What does one do with an extra day?

Leap year comes but once every 4 years. It's really just an extra day to work, get paid, or whatever it is that you do. So what did I do?

There are a lot of things that I could have done, but instead I chose to spend some quality time with my favorite person. He had the day off work today, so we slept in, ran errands, went out for lunch, and played some video games. It doesn't sound all that exciting, but his work schedule usually has crazy hours and he's always tired after work, that meaningless stuff with him is awesome.
Lately, he's been obsessed with Mass Effect 2, so I veg on the couch with him and watch him play. It's not as boring as one might think. The game has a great story and lots of action. Very Sci-Fi-ish which I'm totally a nerd for. It reminds me of those Choose Your Own Adventure books I read as a kid. Loved them. This game has aliens, hostile takeovers, inter-species romance - it's just all around awesome. Maybe I'll get around to trying it out someday, but I'm horrible at video games that aren't just button-pushing. Today he beat the game for about the 3rd time. This would be the first I've seen of the ending and he was able to keep the entire crew alive. Good for him.

Tonight is going to be fun. My friend, S, and I are driving up to Disneyland for their 24hr promotion. The park has been open since 6am and closes at 6am tomorrow. Kind of excited to ride Space Mountain at 3am. Disneyland is a genius for planning such an awesome event. An extra day of Disney fun. Boyfriend and I were just talking at lunch about how Disney and Apple will probably take over the world and we will let them. Now it's a race to see which company will create a space station. How awesome would it be to have an amusement park in space? It'll take Space Mountain to a whole new level!

Well, I hope you all do something fun tonight with your extra time. I'm pulling an all-nighter. It's not going to be as easy in my 30s as it was in my 20s or teens. We'll see how I fair.
Caffeine. That will have to become my friend tonight.

Try the kettlebells

Kettlebells are awesome. I just wanted to put that out there. You should try them if you haven't already. I used one today with my workout. I felt the burn. Everywhere. Even my butt muscles hurt by the time I was done.  I have a feeling I'll be sore tomorrow.

And on that note, I leave you with this:

Just Another Monday

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I decided to use the weekend to let my body rest from all the workouts this past week. My hamstrings were killing me. Today they feel much better. Of course, they are a little painful when stretching, but better.

I was planning on getting up early to workout, but I had a job interview this morning and decided that it would be in the best interest of the company for me to get that extra couple hours of sleep. I'll work out later today, but inside as it is definitely raining full force right now.

I bought a kettlebell this weekend to use with the new Jillian Michaels DVD that I have. I've been using a dumbell, but I'm thinking that since the workout is geared for a kettlebell, that I should see if I get a better workout with it. And that is what I will find out later today. Has anyone used kettlebells? I hear they give you a crazy workout. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

5 Days in a Row

That has to be a record for me! Seriously. I never workout like that. But I'm determined to get this prednisone weight off. My goal is 30 min of exercise a day. So far, I've been averaging about an hour. I think it helps that I have a dog that needs to get outside every day.

Tonight, boyfriend and I took his parents out for dinner (for their anniversary) to this amazing restaurant, Roy's. It's seriously like a foodgasim there every time. And this was only my 2nd visit!sX UH-MAY-ZING. That's all I have to say. If you haven't been there, you really should find it in your area and check it out. The staff are super friendly and helpful, especially when you can't make up your mind about what to try. Props go out to my waitress tonight. She suggested some fantastic dishes. Oh, and I had one of the best mojitos tonight. Pineapple ginger mojito. So good I had to have a 2nd. If you don't like sweet drinks, then it's probably not for you. As boyfriend's dad put it, "It's a girly drink."

And that was pretty much my night. Aside from the jaunt over to the bookstore after dinner. Boyfriend and I bought a book. I found too many I want to read. Boyfriend made a point to ask if they were books I needed to own or just read. Mostly, they are books I want to read, so I'll have to see if the library has them.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

On A Roll

In honor of my 4th day, I am posting a video of LMFAO's Sexy and I Know It.

Just because "I work out!"

