Saturday, December 19, 2009

Calphalon

Over the past few years, Robb and I have been purchasing new pans as we've needed them. We've been so happy with the Calphalon Kitchen Essentials line from Target - we've purchased 3 different sized pans from there and use at least one of them every single day.

But, over the past few months we've noticed 2 of our pans (8 inch omelet pan and 12 inch skillet) have been increasingly difficult to use. So, we started looking at replacing them and discovered that Calphalon has redesigned the Kitchen Essentials line.

In my research, I discovered that Calphalon has a 10 year warranty on their pans and if you mail back your pans with a letter explaining what's wrong with them and the pans are found defective, they will mail you brand new replacements. So, a couple of weeks ago, I boxed up our pans, wrote a simple note explaining what went wrong and mailed them off.

Yesterday, when I came home from work Robb discovered 2 boxes outside of our front door. One of those was from Calphalon! And inside we found 2 new pans. We are a little sad to discover that they are the newly redesigned ones that we don't like as much, but new pans are new pans, we're happy either way.

Now, we need to start shopping for new pots as ours are my set from college and they are desperately in need of replacement. And you can bet that we will be purchasing them from Calphalon!

*I promise I was not compensated for this, I just wanted to write about good customer service!

Friday, December 04, 2009

I heart George

This has been keeping me entertained for the past few minutes.  I love an actor that doesn't take himself seriously...

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Weighty Matters

Hey look! It's not November and I'm still posting. Go me!

I had my yearly physical in late October, wherein I proceeded to get my yearly lecture from my doctor about my cholesterol levels. I have them checked yet again and to my horror, they are higher than ever before. Basically, I've got roughly 5 months to get them down or I'm going to have to go on cholesterol medication. And my doctor knows this is absolutely the last thing I want.

Robb has been the best about this - we're exercising more, cooking at home more and he checks everything to make sure it's good for me and my cholesterol lowering mission. Of course, the number one way to lower cholesterol is to lose weight, so that is another thing I'm working on.

I've also started taking these pills called "CholestOff" that a co-worker recommended. I did research on them and figured it was worth a try.

But, in the end, the biggest thing I need to do is lose weight.

So. Frusterating. I'm so over this battle. Over looking at photos and being disappointed in how I look. Over myself for letting this happen, for gaining so much weight and not doing something about it when I had the chance.

And mostly I'm worried that it's something I can't fix no matter how hard I try.

Monday, November 30, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 30

The end! I made it! Even though my posts have pretty much sucked this month, I still did it!

So Robb called the bank today and we have a claim number. All I know is that they had better get this deposit stuff straightened out soon or I will be calling Chase and having a very loud conversation with their customer service. This is the first time something like this has happened to me with them as my bank and I expect to be overwhelmed by their customer service. So far, I'm not.

Come on Chase, impress me! Don't make me start looking for a new bank again.

I hate the first day back at work after a long weekend. I feel like my brain is molasses. Although I have learned that Mondays at lunch are one of the best days to go to Trader Joe's to get some grocery shopping done. I run there, stop at home to drop off groceries and return to work with plenty of time to spare. I love it.

And today I even found Pfeffernusse cookies for Robb. He loves them so much and they are getting hard to find. After he spent all morning getting LFTI Episode 9 Part 1 online, I figured he needed a treat.

I've been trying to do "meatless" days as a way to work on lowering my cholesterol. It's been a fun way to find new things to eat. Today I nabbed a "Spicy Lentil Wrap" from Trader Joe's and I am so full still, they're not kidding around when they call something spicy. I love it.

Also, I have recently discovered a love for Brussel Sprouts. Tonight we're trying them with olive oil, garlic salt and roasting them. Yummy!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 29

Last day of vacation before returning to work. Robb has a bunch of work to do today, getting our latest episode all ready for launching, so I've busied myself with vacuuming/mopping and general hanging around enjoying our last day of freedom together.

We walked to the bank tonight, after Robb went for a walk around the park and I did 30 Day Shred (in an attempt to ward off some of the stupid weight I'm sure I gained this weekend). As soon as we got there I knew we should have turned around and went home, but we didn't. Turns out our bank has finally switched to the "no deposit envelopes or slips" method of depositing to an ATM. I figured it was worth trying, but now I know it will be all "walk in and deposit with a teller" for me from now on.

We get to the part where we're supposed to deposit the checks, I put them in the machine and suddenly the ATM loses power as do a few lights around us. I totally freaked out. We call the 800 number posted next to the ATM and speak to a unhelpful "phone banker" who keeps us on the line just long enough to inform us that there's nothing she can do. She gives us Customer Claim number to call and oh sorry, they closed 5 minutes ago. The whole thing had me so pissed off and freaking out as one of the checks we deposited was from Robb's freelance job and it was no small check for us.

UGH! I hate it when this type of crap happens, when I don't listen to my inner critic, things go wrong and then I am doubly mad because I should have known.

