Enter your email address:
Delivered by FeedBurner
The tortoise was slow. The hare was fast. The tortoise came in first. The hare came last.
Our first weigh in for #fatoff was yesterday evening. I knew it wouldn’t be pretty going into it. That only made me more focused to come out ahead in the end though. I admit they aren’t good excuses, but having my birthday and vacation lined up right at the beginning did not give me a great head start. I was down .2 lbs early in the afternoon yesterday. Then the new diet happened. Jason put me on a different eating plan and I ate so much food between afternoon and evening that I showed a weight gain.
I’m the only one not to lose any the first set but this is not going to stop me. In fact it’s that kinda come from behind that usually helps me come out ahead in the end. While the money would be nice, I really just want to come out ahead for myself. I want to be able to keep up with the boys when I’m gone and then some. I want to be able to do pull ups again which I haven’t been able to do in ages.
Tonight I tested my will power greatly. I’ve learned that while most of the time I am stubborn, when it comes to needing to push myself to do something, my stubbornness turns into will power. I had previously made arrangements to go to a Yelp event with a friend today for dinner. I stuck to my commitment, well, I stuck to both of them. I went and enjoyed three amazing glasses of water. I gave my drink tickets to Andrew, who invited me. I passed on all the delicious food that filled the place, and I rejected all temptation to try anything. This was hard. It was a place I’ve been wanting to visit forever. When I came home, I discovered I was down a little over a pound from last night. Score!
I think this is going to turn out fantastic and I am so grateful for all of those that are helping. Thank you to James Archer for getting all this started. Thank you to Jason and Competitive Fit for pushing me and really helping me achieve what I am looking for. Thank you to all my friends today that understood that I needed to kick in my will power and not have dinner out with them. Thank you to my friends and fellow contestants that are supporting me constantly. Please push me. I need it! And I can handle it!
Please Note: I decided it would be redundant to review establishments twice, so links are available to my Yelp reviews of the places I visited during my visit.
A couple weeks ago I departed for what would be my first complete vacation in almost 3 or 4 years. It’s been so long I’ve completely lost track. It was also the first vacation where I solely focused on myself. Not in a selfish way, in an “it’s about damn time you did something for yourself way.” Two things led me to taking a well deserved week long vacation:
A dent got thrown in my plans due to my brother getting the job he was hoping for. However, it only ended up making my vacation spectacular in a different way. When I arrived Thursday, I decided to stay in San Fran and occupy myself for the day until I met up with my friend Eric in the evening. This also helped me learn the rule that will be important in upcoming trips of packing light. Carrying two carry-ons with me, I looked like a tourist wherever I went.
Arriving around noon, I took the BART and decided to exit at the Civic Center stop in order to hunt down a place to recharge both myself and my cell phone and laptop. My GPS on my phone kept failing me and I wanted to be impromptu and skip yelp recommendations. Eventually I wandered into Celtic Coffee, which by its decor looked like it had great charm! However, it was not all I expected it to be.
Afterwards, I wandered to Alamo Square Park for an afternoon of relaxing with a slightly touristy twist. I trekked what seemed like 6 miles uphill, but I think was only 2, with my two carry-ons for what seemed like forever. The shops along the way were gorgeous. The park was beautiful. I sat beside a fountain, facing Painted Lady Row and plopped down on the grass in the beautiful weather and got out a book to read. All was well until the Full House crazies arrived. Now, I admit, my secret love of the sitcom was one of my reasons for trekking there (that and it was a mile or so away from my final destination). However, I was well aware that the painted lady houses near the park and the park itself were merely scenes from the credits. Soon everyone around me was playing the clip on you tube and discussing in groups this theory of which house it was and why. I was glad that I was headed on my way to meet up with Erik.
Erik took me on a tour of his company, kink.com, which is housed in the amazingly gorgeous San Francisco Armory. I got to meet his coworkers and tour the facilities. I also spent time discussing how the role of interaction design is used within their business. After some fantastic smart people talk and a delightful tour, we headed to Lingba for some dinner, where we also met up with my brother. It was fantastic. Especially the metal straw/spoon contraption that Erik got with his drink.
After dinner my brother took me to browse around Fisherman’s Wharf while we waited to meet up with his girlfriend and head to Santa Rosa. I got to hear the sea otters acting all crazy loud and being ridiculous and walk around in peace and quiet. I saw a left handed store and asked my brother if he minded walking in. As I walked in, I remembered it was International Left Handed Day. The store was about to close so I browsed quickly. However, upon learning that I was left handed, I was allowed to pick any shirt I wanted in the store. I chose one that said “Obama is a Lefty.” I also received a free key chain and a post card. Left handed FTW! Soon we met up with Alex and trekked back to Santa Rosa.
