It's Autumn, it's colorful...It's life as we live it!

We are all so very colorful.  The lives we lead and the people that surround us; it’s autumn and the landscape is even starting to become more colorful. 

But let us remind ourselves that our conversations, our actions, and our love should be more colorful.  What the hell does that mean you ask?  Well, what does it mean for you? 

For me, it means many things.  For instance, how we can all experience an event, the same event, but all have a different story to tell about that event.  Not that any of us are lying, but all of us experienced it differently.  For instance, this week during dinner we shared stories about my grandmother.  She was ONE colorful lady, and my friends and family knows what I mean here!!  Her death and the events leading up to her death are so vibrant that the stories are important to retell; for our own emotional needs, but also to show how so many little things are connected to a bigger picture. Conversations like these tend to bring families back together.  The colorful stuff that we exchange, remember, and share carries a love, a love that we might not talk about or even show, to the forefront.

With that said, take a look into your own lives and those who surround you…friends, families, loves…and be more colorful!  Share, people want to hear…

And on that note, I am running, okay probably jogging at best, the Color or Dye run with my BFF Ann-Marie and my little handsome man. And we are surely expecting to be colorful when crossing the finish line.  And then it’s off to the Tunnel to the Towers, Steven Siller walk/run.  My first year hitting the pavement in the tunnel and it will be an experience. I had planned to run as Steven Siller did on 9/11/2001, however I will walk with little man and friends, some that were hit by Hurricane Sandy, to thank the Foundation for helping us in so many ways.

And, this is one long post but I needed to revisit my priorities for the year and take a self-check.  Maybe you need to do the same? It appears I prioritized some before others and am getting much of the job done.  But I can say that there are a few that I’m not going to complete before December 31, 2013.

· I am not going to complete a creative writing course.  I love to write but I need to find the right class for me and I just haven’t!

· Learn better Spanish.  I am slowly trying this one…

· Exercise Move regularly-no number on that-don't want to pigeon hole myself.  I think I’ve been moving! Taking up some new things and even getting some horseback riding in there.

· Have fun.  I need to stop thinking so much and take control of having fun.  This has been a tough one…I really am doing MY best.

· Don't stress.  I am me.  I am whatever I tend to be.  I think I am doing this.  I tell people stress is overrated-well it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

· Learn how to swim. Okay, so I know how to swim without a life jacket in 12 feet of water.  I just want to get better at going under and jumping off cliffs.  I’ll save this for next year.

· Take on Complete a half marathon.  I really want to do one in Disneyworld...But I'll consider other favorites.  DISNEYWORLD here I come in November for Wine and Dine half marathon!!!!!!!!

· Pray with little man more.  So we need not pray every day-I think our actions speak for themselves…but religion is starting this week.

· Have fun with little man more.  This summer I did not take Dan to Hershey or Great Adventure.  But I didn’t stress either about not taking him.  We enjoyed other things that were better than waiting on lines for rides!   

· Help my son find his talents.  I think I have golden ticket here!!!  Hip Hop Class is going amazingly well!!!!!!!!!!

· Walk away more from little man.  I am achieving this…I tend not to get involved as much as I have had.  He needs to grow and make his own way.

· Take more ARTS training.  Become more involved in the ARTS.  Not happening…But I did get to see Annie with little man.

· Make more dinners or maybe lunches.  A little hiatus over the summer…but getting back on track.

· Make more juices.  BOOOOO.  I sell out and purchase instead.

· Enjoy those around me.  I really find myself either enjoying them or just separating from them because I think they are not in the right place with me.

· Trapeze school- Maybe next summer.

· De clutter.  One day, 9 bags of garbage!

· Become more literate.  Every day I learn and share something new.

· Be aware of what and how much I eat.  Did I gain weight??? Yes, I am clearly aware.

· Read more.  Check!

· See more movies. Check!  Even though many of them are rated G.

· Challenge myself!  And know my best is good enough!!!!!!!  OF COURSE G*D DAMMIT!

 

 

 

Let's Werk this body

This technology thing is getting me mad!!  I still can’t figure out my error on page when I go to write on my blog!!! So I write on my IPhone.  But the last blog entry I wrote is gone from my notes on my phone now.  Technology is not my friend right now!

