One Day I Hope My Life is a Broadway Musical

I...I Love You House

2011-08-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

It has taken me forever to finally update my blog on our new home! I was really trying to figure out how to do side-by-side before and after photos in GIMP but that ended with a big #$%! that!

We absolutely love/adore/cherish and are just basically nutzo about our house. It's the "I...I Love You" House (house numbers are 1143 and apparently back in the day of beepers people used 143 to say I love you). My boyfriends and I did not use that and I can't remember what we used!

Not that it hasn't already given our fair share of problems in our one month of living here. For instance, the pool has an algae even the pool company is having a hard time getting rid of and has dumped more than 20 gallons of chlorine in that thing. The A/C quit working. The ceiling leaked. Fortunately, these things have been easy-nothing-major fixes (except for the TBD pool issue). Oh the joys of home-ownership! We are still unpacking boxes. Basically, the living areas, both baths, master bedroom are pretty much done. All the boxes that we don't want to deal with are basically in piles in the office and the guest bedroom.

What did we accomplish before moving in? There's new paint on every surface, new baseboards and trim (also painted), lots of caulking, all the doors have been painted, new pantry, linen, coat and utility closet doors. We have new appliances and a good scrub down made the house seem brand new! Ya'll ready for lots of pictures?

Before - Exterior

Before - Exterior close up

After - Exterior painted door turquoise and spray painted the shutters black

After - exterior I love the color! I also love the cute little doormat. Funny how those details can make a difference.

Before - Entry/living room area

Before - Entire living room area

After - Living room

After - new pillows - I love texture

After - entry with Marilyn artwork and vintage record holder

After - entry with new light fixture!

Before - Guest Bathroom - so many wrongs and it was filthy

After - Guest Bathroom - work in progress for sure but so much better!

New Mirror - we didn't have mirrors in either bathroom!

Before - wall on other side of dining area


After - wall o' bookshelves...we used the bookshelves we already had but took the backs off to lighten up the heavy wood color. I may plan to install heavy duty floating shelves on this wall but this will suffice for now.

Before - Roll Tide kitchen with bad paint job and dirt EVERYWHERE. Appliances didn't work!

After - kitchen - major cleaning, painting the walls a soft aqua and new appliances

Before - master bath (part of it anyway)

After - master bath - paint, new mirror, shelving, towel ring....ta da!

That's about it for now. We are still working on the master bedroom and I haven't taken after photos yet.
We still have so much do. We have big and little projects. Here's just a few things I have up my sleeve (in no particular order):

replace garage door
mount tv in living room
replace fixtures in guest bath with Oil Rubbed Bronze ones
purchase new dining furniture, buffet table and light fixture
finish putting up all the artwork
reupholster tufted headboard in master
put up artwork in master
unclutter and de-box office
unclutter and de-box guest room
purchase bed and bedding for guest room
purchase loveseat that also pulls out to bed for office
build outdoor table and seating area
build/buy a firepit and seating
install reverse-osmosis water treatment system
landscaping
new mailbox

See it's never-ending but oh so much fun! It already feels like home and a place we will be for a long time.

The Cart Before The Horse

2011-06-17T12:19:00.001-04:00

Side note: my Chinese sign is The Horse. I love horses. Ha! Just kidding. They scare me to death but I think they are beautiful.

I realize The Roll Tide House isn't technically ours yet. Hence the post title: The Cart Before The Horse. However, I would love to share with you some 'before' photos before I overhaul that sucker! And when I say 'overhaul', I mean clean and paint it. Nothing structural or really huge. I hope those aren't famous last words and I end up 6 months into this with a blog post entitled: We've Purchased a Money Pit! Ha!

Can we say blank slate? It has zero landscaping! Except for the grass of course. There is not one single bush or tree on the property! I cannot wait to tackle the exterior! I've been researching and tagging exterior inspiration photos for some color schemes. I've considered keeping it white and changing the shutters to glossy black and paint the door a cool Tiffany blue color to painting it green with glossy white door and glossy black shutters! I'm all over the place right now. First thing is first! Cleaning! I think power washing, getting the current landscaping all nice and neat and trimmed (grass is growing over the nice pavers), spray painting the shutters, replacing the garage door and exterior lighting will do wonders initially. A nice mini-facelift!

Roll Tide House front - I like the front door

The next photo is the dining area. It's really big compared to what we are accustomed to! Right now we have a counter-height dining set that sits four people but I plan to upgrade eventually to a normal-height dining set that sits 6 people. Plenty of room here. There is also plenty of room for a buffet sidetable that I have wanted forever! That makes me very happy. On the right side is the wall o' grasscloth. We are typically not wallpaper fans AT ALL but I like textury grasscloth. It wasn't installed properly and the lines do not add up but I plan to paint over it to keep the texture so hopefully you will not be able to tell that the lines are off a bit!

Dining area with sliders and view of the green pool! Ugh!

This is the lovely, teeny-tiny master bathroom. It was hard to get a photo of the entire room so this is the cabinet with the clear vessel sink, which I just adore. I do not necessarily like the cabinet since there is hardly any counter space but that is something that can be changed in time. The shower (not pictured) is huge!!! It's a double-person shower (bow chica bow wow) and has shower heads on both sides! Did you notice the bright and lively orange-y/yellow paint? Yeah, that's going away pronto! I have no idea what color I want to paint it but I believe something light, airy and zen-like will be just want the Color Doctor ordered. Did you also notice how dirty it is? It's gross! Oh the joys of being empty for over a year.

Master bathroom vessel sink and cabinet

This is the view of the pool from what will be the guest bedroom. We are truly excited to have a 3rd bedroom! When we lived in Alabama, we had our spare room (spare-ooome - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe reference anyone?) turned into an art studio so I could sew and paint and craft to my little heart's content and have the room all to myself! Our plans are to have the bigger of the two extra bedrooms become our art and music studio and the other smaller room for our guest bedroom.

pool view from guest bedroom

Lastly, another view of the living room. The front door is original to the house and I really like it but it will most likely need replacing soon. The door on the coat closet is missing and the lighting fixtures including the ceiling fan need replacing. Fun times! I have already picked out an awesome light fixture that would definitely be a splurge-purchase-but-totally-worth-it for the entry. I hope to find a ceiling fan soon. I found a few at Lowe's that I liked but plan to search online as well. Here in South Florida a ceiling fan is a must in a few of the rooms!

Well, that's all for now folks! I'm chomping at the bit (ANOTHER horse reference?) to get in here and go crazy! All in good time, my friends, all in good time.

Gucci Gucci

2011-06-06T21:05:00.000-04:00

Picture this.

Me just minding my own business. Cruisin' the internet or reading or eating or drinking. Then my awesomely amazing husband busts out these song lyrics. At random. At any given moment. This is my life.

And of course, I secretly love it.

Update: Operation Humble Abode

2011-05-27T19:21:00.000-04:00

Okay so the first house didn't go through because the owner/realtor is in la-la land and asking for $45,000 more than the true comps in the area. Um, okay...moving on (ha - pun intended)!

The Zombie House didn't pan out either.

This is okay, my dear friends, because we found another house. Crazy, right? Not really, considering how many homes are on the market right now.

It's nickname at the moment is the Roll Tide House:

Roll Tide Roll!

It's everything on our list. Three bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining area, perfect sized kitchen, huge laundry room, one-car garage and an attic. It's concrete brick stucco which is want you want in Florida so a hurricane will not wash it away. So we made the next step and put in an offer and guess what? They accepted! Boo-ya! We are getting a deal - let me tell you!

It's closer to everything! It's 12 minutes from the beach, 5 minutes from Target, 5 minutes from Total Wine, 3 minutes from Publix, 5 minutes to downtown Stuart, 5 minutes to the movies and the mall (the world's worst mall but a mall nonetheless). It will cut my commute in half yet I'm close to other meeting locales when I'm out of the office. Have you understood that it's closer, yet? LOL

We had the inspection this morning so there will be some further negotiating but I feel confident this is the one.

Here are a few pics of the inside:

Living Room

Inside Master with the cutest realtor ever.

The Roll Tide Kitchen

Of course, it needs some work but mostly it is all cosmetic. We plan to have is cleaned professionally, because, it's just plain gross right now - bugs and grimey grime over being empty for a while. The colors are pretty much neutral except for The Roll Tide Kitchen but you guys know me - that's the fun part! Picking out colors, new stainless steel appliances, decorating....I love me a challenge!

And it has a ginormous pool! I will not post pictures of it until it's blue again and not green. That way you get the full effect....but pool = yah!

Operation Humble Abode

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it's only been about 2 weeks or so since Operation Humble Abode began. Our hopes are to find something before or right before our lease is up in November.

If all goes smoothly, it may be much sooner than November! We are going to put an offer in on THE house. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to get too excited or jinx anything. I will say this: it completely fits every-single-bulleted point in this post.

Mr. Fitness keeps telling me to not get my hopes up even though he says it's the perfect house for us too. He knows how I am though. So, I'm trying not to think about it too much - or at least that is what I'm saying publicly. Honestly, I'm thinking it about pretty much every other minute or so.

Please send some good vibes down to South Florida when you think about it. Purchasing a house is totally big girl, grown up stuff and this time I get to do it while educating myself and not flying blind (like when I was 21 and bought my first house) AND I get to do it with my hubs.

P.S. I bought my first house when the hubs and I were dating and he broke up with me. I decided if I wasn't going to be with him, then I will just be single for the rest of my life and then I went and bought a house. My friend Tracy once said, "Jamie, most people go get hammered or do some retail therapy and you go and buy a house!" Ha. Good times.

P.S.S. If this house falls through though, we can always go for the Zombie-proof house so that is a HUGE relief and great Plan B!

Hey-OOOOOO!

2011-05-05T18:13:00.000-04:00

How it begins...I don't know who these cuties are but they should start a new show with them...

House Hunters

2011-05-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

So imagine this: me, wearing camo head to toe, with a bow and arrow, and some big guns and some dirt on my face...really channeling a She-Rambo.