The second day I relaxed for the most part, but did visit a horrible tea and coffee shop I do not think I will ever return back to, Bungalow Coffee & Tea House. That evening I headed to an outdoor barbecue for the congresswoman that Alex works for. Upon returning, no one was tired and off to bowling we went. It was the most interesting bowling ever considering that it was glow bowling but with the lights on. Hmm.
The next thing I know it was the weekend and boy did I have a busy weekend planned as well as the trips and adventures Billy and Alex wanted to take me on. Saturday morning we had a lazy slow start as we wandered the farmer’s market. It was a beautiful day and there was some amazing food there. I had fish tacos for breakfast and a bottle of Coke from Mexico, which, you can also get here in Phoenix, but it was nice to have on vacation as well. Afterwards we trekked to San Francisco, where I was meeting up with the IxDA board of directors to discuss the local group initiative. It was great to get to see everyone, considering I will be missing Interaction 10 this year. After a chat, we headed to PariSoMa for an IxDA SF / board mixer and discussion. I appreciate my brother and the rest of my entourage for sticking it out! What followed was an amazing dinner at Sauce where I was sad to go, but it was late and we needed to head back home.
Sunday was filled with a lazy breakfast and then off to some car shopping for my brother. In the afternoon we headed to see Napa Valley, which I was ecstatic about doing. I was able to visit several wineries, including one that looked like a castle and stroll around Calistoga. We finished off with a late lunch at Pizzeria Tra Vigne and were so stuffed we couldn’t do any more wine tasting. Our weekend was spent and we were tired. Home we went.
Monday was another fun filled day. I had coffee and breakfast made for me in the morning while I laid around and read a book and did some non work work. I then headed to the Charles Schulz museum in the afternoon. Later in the evening, Billy and Alex took me to see the redwoods and up along the coast. We stopped at Lucas Wharf for dinner and then drove along the coast home and crashed early.
Tuesday was my last full say of vacation and I decided to make the best of it. I got up early, had breakfast, lounged, and looked for a spa in Calistoga. In the early afternoon I headed to Lincoln Avenue Spa for three hours of relaxation. I got a body masque, facial, and hot stone massage. Mmmm. Pure bliss. Followed was a quick lunch at Checkers and then stopping by the appropriately named Bad Ass Coffee to try a bad ass mocha. The day ended with my brother making me his amazing Korean BBQ. However, we were both full from snacking in between that we barely had 10 bites.
It was sad to leave, but I was ready to come home and start my birthday festivities. More photos are available on my flickr album.
I know I am lacking a vacation tweet. That will take more as I have to do a bunch of photo sorting so it’s going to have to come later in the week. For now, we will update on my most recent adventure, my birthday extravaganza that ended up being a crazy success.
First and foremost, I want to thank all of my friends for being so incredibly amazing. The flood of birthday wishes I got via various sources throughout the day was so overwhelming and flattering. I cannot believe that many people cared enough to wish me a happy birthday and I love you all. There were so many that I found it hard to thank everyone individually. I truly apologize if this bothered you. Please know that I am ever so flattered and grateful.
Thursday, I headed to the Yucca Tap Room which I haven’t been abandoning for ages to enjoy some good ol rockaroke. A nice sized group of my friends showed up (Bob, Jessy, Eric, Debbie, Noah, Marc, Nicholas and his wife) and actually stayed for a good amount of time. It was nice to finally get to meet Noah in person and he even bought me a party pink fedora as a present. Additionally, I was able to wear *the* pink fedora for a few minutes, in which a photo op occurred. I got to sing one song, (after they played the birthday medley since someone informed them) which was Cheap Trick’s I Want You to Want Me and we got to see several classic rockaroke moments as well.
Photo Courtesy of @hepnova
Friday, was Phoenix Actually’s first event and it went perfectly well. We held an open bowling event at Sunset Bowl in Phoenix which was $11 for all you can bowl and shoes. So many people showed up that I knew as well as new people I had the pleasure of meeting. I am so glad to see this really starting to take off and am excited for the future of Phoenix Actually. I got a birthday medley here as well which included Shorty It’s Your Birthday . I believe that moment got captured on video by my dear friend and fellow Phoenix Actually visioneer Matt. Once again, it was a fantastic night. Related, I had the best bowling shoes ever.