It's getting easier. I try and make it the first thing I do when I wake up. Otherwise, I'll probably procrastinate and never get around to it. I know I should, but I usually find something else to distract me. But I'm on a roll, so we'll see how long this lasts.

Dog Walk Day

Exercise day 3. This is going to be tough.
I think the worst part of this weight-loss journey so far has been stepping on the scale. I know it's super early to even see results, but this morning, it's like the scale said "Fuck You" and raised the numbers. I eat fairly well and I try and do at least 30 min of exercise each day, but the scale hates me. And I hate it. I hate the meds that I had to take last year which put me at my heaviest weight of all time. Granted, I'm healthy now and they were a life-saver at the time, but I still hate that this is where I am. I think that's why this is so hard. I don't lose weight easily.
I gained 30lbs in college and it took 1.5 years to get it off. My mom got me to join Weight Watchers with her. The program works, but it's the after part that was hard for me. I just didn't stick with the point counting. I did for a while and I've been on and off the program the last few years, it's just costly if you're not within your goal weight. I got defeated and didn't want to pay for the program anymore. I can do it on my own, but it's the lack of discipline that holds me back. I'm an awesome weight maintainer though!

And that brings me to now. I'm trying this app a friend told me about, My Fitness Pal. It's a calorie counting program. I've never counted calories, but I have had food diaries in the past, so it's not completely foreign. So far I like the app. You can add your friends and their activities will show up on the home page with yours, so everyone can help each other out. If you can't find a specific food, you can either add it yourself or there's an option to use the scanner on the barcode of whatever you're eating. It's nice if you want to be completely specific with your food. This app also tracks your exercise, which I have been doing. I'm trying to hold myself accountable this time around. I'm healthy, but I need to get back in shape. My muscles atrophied last year when I was sick and stuck in bed or a wheelchair, so I'm trying to get that back as well. It's a process, but I know I can do it. I have the support of my family and friends.
Today I walked. I took Zoe out and walked around the neighborhood. We did 2.59 miles in about 45 minutes. And the weather was beautiful! I wasn't expecting it to get so warm. The jacket I brought was completely unnecessary. It was relaxing. I didn't saunter. I kept a good pace, but it was still peaceful, even with the music blasting in my ears. It was a good start to the day.
Not sure what I'm gonna do for Day 4, but I'm in the rhythm and I plan to see this goal through. If I get off track for any reason, please put me back on track. Motivate me. Push me. I know I'm going to need it. It's only day 3 but I see it's going to be a long journey...

Working Out At Home

Day 2 of getting back on the exercise train. It's been a while since I did some form of exercise 2 days in a row, and I did it today. Woo! It was nothing special, but rather than force myself to go to a gym, I pulled out one of the exercise DVDs I got at Big Lots. $5 for a DVD is not bad, especially if it's one you will use frequently. I normally wouldn't buy exercise videos but I loathe the gym. I really do. Granted, I have a membership to the little gym across the street from my house, but I rarely use it. I think I keep it around for those days where I actually want to get on to an elliptical machine or treadmill. They have classes, but mostly at inconvenient times for me, at least the good ones are.
So I bought a couple Jillian Michaels' DVDs. Not too shabby. Today I opened one I bought last year. It utilizes a kettle bell (which I don't have) or in the absence of one, a hand-weight (which I do own).
I wasn't sure what I was going to get myself into with this video, as a previous one I've used of hers was brutal. A total body workout that made me sore for days! Luckily, this video wasn't as intense. Definitely worked my legs and arms, but I could walk away unscathed. I felt the burn and survived.

I have to say, the only thing that bugs me about Jillian's workout videos is that they put her in these athletic pants that barely cover her. I feel like if she were to bend down you'd see her butt crack. And don't get me started on the front of the pants. They are so low that you can almost see the top of the nether-region. I would NEVER wear anything like that to exercise in. It's great that she has a killer body, but it's like she's taunting you. Jillian's body is so amazing I want to rip her head off and put my own in its place. I wish I could be addicted to exercise like she is, hell, even like some of my friends are. But I can't. I enjoy outdoor activities, like running and soccer. That's how I tried to stay in shape. But since my ankle injury, I've been banned from all running/soccer activities for a year. I think I miss soccer the most. I started playing at 4.5yrs old, loved it and hadn't stopped playing since. My ankles have been damaged enough and I think they had it and gave out on me last year. So I'm being nice, listening to the doctor, and I'm giving them the rest they deserve. Only 3 more months until I can try jogging again and see how well my ankles hold up.