Now this had better not keep me up tonight. It's Sunday night and I already have a hard time getting to sleep without being stressed out about money things.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 28

I'm writing this from my Blackberry as Robb and Zoe are finishing up color correcting LFTI's episode 9, so the computer is all tied up. This is why I need a laptop!

And I'm getting one! As soon as I can get to the Apple store and check out the different sizes as a final check, I've already got everything else decided on what I want. Yay! I can't tell you how excited I am about getting a MacBook Pro! Robb and I have already decided that this will be our Christmas present to each other, the way our camera was last year.

Okay, I'm being told I have to decide where we're going for lunch, so I'm off!

Friday, November 27, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 27

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

We have successfully done nothing today. I haven't been bored or tried to get anything done, it's been pretty wonderful. We even took a super long nap. And we just got back from an hour and a half walk at the park, which was totally necessary since we've also been eating leftovers all day.

Usually this type of day leaves me feeling guilty for not getting anything done, but I've been trying to work on really relaxing and being in the moment on days when I truly have nothing to do and nothing I have to accomplish. This is very hard for me but it's something I've needed to work on for awhile now, for my own sanity. I usually spend the day worrying about everything that needs to get done and always tell myself I will relax "right after I do this" but I never do. I always find something else that also needs to get done and the cycle continues until the day is done and I'm still tired.

But again, I'm working on it. And today has been a good day.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 26

Happy Thanksgiving! And Happy Birthday to my Niece Cassie!

I have so many things to be greatful for, there is no way I could possibly list them all here. Let's just sum it up with I'm greatful for everyone in my life and that I have an awesome person with which to spend today with.

We've got the turkey in the oven and we're about to go take a much needed nap. We got up early this morning and went for a short 30 minute run. Came home to throw sticky buns in the oven and begin our day of laziness and eating. The cheeseball we made last night is ginormous and the pecan pie (our first ever) smells so good I can't wait for dessert time!
Okay, I'm exhausted so I'm going to end this and get some sleep while the turkey's cooking.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 25

Only an hour left of work and I have the next 4 1/2 days off! Yay!
We have no plans at all, except hanging out and getting lots of sleep. I'm going to kick this damn cold that's been trying to take over.
After I get off of work today, we're going to run to the store to pick up 1 thing we forgot, grab lunch at TOGO's, take a long nap, make a cheeseball and make a Pecan Pie. After all that, we may go for a walk, depending on how late it is. I am so looking forward to this long weekend.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 24

Oh man, I feel like crap. I barely made it through work today, stumbled home to a peanut butter sandwich for dinner and now plan to lay on the couch until I go to bed around 9 pm. I am so run down and trying hard not to let this turn into a cold or whatever I'm fighting off.

Here's to a lazy night and a lazy rest of the week. Tomorrow is a half day at work! Woo!

Monday, November 23, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 23

We ran to the store tonight and bought everything needed for Thanksgiving dinner. I love that we can do that, divide and conquer, get everything needed and get the heck out.

I am so freaking tired today. No exercise, no energy to do any exercise, but I did eat very well today, so I feel good about that.

I'm doing some research to figure out why my Blackberry will not support 2 different gmail accounts and I'm not having any luck. I'm sure if I wasn't so tired I could figure this damn thing out.

I'll tackle this again tomorrow. Too many things happening with LFTI for me to spend any more time not getting those emails sent to my phone.

If I wasn't so tired I would be way more annoyed at this.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 22

I'm writing this from my Blackberry as the computer has been taken over to do color correction for LFTI episode 9 (aka "someday we'll have a title for it, hopefully before it goes online").

Color correction is tedious, especially to watch, but I plan on trying to use the downtime to get some things done around here. Like taking apart the Lemonaid stand we built for episode 7 that's been living in our carport since we shot. Robb and Zoe are going to be tied up all day around the computer, so I can piddle around to my hearts content (this usually drives Robb bonkers, so I'm happy for the excuse to do whatever I want, which so far has = hanging out in my pajamas reading magazines).

The screening party went very well. Everyone was quite happy with the episode and it was so nice to have some downtime to actually hang out and chat with everyone in a relaxed setting. We had some very awesome guest stars for this episode and I am so happy we've met and worked with these people, they are all someone I would work with again in a heartbeat.

This is getting annoying to type on my phone, so I'm off. I hear rumblings of lunch needed, so I'm going to try and get some leftovers scraped together for the color correcting duo.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 21

I have to dash this off quickly before Robb needs to get back on the computer.

We're getting ready for our Life From the Inside Episode 9 preview screening for the cast and crew. I hope everyone likes it as it's not quite finished yet. The picture is locked, but music and color are not done. Oh well, the intent is there and I think people will be pleasantly happy with what we've done.

Plus, PIZZA! I've been good most of today with the expectations that I will eat whatever I want tonight since I have no impulse control when it comes to pizza. MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm.

Okay, I'm getting kicked off the computer already. Toodleoooo.

Friday, November 20, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 20

It's Friday! Hell. Yes.

I'm looking forward to a yummy dinner prepared by The Boyfriend, probably a long walk at the park and then some movie watching.