We are officially House Hunters and I'm in full hunting mode. Full on obsessed. And it's only been a week. That's how I roll.

So in the past week during our hard core search for the perfect-for-us house, we found our dream house. Wait, you want to know what the perfect-for-us house would "look like"? I'll tell you. Ideally, this is what we're after:

3 bedroom, 2 bath
small property and private
1,000-1,400 living sq feet
no HOA
pool (maybe but not a deal breaker)
Florida room/screened patio
retro/vintage yet modern feel (I realize we can make it this way, but if it already has it-yah!)
light and airy
closer to work and not too far from beaches
could also be a 2 bedroom, 2 bath if larger rooms

We wouldn't mind a fixer-upper at all as long as it's not major reconstruction. Okay so back to our dream house. The baby is numero uno at the top of our list.

See how awesome this house is? It has an indoor swimming pool! It's open and airy. It's a little bigger than we need but in case of a Zombie Apocalypse we will definitely need more space so we don't get tired of each other. Wait! Zombie Apocalypse? Yes I said it and yes I mean it and yes this house turns into a Zombie proof house. Perfecto!!!!


See more here: http://all-that-is-interesting.com/post/4956385434/the-first-zombie-proof-house

And now my She-Rambo outfit makes even more sense!

Best Man Awesomeness

2011-04-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

I laughed then I cried then I laughed and watched it again.

Ugga, Ugga

2011-04-18T15:39:00.004-04:00

That's caveperson speak in the title there. Why? Because I am eating like a caveperson. Note: the PC version instead of saying caveman or cavewoman by the way. It's the 21st Century.

I know I've mentioned the Paleo Diet before but I have not fully brought myself to be 100% paleo. Mainly because I like sugar and cheese too much. I mean if I could eat bacon, sugar, cheese and beer for the rest of my life I would be extremely happy. However, the gym is doing a 30-Day Paleo Challenge and I am game! We can do anything for 30 days, right? I've made small changes over time, but have succumbed to stress eating and poor planning for more than a month now.

My goals are to lose 10 lbs and hopefully have some recurring joint and muscle pains in right shoulder, lower back and right knee disappear. I realize that may take time and potentially some physical therapy but this is what I'm starting with other than popping ibuprofen and purchasing stock in Bio-freeze.

So here goes...eating only meat, veggies, fruits and nuts for the next 30 days. No refined sugar, processed foods, grains or alcohol. This thing ends on May 17. Then at approximately 12:01 am on May 18th, I will be drinking a BEER. Ha, who am I kidding. I'm officially an old person and go to bed at like 9:30 every night.

I am so freakin glad that Bacon. Is. A. Meat. and that there were chickens during the Paleolithic Age.

photo from here http://wordsandtoons.com/2008/11/

Here are some details on the Paleo Diet taken from Cosmopolitan Primal Girl's blog. I liked how she summarized a few things:

Why is it called Primal?
It mimics the diet of our caveman predecessors. Prior to the Agricultural Revolution, people did not suffer from chronic diseases that plague our society today – high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity (ever heard of a fat caveman???), type 2 diabetes etc etc etc.

There are 2 key hormones that come into play:
1) Insulin – It’s a “Master Hormone” and is released by carbohydrates. If we get too much of it we store it as fat (triglycerides). Insulin is a storage hormone, meaning it sticks stuff into our cells and if our insulin is high, we can’t get anything out of the cells in our body. It is the key mediator of inflammation – which is related to the onset of many diseases. The beauty of insulin is that we have total control over the levels based on what we’re eating. You want to aim for a low insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

2) Glucagon - This is the counter hormone to Insulin and is released in response to Protein. It releases stuff out of your cells and you need it to round out the hormones. Glucagon is critical in improving insulin sensitivity. Glucagon dominance allows your body to use fat for energy (YAY! Who doesn’t want that??).

Where do I get this amazing Glucagon that you speak of?
Protein! BUT, it’s the protein found in meat and fish. Not Nuts, Beans or Rice. The protein in these foods does not release glucagon. If you’re a vegetarian, you need Tofu or Tempe. This is why it’s important to have protein with every meal.

How can I improve Insulin Sensitivity?
Follow a Primal diet and exercise. Simple.

Here's to the next 29 days (I'm holding up my water bottle). Bring it!

Small Update from the Land 'O Sunshine and Blue Skies and Chairs

2011-04-04T20:56:00.001-04:00

Yo peeps!

Here's a small, teeny tiny post: we bought a chair! Isn't that just titillating news? So, we had this cool, zebra print chair that broke about a year ago. Then Mr. Fitness attempted to fix it and that worked temporarily except I had to cover the boo-boo on the chair with a throw when people came over to visit. But the boo-boo got worse:

So I've been online window shopping for a chair. Finally, I decided to go to thrift shops to see what I could find and potentially reupholster.

On our first thrifting excursion, we found this baby. It passed the comfy test for Mr. Fitness since he will use it more for his gaming chair. I knew it would work as far as size, shape and sturdiness and I could always have it reupholstered later when I found great fabric. However, the paprika/rust color looks great in our living room. Whodathunkit? I love accidental decorating! All we did was spray paint the rocker base to an oil-rubbed bronze and ta-da! New chair for $60!

And it's really good that we spent only $60 considering the real online shopping damage I did yesterday on shoes (3 pairs!) and an accessory from emersonmade. But that's our secret, umkay. Don't tell Mr. Fitness. Heehee.

Blinky

2011-03-21T16:46:00.001-04:00

I promise I will be writing a longer post soon full of Designer Showcase photos (where I've been for the past 25 days and counting) and inspiration photos I have found in the good 'ole blogosphere.

Here is a short film I thought you would enjoy. It is the same boy from Where the Wild Things Are.

Blinky™ from Ruairi Robinson on Vimeo.

I swear between this and Battlestar Galactica, I don't want no stinkin robots!

Holy Moly

2011-03-08T09:41:00.001-05:00

I feel really bad that I haven't updated my blog for days and days and days and now months! Whoa, I'm just not a responsible blogger I guess.

Life is....crazy at the moment so probably has a lot to do with it.

Crazy or not, I'm trying to learn French on Rosetta Stone so once the day arrives that we will hop on a plane to Paris, I will be very prepared. I'm not sure when this glorious day will be but it WILL be.

Check out this cute Live the Language video.

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

A Lesson on Perspective...

2011-01-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

The past week and a half have been a blur. My dear friend, Sharon, has had several surgeries over the past week. After a series of small strokes, she had a massive stroke during her bypass surgery on Tuesday. She is still in ICU and still on the ventilator. The doctors finally gave some hope yesterday. Her life may not be the same but she is a fighter and strong-willed lady.

During this time, my Mr. Fitness lost his job. They decided to let go 4 teachers. The school will probably not make it until the end of the year they are in so much financial trouble.

Perspective: normally, this would have put us in a tail-spin. Not that it hasn't, but with my friend struggling for life, it just changes your thought process. Life is so precious. Life. Having a life means to live. How do you want to live? Are you living it? Are you happy with where you are? You have no idea if you will have tomorrow to do things differently.

I need some Kermie.

Planning from The Planner (that's me)

2011-01-09T20:58:00.001-05:00

So, anyone can decide they have a to-do list or that dreaded word "resolutions" but it is another thing altogether to actually accomplish said items. The best way to do this is to figure out your plan to get you there. What are your action items that will help you achieve you goal? Here are my thoughts on a few of my to-do's this year:

1. Crochet temair throw. Plan: this throw is made up of about 45 motifs...if I can break it down and do 1-2 per week, then I can get this sucker laying on my bed or over my sofa by the end of summer. Plus, once I start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I may hunker down and do some hard core crocheting sessions to get it completed (this is how I roll so I can see this really happening).

The beach is one of my favorite places to crochet!

2 - 4. Travel overseas. I really want to go to Paris. However, I do not want to go knowing only my English language and saying "you're what the French call les incompetent". Step 1. Order French Rosetta Stone. CHECK! Step 2. Do it. CHECK. At least I am already through Unit 1! Step 3. Save, save, save because traveling is not cheap!

5. Attaining my CrossFit goals is high on my priority list. My plan of attack is to attend 3 to 5 times a week. Right now I can go 5 times a week but I know once my events for work begin I will do good to get in 3 times a week. The second part of my attack is clean eating. We are slowing incorporating paleo-type eating into our diet, which means less grains and refined sugars. Not sure we will ever go 100% paleo but you never know what the future holds once we start seeing the benefits!

CrossFit is really agreeing with Mr. Fitness. Hot damn!

6. As far as Jamiegurumi, my Etsy site, goes, I really really want to get this going. Is it too much to handle right now? Maybe. I'm going to check out a book this week at the library called Crafty Superstar. I guess that is my first step. The second step is making a decision.

I'm also working on some things around the house. Big surprise, I know. My main focus will be our bedroom. Not that this goes in the bedroom, but I've been wanting to makeover this cute little footstool I bought at a thrift store when I first moved here. I think it was $6. I finally had an epiphany tonight on what fabric I wanted to use and I already have it on hand! Now if I can only find the darn staple gun. Maybe, I should resolve (hate that word!) to be more organized. LOL.

I wonder what I'm gonna look like when she's finished with me?

Things to do in 2011

2011-01-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

Okay folks! You know how much I love resolutions! Last year I didn't like the word resolution b/c it also meant failure to me -usually.

Drum roll please!

1. Finish this. I started it last year but it's some intense crocheting people!

2. Go here.

3. Or here.

4. Or maybe here.

5. I have several goals for CrossFit. Here they are:

Bench 145 lbs max; Squat 200 lbs max; Deadlift 300 lbs max
10 unbroken, unassisted pull-ups

Be able to do "man" push-ups

Fit into a size 8 (with consistent attendance and clean eating)

6. I've been thinking about my Etsy site. I still would like to open the store. It's time consuming, of course. And there's the whole "no one will buy my stuff" part. So, I have to really think about my goals and reasons for doing it. So this resolution is really TBD.

