNKG5ucCFwP8uDrcoafuUpJQXjWV_EpsvRh044-7dZwQhsCP_uv0aEDUNPgpIRzt5FMVmUSKwggKg/s1600-h/IMG_1812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHMd-Wjg0mhUFT3QVSzWXpxwViIe-tjVcDqe8JTxGxCwCsX-JsdedOt5FQ1w4MQxNKG5ucCFwP8uDrcoafuUpJQXjWV_EpsvRh044-7dZwQhsCP_uv0aEDUNPgpIRzt5FMVmUSKwggKg/s400/IMG_1812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328286519571517426" /></a><br /><br />This dinner should take under a half hour to prepare. Quinoa cooks really quickly. I make it like rice.. about one part quinoa to two parts water. Let it boil, then reduce to simmer with a lid on it. Takes about 10-15 minutes to cook. Make any kind of pasta sauce that you like. I used organic sauce and added ground turkey meat. Steam some asparagus, or any other kind of veggie that you like... oh, and don't forget to add some cheese on top of your spaghetti. I like fresh grated parmesean or even feta. <br />Enjoy.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-73775638072251036352009-04-06T18:45:00.001-07:002009-04-06T19:56:17.246-07:00You've Got To Make RoomThe last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. <br /><br />I left my old job that I had been at for nine years, and started my new job. Getting this new job was truly a case of projecting what I wanted, moving towards it, and getting it. I'm kind of amazed how it all happened. <br /><br />As you may know, I took three months off from my previous job to take a break from teaching aerobics, and also to "make space" for something else to happen with my career. I knew that I wanted to stay in the fitness field, but I needed a change. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to have happen, though pilates interested me. I just knew that I felt ready for something else, and if I continued doing what I had been doing, I wasn't going to find something else. <br /><br /> My previous supervisor then offered me a job teaching pilates in June, which I accepted. It would mean training with the woman who teaches it, and maybe getting more training on my own ( very expensive, out of town training). But I was willing to do it. It seemed like a move in the right direction for me, even though I'd still be working for them, and I kind of wanted to change that. <br /><br />But then the owners of the pilates studio that I've been taking classes at asked me if I'd come in for an interview with them. They were interested in hiring me. I went to the interview, and the next day they offered me a job. I took it, and have been in training since. The great thing is that these people are truly experts in the field, and are going to train me and two other new employees for free. In addition to teaching pilates, I'll also be doing personal training/wellness coaching. My first client is tomorrow afternoon. I've been doing personal training for about six years, so that part is falling into place easily for me, with just a little training that I had this morning. <br /><br />I'm grappling somewhat with the fact that this new place is a for profit, whereas my previous job was a non-profit. There's a big difference in the clientele. There's a big difference in the price. But I really like the philosophy and approach that is at the heart of where I work now, and that's so important to me. <br /><br />I need some new gym clothes, since most of what I have right now is older, and some of it doesn't even fit very well. I ordered four tops and one pair of leggings to get me started, including these.... though the first one I got in black, not blue. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnka0lyUOYa09bqf1hR6rLfBdBIZNHSKNRzQQunhsGk-7kx9iYVocz8RDSb4oCF0lxX_XXkbZmOUQXJwZCC-SJERkMnVEgC0by7z7KUgRpvAh_k301hoiUCjzLeKPm1yhfHFZy5zK1G4/s1600-h/B930_436_M.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnka0lyUOYa09bqf1hR6rLfBdBIZNHSKNRzQQunhsGk-7kx9iYVocz8RDSb4oCF0lxX_XXkbZmOUQXJwZCC-SJERkMnVEgC0by7z7KUgRpvAh_k301hoiUCjzLeKPm1yhfHFZy5zK1G4/s400/B930_436_M.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321763513119295298" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZh2Q7dw9MQxv6r8yLIXyR3sHApV5FOEckflyEbmT8tW5ZR9DWII0c4iblPIRQ92Tn6msXc1mgdXRdqlwIn_Im8uEAzoh12Ub5FIQpZvTGrkQqTgZ8YhqQXDx1S7oA0lhCGniyVV8hUA/s1600-h/S515_493-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZh2Q7dw9MQxv6r8yLIXyR3sHApV5FOEckflyEbmT8tW5ZR9DWII0c4iblPIRQ92Tn6msXc1mgdXRdqlwIn_Im8uEAzoh12Ub5FIQpZvTGrkQqTgZ8YhqQXDx1S7oA0lhCGniyVV8hUA/s400/S515_493-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321764547599594642" /></a><br /><br />Off to relax the rest of the evening away... maybe I'll take a walk- it helps me to unwind. <br /><br />I hope your week is off to a good start.