Now that my rant is over...
I did the dancing Wii game again. And walked to lunch and back today. Exercise x3. Go me! Tomorrow, maybe I'll try going to the gym just to shake things up. Eh. But these home workouts are turning out to be more fun.

Just Dance

So I bought this Wii game, Just Dance 3. It's actually quite fun. And I must say, a great workout. 45 min of dancing. These are the best workouts. When you know you're having fun and time just flies by. I sweat enough and hard enough for my face to get flushed and super red. Once, after a soccer game, someone stopped me on my way to the car to ask if I was sunburnt. Nope. Just flushed from playing soccer. My fair skin will turn red when I workout/run hard.

Anyways, I definitely recommend this game if you're my one that likes the gym or even to exercise. You don't really feel like you're exercising. Plus if you get your friends involved, it's that much more fun!

Best Gift Ever

My boyfriend got me the best gift today. Actually he bought it earlier but it came in the mail today. And I had to share with you.

A new iPhone case. Best gift ever.

Cancer Fundraising

And the fundraising race has begun!

I finally started to send out emails to my family and friends about the 24hr relay I'm doing again this year for the American Cancer Society. I can't believe it's been almost 10 years since I first joined in on this fight. And this year marks the 3rd year that I'm fundraising for my mom. She was diagnosed in Feb 2009. The week of my grandmother's funeral. It was probably the worst timing ever for her doctor to call and tell her. Yet, at the same time, it was good because she was surrounded by her close family and friends to help with the emotional support.
I think because my mom never showed how fragile it made her feel, it helped me help her. She is a fighter. My mother always had a smile on her face. Even through chemo, she made it seem effortless. To be honest, I was worried every day, but the strength in her made me feel better about whatever the outcome. Thankfully, chemo and surgery worked and she's been in remission for a couple years now. And will for a long time.

I know that cancer has affected all of us in some way. I hope that you can find it in your heart to help save some birthdays with a donation, large or small. Instead of buying that cup of coffee, donate the $5 and help save a life. I set a fundraising goal or $800 which is totally attainable but only with your help.

Thank you to Jeff and Rob for your awesome donations! Love you guys!

You can find my fundraising page here. Thank you in advance for your help.

Happy Naked Flying Baby Assassin Day

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day with whomever you were able to spend it with.

Normally my boyfriend works on evenings such as this, but I got a treat. He had the night off. We spent it watching a horror movie, eating pizza and drinking some vino. It was a great night snuggling on the couch, crushing his hand with every suspenseful moment. Hoping to repeat this again next year but I can't hold my breath. That's the one thing about hospitality you never really get; a regular schedule. So I take what I can get and tonight was awesome.

What did you do with your loved one or loved friends?

Heart-shaped pizza!

Vino and pizza with my valentine

Finding My Groove

Boyfriend got me off my butt tonight. It's been a pretty lazy day, so getting out of the house was nice. Even Zoe was just sleeping the day away. It was nice that someone in the house took initiative to get us out.
What was originally supposed to be just an out and back walk, turned into a 1.5 hour walk. 4.91 miles. Fairly leisurely. I think we averaged an 18 min/mile. I think at my best I've done 5 miles in just over an hour, but I was training for a race. This was merely a "let's get out of the house and enjoy the weather" kind of walk. And it was definitely nice to NOT walk by myself. I love Zoe's company, but we can't have conversations other than her wagging her tail to let me know she's having a good time.