We also have to make cookies for a screening party tomorrow night, so I will also be spending the evening battling with my willpower to not eat all of the damn cookies myself before the party.

I had to go to Costco at lunch today to get some stuff for tomorrow. I know better than to go to Costco anytime close to the weekend, but I had to get this stuff done so we wouldn't have to go tonight. I want some time to hang with Robb, not spent running errands and so forth.

But, I had no idea Costco was going to be so freaking packed. With the most annoying types of shoppers every. The type that leave their cart in the middle of the aisle, right in everyone's way, so they can wander off to look at something and then get all huffy when you dare push their cart out of the way so you can get by.

Lucky for me I needed to talk to Robb about something while I was there, so I was just that jerk that talks on the phone while shopping. Whatever it takes to get it done.

My boss has shown up from her offsite meetings, so I'm off to get some work done before the weekend starts.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 19

Ugh, I am so sore today. 30 Day Shred Level 2 + Pilates = a very sore me. I like the feeling, don't get me wrong, but again we didn't run this morning, so I'm still feeling sluggish on top of being sore.

This week has been very stressful for Robb and I've been fighting off some sort of cold, so it's been a week of not exercising very much. At least I haven't eaten that badly, I didn't even have any cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. I had a bite of the one Steve and Robb ordered, just enough to remind me that I don't really like cheesecake to begin with, so no need to fill up on empty calories that I won't enjoy.

My boss has been out of the office this week, so I've been able to get some personal things done, like call my insurance company (Liberty Mutual, they totally ROCK by the way) and get my car insurance lowered. Nice.

Of course, I just got me AT&T bill and it's wrong, yet again, so now I have to call them and straighten things out. Since the upgrade we recently did with them on our DSL is not that great, I'm seriously thinking of switching to a cable modem and only having AT&T as a backup landline for emergencies.

Sometimes, I hate being an adult. I hate having to deal with this crap. Even if it does feel good to get it done.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 18

Well hello there!

Last night we went to dinner with our friend John, who has just moved back to LA. I love meeting with him, he's so full of ideas and merriment. Plus, we ate at the Cheesecake Factory, a place we never really go (they have AMAZING fish tacos, by the way) so it's enjoyable when we do.

Although, too noisy. I'm getting so old. We got to tell John our ideas for new webshows that we're doing, which is always exciting and nerve-wracking.

We of course got home late, so no running this morning. I'm dragging already, but I plan on doing 30 Day Shred tonight and a Pilates workout afterwards. Hopefully that will pick things up!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 17

ARGH! I've been trying to post from my phone for the past 20 minutes. Just home from an awesome dinner with John, Steve and Robb. I took an awesome photo of Monkey with a huge slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake, but I can't get it to post, so I'll do it tomorrow.

Goodnight! It's way past my bedtime.

Updated to add: Monkey, finally!



How much do I love that my friends think nothing of me whipping out a small plastic Monkey and taking his photo before they could enjoy their dessert.

Monday, November 16, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 16

Monday. Blargh.

We slept through the alarm this morning. Since we didn't run this weekend, I now feel like it's been forever even though it's only been since Friday morning. Mondays we have a tendency not to run, whether by plan or accident and it always leaves me sluggish for the rest of the day.

Lucky for me my boss is in meetings all this week, so it should be fairly quiet. Today certainly was. And yet, when it's as quiet as it was today, I get nothing done.

We launched a new video for LFTi, check it out at www.lifefromtheinside.com, it's very fun!

At least we had yummy leftover turkey burgers and an hour long walk after dinner leaves me feeling more normal like.

I think that's all I have for today. My brain is mush, even after our walk. Here's to running in the morning.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 15

Sunday! Not usually a day of rest around here as I always become overwhelmed with the idea of getting stuff done before the week starts. I just love starting the week with a clean house and laundry done.

Robb is off on a walk right now. I just finished doing "30 Day Shred" (I heart Jillian), put in a load of laundry and did all of the dishes from the weekend. Yeah, Sunday's I tend to get productive.

While Robb was working earlier I cleaned out the microwave (yuck. it so needed to be done) and other small things that needed to be done around the apartment. Sometimes I love it when he has to work on the weekend, it gives me an excuse to putter.

Robb has been working on the new short we have going online tomorrow. When he gets home we're going to finish with my lesson of how to build webpages for the website.

Robb made the most wonderful dinner tonight. I love it when we're eating healthier and now that I'm not doing Nutrisystem, we're having fun discovering new recipes to try, or just making something we love healthier. Also, it's been nice and cool around here, which always makes cooking at home so much more bearable.

Tonight we had turkey burgers with avacado, jalapeno and a small amount of mozzarella cheese. Whatever Robb seasoned the ground turkey with, it was amazing. Seriously, one of the best tasting burgers I've had in awhile. And for a side, we made oven roasted squash. Yummy.

Okay, I'm off to take out the garbage and straighten up the apartment some more. It's amazing how easily things get out of place over the weekend.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 14

Today has been a good day although I pretty much accomplished nothing. It's been a stressful week around the Sarcastica household, so we decided to go for a walk this morning instead of running since we were up late last night.