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-10608380043198941712009-03-28T16:23:00.000-07:002009-03-28T16:45:40.890-07:00Savor SlowlyI've been wanting to do more reading lately, and the other day, I ordered <a href=http://www.Amazon.com/Homemade-Life-Stories-Recipes-Kitchen/dp/1416551050/>this</a> book from Amazon. It's so nice to have a good book to fall into bed with. it's written by the creator of the wonderful food blog, <a href=http://orangette.blogspot.com/>Orangette.</a> And, having had an extremely hard week involving getting a new job (more to come on that later) I treated myself this afteernoon to a nice cup of coffee and chocolate covered organic cherries. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfAtn2_DYJ2qazYmtceOqa60zoxFWUtw-Gdifwjnh9v6n6aevViMrul052sIFeUCfHAabFGcEh3QNS1wcPXBEHP2mjgEMNEZl-DZaC2_qcn7RjNkmbohNnjK7qVYJ6oQOuYJzW3x91as/s1600-h/IMG_1644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfAtn2_DYJ2qazYmtceOqa60zoxFWUtw-Gdifwjnh9v6n6aevViMrul052sIFeUCfHAabFGcEh3QNS1wcPXBEHP2mjgEMNEZl-DZaC2_qcn7RjNkmbohNnjK7qVYJ6oQOuYJzW3x91as/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318385088151832418" /></a><br /><br />It's important to make good use of our relaxation time, right? Starting a new job has certainly made me realize this.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-45926201265185688882009-03-19T14:34:00.000-07:002009-03-19T14:56:10.466-07:00Did You Say Tofu?I'm trying not to eat much meat lately, which makes getting enough protein a little tricky sometimes. So, last night was tofu night. I threw this meal together, and it was more than delicious. All of the flavors fit so well together.. that's why I put it all on one plate!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52ZIHTPPtTMXVId-OhTo67LyxrT9kpoq2i5uWXwuqFqhx-YQjbYCp041z4AwQDOvHjC812fDU_YqTKm-zbMlnDTQcmBLv3OQTNXWMjL_60GQMVQk3r1qkU-RQuiDBrAlvsEUzZbC6pYI/s1600-h/IMG_1559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52ZIHTPPtTMXVId-OhTo67LyxrT9kpoq2i5uWXwuqFqhx-YQjbYCp041z4AwQDOvHjC812fDU_YqTKm-zbMlnDTQcmBLv3OQTNXWMjL_60GQMVQk3r1qkU-RQuiDBrAlvsEUzZbC6pYI/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315015678588403682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkP1GspUvbxgraEcoOQFMoLn-Zz2eariU8cBezw1wCgt8SlLjMFLLRgwzsqgi2XUOT9B2nspJ7yVr_NabddxISKVreyiXvkj0JLzqx8OGHjdOJOQgR6neNmrEC59OJruxX9WodsdPBr0/s1600-h/IMG_1563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkP1GspUvbxgraEcoOQFMoLn-Zz2eariU8cBezw1wCgt8SlLjMFLLRgwzsqgi2XUOT9B2nspJ7yVr_NabddxISKVreyiXvkj0JLzqx8OGHjdOJOQgR6neNmrEC59OJruxX9WodsdPBr0/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315015671117577634" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Healthy And Easy Vegetarian Dinner</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Menu:</span></span><br /><br />-soft tofu with onions<br />-mashed sweet potatoes with feta<br />-herb salad with vinaigrette<br /><br /><br />I don't have an exact recipe for the tofu since I made it up based on the memory of a dish that I used to love from a Korean restaurant. <br /><br />Basically, you slice up some onions and sautee them in oil (olive or sesame, or both). Add cubed tofu. Add some kind of tomato-y base. I actually used some organic ketchup, of all things. The sweetness worked well in this dish. I also added some rice vinegar and a little chili powder for spice. You could use hot sauce instead of the chili powder. Red pepper flakes would be great too. <br /><br />Slice sweet potatoes, and steam them. Then mash. I leave the skin on for more vitamins and fiber. Add a generous amount of feta on the mashed potatoes (SO GOOD). You don't even need to use butter... <br /><br />Add a nice little salad, and you have yourself a quick and very nutritious meal. <br /><br />I'm definitely going to be eating this more often.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-69914607238872109892009-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:002009-03-17T07:43:14.041-07:00The Right Dress At The Right Time<span style="font-style:italic;"></span><span style="font-style:italic;"></span>I went to a 60's theme party on Saturday, for an old family friend's birthday.
