nieces and nephews

Spencer and family came to visit about a month ago and it was so fun to see them. I love my brother and his great kids. I loved spending time with them on their brief visit. It was so fun to jump on the tramp with them and hold Izzy. I held onto her as she stood and put her back against my legs. The girl had no fear and let me go as high as I wanted -- and she just turned 4.

Two awesome things that happened when they were here...

(I just heard about this first one...I wasn't actually present)

Spencer was in the car with Kimball and Isabel and Isabel had been singing for awhile - just making up her own song. Spencer wasn't paying attention and was talking to my dad in the front seat. Then he hears Izzy say, "Kimball, did you like my song?" Kimball says abruptly, "No." Izzy then says, "I said Jesus in it." Kimball says nothing. There's a long pause and then Izzy says convincingly and seriously, "I did." I laughed so hard when Spencer told me that conversation. Such funny kids.

There was also another hilarious moment when I'm sitting with Izzy and Kimball in the living room talking and Kimball passes gas. He completely denies it saying, "No. It wasn't me -- It must have been you (pointing at me) or you (pointing at Izzy)." He then continues saying "It wasn't me, because I didn't feel it!" Izzy then says, "But we smell it!" I started laughing and then the two of them started laughing so hard. It was so funny to me that a 4 year-old little girl is saying there's proof it happened because of the smell! Love her.

I think I see Spencer and my relationship in Kimball and Izzy's.
I'm grateful for my big brother.

How to workout...and...not go running.

I've done a good amount of running as I figured out it was the easiest* way to do cardio. I trained for two 1/2 marathons. One in 2006 and one in 2007. And since then, I've gradually been realizing the following...I don't like running; I don't have a runner's body; Running doesn't really do my body much good. I know there are people out there who have runner's bodies and they can run a lot without pain and it proves to be a good workout for them. This is not my case. When I run a lot my knee hurts, my hip hurts, and my leg muscles bulk up a lot (not the look I want). Do people realize the impact of so much compression on their joints? And the effects of having poor running shoes? My friend's mom is convinced a lot of running is what has made her husband shrink as he has gotten older. 


If you'd like to reevaluate your methods of cardio, I am offering the following list, because while throwing on running shoes might be the easiest method to workout, it really might not be of any benefit to your body. 


1. Yoga. Of course, you know that's going to be number one. Nothing offers such a total body, sweat inducing workout as yoga, in my opinion. 


2. Swimming. Get some good goggles. Buy a good speedo. 


3. The eliptical. I love elipticals. You've gotta push yourself on these though -- no lackadaisical 20 minutes on there. I make myself burn at least 400 calories, which takes me about 40 minutes. 


4. Spin classes. These are brutal, but the intensity is fun as the music is loud and the instructor pushes you to your limit. Sweat inducing for sure. 


5. Zhumba. I love the zhumba class I go to. I pay $5 a class and it's held in a bingo hall in pretty ghetto Alexandria off Little River Turnpike. The girl who teaches is hot and Latin and can most definitely move her hips effectively. http://azuka-bom.com


6. Tennis. I don't play tennis a ton, but it's nice to have some variety. Of course, you've got to have someone to play with. 


7. Kickboxing classes. 


8. P90X. I've never actually done it, but I totally want to. I actually have a video I do every so often called Shape: Bikini Body Camp Transforming Workout. There are 3 segments (I just rotate between the first two) and they both are an awesome workout. It'll make you sore, for sure. You'll be feeling muscles you probably never knew you had.


9. Go for a bike ride outside. Get some fresh air!


10. Rollerblading. I LOVE rollerblading. It's such an awesome leg/butt workout without any impact. I start at "The Melrose" and go right past Reagan Airport on the Mount Vernon trail - the Virginia side of the Potomac. I go as far as the Memorial Bridge and turn around. 


11. Skiing. I love both water and snow skiing. In the summer I water ski a lot, because my parents have a boat. It's definitely harder to go snow skiing. But it's so nice to have a day/weekend to look forward to something in the middle of the winter. 


12. Hiking. I love being outside and the uneven terrain provides such a great workout. 


13. Rock climbing. I don't do this, but have been really wanting to get into it. 


That's all I've got! There are other things to do than run! Things that will make you stronger AND at your normal height into your older years! 


I use my gym membership only for spin classes, swimming, an occasional kickboxing class, and the elliptical. It ends up being maybe twice a week, but I still think it's worth it. I just feel you have to have access to a gym. 