When I got off work (on time! I was so happy!) we ate dinner and then needed to go pick up files from Steve's house so The Boyfriend could finish the new LFTI video for Monday upload. We ended up borrowing UP from Steve so we could finally watch it.

And man, did that movie make me cry. It doesn't help that I sometimes dwell on the idea that if something happened to The Boyfriend, I don't know how I would cope. Especially since we have been together for so long. And will continue to be together - I will be inconsolable, I know it. And with the recently finding out about our friend Gina's passing, let's just say I was sobbing within the first 10 minutes of Up.

Still, what an amazing movie. Just really well done all around. I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the design. It's been a long time since I have thoroughly enjoyed and been touched by a movie as this one.

So, back to Saturday. Walking, breakfast, The Boyfriend getting work done, me lazing around not doing much, helping with the video whenever I can.

At least we got to take a long nap. And when I say long, I mean 2 1/2 hours. Then more work for The Boyfriend and then quickly getting ready for dinner at Chili's with Steve and Garry.

Which was awesome. I had such a great time with everyone. I love low key nights like that.

Now, I'm off to bed. So much food still in my stomach. I'm guessing we will not be running tomorrow. Which is a good thing since The Boyfriend is kicking me off the computer so he can finish something before we turn in.

Friday, November 13, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 13

I'm posting very quickly while my boss is on yet another conference call. Today has been insane and I'll probably end up here late, trying to get everything done. I can't say anymore than that as it's work and I don't write about that too much online.

I'm in the middle of trying to create new web pages for the new LFTI video that will be up on Monday. I've never done this before and it's fun, but hard.

It doesn't help that I tend to get frustrated easily when dealing with something that doesn't come naturally. I'm very lucky that The Boyfriend is so good at talking me through this stuff. It definitely helps that he's so happy to not have to do it himself that he's more than willing to be patient while I learn this.

Okay, gotta go! She's off the phone which means I'm back to running. I'm trying not to think about the fact that I was supposed to be off today. And I was supposed to be at Disneyland on their opening day of Christmas stuff.

That's okay. 4 1/2 days off for Thanksgiving is just around the corner...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 12

Today has been an odd day. I've been super busy at work and at th same time I just discovered that a classmate from college passed away. And worse, she died over a year ago. I had no idea.

Gina was always someone I truly enjoyed being around. I was quite sad I lost touch with after college, but truth be known, I lost touch with most people after college as I am not good at keeping in touch. I had tried to find her online a few times over the years, but not to much success. Plus, you know, you always feel like there's time to find people. Time to get back in touch.

I'm so heartbroken to know she is no longer in this world with us. I can't imagine the pain her family went through when this happened.

Rest in peace Gina.

I miss you.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 11

It's Veteran's Day. A day where most people just enjoy the day off from work or school. I'm the first to admit I don't spend a lot of time thinking about our Veterans, but I do give them passing thought several times today. Happy that they are there so I may enjoy my freedoms (even if I don't agree with the war, I still support the troops).

My Father is a Vietnam Vet. As he get's older he tells us more stories about this time in his life, something I never thought I would see. He used to not talk much about it and would brush off any questions we used to ask.

I've shared here before that one of the few times I have seen my Father cry was when we were at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC and he couldn't find his friends names he so desperately wanted to find.

So today I think about my Dad and the fact that he very easily could have been dismissed from the draft since he was the only living son in his family. But he didn't, even though it made me Grandma so mad. He proudly went to serve his country.

And I proudly write of him on this day.

Dad, I love you.

And a great big thank you to the people who serve. We don't do enough to support you.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 10

Several times over the past few of weeks, I have had people comment that I had better not cut all of my hair off. I know they've meant it as a compliment, but I still find this an odd thing to say to someone.

Because, if you know me, you know that at some point, this hair is all going away and will be donated to a good cause.

I've always functioned under the "it's hair, it will grow back, that's what it does" theory in life, probably because I have messed up my own hair on several occasions and needed to cut a chunk of it off to get rid of damaged hair. But still, it's just hair! It grows back! That's what it's made to do!

But now, knowing that these people feel this way, what am I supposed to do with this information? I'm a very stubborn person who does not like being told what to do with my personal appearance. Comments like this make the inner teenager in me want to grab the nearest pair of scissor and hack away.

The truth of the matter is that I have no desire to cut my hair right now. I'm very lucky in that my hair grows quite fast, so even though I love short haircuts, it just costs me too much money in upkeep. That's the same reason I am no longer a redhead, too much upkeep. I am a very lazy person when I can get away with it. Plus, being able to pull all of my hair back for running is a very good thing. The last time I had short hair I also had to deal with sweat dripping off of it and down my back. That is a very gross feeling and I didn't enjoy it one bit.

But the fact still remains that I enjoy short hair and will some day try it out again. Much to some people's dismay.