I digress…

I will never be able to replicate my eloquent words but here’s a go:

I have been working out technically since I was in High School.  Go New Dorp!!  I was the only girl who opted for the non-traditional gym class when I signed up for weight training.  But, who ever said I was traditional? No, I was a beast then.  And I am a beast (minus my shoulder injury) now!  When I went to College, I too opted for East Gym Weight Lifting and HidyOchiai karate as my selections.  Go Binghamton!!

I worked out for many reasons throughout my life: to lose weight, to build strength, to grow cut shoulders and back, for my mental health, for my physical health, and because I like it!

Some say that there needs to be a weekly limit on working out.  Stay home with the family.  Rest.  Blah Blah Blah.  Some say let’s work out day in and day out.  Be a bad ass.  Progression. Blah Blah Blah.  I have been on both sides of the fence.  And today I am happy with working out!  Whenever a friend calls, texts, facebooks, or tweets me.  It’s a sign.  Encouragement. Joy.  Why miss out?? No excuses! Tomorrow is tomorrow and today is now so make it work!  Today I work out not to stay physically healthy, you should see what I eat.  Today I work out not obtain cut shoulders and back (Are you buying this one?). Today I work out to maintain harmony; Harmony within my mind, body and soul.  Can you imagine me saying these words out loud?  Try it.  

Do you hear yourself?  

You believe it, right?

It’s true.  When I work out I am working towards a progression of synchronization, not perfection.

Why do you work out?  

And what does working out to you mean?  I used to think only weight lifting was working out.  But silly me!  I have added Spinning, Running, Kettlebells, turning tractor tires over, and circuit training among others to my mix!

Remember next month is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Go get your mammography!  I just got my first!

Plane or Cruise...Either way I'm a Part Time Traveler!

In the past, I have been ready to jump on a plane and go.  But since I have been cruising lately, I am finding it more difficult to do anything but cruise.  And don’t mistake me for never going to fly again.  I have trips planned but cruising is just convenient, more cost effective, and the party starts sooner.  I had mentioned that I was fortunate to receive a free two day cruise by the Katie Couric Show for Hurricane Sandy moms. I gave two reviews on my brief yet fully loaded cruise on the Breakaway.  Since then, I decided to travel to Bermuda on their seven day cruise.

I boarded with intentions of hitting the slides, ropes course, the 80s party, spin class, and the ice bar.  All but one accomplished.  But I am returning in December!

Long story short about our room:  Originally in 5800, ocean view changed 3 days later at 1AM to 5124, family suite ocean view.  Original room is right below the restaurant Taste and its galley.  Combine that with a vibrating floor and it was time to move.  Second room was fine.  Had two sinks in the bathroom, a bathtub and a couch.  It did also have very little room to pass the bed so getting our luggage from one side of the room to the other was a job for Hercules, also known as me.  

Restaurants: Service was spotty. With all these guests aboard, 4500, you would think that there would be enough staff to service the passengers’ needs.  But it just wasn’t adequate.  Servers were not always wearing a smile, and not always pleasing to the passengers’ requests.  We had one, yes one, server that hustled.  She was all over the place in a good way.  She was no joke when paying attention to her tables.  I have to say that the food was on point.  Always great choices in the three free “dining rooms.”  Usually there was not a wait to get in, except one night when the wait about 25 minutes but this was because it was later in the evening. We missed out on the lobster night in the buffet and we had one exceptionally bad situation inO’Sheenans.  

We boarded, and since O’Sheenans was open for lunch as announced as we boarded, we rushed there.  Sat down where about 6 other tables were seated.  We ordered tuna sandwich, bacon cheeseburger, mozzarella sticks, spinach dip, and chicken pot pie.  We also asked for water with lemon 5 times.  Waiter took 5 times of us asking and about a half hour later we got the water and lemon.  We then ordered our appetizers.  Okay.  Then mom ordered tuna.  Sorry no tuna yet.  

Hmmm.  Okay, how about the bacon cheeseburger.  Fine.  Out came the burger…simply a plain burnt rubbery hamburger on a bun.  That’s it.  Nothing else.  Hmmm…I thought it was a bacon cheeseburger.  The waiter then said we don’t have all our food on board yet.  So no tomatoes, at least to make this somewhat juicy?  Nope.  Lettuce.  Nope.