7. Blog more. I can't give myself a more quantifiable goal here. If I say blog daily, that would freak me out too much. I can't commit to doing anything daily unless it's eating, sleeping, and showering. Too much pressure!!!!!

8. And once I finish #1, I plan to start this love quilt for our bed:

Okay, I guess that's it. Seems a bit daunting but we'll see where it goes! What are your resolutions? Give me your top 3!

oh baby....

2010-12-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

I just can't stop laughing when I see this. That dad rocks! And by the way, that is the first time I have listened to that song in its entirety. Chad showed me this video a few nights ago and I woke up with this song in my head! OHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

So Mr. Fitness and I have been doing CrossFit for three weeks now. I can already tell a difference in my body. My massage therapist, Jenn, said she can tell my entire back and arms are getting stronger!

I'm still struggling with the met-con stuff but I just keep at it. It kills me but I know it will be over soon and I don't quit! I will finish.

This week, we had to determine our one rep max for three exercises. This is so we can do a program called 5-3-1 on strength days. It's pretty simple yet complicated at the same time and I'm not about to explain it here. So just to sum up my workouts this week:

Bench One Rep Max: 90 lbs

Squat One Rep Max: 125 lbs

Deadlift One Rep Max: 235 lbs

So for the next 4 weeks and really for the next year, my strength training will be based off of percentages of those numbers. Good thing I have Mr. Fitness and my Coach to explain all this everyday!

I was getting a little stressed over getting everything ready for the Holidays but Mr. Fitness helped talked me through it last night. He is always right when it comes to this. It's all under my control. I do put too much pressure on myself so I decided to not pull together a few Christmas present crafts and only focus on two of them. The terrariums will have to wait.

I am really looking forward to seeing my family and friends in Alabama over the Holidays. Then, when we come back to Florida we will see more friends and watch the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day! Yah!

And speaking of New Year's Day, I'm working my list of resolutions, I mean to-do list. Some of them will be carried over from last year (oops!) LOL but that's okay. Again, sometimes I put too much pressure on myself and realize I need to focus on two big things versus 10 small ones. Or, that I was not really thinking straight when I thought I wanted to pursue my MBA. lol

Here's a few photos from our walk on the beach last weekend. The weather was great. Of course, we decided to go when it looked like a storm was coming but it made for some cool pics!

Mr. Hotness

Windy!

Bonk Ur Junk

2010-12-08T22:01:00.004-05:00

Okay so I've been trying to figure out how I would post on this blog and the workout blog site with my WODs and not let this blog become completely lame and boring. So, I think I worked it out that I would post my workouts once a week in one post. That way I will have a log of my weights and times and can blog about the other stuff like decorating, crafts and island life! My friend from high school, Jen recently lost a ton of weight and posted weekly bikini photos until she reached her goal! I'm not that brave but I did take before photos in my bikini as Josh the Coach recommended, but those will NOT be shared. I guess this could suffice as a before photo.

I'm still crafting away on some Christmas presents. Considering its only a few weeks away you would think I would be further along but I think I work best under pressure! I see some long crafting nights in my future!

I've been seeing a lot of terrarium how-tos on all the decorating blogs I go to. On our recent trip to Michigan we went to the Botanical Gardens and was completely inspired by their Cacti Garden. I love the texture and colors of succulents and seeing how this is pretty much the only plant I manage to keep alive, I really love them! There were succulents everyone!

So, now, I've been inspired to make a few small open-air terrariums (for succulents) as Christmas presents. Here's an example from a Google image search:

I bought a new laptop and haven't uploaded camera software or any music from my old laptop yet. I'm lazy. So these are the only photos you get!

And finally for a bit more random Jamie, I pulled a 200 lb deadlift the other day and I'm so happy. It's always been my favorite lift out of the three (bench and squat are the others), so I was just elated when I realized it was 200 lbs! Now the met-con (fast cardio stuff) that I have to do sucks a$$ and I despise it but that is what helps in weight loss so it's a love-hate relationship. Really just hate-hate.

Mr. Fitness was telling me about the paleo diet. A lot of CrossFitters eat paleo. That's eating like a caveman. No sugar, salt, grains or dairy. Only meats, fruits, veggies and some nuts. Also known as "oh hell no"! by me. There is a website that does a 30 day challenge, where you eat paleo with zero cheating for 30 days. You don't get on the scales at all during the 30 days. I do find myself thinking about it. Maybe in January as a kick-off to good health. I dunno. It's so extreme and I did the extreme diet a few months back and I don't know how long I can live without cheese.

But you can have real bacon on the paleo diet and I could still eat grapes and watermelon. So maybe.

Speaking of the paleo diet, here's a text conversation b/n Mr. Fitness and I today:

Mr. Fitness: I felt like captain caveman at lunch. Don't be surprised if I club you over the head tonight. (after he a ate a paleo approved lunch today)

Me: lol that's hysterical and don't b surprised if I yank that club from u and bonk u in the junk! I'm a modern cave wife.

WOD 12.01.10

2010-12-02T14:41:00.002-05:00

Well, I completed day two of CrossFit Fundamentals Training and WOD! Apparently, I have a few bad habits that developed back in the day when I was doing powerlifting that I need to change for Crossfit lifts. One thing that Josh, the Coach, said to me was that I was thinking too much. So, I need to remember to only focus on one thing at a time and eventually my body will learn the move and it will be like second nature. So much to learn!

Again, I was tired after the warm-up and Fundamentals Training. For warm-up, we row 500 meters on a Concept 2 Rowing machine, then 8-10 reps of 4 exercises: a pull, a push, abs and air squats - THREE TIMES! Oh my word! Then, the workout begins. This really takes things to the next level, mentally and physically!

Here is a before photo - right after the warm-up. A little tired and sweaty, but not too much and I'm still smiling!

Here is the after WOD photo:

That workout was no joke:

I did 3 rounds for time of the following: 5 thrusters (which we learned how to do that day). This move is like having a bar across your chest and then you squat and then quickly push the bar over your head! It took me 10 minutes and 22 seconds. And that was with encouragement being yelled at me from Josh the Coach and Mr. Fitness.

Like this,

And then 10 burpees after that. Here's a burpee:

Of course, my burpees looked nothing like that. They kind of looked like a beach whale decided to spazz out on the beach and then jump and clap with his huge flippers. Oh it was horrible and my knees are all jacked up and bruised from it.

But it's fun! LOL - I think I've lost my mind.

WOD (Workout of the Day) 11.29.10

2010-11-30T18:48:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was our first day ever in a box. A box is CrossFit lingo for a gym. It was really cool and intimidating as are most things that are new to you. And yes, it really kicked my ass. I remember doing CrossFit when I started this blog about 2 years ago and I remember it kicking my ass then too. But you know what? It's still fun and it's still worth it. I was tired and my legs were ready to give out after the Fundamentals portion of the class. And then, Josh, our CrossFit Coach, says, "OK let's start the workout!" I was thinking "WTF!?! Oh heck no!" but of course I smile (or really wince) and tell myself "Jamie, you can do this!" And guess what? I did! I almost thought I was going to throw up and pass out at the same time but I did it! Heck yes! Vance, my bro-n-law, told me there's a CrossFit saying that goes "Our warm-up is your workout!" Dude, I believe it.

I had to fill out three fitness goals I want to accomplish next year. I could really only think of two but added losing weight for the heck of it. Yes, I want to lose weight but it's kinda a given that will happen on this program.

1. Lose more weight :o) even though Josh said not to put this
2. Participate in first triathlon in May at Disney
3. Do one pull up. Pretty much every CrossFit workout includes pull-ups so I need to be able to do them. Right now, I will be doing modified versions like ring rows or using bands to help me until I can do them!

So, today is recovery day. Oh boy, it has been tough. I tripped down the hallway at work every time I got out of my chair. My legs aren't cooperating! I received a text from Josh asking me how I was doing and he suggested I go for a walk to help put the blood back in my muscles so I did. It will be interesting to see how tomorrow night goes! Legs don't fail me now!

WOD 11.29.10 1/2 "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 10 minutes of
5 ring rows
10 sit ups
15 air squats

I did 2 rounds plus 5 ring rows plus one sit up.

Hey-OOOOOOOOO!

Our box! Image via www.operatorcrossfit.com.

Oh the weather outside is....COLD...

2010-11-23T19:24:00.001-05:00

image via polyvore

Well, it's not exactly cold now, but it will be where we're going....Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our flight is at 6:50 in the morning so it will be a much needed coffee drinking morning. We are visiting our friends Dan, Andrea and Jacob who moved from South Florida to Michigan over the summer. Mr. Fitness keeps asking me why we are visiting them in the fall/winter and not the summer! Ha! Well, I'm thinking the same thing. We miss our friends and it was just good timing to see them now and have Thanksgiving with them, like we did last year.

Andrea called me Sunday to tell me they will have a cold front coming through and the high will be in the low 30s and snowing! Whoa (in my best Joey Lawrence impression). It's 80 degrees in South Florida. I finally bought a coat and a fleece sweater today! Fortunately, the Treasure Coast had a cold front a few weeks back meaning it was going to be high 68 and low 48. I realized I had zero long sleeves in my closet and bought a few for layering at Target. I hope these things get me through! I'm actually looking forward to the snow - it's been a while and then I'll look forward to the body scan/junk touching then 80 degree weather in South Florida on Saturday!

We have some cool things to look forward to upon arriving back home. We are joining a real-life CrossFit gym - Operator CrossFit! Remember, when I started this blog and I was posting WODs (Workout of the Day)? Well, we were doing CrossFit in Birmingham just out of house and local gym but this is a brand new gym opening up and it's completely devoted to CrossFit. They have rings and pull-up bars and huge tires to flip! I'm nervous and excited!

Here's a video that may explain CrossFit a little more:

Here's to a happy gobble, gobble to everyone - before the hard core working out, right?!