And then I wanted to move to California

I didn't wear a stitch of makeup (or even put on a normal bra) during my whole 3-week yoga teacher training. It was amazing. And after it all ended I wondered if I was living on the wrong coast and if I should just move to Berkeley and eat raw. I'm kidding about eating raw, but I did wonder if California is where I should be living and if I should go sans makeup all the time. I think I'll very possibly end up farther west down the road, but right now I'm happy to be in Virginia. 

200 Hr. RYT

I've almost received my 200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher certification. I just have a couple more things to do to finish up. From July 25th-August 13th, all I did was yoga. I was there from 7:30 am to 8 pm and I loved it. The funny thing is that yoga is all about finding balance in your practice/life and I guess for those 3 weeks, I wasn't balanced at all. I thought only about yoga, read only yoga, and only did yoga for my exercise, though, I loved it. And it's fun to I now feel like I'm part of this club of people who love yoga. I've decided I only think about 2 or 3 things in my life anyways -- What's my next meal? What am I doing for my workout today?  

I had to do a final reflection for my training. I'm including some of it here... 

I have learned that yoga is an individual practice. In contrast to a dance class, there is no back and forth movement across the floor and taking turns for your chance to do the combination. It requires concentration to focus on what your body is doing and you cannot look at other’s bodies. The movement is difficult and for this reason, nobody is perfect. Everybody has something to work on. This even playing ground is important because I do not feel it is healthy to compare yourself to others. I have always been a perfectionist, and my determination has helped me in many aspects of my life, but I am realizing how it impedes progress too. I need to have confidence in my own abilities and be content with what I am presently capable of. I know how to push myself and my body will tell me when I am ready to move on. 

Yoga practice is a time to focus on your body’s needs and abilities. The meditation aspect of yoga is important to me too. I feel more grounded when practicing yoga and can think more clearly. It is also a stress reliever. Spiritually, yoga connects me to those around me and reminds me we are all God’s children. 

While practicing yoga, I feel a connection between body and spirit that no other high physical activity provides. After these 3 weeks, I feel stronger. A continued yoga practice will help me keep this strength and gain more abilities. Before my teacher training, I knew I loved yoga, but it was hard for me to fit taking a class into my schedule. I fit it in whenever I could and sometimes just practiced for thirty minutes at home. I now cannot imagine taking any less than one class a week. Practice at home is fine, but it does not provide the setting that a heated yoga studio can. I will have the opportunity to teach children’s yoga, and I feel slightly ready for this. I went to a couple hours of teacher training for children and I have lots of experiencing teaching children, but I know I will have to prepare a lot and do a good amount of studying in order to feel ready. Yoga teaches calming and concentration techniques that can be so beneficial for children. I do not know when I will start teaching adult classes. I would like time to digest what I have learned and I probably need some time to settle into my new job.

I am so grateful for the experience of having completed my teacher training. It has been an amazing experience to work with the instructors and trainees to learn more about myself and yoga practice.  

Doing the training was totally worth the time and money. I love yoga. Everyone should try it/do it. It provides a time to tune into what your body needs -- to connect with yourself. 

sweet summer

Fourth of July festivities on rooftop of a building on Constitution Ave.

I'm not getting pedis anymore. I'm dancing too much for it to make sense.

Pretty red nails that matched my swimsuit and you get a crotch picture. sorry.

Pool days. Love this girl. She's off to Quebec, San Diego, London, then Spain. Just a little jealous. 

I went with my friend, Andrea, to Bethany/Rohobeth for 3 days. 

Yoga with a random kid. 

Beautiful sunset view at dinner. 

Dinner at Serendipity in Georgetown with my friend Ashlee

In July, I spent a lot of time applying for jobs, hanging out at Northside Social (where I was also applying for jobs), and at the pool. It was so fun to have the time off. And now I'm totally consumed with my 200 hr. yoga certification. I'm really enjoying it, but I am so exhausted. I leave the house at 7 am and normally don't get home until 9 pm. This week will be better though -- I'm in the groove now and know what to expect. I know that doing anything at night is not a possibility so I can stop trying to fit evening stuff in. I also am going to stay at my parents so I have a shorter commute (my training is in Reston and Great Falls). They are out of town too. I also have been to Lucy once this week and to LuluLemon once this week. I think I'm now fully outfitted for this training. I didn't realize I was lacking yoga attire, but when you need two outfits a day since you sweat so much, it's necessary.

Weekend

It was a good one.