Anything? Finally he brought mayonnaise.  Hmmmm.  No.  My mom was so hungry that she had to take some bites.  Disgusting. We then walked up to the buffet as they had no desserts either!  And there we found, juicy burgers, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes.  All the fixings.   

But in O’Sheenans 7 decks down nothing.  Unacceptable.  We did report it to the Asst. Maitre D who “apologized,” but they just don’t get their food products from a supermarket.  Not sure how this was good customer service or even an excuse, but it was unacceptable for us and many others who dined there that afternoon.  We never returned for dinner or lunch as we were very turned off.  Sad because I hear the tuna and brownie are delish.

Before we had our lunch…we did sign up for Vibe Beach Club.  The best choice for us!!!  For a small price for the week, we did not have to save chairs by the pool at 5AM, endure smoke, fight for room in the hot tubs, and sit at a crowded bar.  Nope.  We had access to a private area, 2 decks above the pool, where we were guaranteed a lounge chair, a padded one at that; 2 hot tubs, a private bar, fruit served to us, wash clothes, wonderful people and pizza deliveries each afternoon!  So no there was no pool.  But that is okay.  We had the ocean!  The only thing I missed about the pool was the silly games that were played.  Other than that, this was the perfect Vibe for us!!

Flywheel Spin Class: At first I was turned off due to the competition level that they tout but I signed up anyway because I need to exercise and I have a fondness for spinning.   And guess what?  I loved the class!!!  I loved hitting those pedals hard. I wanted more.  I never achieved first place but I always exceeded my points, and maintained in the top 3.  I hope to hit Flywheel up in Manhattan so I can see how I fare with the City folk!  

All in all, a great vacation with my mommy! And to the Bahamas we go in December.  

Umami, Chobani, It's August oh my!

I always liked putting pen to the paper.  However when I am at a desk and have access to a computer AND have TONS of thoughts flowing though my head, I like to put my fingers to the keyboard.  

However this has not worked for me for the last month!  I have been trying to complete a blog entry right sincebefore we jumped into August.  I now have so much to say that I have to put pen to the paper and then try to figure out how to work with my technical difficulties!!!

Anywho….so where was I a month ago???

Yes, here I was:

Chobani- I am loving Chobani Soho! I actually have been opting for yogurt instead of ice cream this summer.  Sorry Cool Haus.  I have tried many of their concoctions and as long as it has nuts in it, I am totally fine with it.  What can be better than walnuts and figs, pistachios and chocolate, peaches and almonds, peanut butter and jelly????  

Umami Burger-I arrived to Umamni on their grand opening unbeknownst to me.  But why was there a line outside of this joint so early?  And why were there plenty of empty tables inside the joint? And why was I putting my name on a wait list?  And why did I actually wait 15 minutes?  With that said…Ordered were the Original Umami burger and the Hatch burger with sides of truffle cheese fries, and fried pickles.  

The burgers looked picture perfect!  The waitress suggested that it should be served as medium rare-I was a happy camper.  I love rare burgers so for me it worked but I can see how many others will object.  The burger, rare on the inside, had a wonderful crisp on the outside which helped keep it together as I demolished it in my mouth.  The Hatch was amazing.  It was flavorful and just the right amount of spicy.  The original was still good, but not as flavorful as the other.  Even though the Umami Ketchup was on the original, it needed something more.  Service was good, attentive, and knowledgeable, but with the people being staggered in slowly I wonder if it were TRULY busy….

Cronut-How would you like to lose 9 hours of your life?  Not in New York.  The people you hang with early in the AM and the crazy people you meet in the cronut line makes you feel like you really haven’t wasted time, just gained time in tolerance and endurance.  Yeah-I call it preparing for my future Big Brother stint or a Spartan race…Anywho…last month I was very close to getting a Blackberry Lime cronut but 15 people in front of me were lucky to get the last of the cronuts.  Finally returning on a rainy day, I was able to score 2 cronuts! Coconut was the flavor of the month.  The cronut texture was, I could say a donut and croissant, but it was more like a pastry like that of a danish and crème puff.  It was good.  Don’t get me wrong.  Not amazing.  The waits were fun but I wish I got that blackberry lime.  I am thinking that the fruity filling would have been a better match for my tastebuds and tired legs!

So all in all-my food odysseys were complete and fulfilling in their own right.  Onto the next burger and dessert!