Raising a glass to a nice, relaxing, rejuvenating Holiday.

Cheery-o,
J

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

2010-10-12T20:36:00.001-04:00

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Louis de Bernieres

Love is a temporary madness,

it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.

And when it subsides you have to make a decision.

You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together

that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.

Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness,

it is not excitement,

it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.

That is just being “in love” which any fool can do.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,

and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,

and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches,

they find that they are one tree and not two.

Eight years ago, I married my other half. He completes me in every way and I will love and adore him for as long as I live. A thousand times I love you, my tree sidekick.What kind of tree are we?

The Place Where Dreams Come True

2010-10-11T20:21:00.002-04:00

What a great slogan, eh? I felt like my dreams came true just being in the parking lot! Dinosaur 35, thankyouverymuch.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for Disney. Not really the current Disney stuff but old school. Like Cinderella. Love Lion King. Mickey Mouse Club - original and new. I grew up on Disney, like most children. I even remember the day we got cable for the first time and I was glued to the television watching the Disney Channel and wondering why all the times listed for upcoming shows were an hour off.

It has been 16 years since I visited Walt Disney World as a sophomore in high school. This weekend, my hubby and I got to experience Animal Kingdom - a special, unplanned treat to celebrate our 8th year anniversary.

We BOTH had a blast!

Posin' in front of the Tree of Life - I swear I didn't mean to poke my boobs out.

My Gizmo Man

That's a croc mate!

We only saw this one giraffe and it was munchin on some grub

African elephants. EVERYWHERE.

For the birds

Just chillin right by the safari jeep pathway

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

The most fun coaster ever is in that mountain. And a Yeti.

Love of my life

Why hello there

Holy bat balls, Batman!

Doesn't this look like we were in another country? This section of 'Asia' was beautifully done.

Another authentic-ish area

Yah! The parade! Soooo much fun! And look at our girl Minnie in her little safari outfit!

Rafiki!

I actually took 178 photos and it was really hard to edit them down to this!

Chad said we should do this more often. Can't wait to see the rest of the parks in the coming months/years!

Momma's Project

2010-09-26T14:04:00.001-04:00

Hola from South Florida! Yo! A1A BEACHFRONT AVENUE!

As you know, I'm constantly crafting. Well not really constantly. Maybe constantly THINKING about it but not constantly doing it. I've had my thoughts on a project I found in a shelter magazine called Cloth Paper Scissors. This particular issue (from Sept/Oct 2007!) had the absolutely perfect quilting project for me. I love the idea of quilting and have even started a few of my own but making a quilt is HARD WORK. LONG HOURS. DID I MENTION HARD WORK? If you have a thousand dollars worth of machinery, maybe not so hard but I don't have this. So in this issue finding an article called 'True Confessions of a Rebellious Quilter' was right up my alley. Basically, the author loves the idea of quilting too and was taught by her great aunt when she was 12. But she never finished. So she decided to come up with a way to make it easier. Her project involved taking an old photo and transferring it to fabric. So, I've had several ideas in mind to make a quilt with either one or both of my grandmothers on it...one for Chad and I...for my family...but I would still run into other issues when dreaming up the quilt.

I mention all this to say that I was thinking about this quilt again and decided I should make one for my momma for Christmas and then I immediately thought of two photos I wanted to use of my brother and I for the quilt. After completely trashing our guest room to find the photos (guess I know what I"ll be doing the rest of my Sunday), I FINALLY FOUND THEM. Eek! I'm so excited!

Here are the two photos:

This photo pretty much epitomizes our relationship.
I was around 4. It was taken
at a photo booth at either Eastwood Mall or
Century Plaza. Love it!

My brother, Mr. Muscle Man, himself. When I see this picture
I just giggle incessantly.

I plan to transfer the photos to black and white for the quilt and design the quilt around the song "You are my sunshine" as inspiration!

Yah! New project for Jamie!

My Chicken Nuggets!

2010-09-11T17:40:00.000-04:00


Stylin...

Wow - had a great Holiday weekend with the family! Our nieces are just two precious and hysterical little babies! Well, they aren't exactly babies anymore!

Mer-Man

Ahhhhhh!!!

Not a huge fan of the sand at first, but eventually it was okay.

You can't see me!

They love their Uncle Chad.

Now this one is a little fishy!

Jazzy took a little bit longer to get acclimated to the water but eventually got the hang of it!

Fun times in South Florida!

And now the best for last....Hugs-N-Punches first video featuring Jazzy J and 'Riyah!

I gotta love and I know that it's all mine oh oh oh ohhhhh

2010-09-05T23:29:00.000-04:00

thank you Beth for sending this to me! I think I've watched it 5 times in row in about about 2 minutes and laugh hysterically every time...

Of tables and nieces...

2010-08-30T15:03:00.000-04:00

I am super excited about my new table that Chad made for me!


Some of the handy dandy tools required...

Adding some finishing touches prior to the paint

Ta da! New table!

Except I didn't like how I had accessorized it so this is how it looks now!

And yah! I'm also super excited about our family coming down over Labor Day weekend! We haven't seen our nieces in five whole months!

I can't wait to see their cute wittle faces! And give 'em tons of love and kisses!


Jasmine at her birthday party.


Ariyah loved Chad's hat!

I'm quite sure I'm gonna have some great photos of them to share soon! I have to document how big they've grown!

What I Did on my Summer Vacation

2010-08-23T20:07:00.001-04:00

Hello from the land of Oops-I-forgot-I-have-a-blog-and-that-sucker-needs-to-be-updated! See, I could never be one of those bloggers who actually make a living off of their blog. This is proof.

So for starters let's talk briefly about what I did over my summer vacation. First, what summer vacation? I worked like 40 hours a week. And by work I mean pretended to look busy for 8 hours a day. See you can still have an imagination at 32! Pretend can be for grown-ups it's just more in the form of deception. No really, I worked really hard - mainly on putting budgets together so I can see on paper that yes a department of 3 can raise $1 million this fiscal year! Oye.

Okay nevermind that stressful stuff. Let's look back on our summer vacation. What's that you say? You want to see a summer photo montage?!? Why, of course!

Crocheted my little heart away for my bestie!


new glasses that I have to wear 24/7


friends in town for almost a month! They must come back immediately and STAY.

View of the intercoastal down in Boca Raton where I attended a philanthropy conference


One of my fave pics of the summer! Chad with Joshie, our friends soon-to-be-official little boy!


A night of painting with Dana AKA 20 year old PBA student

Bailea in her groove. That girl loves to paint!

Boating with friends - Joshie chillin on the sand bar.


Where else can I put THIS STUFF?

Relaxing on the sand bar.

Lou and Joshie in the 2nd cutest pic of the summer!


The BEST night of the summer...boat trip at dusk!

That's the Huizenga clubhouse behind us. It was ginormous.

Gorgeous sunset at Sailor's Return.

That seriously was the color of the sky - no photo-shopping here!

Trip to Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach (in the pouring rain)!

Yo!

Cool canopy.

Look at the cool lizard tail!

What would a Japanese Gardens be without koi?


Cute bridge - reminded us of BBG.

Beautiful waterfall at the end of our path.

SAid goodbye to our friends, the Maisons, who decided
to leave the palm trees and blue sky for something called snow in Michigan. Bless their little 'ole hearts!

Well, that's it - I have a few more things to add but those photos haven't been uploaded yet! Chad technically started his first day today so it's appropriate that I post this today. Although, I don't recall ever having to talk/write about what I did on my summer vacation in school. I only see that on t.v.

you feel it

2010-06-18T16:27:00.001-04:00

*via polyvore*

P.S. Yes, I still have my very LARGE Piglet and Eeyore stuffed animals from when I was a teenager.

I can't bear to part with them.

32

2010-06-09T17:18:00.001-04:00

In the Land-of-32-Year-Olds (also known as Third Annual 29th Birthday) you get good presents and good food:

Bryan Adams concert:

Office birthday surprise and Italian cookies...yum:

Met Liz for tea and crumpets. Thanks Joe and Liz for Alice!

Flowers from the hubs. I asked him what the three roses meant. He said "Past, present and future, duh."

Makeshift picnic and eating yummy chicken fried rice, crab rangoon and sushi from our favorite thai place. Oh and don't forget the pomegranate champagne!

Andrea totally read my mind when she got me the new Apt Therapy book!

Okay, I'm not a food photographer so I can't make this food look like you want to just eat it off the screen, but let me tell you. THE. BEST. SPAGHETTI. EVER. Homemade noodles and sauce. HOMEMADE! No Ragu. No whatever brand pasta. Dan should throw down with Bobby. Alls I gotta say.

Jacob hiding under the table so he can pop out and surprise me for my birthday cake. LOL.

Did we say chocolate cake?!? No Jamie Marie Penn Adcock birthday would be complete without it.

Holler! My new Strawberry tee from my bestie, Emily! Hey, that rhymed. Check. it. One time. Yo.

And, my big gift from Mr. Fitness! It's arriving on the 10th and I can't wait! A new stereo for my car! This way I will have in-dash Sirius and an aux for my ipod Touch. No more cords all over the car! Fancy Schmancy!

Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

2010-06-02T21:59:00.000-04:00

ONE - today is my birthday and I woke up to this:

TWO - I love my new candle holders. I've had them for a little bit but didn't have the long-handled candle lighter to light them with:

I'll post some more birthday goodness later but this is all I can muster up since I'm just simply and absolutely exhausted! Having a birthday is very tiring. Indeed. You grow a whole year in one day!

Boom! How you like me now?

2010-05-26T19:30:00.003-04:00

Okay so this will be a crazy post b/c I'm going to be all over the place!