Went to the mall Friday with a coworker and went to Sephora, Nordstrom, and LuluLemon -- all favorite stores. We didn't make it to TJ Maxx though. Next week. Then, went to Lebanese Taverna - delicious (maybe the best hummus of anywhere) and then to see The Washington Ballet do Le Corsaire at the Kennedy Center. And I didn't buy a ticket since one of my students was in it.

Saturday went to a yoga class and it was amazing. I can't say enough how in love I am with yoga. Best workout ever. Went to a good friend's bridal shower in the afternoon and then tutored. It was a busy day, so I stayed in and watched Friday Night Lights in the evening. Love that show.

Sunday, I roller bladed in the morning (roller blading is an awesome workout and you should do it) from my house along the Potomac, down to the Lincoln and then back. Went to church, which was awesome and single. And then had dinner with my cute family.

And today was kind of hell. Didn't get to sleep early enough. Found out at 6 am my coworker wasn't coming in, so the day was busier than normal and without a coworker to keep you sane. Was asked to sub for two dance classes at Arlington Center for Dance last minute, but it was kind of an audition/interview for me to see whether I'll teach there. I didn't have any time to prepare so I really was just winging the class and of course wasn't familiar with the music. It was stressful, but I think the director, who watched both classes felt good about it. I had to rush leaving school, so I taught from 4:30-6:30 but stayed around for a long time after talking to the director and other teachers. Am home now and am exhausted. How is it already 9:30? Where did this day go?

Am getting really ready for the school year to end. SO need a vacation. I don't know where I'll go and who with, but it needs to happen. June 10th can't come soon enough. Maybe I can be at my parent's lake house all of June. That would be heavenly. And I want to have friends up. Am remembering the Deep Creek summers as a child and wish my life could've stood still during those summers.

The Hamptons

My President's Day weekend in the Hamptons could not have been any more lovely and relaxing. I took the bus up to NYC Friday after work and got into the city around 10:30. I had a much needed long night's sleep at Kate's place. She got up a little earlier than I to do a long run as she is preparing for a race. I headed out on my own a bit later and headed up and west crossing over to the lower west side of the park and then cutting through and ended up doing about 5 miles. At noon Carrie picked us up in the SUV and we headed to the Hamptons stopping in Queens to pick up Erin and Liz. 

The whole weekend was wonderful. The house we stayed in was beautiful (Carrie's employers were generous and let us stay). We each stayed in our own room with bath. And we each took over responsibility for a meal. Saturday night we went out for dinner at a nearby place. It was delicious -- I feel like the food in NY just tastes better. We headed to the grocery store that evening as well. Sunday, Carrie made an amazing breakfast for us, while I taught a yoga class for the others. After breakfast we got ready quickly and started out on the one hour drive to church. It was a far from memorable meeting, but it was good we went. Returning from church, Liz made an absolutely delicious frittata combining all my favorite things -- protein (eggs), cheese, green stuff (spinach), and red stuff (tomatoes) (I like my food to be colorful and have lots of the food groups). Sunday afternoon we relaxed and read and then went on a drive through the different areas of the Hamptons and down to the beach. Oh, and don't worry - we were one street over from Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)'s home. It took us a long time to be hungry Sunday evening. I'm not used to three big meals in a day. We ate a really late dinner. Monday we woke up to snow! A LOT of snow! I worked out in the gym (yes, there was a gym) before we washed and ironed sheets and headed back to the city. We weren't there for very long, but it kind of felt like we were. It was just so nice to get out of the city and eat and relax. The conversation was so excellent too. Wonderful girls. It was great to get to know them. 

Kate in one of the little girl rooms. 

Me in the room I stayed in. 

Carrie's room

Kate posing in Carrie's room

Erin getting toasty by the fire.

Liz right before we began breakfast of pumpkin pecan pancakes.

The beautiful kitchen.

Frittata!

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/greek-frittata-10000001613225/?xid=dailyrecnews

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Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 40m

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 5-ounce bag baby spinach
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces feta, crumbled

Directions

1. Heat toaster oven to 350° F.
2. Add the oil to a 2-quart casserole and transfer to oven for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper. Add the spinach, tomatoes, and scallions and combine. Gently stir in the feta.
4. Remove casserole from oven. Pour the egg mixture into casserole. Bake until the frittata is browned around the edges and slightly puffed and a knife comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

By Frank Mentesana,  September 2006

See Nutritional Information for this recipe »

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving
• Calories 461Calories From Fat 68%

• Fat  35g
• Sat Fat  4g
• Cholesterol  579mg
• Sodium  1,868mg
• Carbohydrate  8g
• Fiber  2g
• Sugar  5g
• Protein  26g

What does this mean? See Nutrition 101.