Last night was my polka dot light rail party, which started out with dinner at Hanny’s. I hopped on the light rail with my dear friends CJ and Jessica and we were instantly in love with the decor and vibe of the place. We took over the 2nd floor of the restaurant and were joined by about 12 other people throughout the night. The service sucked and the food was okay but we will had a blast. About 10 of us ended up heading over to SideBar afterward where I was able to enjoy a red velvet, a white rabbit, and a lemon drop on top of crazy conversation. It was a late night, and I didn’t end up at home until 3:30am. This is pretty much why I didn’t wake up until 11am on Sunday. The cutest shot of the night was one Marc took of CJ and I at SideBar.
Photo Courtesy of CJ
Today, the festivities got extended as I ended up with a group of 12 or so at Fez for breakfast. And yes, their breakfast is just as good as their dinner. I will be back for sure. Afterwards I went to watch District 9. Well worth it. Now I’m trying to catch up with everything I haven’t done in two weeks with the combination of vacation and birthday.
You all have spoiled me. I wouldn’t know what to do if I ever stopped having such wonderful friends. Thank you for making my weekend so spectacular and for keeping me younger than my age. You’re all super fabulous. Special thanks to Marc for being the one to stick it through all three birthday events. You rock.
Wow! I had no idea creating a 30 before 30 list would be so hard! Finding 30 things is hard enough but finding things that are challenging but still obtainable makes is even more difficult. I’ve been working on this for a few weeks now, and was finally able to finish today.
Alas, my 30 before 30.
Can you help with any?
Ready. Set. Go.
Shortly after I left the place this morning, and headed into work, I realized that I was not only the last patron to leave Solo Cafe before they closed for renovations, but I was the first patron in the door this morning. I guess if you measured just by this, you’d think I’m a total Solo junkie, and well I kind of am, but I’m not always there for the coffee. It’s really a second home almost for me. It’s so relaxing and there’s always so much going on. Not to mention it connects to the best. salon. ever.
As I was saying, today was the re-opening of Solo. I had an 8:30am meeting this morning but was determined to stop in and see what went on while I was locked out. I was joined by the infamous Matthew Petro.
I am glad to say that the feel remained the same. Some of the changes included moving the large round tables a bit and adding some smaller white ones which were pretty comfy. The “TV viewing area” was opened up and the couch and two matching chairs moved where the leather chairs used to be. The bicycle everyone remembers so much has been replaced with an awesome one of a kind mural that was painted on the walls by local artists while cleaning and renovating was being done.
The kitchen is coming along and a food menu should be available shortly. In addition there will be patio seating along the back patio of the cafe and I think I heard there would be a fire pit eventually as well. Smores n’ Lattes sounds like a fantastic night to me.
My peppermint cream was just as good as last time as was my cherry danish I haven’t enjoyed in awhile.
I’ve heard about a local tea place opening up, White August. Would be awesome if some of their teas were brought into Solo too.
Great way to start the day today, and glad to have my security blanket back and the balance back in my life
Solo – you rock!
I love celebrations. I love birthdays. A typical summer for me involves careful planning of my birthday celebration that happens towards the end of August.
This summer has been different. It wasn’t until a week ago that I even remembered my birthday was approaching in a couple months. Now that I’m slightly more aware that I was before, I’m still not really doing any planning.
It’s not that I’m still getting settled. I’ve been here for over 8 months now. I’m well settled into Phoenix. I have friends, I know the area well, and I’m living my pretty much typical over hectic lifestyle rather well.
I don’t really think it’s because I’m one year closer to 30 either. I’m not really bothered by that.
On the contrary I think it’s because rather than always being loaded up with social events with my various groups of friends, I’m also doing various activities for other organizations more than I usually have in the past.
Point blank I haven’t really been thinking of myself lately, aside from my 30 before 30 list which should be ready in a month. Any suggestions of things I should do before I’m 30? Let me know.
Holy.
Shit.
I’m not sure where June went, but I’m pretty sure I skipped right though it. I can’t believe that the 4th of July is in two weeks, which in Tonia time, pretty much means it’s tomorrow.
I feel like I haven’t had enough time to myself, and worse yet, that I’ve been abandoning all my friends. The few days I do have, I try to take to myself or I play catch up on the side projects I’m working on.
Although I do a pretty good job at balancing my life, and I wouldn’t want any less chaos, I do think I need to do a better job in keeping touch with all my friends. I think part of the issue is lack of time and hating phone calls. *sigh* Twitter and text are my best friends.