I wore a wig to work the Friday before Halloween. It was so much more fun that I expected it to be and ties in quite nicely with the people who are afraid I will cut my hair. I'm fascinated at the people who fear change. The people that I thought would not find my wig funny where in fact quite enamored of how different I could look with just a change in hairstyle. Other people were very upset at the idea that I had cut off/died my hair a completely different color and were very relieved to discover it was a wig.

I'm not saying these people fear change altogether, it could be that they just really didn't like my wig. But again, I'm fascinated with these people who think I shouldn't cut my hair. The next time someone says this to me, I'm going to have to pry into their reasons for saying such things.

Monday, November 09, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 9

Oh Monday. I try so hard not to hate you, but it seems to be the nature of the beast.

Could not get out of bed to run this morning, which means I spend almost all morning in a fog. Allergies are on high alert, so I feel terrible. Have to get car in for an oil change and leave work a bit early to pick it up.

Yesterday was so much fun. We're so lucky to have such fun friends to have such experiences as the biggest WTF museum experience ever. Seriously, if you're in LA, check out The Museum of Jurassic Technology. It's weird.

We ended up having Indian food at an Indian Grocer that also serves food. I think The Boyfriend said it best when he explained that when he thinks about eating Indian food it doesn't sound like the most appealing dinner ever, but then you eat it and it's absolutely wonderful. And then the next day you find yourself craving it.

We got home early enough that I managed to dye my hair and mop the floors while The Boyfriend chatted with his Mom on the phone. I love it when I get a chance to get some things done before the week starts.

And now it's almost 4:30 pm. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that this is the worst time of day for me during the week, the part of the day when time seems to stand still. I'm hoping this won't happen today since I get to leave work early to pick up my car.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 8

Last night was awesome. Hanging with friends, enjoying their adorable baby, dinner at the Farmer's Market. Wonderful all around.

Today will be spent mostly doing nothing, until this evening wherein we will be at The Museum of Jurassic Technology with our friends Joel and Deven.

I have no idea what this place is about, but it's not far from my apartment, so that's nice. And it's only $5 to get in, so even if it's just weird and bizarre, I'll probably feel like I got my money's worth.

We've been watching the show "Freeks and Geeks" on Netflix. I'm so sorry I waited this long to watch it as it has quickly become a favorite. And like most shows I love, it lasted for 1 season, so we're almost done with the whole show which saddens me greatly. I love the entire cast and just how right they got high school. Even if I happen to not like the dialogue (this doesn't happen much, but still), the essence of high school is so perfect in this show that it's sometimes painful to watch.  It's raised some wonderful conversations between The Boyfriend and I about school and the different experiences we had growing up.

This morning The Boyfriend made biscuits for breakfast, from scratch. The apartment still smells of baked goods. I love the cooler weather, it makes baking so enjoyable. And there's enough left over that tomorrow morning will probably be egg, bacon and biscuit sandwiches for breakfast. But our version is EggStarts, Turkey Bacon, Fat Free American cheese and homemade biscuits. Yum!

Saturday, November 07, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 7

Just got back from the laundrymat. Usually I don't have to go to one, but the washing machine at our apartment (yes, there's only 1) is broken and no one has come to fix it yet. Since The Boyfriend has freelance work to do, I volunteered to hang at the local laundry facility and wash  us up some clothes while he gets some work done.

It was actually pretty fun. I got 3 loads of laundry done in under 2 hours. The place I went was nice, well-kept and not too crowded.

There was a little boy there with his Mom, he was so adorable. Very chatty and totally thought that seeing the washing machines spin was the absolute coolest thing ever. He was so much fun to watch. I ended up chatting with him and his Mom for a few minutes, she was so happy to see that I found her son amusing instead of annoying. How can you be annoyed at kinds who are staring in wonderment at a washing machine? Or want to help their Mother's with the laundry?

The other thing that kept me entertained was my phone. I love my stupid Blackberry. Ended up texting with Robb and Stephen M. while hanging out. Also a nice way to pass the time.

Now I'm home, off to try and take a nap although after our awesome hour long run this morning and the laundrymat, I'm not feeling particularly tired. I'm sure this means I'll be asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Friday, November 06, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 6

I'm so happy it's Friday. My boss that is out on vacation will be back on Monday - which means less work for me! Not that it's been horrible with her out of the office, I've definitely learned alot while she was gone and it made the days pass much faster.

I have no plans tonight, except to hang with The Boyfriend and go for a nice long walk tonight after dinner. Tomorrow morning we are going to run for an hour again (3rd time in 8 days!) and spend the afternoon hanging out with Kathy, David, Steve L. and Kathy and David's adorable daughter Amelia. Should be a good day.

Then Sunday we have plans for dinner and a tour of the Jurassic Museum of Technology. I have no idea what we're in for with that, but it should be interesting nonetheless. It's odd for us to have so many plans on the weekend, but since they all involve friends, I'm really looking forward to it.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 5

Got up early and ran for an hour this morning. Since I have to do this before work, it means we leave the house around 5:30 am, but I try not to think about what time it is too much. It's already hard to get out of bed and poor Robb usually gets stuck convincing me it will be okay if I get up from the warmth of the bed.