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<br />There was a band at the party, and the tunes were very familiar to me since I grew up with parents from the hippie generation. The music of the Beatles, Carol King, Cat Stevens, and Bob Dylan, was frequently heard at my house. We lived in Oakland, CA- so close to Berkeley, the hippie epicenter of the Bay Area.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4J6oO62ooWhtaT56Hz4d1n6lXRNHTgZ5OAtoukro2WNfpFme_odF57mDcGSjxWjr6eYt92-kgsY0Ih4y8IRk6kV64FvjadbzRS71kW_uvFlWc8-KeS9exj-s2K7iXMg1UMiscvNs0Os/s1600-h/IMG_1484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4J6oO62ooWhtaT56Hz4d1n6lXRNHTgZ5OAtoukro2WNfpFme_odF57mDcGSjxWjr6eYt92-kgsY0Ih4y8IRk6kV64FvjadbzRS71kW_uvFlWc8-KeS9exj-s2K7iXMg1UMiscvNs0Os/s400/IMG_1484.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313793019582252258" /></a>
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<br />This party was one of those occasions when I needed something very particular to wear, and I happened to have just the right thing. Don't you love it when that happens so effortlessly?! The dress that I wore happened to be in my "give to Goodwill bag," but I snatched it right out, and it worked perfectly. This was actually the first time I wore it. I bought it at a second hand store years ago, but it has hung in my closet all this time. I just haven't found the motivation to add it to my daily outfit mix. It's a mini dress- very mod, 60's-ish.
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<br /> For the party, I added tall black boots and white tights, a generous application of black liquid eyeliner on the upper lids, a small berry- red belt under the bust, and the look was complete.
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<br />Now I'm envisioning wearing this when the weather gets warmer, sans tights, with a strappy shoe.
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<br />I think my Goodwill bag will remain one dress lighter.
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<br />Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-33184723203514252712009-03-11T20:08:00.000-07:002009-03-12T19:41:19.305-07:00Balancing ActI've been taking pilates twice a week for the last ten weeks. My mom also takes pilates at the same place that I do. I was talking to her on the phone last night. I said that it didn't seem that in this whole ten weeks the instructor has emphasized that we are doing abdominal strengthening exercises. It's been all about finding <span style="font-weight:bold;">balance</span> in our bodies, and sure, we've used our abs somewhat, but it hasn't been the emphasis. It seems that in other pilates classes I've taken, there's been much more focus on the abs. My mom said that in the next level class, it gets much more "abdominally challenging."<br /><br />Today I went to class, and the instructor said that <span style="font-style:italic;">now</span> we are really going to begin using our abs, as we might have expected to in pilates. All that we've been doing so far has prepared us for this. It's taught us how to engage our abs correctly, how to breathe correctly with the exercises, how to have proper form, etc. I'm just a little surprised at the pace of this class. Don't get me wrong... I'm all for knowing about correct form and alignment, especially since I'm going to be teaching pilates soon. It just seems that I've spent $400.00 dollars so far on these classes, and maybe a little too much time has been spent going over the same things for ten weeks. On the flip side of that, it's surprising how easy it is to have "bad" form, and how it does take quite a bit of repetition to make that brain to body connection on good form. <br /><br /> I talked to my supervisor about coming back to work (my three months off ends at the end of March). She offered me a positon teaching pilates in June. I deliberated over it for a day, but there really wasn't much to think about. I've been wanting to do this, and it's a great opportunity, so I'm in! It's really good timing for me. I'll be a little sad to give up my Monday step and sculpt class, but I think a change is needed. I'll still be teaching dance aerobics, which prompted me to listen to music and dance around the house yesterday. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUIwKh7o9vZ0pxA4GDxGBGjij9kf-_YwZdYU5te79CuVw7V1TdfAYxFIiR9NRbn91nDCorD0Q70crrnbwucyaVZUsg6OBw5qz1br8nQzd1q57p1YrN7ilJiZXOAdq56N24yBIIagHqjg/s1600-h/IMG_1408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUIwKh7o9vZ0pxA4GDxGBGjij9kf-_YwZdYU5te79CuVw7V1TdfAYxFIiR9NRbn91nDCorD0Q70crrnbwucyaVZUsg6OBw5qz1br8nQzd1q57p1YrN7ilJiZXOAdq56N24yBIIagHqjg/s400/IMG_1408.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312134475592349634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutqlhSz4tdMOShyphenhyphen6ONPxjKJDbKdKip_tKKZg49FDgkFoV4VfCHU0hOo5wxA0OxosZs2EyzRy3wbLbaGFAEiQUlEFX-20VEpp4DldlMUNa_3KoMUHvKuUGUFJ98C8RepFaiTJTX1u7qMQ/s1600-h/IMG_1407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutqlhSz4tdMOShyphenhyphen6ONPxjKJDbKdKip_tKKZg49FDgkFoV4VfCHU0hOo5wxA0OxosZs2EyzRy3wbLbaGFAEiQUlEFX-20VEpp4DldlMUNa_3KoMUHvKuUGUFJ98C8RepFaiTJTX1u7qMQ/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312327337488039266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFys5pKG3XRcid_5d-LunK-eZkPviDE1UiUPR3tgrFSgj5YARwSpBzZjKoLQD6upPArUMMiuarF0BzMa66fkLfdefX6_XDc4LZpEX5RyukQWPsF0DgAXaDsSx4oApOwtBD7p121kMfpzA/s1600-h/IMG_1403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFys5pKG3XRcid_5d-LunK-eZkPviDE1UiUPR3tgrFSgj5YARwSpBzZjKoLQD6upPArUMMiuarF0BzMa66fkLfdefX6_XDc4LZpEX5RyukQWPsF0DgAXaDsSx4oApOwtBD7p121kMfpzA/s400/IMG_1403.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312327334639453090" /></a><br /> I think I've had just a little too much time on my hands lately, too much time in the house, and not enough social interaction. That leads to thinking too much, and depression can set in. Getting back to a routine will be good. It's all about balance, isn't it- balance in our bodies, and balance in our lives. You can definitely feel when something is "outa whack."Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119208096900354953.post-63900533838486632992009-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:002009-03-04T18:52:18.831-08:00I'm A List Maker<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Can you believe it's March already?</span><br /></span><br /> I feel spring lurking right around the corner, and it feels really good. <br /><br />Here's a list about what I did today:<br /><br />- Went to an 8:00 dentist appt. (cleaning) and did some corresponding with an editor from Venus magazine this morning.<br /><br />-Went to pilates at noon. We had a sub, and she was more chatty than our regular teacher (kind of fun). I embarrassed myself a little though. We were doing the "downhill ski" which works your legs and glutes 'till they scream at you. As we were all doing the exercise, I said to the instructor "I see why you have nice glutes." Then I turned a little red, I think.<br /><br />-Cleaned the bathroom, did some laundry.<br /><br />-Took Alex across town to the orthodontist to fix a loose wire. <br /><br />- Made a quick trip to the grocery store.<br /><br /><br />I guess my day was a little mundane, but it's been productive. Tonight I'll indulge in my guilty pleasure, American Idol, and maybe I'll work on a couple of little projects. <br /><br />I hope <span style="font-style:italic;">your</span> list from today was a good one, filled mostly with positive things.Tuesdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950972172205945847noreply@blogger.com0