I can’t say thank you enough to my dear friend CJ for being willing to start a karaoke adventure with me after #evfn last night, which I actually attended without Jessica having to text me and drag me out of my coma state. I chatted with CJ while I was in the airport on Thursday and mentioned we should do karaoke and it was born, tweeted, and facebooked. Not only did the expected crew of CJ and Debbie come, but Steph, Jessica, and two new people I just met that night showed up also. I ended up being coaxed into closing the bar down. It was fantastic.
I think I’m going to plan a dinner/game night as soon as I find a definite free day. What are everyone’s plans next Saturday?
I’ve officially spent 6 months in Phoenix. Monday will be my 6 month mark at my current job. Today marks 6 months of this blog.
Once I realized how long it had been, it made me surprised it had been that long already, while other people said it felt like I had been here longer. Whichever way you see it, I can say without a doubt that I am completely satisfied with the decision I made to accept a position here and am happier than I have been in a long time. Of course I miss my friends and family back in the Midwest dearly, but this has been a good move for me. I’m the farthest away from home I’ve ever been, and have really worked even more on my independence, happiness, courage, and life balance.
Today I went back and read my first blog post, and I have to admit, I am tearing up some, especially when I think about how the name for my blog came about, and re-reading the text message from my mother, and thinking about how important that message was.
“Been thinking of you all day. I am so proud of your courage and independence. Go far and be happy. Call when you get home to Arizona. Love, Mom.”
I don’t think I ever focused on the use of the word “home” in that message as I should have. Now that I think about it, I don’t recall another time that my mom has said home in any other manner than to mean my parents’ house.
Home. I truly am home here. I am also comfortable saying that now. I cannot describe how blessed I have been since I’ve been here. All my friends and family have been truly supportive even though we really miss each other. Likewise, I’ve been able to make some new friends, and lots of new acquaintances. Slowly but surely, I have pushed myself into the Phoenix scene.
I am home here because I was able to start a local group in Phoenix for the Interaction Design Association (IxDA). It was challenging, seeing as I didn’t have many connections here. Most of my connections were back in the Eastern Time Zone. It’s been very rewarding. We are already having our second meeting in a few weeks!
I am home here because I am thinking about actually becoming a first time home buyer.
I am home here because I have already had adventures that you truly only have when you are home; especially those embarrassing adventures.
I am home because I truly enjoy my job and look forward to going to work every day (almost).
I am home here because I can easily call it home. I see myself here.
I want to thank everyone for giving me the courage to start a new chapter here, and to everyone that welcomed me into Phoenix.
It’s a rainy gray morning here in Phoenix today. What a boring thing to write my first blog post in April about, but well, I’ve had a lot of stuff going on and haven’t had much time to blog. For once, I’ve been working on catching up on my sleep. I promise I’ll try to update a little bit on the past week or so over the weekend.
This morning I decided to get an early head start on the day. I have almost an entire walk-in closet full of clothes to wash. I am proud to say I am halfway done. I also have a kitchen to clean, of which I have also done half. I’m finally almost done filing my taxes as well. I’m just being my typical anal self and looking at them a million times before I e-file.
I was hoping to get a walk in. It looks like the sun is going to start to come out so maybe I will get my wish. Other than that I am going to have a overall relaxing weekend, especially since I ended up going out last night when the plan was to crash on my couch. I had to prove to my friends that I really am still alive and functional. Possible cookout tonight. Possible cookout tomorrow. Hopefully some pool tomorrow as well.
Hmm well that was kind of random. I’ll blog about more specifics later. Off to double check my taxes one last time and relax with the adorable sugar glider.
I almost hate blogging about this with all the economic hardship going on right now, but I really cannot believe how fortunate I really am to absolutely enjoy my career as well as the company I recently started working for.
I remember graduating from undergrad with two bachelors degrees and thinking I owned the world. I was quickly put in my place and also discovered I really wanted some sort of branched off hybrid job and not the ones I was able to find. Applying for graduate school was a big step, especially since my employer at the time didn’t cover all of it so I had to pay half myself, which I did. It seemed like an interesting degree, but I honestly didn’t know much about it at the time. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d fall in love with my degree as much as I have.
I look forward to going to work every day. Additionally I find myself doing activities I would typically do at work for clients at home for me and others. It’s sick really. I get to do so many things and really help make people’s lives easier.
There are so many people that are in jobs they don’t like or care for and feel trapped. I honestly thought that’s how everyone ended up – not liking their job, and being in a career that has nothing to do with their major. I am so fortunate to honestly look forward to going to work every day. It would be so nice for everyone to get to this point!