It's nice that I can do this and not completely crash at the end of the day. It helps that I did 30 Day Shred tonight, that always gives me a shot of energy and helps me stop from going to bed at 9.

Sleeping in tomorrow, going to run for an hour Saturday morning. I hope it's cold enough that I will finally have a chance to try out my new running shirt!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 4

Running shoes are the new jeans shopping for me. It's no fun. I frequently leave feeling like I will never find a pair I like and I get really frusterated after trying on 5 millions pairs.

The last pair of running shoes are the best ones I've ever purchased. It helps that I spent a little more on them than usual, but they've lasted. They rock. I haven't had any ankle or knee pain while running in them and they lasted forever.

So, of course, when I go to replace them, I can't find anyone that has them in my size. UGH! I wish I had the money to buy several pairs of running shoes at a time, but I don't. Especially since The Boyfriend is also a runner and also needs new shoes as frequently as I do (and we don't even replace our shoes as often as you're supposed to as a runner. But we never let ourselves run in shoes that hurt us, trust me).

To further annoy me, Shoe Pavilion went out of business and they were THE BEST place to find running shoes. The prices were great, they had good sales and the almost always had my size. Now I have to deal with DSW, which isn't terrible (although they never seem to have The Boyfriend's size in stock. Never.), but it's not as good as Shoe Pavilion was. Or I have to order them from Zappos. I love Zappos, they have great customer service, but their New Balance prices leave a bigger dent in my wallet than I'd like.

So, I spent the better part of 24 hours looking for a replacement for the shoes I love. And I ended up having to do the "order the exact shoes I have, but in the wrong size and see if they fit" and "order a different pair, which are supposed to be similar and come in my exact size and hope I love them as much as the old ones" game.

Oh the downsides of exercising more.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 3

While I love Daylight Saving Time since it means I don't have to run in the pitch dark, I hate that it makes the day feel longer. I would like to go to sleep right now.

I had a dentist appointment this morning - I love getting my teeth cleaned because my dentist is always telling me how wonderful my teeth are. But getting there this morning was full of angst and bad driving (not on my part) and traffic. I really, really, really hate being late to things. At least it wasn't my fault, I was on the road with plenty of time to get there, it's just the usual LA crap traffic holding me back.

It's all foggy and spooky at work, you can't even see out of my boss's window. I love Fall, I just wish it was actually cooling down around here. There's nothing more "off" to me than to watch the leaves change while it's still getting up to 80 degrees. And people still say there's no such thing as global warming!

The only downside to this Fall atmosphere is that I want to bake more. And eat more. But I am running more, so hopefully it will all balance out. I've ordered some new running shirts and replacement running shoes which will help me want to run even more.

My first 30 minute run this morning since running for an hour this weekend. My run was awesome! I can't believe how much better it was for pacing. I am definitely someone that does better when she can run for longer than 30 minutes, I'm just so much better at finding a good pace and not worrying about the clock. Although my shorter runs after the longer run are much more satisfying as my ability to pace seems to carry over.

Now I'm off to find 5k Races in my area between now and Christmas. I think I need something else to build to for running.

Monday, November 02, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 2

I just finished 30 Day Shred - which I did only 45 minutes after eating dinner and I didn't throw up! Not that I expected to, but I was a little worried I would be jumping around too soon after dinner. I can not eat before running as my stomach does not like having food in it when I work out.

This is all part of the new and improved exercise plan. The plan wherein I pretty much exercise as much as possible while trying to cut back on calories even more. As part of this plan I want to shake up my exercise routine. I will still run as much as possible and either walk at lunch or workout at night after dinner. If I can't run in the morning, I will walk at lunch and work out at night.

And on the days that I'm feeling really ambitious, I will run in the morning (30 minutes), walk at lunch (60 minutes) and do some workout video or Pilates workout at night.

I think the change of pace will really be good for me. And I'm not going to let myself get in a rut of doing the same exercises. I have several Pilates DVD's that I can do and since I love Pilates this won't be a problem. Plus I love me some 30 Day Shred/Jillian Michaels so this will be an easy video to throw in whenever I feel like it.

The best part of doing the workout tonight? It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. It still kicked by ass, but that's a good thing. I need to feel like I'm getting somewhere with this.

So, now I will continue to try and find new running shoes while I wait for Robb to come back from walking at the park. He posted a picture and it's all foggy and spooky out. I need him to help me move the couch back into place and help me not eat the last of the pumpkin muffins we made this weekend.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

NaBloPoMo Day 1

Hey! It's November again! Which means I will actually post on this here blog. Aren't you so excited?

Last night was Halloween, a night in which I am loathed to leave my apartment. I try very hard to stay inside on heavy drinking holidays and it was a good thing, since every 1/2 an hour or so we heard sirens through our neighborhood.

