something new

These barre studios have been popping up everywhere and I hear only good things about it on the internet and on blogs. Well, when an unlimited month special for a studio just down the street from home popped up on Plum District, I had to take advantage of it.

I haven't been good about being active lately. If anything I'll get a work out in once (!) a week...ugh, not good! I don't know what it is, but its certainly not good for my growing waistline and that tipping scale. 

And after sitting on that coupon for a month- making sure that I had the time to use it consistently and make the most of it- I finally went to my first class last night.

I perused YouTube last week to get an idea of what to expect from the workout, and it was almost exactly what I imagined...a quaint studio that is somewhat reminiscent of a ballet studio on a much smaller scale. The bars were positioned along the perimeter of the room. One side of the room was mirrored and the other side was decorated with different framed portraits of barre moves/positions. The bright, yet light teal colored paint added some charm to the studio, which I took pleasure in. They provide the mats, light weights, ball and yoga strap- all I need to bring was water and a towel. Oh and socks, preferrably with the sticky bottoms to keep your feet in place on the wood flooring.

The workout was everything I hated about Insanity workouts, that included "pulsing" of any kind. But I sucked it up and did the best I could, and it wasn't too bad. There was a lot of arm moves/pulsing in the beginning of the class, leg moves/pulsing (almost like squats) throughout the class, tippy toe-ing, and a bit of core exercises/pulsing at the end of class.

From what I gathered on the internet and my first experience with barre last night, I came to the conclusion that it is a mixture of ballet, pilates, cardio and tiny bit of yoga. I am so not a dancer or never experienced ballet classes of any sort. I was so lost when the instructor threw out words like plie or brush or extend your arms over your head- see I don't know what the term for that is! But I just went along with the other gals in the class and acted like I knew what I was doing.

As my new friend from class mentioned, I would be sore the next day- and indeed I am! It just proves that the workout did it's job and that I am out of shape. It is definitely a good workout and I did enjoy it - I do plan on making full use of it for the next 30 days. And from there I will determine whether I will stick to it for the next few months...or longer.

busy

These past two months have a been a whirlwind and I can't believe we are half way past June!

Could be the reason I'm so back-blogged, but who's to say I even have any followers.

If I do, I don't know who you are, but thank you for following a life less ordinary.

My life.

Back in April, my "colleague" went on maternity leave a month earlier than what was anticipated. And while I  tried to prepare for her absence before she had her baby, it all came at me like a ton of bricks.

All of a sudden, my responsibilities doubled and my work days went from 6.5 hours to 9 hours.

If you are a working mom, commuting from the burbs to downtown every day, you know very well that 2.5 hours is precious time!

In these last few months, I've gotten through proposals, marketing packages, web updates, contact updates, etc... all that, all on my own, while trying to juggle a new activity (soccer), plan a 3rd birthday party and deciding on a preschool for Camille. It never ends...

I have finally come up for air and in a few short weeks, I'll be right back at it.

Camille will be unloading some pent up energy (woo hoo), she will be celebrating 3 years old with her friends & cousins (sniff, sniff) and soon she will be hauling her pink panda backpack to her new classroom (bawling).

Ahhhh! I'm doing my best to keep up.

Thank goodness colleague will be back when things get busy again, and I'll be able to stay afloat.

Time goes way too fast and along with that, they grow way too fast as well.

Here is the most recent picture of the little girl taken last night before bed.

 

Fair

One of the first signs of summer, the San Diego Fair!

vegas weekend

It's been a while since I've been to Las Vegas. Seeing it on TV and hearing about it from friends on FB has had me itching to go...for the longest time. Camille and I have never been apart for more than 36 hours, so a fun trip to Sin City never really crossed our minds.

The last time I was there, was for a couple work related boondoggles functions in 2008. And before that was for a few bachelorette parties in 2005- my own & Christel's.  

Luckily G & C coordinated a trip to Vegas to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, ending my drought. We couldn't (and wouldn't!) miss it- 10 years of marriage is an amazing milestone.

If having your vows renewed by Elvis at Graceland Chapel is any indication of a good time, sign me up! It was a blast! It was a fun, witty, unforgettable and a very moving (haha!) ceremony that Elvis himself presided. The King even had some funny lines that incorporated various hit songs from his heydays. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to snap pictures in the chapel so this is what I have.

 

The lovely couple and the "flower girl".

 

We did a reception dinner at Spice Market Buffet in Planet Hollywood and Camille was in heaven with a helping of  this oversized cotton candy.

 

In an attempt to do something different and more "family oriented" while in Vegas, we headed a little east and visited the Hoover Dam the following day. It was a nice site to visit and something to cross off the bucket list, but to make it really count we probably need to revisit it again and actually do a tour. We barely left the car- only to take pictures. It was hotter than sh*t and we had Cloie with us. (Did I mention the doogies made the trip with us?)  We couldn't leave her in the car and poor Cloie, she set paws on the asphalt and jumped right back into the car. It was THAT hot!

The trip to the dam didn't last very long for obvious reasons, so we headed somewhere more comfortable and enjoyable- the Fashion Show Mall...that was more like it!

When we met up with the rest of the gang, we decided to try out Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace. Apparently there are two other locations in New York City. I've never been and never attempted because I've heard the wait to get a table can sometimes be as long as two hours.

Ever since I watched the movie Serendipty in 2001, that became one of my favorite movies ever and I always wanted to visit the place I always thought was so magical.

Well, we braved the hour long wait here in Las Vegas and killed some time having drinks at the neighboring bar and having Camille pose in front with all the fun shaped topiary trees.

One of my favorite poses! LOL!

The food was pretty good, but this is what we really came here for... frozen hot chocolate.

We caught a light show at the Bellagio and called it a night.

No late night/all night partying for us, and no gambling either. To me, it didn't feel right to leave Camille in the hotel room with Grandma and Grandpa... or have I officially become that old lady comfy & settled to stay in for the evening by 9pm? What a scary thought. Not the typical Vegas trip that you hear of , but I am more fun than that.

Promise.