First, I almost died! Okay not really. At all. I heard a noise this morning and I thought someone was breaking into the house with a jackhammer...then there was silence. I needed to go investigate but I was only in my underoos. So I had to hurry and put on my clothes and tip toe downstairs when I had the epiphany that there weren't burglars but something must have fallen off the wall. Inspect the walls. Nothing. All is the calm. So, then, I decided our 90 year old next door neighbor must have killed over and died and fallen in the floor. And I really thought at this point I hoped she had one of those "I've fallen and I can't get up" alarms. I run back upstairs and put my ear up to the wall. Nothing. Well.

So then I go back downstairs and I see a text from Mr. Fitness that read: Did you feel a sonic boom?

What the crap?!?!? Did something happen at the nuclear power plant located 2 miles down the road? If yes, why am I still alive? Did another airplane crash on Nettles Island - 3 minutes from our house? That happened 2 weekends ago.

So, yes we heard the sonic boom of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it was landing at the Kennedy Space Center about 2 hours north of us. Crazy shitake.

*photo from tcpalm.com*

Second, do you know how sometimes there are songs that come out and you listen to it over and over again. I did this a ton when I was younger and a teenager but not so much now. I can only think of about 3 songs I have done this with in the past 9 months. Spinnerette's Baptized by Fire, The XX's Shelter, and my new song of the moment (you can listen to all three to the right over there). And then you watch the video and you are like what just happened?

Here is my song of the moment. Enjoy. I hope I don't have nightmares.

And finally, this video where I LMAO for a full minute (thanks to Em for sending it to me!). Just so you know, when Strawberry and I are jumping on the clouds with the Care Bears, she doesn't talk like that(!):

Moments...

2010-05-26T08:16:00.001-04:00

It's a PHOTO MONTAGE! Ready? Good!

I feel sorry for this person. I mean, really?

My daddy's flowers. He's proud of them and I love them!

Me and my momma before heading to the Bryan Adams concert. It was a blast and we had the best time:

I love lamp. This is a new lamp shade I bought at Target for $12 on clearance. Works perfectly!

This is a mini coat rack that I bought at a thrift store in The Ham for $1.99. I sprayed painted it aqua that I already had on hand. Cutesy! I'm gonna hang jewelry on it.

As my friend Dan would say, this does not suck:

Ahhhh. Some beach goodness.

I thought this doggie was so cute sitting in the beach chair. He looked right at the camera as I took the photo!

Succulent-ly Lovely

2010-05-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

So, I bought this way cool pot at the Designer Showcase Garden Shop and it's been in my trunk for about a month. Knowing I have the blackest of all black thumbs in the world, I knew I had to plant something like aloe or succulents. Something that can go un-watered for 6 months and still live. I decided to go with succulents since they offer such variety.

I planted them about a week ago and they have already grown since this photo! I just love the textures and different colored greens.

On a different note, Jamie's been sicky. I mean laying in bed for 24 hours straight for the past 3 days sick. ICK. I finally went to work today and also went to the doc to find out even after the flu test came back negative that she thinks I had the flu. Huh? Whatever. Just as long as I'm getting better and I get my meds - I don't really care. By the way, Mucinex rocks! Highly recommended. Did you get that Google Adsense? I said Mucinex so put a freakin Mucinex ad on my bloggy!

And now for something completely different - my new house inspiration: THIS PLACE. Adore, want, love.

weeeeeeee the people!

2010-05-01T19:11:00.000-04:00

Politics. Okay, so I do listen to NPR about once a week or when we travel long distances by car, but typically politics are the last thing on the list of things that interest me. It's probably even worse than mustard. MUSTARD.

Side note: When I think about politics I automatically equate that to NPR.

However, when I saw this photo of Michelle Obama getting her groove on, I was just in awe and now I keep thinking about it. She is hot stuff! Go chickie chickie!

It really makes me want to find out more about her and what makes her tick, which may mean I have to read about politics or maybe someone has started a website or blog about her and how cool she appears to be without all that bi-partisan, weapons of mass destruction, plutocracy, amendments, caucuses, libertarian bull hockey!

P.S. I googled political words for the last sentence. And, yes plutocracy is a word and it does not involve Disney World or a planet. It means "the rule of the wealthy". So there.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fu-un

2010-04-28T19:52:00.000-04:00

My friend Liz and I decided to take a girls trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. We had a blast!

Chuckles is so much fun. Here she is about to get frisked by Bart and I think she liked it:

Here is the Hulk roller coaster. It's the biggest coaster in the park and we thought it was best to do the biggest first. Still not sure that was the best decision and I will never ride it ever again in my life. Ever. Never. Ever.

Here's the very impressive castle for the Harry Potter ride. It opens in June.

We ate lunch in Jurassic Park:

Da da da dum:

The bedroom...bow chica bow wow

2010-04-26T18:25:00.004-04:00

Alrighty then, so are you ready to find out what I used those adorable, turquoise, faux reptile print buttons for?

A tufted headboard! Ta-da!

An ebay fabric purchase, a trip to Joanne's Fabrics and Home Depot along with Mr. Fitness's math genius and *voila* our new headboard! I just love it to pieces.

Here is Mr. Fitness helping with the fabric:

Pre-tufting:

And after:

Yippee. It's the perfect thickness to lean against as well.

So, now I only have a few more things to do to our bedroom before it will be finished.

When Liz and I were in Orlando on Friday (which I will be posting pics soon) we had a fun, mad 20-minute dash in IKEA and I found the PERFECT, most adorable, DID I SAY PERFECT fabric for curtains.

See..............isn't it PERFECT. Actually the picture doesn't do it justice. However, they are sold out so I will have to go back in 3-4 weeks, which is good that way I can actually measure to figure out exactly how much I need.

Then, I think I want to purchase some of these wall-mounted candle holders from CB2 to put in a horizontal row above the headboard:
.

AND THEN, I plan to add this throw once I'm finished crocheting it (mine's in a heather gray color). I'm probably .00000025 of the way finished. Hmmm.

Well bust my buttons!

2010-04-21T17:48:00.006-04:00

When I hear this song, it makes my shoulders do this weird twitching thing that I think people call dancing. Or jerking. SOMEthing. My lips also do this puffed out thing. So shoulders twitching, lips puffed. That's me. But I LOVE this song - caution the lyrics are not PG.

I have so many things going on! I've been doing hours and hours (I'm not kidding you) of research to decide ~~if I am going to change my blog~~ that yes I just changed my blog. So that's one thing I'm doing. You may have noticed a new page on this blog. I'm opening an Etsy store. Yah! I'm working on the inventory now. I've ordered business cards and everything, ya'll!

I've also been working on something. This is a hint:

Do you like my buttons?

Haunted Treasure Coast Antique Mall

2010-04-19T17:57:00.001-04:00

So, I finally made it to a really cool antique mall today. It's a restored mansion between Fort Pierce and Vero that is situated on a big hill, which you can't miss because there are like 5 "hills" in the area and this is one of them. I've only been wanting to stop by ever since I lived here, but it was always on my way to meetings or back from meetings. Blah. Blah. Blah.

Man, that place is way cool and there is so much to see that I know I will be back soon.

There is also some history on the place that is totally blog-worthy.

Apparently, the house was built around 1926 atop one of the highest points on the Treasure Coast. It was constructed for a Bulgarian philharmonic director from New York for the price of $86,000. There are many tales, as you can imagine, regarding the mansion but here are few that are neat.

*In the early 40s, the mansion was used by the Germans to communicate with submarines offshore, for the purpose of espionage.
*Silent film Gloria Swanson owned the mansion in the middle 40s, where she rendezvoused with Joe Kennedy.
*Al Capone stopped by the mansion en route to his Miami home. Cigar smoke is sometimes noticed in the upstairs bedroom where he slept.
*During the late 50s and 60s, it was operated as a bordello. Rumor has it that a gentleman client was shot by his wife on the seventh step as he was coming down from the upstairs bedroom. His ghost is said to haunt the house still.

Found these awesome glasses. I used to have the Smurfette one but she broke and now I have Gargamel and Azriel added to my collection! I hope they aren't haunted.

AND, this awesome vintage necklace that I will be wearing to work tomorrow!

Butch Walker

2010-04-13T19:36:00.005-04:00

So, I think ole Butchy boy has gone mainstream pop. Butch Walker was the frontman for a glorious, absolutely wonderful band in the late 90s called Marvelous 3, with a hit single you may remember called Freak of the Week. Mr. Fitness and I still listen to that one amazing album and sing at the top of our lungs and synchronize our clapping. He is super talented and has gone on to produce tons of great music like that of P!nk's, Sevendust and Avril Lavigne. Plus, he's a Southern boy - ATL baby.

Mr. Fitness follows him on Twitter and updates me on things of interest, so when Butch posted his newest single, I was super excited but, alas, it was just okay. Not even sure what song it is.

HOWEVER, this little ditty is pretty cool.

Mr. Adams

2010-03-31T17:52:00.001-04:00

So, I had the unbelievable pleasure of going to see Bryan Adams in concert. I found out pretty last minute that he was in town (the downside to only listening to satellite radio) but was able to score tickets off of Craigslist.

It was an all acoustic, Bare Bones tour but absolutely amazing! His voice is exactly the same in person and I love it when that happens since so much can be altered in a studio.

I'm even considering going to see him again in Birmingham with my mom since she enjoys him and his tight blue jeans as much as I do. Oh and I like his music.

So yummy.

What I've been doing

2010-03-14T20:03:00.012-04:00

So hi there.

Wow. I'm tired but I'm really enjoying what I've been doing! I've been working on an event at work for about 8 months now and the big event began with an awesome preview party on March 5 and the actual house tour itself started on March 6 and runs through March 26.

It's quite the affair and absolutely perfect for me that I get to work with interior designers considering how much I love decorating and design and this is my job and all the profit benefits my place of employment.

We have opened the doors of this historic estate in Stuart, Florida for all to see. For $30 a pop you get to see twenty-one spaces all uniquely and amazingly designed, enjoy lunch on the patio with a pool and riverfront as your backdrop and shop til your hearts content in the gift shop. And me? I get to run it all and make sure everything goes according to plan. Which is interesting because many, many, many things have not gone according to plan but it's really all about making it work!