I'm now exhausted. I think I might have pushed myself a little too far, but at least I got out. Most likely, I'll be sore tomorrow, but I'll use it as a day to stretch and recover and then get back out there. Getting back into the groove of exercising is really hard. Especially when you've had a 7 month hiatus. Word of advice, don't sever your ligaments. It takes you out of commission for a lot of things. Exercise in particular. Now I find that I'm fighting with myself everyday to convince my body to get out of bed and create some endorphins. Problem is, the warm bed usually wins. And I put of getting back into shape for another day. In my head, I see me running (which I can't do yet) and slowly taking off the weight that the meds made me gain. I have a goal to achieve by October. It's realistic and attainable, but I really have to step up to the plate. I currently can't rely on training for half marathons to reach it, so I need to find another way to keep the motivation going.
I have some amazing friends that have offered to walk with me a couple times a week, which I will definitely be taking them up on. Exercise with friends makes the workout more fun. At least in my experience.

So here it goes. Today I walked 4 miles. I'll stretch tomorrow and take Zoe out for a walk. Not 5 miles, but a nice neighborhood walk. I'm always looking for new ways to shed some pounds so please feel free to send me your suggestions or what you do to keep in shape.

Smiley Happy Puppy

The winter weather here in San Diego has been awesome! 70 degrees and sunny. Can't ask for a better winter!

Zoe and I went out and enjoyed it. A walk and lunch outdoors. She couldn't help but show her excitement. Jumpy, smiley and super happy.
That was my special dog.

TV Taping Junkie

One of my favorite things I did in New York I didn't mention before was our TV taping of the Anderson Cooper show. We got free tickets to be part of the audience which taped at Lincoln Center.
It was an early morning for us. We had to be there by 9am, which most people would say isn't that early, but on Jesi's dog walking schedule, it is. Normally she's not up until 11am. When I come, she makes the exception. Thanks bestie!

The show we taped aired yesterday about OCD. I think they lied to the woman to get her on the show. But don't quote me on that. It's just my assumption from the interview with her and the woman from the rehab center. She apparently was told that she could exercise for an hour every day in rehab and during the interview, they said that they'd have to assess her before any exercise could be done. So in the "what happened after the show" the Anderson show said that rehab lasted 24 hours. Not surprising.
Check out the episode if you get a chance. It's not light, but really eye opening.

Jesi and I got great audience seats. 2nd row. You can see us at least 11 times throughout the hour. My lovely friend took photos of us every time we showed up on screen. I'm going to share. Our expressions are priceless; like OCD is ruining OUR lives.

Then yesterday, my friend, C, had tickets to a taping of Conan O'Brien and asked if I wanted to go. That's a no-brainer! It was an all day thing. A fun road trip up to LA and back. We got up early enough to get decent seats. The 5th group of people. We ended up in the 3rd row. And I appeared on TV again! Just for a minute when Conan was making fun of the audience with Craigslist ads, but you can see me. And funny enough, I'm wearing the same outfit. Maybe it's my lucky TV taping top. If I wear it, the cameras will come. Hehe.

There I am! In the bottom corner. So funny.

I loved watching Coco do his thing! He shook my hand. I was going for a high five when he came by singing to the audience, but then he stopped in front of me (I put my hand down) and he belted out and then reached out to shake hands and said "It's very nice to meet you." And then he walked away. So awesome!!

Even though neither show gave out free stuff, I had the best time. I'd really love to get tickets to Ellen, but those are hard to obtain. I submitted my request, so we'll see if it's accepted.
Anyone have TV taping hook ups they want to pass my way? I'd be so very grateful.

There's No Place Like Home

As much as I love to travel, I really do enjoy coming home. There truly is no place like home.

The week I spent in New York was fabulous. I went there to visit with my best friend and ended up also visiting with friends I haven't seen in over 15 years! That was a treat.
I definitely got in a lot of exercise, walking that is. I love that you have to walk everywhere (or take the subway). The neighborhoods in New York are so amazing in that you can pretty much walk out of your apartment and find something fun to do. Be it, shopping, going to the theatre (film and stage), and eating. I LOVE the 100s of options of food places in NYC. I stopped into to some of my favorite bakeries, tried new restaurants, and saw a few more that are opening soon which will be a stop on my next visit out.
I made sure to have a "real NY moment" before I left. Eating pizza on the stoop of a brownstone with a dog.

Eating a slice of pizza with Badu