And the Ocean!

Dinner late Sunday -- amazing salad, green beans with almonds, pork, mashed potatoes, and amazing rolls. 

A last view of the beautiful room. 

February

I know I gained some weight in February. Because

1. I ordered myself a box of these:

No one else buys me chocolate. I deserve it. My favorite is the "nuts and chews" box. I'm pretty much convinced See's is the best chocolate in the world. We used to get a box for every person in my family from my great aunt and uncle every Christmas. They'd ship it to us from Cali. They've passed away and I like to remember them in this way.

and

2. Girl Scout Cookie Month. I only buy two boxes - one Thin Mint, one Samoas. It's a yearly tradition I want to uphold.

It was a good month.

Friday Night Lights

I am loving Friday Night Lights right now. I'm kind of addicted. Maybe that's not good. But I love sports and I love all the relationships. And there are just the cutest football players ever -- even if they are in high school.

So, Tim Riggins (see below -- beautiful) goes in to kiss his 30-year-old neighbor after chumming up with her 8-year-old son, and she stops him saying "You're just a kid." He apologizes, saying he's sorry and that he must have misread the situation. And the next day she's waiting for him as he pulls up. She grabs his hand and says "Bo (her son) can never know." So, they hook up. 

Was the only thing holding her back before the fact that she has a son? She was worried about wrecking their relationship? How many 30-year-old women are hooking up with high-school age kids. Seriously if they look like Tim Riggins I might be tempted. Oh boy. 

Bad boy, Tim Riggins:

Matt Saracen (the team's QB) is just about the most adorable thing ever. Could definitely make out with those lips. 

Talbots

I used to think of talbots as a mom store. But it totally isn't any more! It's darling! I think they've totally changed their target, but unfortunately they've also bumped up their price point. I'm loving the double pocket grace fit jacket below.

However, they do have things that go on super sale. I bought three sweaters the other day and spent less than $60. Two of them were less than $20! One I bought is the one below. So cute?

My mom told me 3 things before I went on a date.

keep these in mind girls...

1. Be on time. 


2. Touch him/hold his hand at some point in the night. 


3. Don't wear a scarf around your neck. 


My mom knows what's important. 

Winter Break in Review

My winter break consisted of:

Shopping for jeans for my mom. I bought her 6 pairs and then we had a trying on session at home on Christmas day. She decided to keep the Joe's. Who else's mom can wear Joe's? She looks great for being like 80. I was happy to find Joe's for me too. I don't know how often you find Joe's at TJ Maxx and Nordstorm Rack, but I must have been doing something right that day.

Finding some good deals at the Banana Republic in Old Town Alexandria.

Going to my parent's new house at Deep Creek. There's a beautiful view of the lake from the hot tub (where I sat for like a full hour). We walked on the frozen lake too.

Juliette jumping in the snow before getting back in the hot tub. 

There's snow on her toes. 

Ice skating at the Ballston mall. It's only $1 on Tuesdays at 2:00. I kind of love ice skating. I'm thinking about doing lessons.

Discovering Carraca's in Falls Church. I didn't discover it. Bill just shared it with me. Oh it's just delicious Venezuelan food. Already planning on going back.

Seeing "True Grit" (in the theater) and "A Room with a View" (at home). There's some nudity in "A Room With a View." Whoever thought there would be on a BBC type movie? It's just frontal male nudity and it's not close up and there's a lot of running around, so you really don't see much.

Getting settled in my new place.

I still am trying to find a rug. 

I'm super organized in my closet. Would you expect any less?  It's a small closet, so I have to be. 

Going to the Portrait Gallery to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit and also the train exhibit at the Botanic Gardens with my mom. 

Joining LA Fitness. Hooray! I haven't belonged to a gym in awhile and I'm excited.

Taking a Ballet Class at Ballet Nova. And I can still do a triple pirouette no problem.

Singing "O Holy Night" for my family Christmas Eve program. I wasn't rehearsed. Maybe it sounded okay. 

This is the Yule Log my mom made for Christmas Eve. It was delicious. And isn't it beautiful? 

Reading The Help and starting Life of Pi.

It was a good break. I'm ready to get back into the swing of things though.

Resolutions 2011? 

1. Read a book a month (did it last year).
2. Take ballet/contemporary classes more consistently.
3. Ice skate more.
4. Regular gospel study.
5. Date!