Introducing the Cashel Estate.

These are just some of my favorite shots but there is so much more to see...maybe I'll post soon but will for sure after the 26th!

*photography by Krueger Photography (Krueger as in Dick not Freddy)

Ta da!

2010-02-27T09:47:00.004-05:00

Okay, I finally did it. Pixie cut. Me. OMG. It's all part of the new me. I've lost 38 pounds, with about 19 more to go and I knew I was going to get a new hair cut along with my new body. And, well, I'm not the most patient person in the world. Actually, I have zero. I had to cut it now.

Wow.

I LOVE the texture!

I love this side.

And this morning when I woke up it looked like this. Wha? This means I get to sleep longer during the week! Yippee!

Okay so you can only comment if you LIKE it....

2010-02-26T13:00:00.001-05:00

I CANNOT wait to show you what I've done. Tune in tomorrow...

The Month of Mr. Fitness

2010-02-11T16:15:00.004-05:00

Well, what can I say, I love celebrating. So, right now, we are in celebration overdrive. We have friends coming down from Birmingham this weekend AND a huge Bacon Birthday Party on Saturday. I see some cool bacon photos in your future.

Here's some highlights over the past several weeks.

Love, love, love our patio:

Surprise flan from a great restaurant in Miami. The server whispered "Cumpleanos Feliz" to Mr. F as to not embarrass him:

Say Cheese:

Miami Moonlight:

Liz, Joe and I surprised Mr. Fitness on his actual birthday with sushi!

Happy Birthday Bubbles!

Legendary BB King:

Mr. F and BB (in background):
Me and BB (again in background):
Buddy Guy. He was so entertaining!

I saved the best for last. My first ever encounter with a drag queen:

Three Things

2010-01-25T11:35:00.005-05:00

One: I want to spontaneously dance more often.

Two: I think life could be more interesting if we sat on the floor more often.

Three: I want to drink tea out of a cute little teacup and saucer now and more often.

That's all.

Sgt Pepper's Crocheted Hearts Club Band

2010-01-12T20:57:00.003-05:00

Twenty Ten To Do List - please note I did not say resolutions

2010-01-02T22:12:00.007-05:00

So yah for a New Year! I love it when new things happen because it gives you a chance to regroup and see where you are in life and then make a path of where you want to be. Constantly growing.

A picture montage will be forthcoming from all the Holiday Madness but right now I want to focus on things I want to accomplish in the first year of this decade.

1. Start MBA. I have lots of good/bad thoughts about this which could be an entirely new post so I will spare you and just say I'm being optimistic by putting it as #1.

2. Travel overseas. I don't care where. I just want to go. Possibly in June when Mr. Fitness is out of school.

3. Make this, which could possibly take the entire year. I also want to make a needlepoint pillow of some cool, inspiring person like Vin Diesel or Megan Fox (ha, not really) but I haven't found a pattern yet.

4. Save more money. I realize #2 and #4 don't really go together but again the optimism.

Runner-Ups (haven't convinced myself of these yet):

5. Maybe buy some rollerblades and start rolling again. One year for Christmas my brother and I received rollerblades and we lived on a lot of land and we had this ginormous horse barn *with no stinky horses* that was nicely paved straight down the middle. We taught ourselves how to skate and I would most adventurously jump over the cracks in the pavement.

6. Maybe learn to cook some fancy stuff or maybe just regular stuff that doesn't come in a box.

So inquiring minds want to know - what does your to-do list consist of for twenty ten? Just a hint for my bestie Emily: your #1 To do should be to blog at least weekly :o).

Cheerie-o.

I swear I was a good girl this year!

2009-12-21T12:36:00.007-05:00

So Mr. Fitness and I celebrated Christmas together this past weekend. We typically never go "all out" or anything like that. In fact, we never have since we have been married and it's varied on buying each other four or five things or one big thing and always with a monetary limit depending on our financial status of that year. Well, this year we didn't really do any of that. I just sent him a list and he sent me a list and we just went from there.

Here are a few highlights:

Introducing Moustachio. I will bet money that this will not be the last time you see him:

Oh what fun! Mr. Fitness and I will be going to see BB King and Buddy Guy (apparently some famous blues people) in Melbourne in February. Mr. F says I will leave a blues fan (as I'm not so much right now). OH THE SACRIFICES I MAKE.

And my ultimate fave that I have worn every single day since. This is LoMo - her real name was Erika but *hell-o* she doesn't look like an Erika. She's made out of Swarovski crystals and I adore my 'lil robot.

And just for an added bonus (for you? or me?) here are some updated photos of our cozy townhouse:

Hysterical

2009-12-11T18:38:00.001-05:00

This makes me laugh out loud so hard my tummy hurts.

Here Comes the Sun

2009-12-11T10:44:00.004-05:00

I cannot get Beatles songs OUT OF MY HEAD.

For two reasons. One, because I've been crocheting away on making my daddy some Beatles amigurumis and naturally, you hum or sing any Beatles song that comes to your head at the time. For me, it's been Imagine but Mr. Fitness likes to point out that "that's not a Beatles song!" but it sooooo counts so WHATEVER.

Two, because we attended the Winter Performance at Jacob's school and it was called "All You Need is Love" and they all did Beatles songs. Jacob's class did Here Comes the Sun with motions and everything! No jazz hands though, darn it.

Here's a sneak peek at my cute lil ammies. I've had so much fun figuring them out.

Here's the inspiration photo:

This is Paul but I think I need to cut his hair more. Will wait until I do the others though.

Two guesses who this is - his moustache is hard so I plan to work on that and his hair next! These little guys are definitely a work in progress and I'm not sure I'm keeping these glasses on Johnny here.

Love, love, love...all you need is love.

I think if the world actually listens to the words to this song and just loved people it would truly make all the difference in our happiness and the happiness of others.

And, everytime I hear this song it reminds me of the wedding scene in Love Actually. My third favorite Christmas movie...and there's nudity in it so nothing says Christmas like boobs and a tush, right?

P.S. My first favorite Christmas movie is One Magic Christmas with Mary Steenburgen from 1985 - it's an "updated" take on It's a Wonderful Life but different...

My second fave is Elf. And guess what? I love you! I love you! I looooooovvvveeee you!

Hallow-Thanks-Mas

2009-12-05T21:09:00.006-05:00

It's the Trifecta of Holidays.

It's Chuckles (Liz) and Pebbles (me) on Halloween....

Bubbles (Chad) and -----les (Joe) on Halloween...

Yes I totally made this for Thanksgiving and it was yummy and look how amazing it looks!

The Thanksgiving table....how awesome is it to have Thanksgiving dinner outside?

Meet the Pilgrims and grimes....

Chad with an elevator shaft on his head and Jacob...

Oh it was absolutely wonderful!

I believe the tree was up on like day 5 of our move. I always like to get it up early because you get to cherish it longer.

Stockings hung on the bookcase with care by bobble-head snowmen, with hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there!

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas...

Probably my ultimate favorite Christmas item. We bought this our first Christmas when we went to the Christmas Village with Vance and Sherry. They bought one too but different colored hat and scarf.

Happy Halloween,

Happy Thanksgiving

and Happy Christmas!

Oh yeah and Happy SEC Championship baby! Woo doggie!

Life Across the Street

2009-12-01T18:14:00.005-05:00

First, I have to say that I did finally find my camera cord and the darn thing had 211 pictures to upload. I have SOOOOOO much to show you but in little bitty nibbles.

Here is the madness before the calm...we're still waiting on the calm part.

Mr. Fitness pretty much organized the kitchen himself and I have to say he did a mighty fine job, but I still know where the butter is without having to ask. Ah. Men.

Ain't that the truth, Pepito:

Yah, all cleaned up and decorated!

The artwork was originally above our bed but now it has a new home:

Little niche beside the tv/media console:

Awww, even the monchichis are happy in their new home:

View from kitchen/hallway:

It doesn't look like this now but there was a period where it was all nice and neat:

The bar side:

The living room is definitely a work in progress. We tried to hang curtains on Sunday but the darn wall is concrete! Maybe next weekend.

No pictures of the upstairs yet though those rooms are coming along. Maybe I can tackle them this weekend.

I couldn't remember why I was excited about having a bathtub (from my last post) but now I remember. I now can shave my legs without using my muscle to hold my leg up in the air. Do you even know who dangerous that is with a razor blade AND I've been missing spots for a whole year!

Home Sweet Townhouse

2009-11-27T21:13:00.004-05:00

Okay so I don't have pictures yet.

BUT, here are some things I love about our townhouse (in no particular order):

1. The upstairs. I love how's it laid out, how it's separate from the rest of the house. I've never had stairs before and I hate to say this but my knees are having to get used to the stairs. No, I am not getting old thankyouverymuch.
2. Huge screened patio!
3.Bigger closet.
4. Yellow flowers in the back.
5. We can park so close to our front door.
6. Bigger fridge and washer/dryer!
7. Alcove in guest room.
8. We have a tub!

Now, there are a few things that I don't like but, fortunately, somewhat correctable.

1. Mr. Roach in our bathroom.
2. Ant family in the kitchen.
3. We have to actually lock our sliding glass doors now. In the condo, the only person we would have to worry about was Spiderman. Now just any Joe Blow could come in.
4. Fewer cabinets and counterspace in the kitchen.
5. Ceiling fans in the living room and dining room. Please note the living room and the dining room ARE THE SAME ROOM. So, why on Earth do you need two ceiling fans? I already asked her before we signed the lease about taking the one down in the dining room and she said yes. I definitely see us doing that in the future.
6.Black specs in water. Hello, Brita pitcher!

I'm sure there are other things that I love or don't and I'm quite sure Mr. Fitness has his own list (I know he hates the ceiling fans too 'cuz he keeps hitting his head on one!).

Overall, I like it. Pictures will be forthcoming (like tomorrow).

Oh yeah, almost forgot.

ROLL FREAKIN TIDE! Boo yaw!