So, we stayed home, watched a scary movie ("Drag Me To Hell") that I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. Sam Raimi makes some darn awesome movies I tell ya. We ate pizza, drank wine, ate ice cream and candy. So really, it was a very nice night.

Today, we got up and ran for an hour. I know. After all we ate last night it sounds ridiculous, but it's been a few months since we ran for over 30 minutes and I needed to do it. And it was awesome!! I was really dreading the idea and as Robb pointed out, I was most happy I did it after everything was said and done. Don't get me wrong, it hurt. Bad. Especially the first 15 minutes when it felt like I was running through molasses and going super slow. But I just kept pushing and it started to feel better. I forgot how much I love running for longer times. I ended up running further than I have in forever. Robb was so sweet, patting me on the back at the end and cheering me on.

It's amazing how quickly I forget that I can do these things. I get so bogged down in being mad at myself for not losing more weight that I forget to take the time to recognize what I've accomplished so far.

And most of all, I forget just how far I need to push myself sometimes. I've been putting off running for an hour because I thought it would be horrible and other stupid excuses.

But it's good that this happened, because now I'm looking at other exercise things I've been putting off (hour long Pilates video, I'm looking at you) because I think they will be too hard or whatnot.

Who cares if I'm sore the next day? The soreness will fade. The happiness at moving up to the next level doesn't.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Shoes

It's amazing how shoes seem to tie into one's identity, or I should say, tie into how other people identify you.

See, we're going to be producing a new webshow and in that show, my character will be wearing heels the whole time. So, with this realization in hand (coupled with the gifting of a wardrobe of high heels from my friend Kendra) I've decided the smart thing to do would be to start wearing heels often enough to re-acquaint myself with them and be able to run, jump and maybe not look like a beginner when walking in them.

I am no stranger to heels, trust me. I grew up taking dance lessons, I've done theatre forever and I used to just really like wearing heels.

Then, I started getting jobs that it just would have been stupid to wear heels. Jobs that required you to be on your feet all day and in the most comfortable shoes you could find. And I became a fan of flat shoes (well, I still am for the most part). For years I have very, very rarely wore heels to work - even though I have a desk job, I never know when I'm going to be running all day. Or walking a long distance to deliver something. Plus, I like flats - they're fun and cute and go with almost everything!

I digress. I figured I should start wearing heels to work (with a pair of flats stashed in my work bag as a backup). It's been a fun experiment to see how people react to this change.

Some people are very excited and find it fun. Others seem to think I'm somehow changing as a person and treat my wearing of heels as very suspicious. And yet others find it a good way to give me a backhanded compliment about my appearance. While I admittedly do not stress about what I look like most days, I'm not sure the days I dress up a bit more are a case for being weird about it.

I'm still getting used to wearing heels again and my feet are definitely paying the price right now for my experiment, but it's all worth it. When the new show starts filming, I will not be the sad girl who can't handle heels for more than a couple of hours. I just won't.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Newness

Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed with not knowing how to start blogging again, that I don't blog.

Sad, really, since it's my blog and I can write whatever the heck I want to write.

It's just a nice excuse to continue to ignore this space.

The Boyfriend and I have been in the middle of so many projects that my head spins. We just wrapped the latest episode of our internet sitcom. We're in the middle of starting a new show. We helped a friend move and in return, given her bed/nightstands as she had no room for them.

This prompted another new project (one we've been talking about for awhile now) of completely and totally purging our apartment. Oh yeah, we've been going through EVERYTHING. Throwing away, organizing, donating, filing, figuring out how to reorganize furniture so we have more room, everything! And it's not over. This weekend we have to go through the small storage space we have downstairs in the carport.

On top of that, since we've just finished filming, we're also cleaning our apartment from top to bottom. Like scrubbing the floors on hands and knees with baking soda cleaning. (The bathroom floor looks fabulous, by the way. This weekend I hope to do the kitchen floor)

So yeah, tons of stuff going on, but no pull to write about it here. Which sucks, but I don't know that people really need to read all about the crap we are finally throwing away. Or the stuff finally being sent to charity.

Or the fact that the very awesome bed our friend gave us will not fit in our tiny bedroom. But we don't want to get rid of it, so we have to figure out where the heck to store it without paying a crapload of money to do so.

Fun, exciting stuff!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Routine Day 1

I'm trying to do the blogging every day in July thing. The theme for this month is "Routine". I was thinking about this while running this morning (for an hour and I made it the farthest I've ever made it thankyouverymuch!) and I realized how easy it is for me to get stuck in a routine rut. And, because of this, also get stuck in a routine of thinking about the things I want that I don't have yet.