Vampire is the new black...

2009-11-20T17:54:00.001-05:00

Okay so one more post! I was cking out my fave blogs...

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS POST BY JENN!

Grow a Pair

2009-11-20T16:37:00.004-05:00

So, this weekend is packing time! We are probably half way finished since I've been packing a little at a time. When I woke up this morning I almost cried since seeing the ocean when I first wake up will be a memory all too soon, but it was a year on the ocean! Tough up woman! Maybe I need to watch G.I. Jane to grow some balls and not cry at the slightest thing.

I may not blog much until next week with new house photos so here's to a wonderful Gobble Gobble Day. I drew you *yes you!* a picture!

Winston Churchill revised

2009-11-14T11:38:00.005-05:00

I just bought this artwork for our new place. Well, technically, that was the "reason" to buy it. You know "for the new place."

Rock on Sir Winston Churchill.

Just a singin' and a dancin'

2009-11-12T07:58:00.004-05:00

My friend Chrissy Lou sent me this video. She has a slight obsession with Michael Buble.

What I want to know is why this can't happen to me in the grocery store?

It's Hammer Time

2009-10-29T17:31:00.004-04:00

Da da da da .....

Tattoos and Marriage

2009-10-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

Once I finish my potted flowers amigurumi (which doesn't look like the picture at all but I'll make it work), I want to start on this idea.

Take this quote:

"Sometimes I bust out and do things so permanent. Like tattoos and marriage." Drew Barrymore

and cross-stitch it - like so...

then frame it.

Ta-da!

I'm putting it out there on the Internets so I will remember the idea and actually do it! The only cross-stitching project I ever completed was in 8th grade Home Ec when we had to stitch the California Raisins and I needed a good grade. The other project that remains half way finished is something I was doing for Beth and Ford Man when they got married and then a Strawberry Shortcake (the original, of course) image for the nieces. I still have both unfinished pieces.

Unfinished is the word of the day! Or geez my life....

Two Things

2009-10-23T10:02:00.007-04:00

First, 'tis bittersweet the whole moving thing. Seeing the boxes makes me sad and happy. Jeez, such a girl! We are moving our admin offices at work this week and I have brought some boxes home to use (recycling!) and I was all excited that I had 13 boxes and told Mr. Fitness that I will get at least 7 more and 20 boxes should be enough, right? He looked at me and laughed and said, when moving from Birmingham, he bought 60 boxes.

Oh.

So I said no way in you know where am I packing/unpacking 60 boxes. My goal is 40.

I read on Apartment Therapy this motto when moving "if you won't enjoy unpacking it, then sell it/give it away" So I am going with that motto too.

Second, I'm making a new amigurumi! It will be potted flowers. Since I have the blackest thumb God could have given anyone, I thought this would be good 'cuz I can't kill it!

This is the pot in progress:

These are the colors that I think I will use:

Oh Shoot I Got No Phone

2009-10-22T10:23:00.009-04:00

We had such a good time with our family here! The weather wasn't exactly the best (very windy and cooler - 70s) but we still had fun. We already miss them and are really looking forward to Christmas!

Here's the highlight reel:

Ariyah very focused on the sand.

Jasmine just chillin with me on the bed while everyone else was still sleeping.

So cute.

I love this picture of Jasmine.

Rockin out with Uncle Chad.

This is her rockin out pirate face.

Just woke up and wanted Uncle Chad to "hold me".

These boots were made for walkin. And that's Aunt Jamie's necklace. Ariyah said "Necklace. Wear it."

Playing with Ariyah's birthday present.

I love this outfit. Can I pick 'em or what?

Heading home after playing at the beach.

Having fun under the fold-out bed.

I showed Sherry and Vance this video and now we are quoting it back and forth to each other.

I can watch this over and over.

2fer - Deux

2009-10-13T18:23:00.006-04:00

I just went to thesaurus.com to find another word for random.

Here are some fortuitous shots:

LOL.

Flowers for the anniversary:

Doggie on the beach. She was so cute!

My baby on the beach.

Skimboarding:

Falling (that's his leg in the air!):

Old dude fishing but it looks like he's peeing.

I just looked up on thesaurus.com for another word for beautiful.

Resplendent sunset.

My new 'do:

Vance and Sherry and the girls are coming down on Friday and will be with us for 4 days. YIPPEE! We are very excited! It's been since the end of May so it is a much needed visit! Not to mention how homesick I have been lately. Unfortunately, we will not be able to travel for Thanksgiving since that is the week we are moving, so Christmas cannot get here fast enough! Meira, darling, I'm sure there will be some timely posts!

Have I mentioned that it's 90 degrees here? Wha? I wanna wear boots and sweaters, dang it!

2Fer - First

2009-10-13T18:02:00.004-04:00

Hola! So today, blogmates you get a 2fer (i.e. two posts in one day)...oh the joy! Oh the excitement!

Mr. Fitness and I celebrated 7 years of marriage yesterday and we went shopping in Palm Beach and had such fun - on the way home we were listening to Pearl Jam's new album and this song is just the epitome of a love song.

Pearl Jam song on youtube (no video just the song).

Here are the lyrics to Just Breathe (which, I love that phrase anyway cuz of my girl Drew in Ever After):

Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love

Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh

Stay with me..Let’s just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,

Never gonna let me win, aw huh

Under everything, just another human being, aw huh
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.
Stay with me...You’re all I see.

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see

No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.
I wonder everydayas I look upon your face, aw huh

Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave.

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see

No one know this more than me.
As I come clean.
Nothing you would take
everything you gave.

Hold me till I die
Meet you on the other side.

Treasure Coast Fanatics

2009-10-01T17:01:00.003-04:00

Hi peeps! Here are some random photos from the TCF (Treasure Coast Fanatics - that's me and Mr. F).

My new favorite salad. Cherry tomatoes and English cucumber, or as I call it British cucumber. That's it. I never knew in my entire life that a salad sans lettuce was a salad. It's like I've been liberated or something. I'm constantly broadening my food horizons thanks to Dan and Andrea!

Here's some new artwork. Chad and I bought the piece at an auction for the nonprofit I work for in February and just had it framed this week with a 60% off custom framing from Joanne's! I love it! It's hard to see in the photo but there's a creature in it that looks like Ra.

Another shot of the artwork (please note on the chair is my grandmother's rotary phone, which I heart):

Now here is something I'm going to miss when we move. Random awesomeness....the Goodyear Blimp!

I was like "what is that noise?" and I run to the balcony and then I was like "Holy Crap! Where's my camera?!? Where's my camera?!?"

So, yeah, Mr. F and I have decided to move. I was helping my electrolysist post pics of her seasonal townhouse rental on Craigslist and became interested myself. So, we went to go look at it and *voila!* we are moving across the street - it's actually .1 mile from our condo. We still have beach access (walk across the beach to deeded access from the condo) but we will be saving close to $6,000 a year. And folks, who can beat that? So, come Thanksgiving weekend, we will be giving thanks to the movers we have hired and then cursing each other at why we decided to use our Thanksgiving vacation to move. AGAIN. Please note we moved the weekend AFTER Thanksgiving last year.

My favorite nieces and, oh yeah, their parents (hee!) are coming to visit us in exactly 15 days and I am so super stoked! Ariyah's 2nd birthday is at the end of this month and I have the privilege and pleasure of making her invitations. I'm brainstorming now what I want to do and will be having an invite making session this weekend. Her theme is Minnie Mouse and I have found some of the cutest things! As I told my Bester, I heart Disney.

Okay Two People who read my blog...gonna go research some Minnie!

P.S. Do you remember one of my first posts about me wanting to be Made into a roller derby girl. Well, I'm all *can't wait for this weekend to go see Whip It!* starring my girl Drew and the awesomely cute Ellen Page from Juno. That movie makes me want to buy a hamburger phone in a really bad way.

More boring home decorating stuff - but I love it!

2009-09-18T14:03:00.006-04:00

Have you ever been extremely happy with the majority of your home decor? Me? Not hardly. Maybe one or two spots but generally I always have the feeling "I want to change this or that but only after I change that first..." And it took Mr. Fitness quite a while to realize this is just how life with me was going to be. I move and change stuff around!

So, I'm delighted to say that I'm at a point where I'm happy with the way our condo is set up and decorated! That like totally never happens to me!

I captured it so ya'll can see.

I'm trying to decide...

2009-09-13T12:30:00.003-04:00

if I like lobster or not...I got a whole lobster for the first time yesterday and it was uber messy and not a lot of actual stuff to eat....so I think next time I'll just stick to the tail.

I like tail. LOL.

Operation Holy Cow - A Year Later

2009-09-03T18:07:00.002-04:00

Holy Cow! Tomorrow will be one year exactly since I left Birmingham and it’s very hard to fathom. I remember when we decided to do this and our friend Dutchie would say “Just give it a year. If you don’t like it you can come back.”

Um. Yeah. We’re not coming back anytime soon. Because we FREAKIN LOVE IT HERE. L-o-v-e with a capital L! Love! Adore!

Mr. Fitness is totally at home and feels like he lived here in another life. I wouldn’t go that far especially since the sun doesn't exactly like me, but I think this was one of the best decisions we have ever made. And, I'm gonna tell you why.

It’s made me realize that there is an entire world out there. A world where I can decide that I want to become this or do that, and if I really want it to happen, it will. I grew up believing that. My parents told me that my whole life – I would ask them what they wanted me to be when I grew up (didn't want to disappoint of course) and they would say “Jamie, you can be whatever you want to be. It’s all up to you.” Somewhere along the journey, I forgot. You get so complacent with life because it’s still a good life. It’s not like anything bad or horrible happened and you made a huge mistake. Side note: even if you did make a huge mistake, that’s ok too, because that’s what forgiveness is for and it’s still up to you to change it and make the steps towards what you really want. Back on subject: Complacency is a bad thing. You think “oh next year we’ll do this or do that”…then the next year is there and did you go where you wanted to go or do what you wanted to do? Well, ya’ll, sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t.