So, for today, I'm making a reference list of what's right with my life right now (well, everything I can think of at this moment, in no particular order):

1. While I may hate that our apartment is small, I have a 15 minute commute to work. In LA.
2. Most days, I get to ride in with a friend, who routinely makes me laugh. (Hi Steve!)
3. I have a boyfriend who thinks I'm cute, even at the end of an hour long run
when I am a sweaty mess. And he's not afraid to tell me that he thinks that.
4. I have a day job that has lots of down time during which I can work on my own projects. Or
knit.
5. I am going on vacation next week. And for the first time, I'm not worried about the cost.
6. On said vacation, I'm staying with some friends who have adorable children that I will get
to play with.
7. Every day my running gets faster and faster. While I wish the weight would come off quicker,
I'm getting stronger and healthier than I've ever been and that's more important to me.
8. I have great friends.
9. We finished outlining the new show and I am so excited for the adventure of creating a second
online show.
10. I don't know what to put here, I'm already bored of writing this. Let's just say, life is good.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Back from Outer Space

Goodness, I really need to stop ignoring my blog. I get so far behind and I feel like I somehow need to catch people up and it all gets so overwhelming I just quit before I start.

Well, it looks like this summer is out to kill me with the busy-ness and such. It's mostly all fun, which is good, but still, sometimes too much fun is just as tiring as not having any fun at all.

Last week we got to go to Disneyland with some awesome people we never get to see anymore.
Which lead me to this thought:
"Sometimes, it's easier to not speak to someone at all once they are no longer in your daily life. Only because it makes it easier to not miss them."

On a completely different topic, The Boyfriend and I will be going on vacation soon. It's been a long time since we've been on a road trip and I am so excited that I'm not even freaking out over the amount of stuff that has to be done before we leave. All of the important appointments have been made (including one for the car which needs a tune up and rear brakes), so that definitely helps.

What also helps? Almost 2 weeks on the road with The Boyfriend which also includes a reunion of college theatre friends. I only wish I had gotten around to losing that weight I had planned on losing. Oh well.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Quick Friday Rantings

I am so over Kaiser Permanente right now. As soon as I possibly can I will be switching insurance providers. Part of the reason I'm so mad is that I've always defended Kaiser when people ask why I have insurance through them. Until now, I've really had no complaints. But telling me I need a test and then your nurse saying she can't schedule it, I need to see my primary care physician, and then the nurse for the primary care physician telling me I HAVE to come in for an appointment before my doctor will schedule a test for me is just stupid. And I'm done.

Also, I'm really easy to find online. And a lot of my relatives have joined Facebook recently, which is nice. But you know what? Don't leave me stupid messages about "where are you" and "I haven't heard anything about you in years" when everything you need to know about me is ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE - which links to my online sitcom and such. I'm not going to post a big long thing about where I am on your wall for everyone to read when you could have taken 2 seconds and perused my profile. Or, conversely, send me a private message if you want to talk.

I know I'm being snotty.

Oh well.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Why hello there

Wow - it's funny how when I don't write on my blog for awhile I get all stressed out about it, as if the next thing I write needs to be EARTH SHATTERING, so I stress over what to write and then I end up not writing anything to avoid the stress.

The end.

What a useless cycle of crap that was. So, here I am, writing whatever the heck I feel like writing this very moment, because that's how I roll today.

My head is killing me, freaking allergies. They have been so bad lately that I actually get "the spins" which sucks because I haven't had any alcohol, so I don't understand what's going on.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at work, sitting at my desk and the whole room seemed to make a sharp left turn. I was so freaked I actually gasped and grabbed my desk since I thought I was about to be turned upside down. It was freaky. And this is coming from someone who LOVES rollercoasters and such.

I ended up going to the doctor thinking I had a sinus infection, but in reality, I am just really, really congested. Yay.

So they prescribed something for the congestion for me to take "as needed", which is useless since about the time I realize I should take the medicine again, the room is spinning (which I DO NOT LIKE).

Ugh. I hate this crap. I'm guessing it's time to visit the doctor and demand stronger allergy meds.

On a different note, I am trying to make 2009 the year I actually see my friends more. I am terrible at keeping in touch and Facebook has managed to show me that I have been really awful at keeping in touch with people I actually want to stay in touch with.

So, I'm trying. Not very hard since I'm pretty lazy, but I'm trying non-the-less.

Friday, January 02, 2009

I Am Back

In more ways than one! The Boyfriend and I just returned from our trip home to Washington for Christmas. And I'm starting back on Nutrisystem full time, fully serious, ready to get the rest of this dumb weight off. More on that later.

We are still sorting through the hundreds of photos that we took, but I wanted to make sure I got down this story as it's one of my favorites from the trip.

The Boyfriends Nephew got the Dark Knight Batman costume for Christmas (this is the nephew that last year at Thanksgiving was dressed as Superman the entire time we were there. I love it!) so he immediately put the entire costume on and was "in character" the whole time. He wouldn't smile for pictures if he had his mask on and you had to call him "Batman" for him to answer you.

So, we were hanging out and he told me this

"Auntie Tamiya (he can't say my name quite right, another reason I heart him) when I come in the room and I have my whole costume on, you have to say "Thank God you're here!". But if I don't have my costume on, you don't have to say that."

Seriously, he is just the cutest thing ever. He also has a huge crush on me and told his sister that he was going to marry me. It's too funny to me as he looks exactly like The Boyfriend did at that age. Obviously, he has the same great taste in women as The Boyfriend as well.