I try very hard to live my life without regret and so far I can say that I have none, well, maybe a few minor ones but nothing major YET. It’s still damn scary. The weekend that Chad and friends brought me to Florida and before Chad left to get on the plane, I had a full blown break down - and also one documented here. What was I doing? How did we let this go so far? I can’t do this. I can’t be by myself. I can’t do this new job. I need my complacent, comfy life back NOW! Then, Chad consoled me and told me I can do this, I was strong. And he was right. The ups and downs only make you a stronger person.

I feel like I can conquer the world after this experience. Will we stay here forever? Who knows. But I would never let it be out of the question for us to move even to Acapulco (another reference to my parents) for that the next step in our life, career, education - whatever the case may be.

A year later and Operation Holy Cow is definitively not a decision we regret. Friends and family, here is my plea to you: if there is that one thing that’s in the back of your head that you always wanted to do or see. Do it. Start making the steps now to make it a reality for you. You will not regret it, I promise.

You can be whatever you want to be. It’s all up to you.

P.S. There is a 2 Bedroom/1.5 bath townhouse - beach access, pools, wildlife sanctuary for your backyard - that is for rent on the island...hint hint....wink wink....nudge, nudge......

Key Largo - CHECK!

2009-08-17T20:50:00.004-04:00

So now I can mark Key Largo off my list! Yes! Here are some shots of the trip:

Sunrise before we left:

Vast nothingness on the way there (but I bet there are alligators in there):

Off to our first snorkeling destination:

Before snorkeling:

Gorgeous home on the way at the end of the canal where the boat was parked (parked?):

Argh, matey!

Spending the evening at the Treetops Restaurant:

And the view at breakfast:

We went through Miami and I probably took 100 pictures! We are going for a long weekend in October so I'll blog more about it then, but this is just a hint:

A great, relaxing adventure!

Jaws V

2009-08-08T18:17:00.008-04:00

Spent some time on 'da beach today...

Here's a little crabby friend:

And here's a man-eating friend:

Eye-candy friend or as Mr. Fitness calls it "the definition of a banana hammock":

Oh. Wait. Let me enlarge that picture for you:

And in other completely unrelated news, I made the monchiichi a Yamaka:

The. Shark. A guy caught it about 20 yards away from where we were chillin'. It's a baby nurse shark. The guy's wife said her family was here last week and they saw several mommy and daddy nurse sharks in the water.

Did you know they can get up to 14 feet long? Holy Shark Week Batman.

A Happy Hooker I Am!

2009-07-27T13:03:00.010-04:00

*Imagine me saying the title of this blog in an Eliza Doolittle accent pre-speech lessons*

That's right. I stitch and I bitch...okay not really. It's a phenomenon that I'm catching the tail end of. Or maybe in the middle of? Typical. Basically, it's a group of people that get together and knit or crochet and talk about life's problems. I'm not in said group as I'm a solitary hooker. Hook. I use a hook. With the yarn. So I'm a hooker. Geez, get your mind out of the gutter people! I'm venturing out and spreading my wings into other hooking patterns like purses and jewelry and the like! But no worries, after I finish the shawl and the purse, I'm going to work on a Zombie Bot!

The shawl I'm working on except in turquoise:

In the beginning....and again in the beginning.....then again (I had to restart this darn thing 3 times!)

And now look how far I've gotten! I ran out of yarn so I had to get more and plan to work on it tonight...I may even finish it! What's that you say? That's right FINISH it....

And the purse I am working on. It looks red in the photo but it's pink:

Dog bot...in pieces...it's so much bigger than it's supposed to be. I didn't have the right hook size but now I bought the right hook size and may just redo it but not before I tackle the Zombie Bot!

The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain....

This is my 100th post. Cheers to yer all who have weathered ye storm with Ole Paddy...

Hugs-N-Punches update

2009-07-23T09:24:00.003-04:00

We have a drummer! Yippee!

Isn't Joshua absolutely adorable? I think he will be a fan favorite.

It's the freakin weekend...

2009-07-19T13:14:00.004-04:00

What a fun weekend! Here's the gang at The Ashley:

Awwww......
Pimptastic:

Me posing, again:

In the Everglades on a boat tour:

No, we didn't see any burmese pythons or anacondas eating a gator. But, we did meet Okeechobee, gator extraordinaire:

After the boat ride and EXTREMELY hot. The sun doesn't like me:

"Yes brother we will conquer the white man"

And when you get bored stuck in traffic for 3 hours in Fort Lauderdale, this is what happens:

Metal Head:

Nintendo DS time! Kick those mermaids butts Stevie!

And a little crocheting by Tim:

Then it was fun in the sun! I actually did get in the water with the girls. It was the first time since we lived in the condo. I ALMOST got in the water last weekend but Joe and Mr. Fitness were surrounded by GIANT sting rays and had a close encounter with a sea turtle, so I opted out.

Mr. F learning his new trade, skim boarding:

AHHHHHHH - it's a shark! A dead one! This was a 9 ft hammerhead that washed up on shore about 1 mile from our condo. It was the weirdest thing to see so close. I think this is proof there are aliens among us. It's eyeball looked human.

'Tis the season

2009-07-13T13:41:00.004-04:00

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore - Vincent van Gogh

I love storms.

Picture Time!

2009-06-27T11:36:00.006-04:00

Just some random photos folks. By the way, I really like my new Canon Powershot.

I reorganized our bookcases by color and I really like the results. I've seen this alot on Apartment Therapy so I thought I would try it. What do you think?

Heehee. It's my signed copy of Jonathan Adler's book that Dan, Andrea and Jacob gave me for my birthday.

This is the card that came with it. I think Jacob thinks I'm a sot. Andrea asked Jacob (who is 3.5 by the way) "What does Jamie dream about?" and his answers were watermelon, coloring, and a glass of wine. I think he's psychic.

I took this just this morning...it was a good morning.

I took this on Thursday. I had several meetings but came home in the early afternoon for a few hours before heading back out for another meeting. The water was different shades of turquoise and I had to take some photos!

Like I've mentioned, we've been doing some decorating and "re-decorating". We finally figured out what to put at the top of the tv. From left to right: Olivia Newton John, Elvis (but of course), The Best of Blondie, Bad Company and John Denver. Yes, I know a few are slightly crooked but if I start trying to perfect them, I will be there all day.

After an afternoon monsoon, these gorgeous clouds formed and at dusk they were pink!

Facebook vs Twitter

2009-06-23T21:13:00.004-04:00

Follow me on Twitter...I've had just about enough of Facebook and learning people's cleaning and cooking habits....SO, I'm trying out Twitter to see if it's better (or not?)....

Come Twit with me! Oh gosh I don't know if it's twit or tweet. I need to wikipedia it to get the lingo now. I'm such a newbie. My URL: http://twitter.com/jamiepadcock - did you notice it says Padcock? lol Just call me 'ole Paddy...lol

Mr. Fitness has been working on some songs for our new band, Hugs-N-Punches. I've only recorded vocals and he has done all the rest...guitar parts, producing, writing the music and lyrics (ha, I said Music and Lyrics)...I'm writing a little bit but I've been working my arse off at CHS...not literally but that would be nice...Mr. F has the summer off so he has time to do stuff like this!

Starting working out again. Not doing Crossfit right now but The Abs Diet. It's a really good book and we have been eating those recipes for years since Chad lost all his weight. We will see how long I keep it up. Blah, blah, blah. Jeez will it ever end?

Still been crocheting my little amigurumis! I love 'em to pieces! Here's my fave, Mr. V - V for Vampire.

And my first zombie - I didn't stage him to be photographed beside the Holy Bible-just coincidence but kinda funny, huh? This corporate zombie is being mailed to my dad for his birthday. My daddy likes Rob Zombie so I thought he could pretend he had a guitar in his hands and was screaming Death Metal.

I'm working on an amazon woman now. Our new friends, Liz and Joe, got me a Crobots book for my bday so that will bring a whole new gang of crocheted goodies to my blog!

Ck it....one two...playing with the new digi cam in the office....it has tons of settings I have yet to figure out!

View from my desk. This crane is way cool to watch - it's like I'm channeling my inner 4 year old boy. They are building some Federal building.

I got the decorating bug again! It comes and goes. I've been doing a lot of re-decorating too...moving this and that around for a more cohesive look. I'll post in a few days all about that with some before and afters. I've now determined I need blackout curtains more than life itself in our bedroom. It's blazing hot in the mornings and forget attempting to sleep in...well, I can sleep through anything but even my Nightmare Before Christmas eye mask doesn't help keep ALL the light out! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr! So, I think I'll get some from JCPenney's and the rods and clips from West Elm.

Ciao my lovelys....

P.S. Ck out Spinnerette! Love this song! (it's a youtube vid with just the song)

Awesome Birthday Present

2009-06-04T18:18:00.002-04:00

I just saw one of the best performances in my life last night. Sadly, no it wasn't Paramore. No Doubt just totally rocked! Can you believe they have been together for 22 years (they were together 10 years before hitting it big)? Gwennie-poo is freakin 41 years old.

I saw them in 1996 and it was great then too. I instantly became a life long fan.

You want to know something different from 1996 to 2009? In 1996, all I have is memory of a wonderful show, which has obviously faded over time. In 2009, I can look up on youtube to find videos of the show last night! Here is a pretty good video of my favorite ND song, Don't Speak. The beginning of the video isn't the best but it gets better. I seriously had chill bumps during the song and every single person was singing.

Surprisingly, my favorite song of the night was Simple Kind of Life. There is a line that says "I always thought I'd be a mom" and the crowd just yelled and she bowed slightly and you could just see a look on her face and her mannerisms that showed how proud she was of her family. She waited a long time to have a family. Longer than most.

And these are the days of our lives

2009-05-16T12:11:00.004-04:00

Hola! Nothing too crazy and exciting going on with us. Mr. Fitness will finish up the school year in a few weeks. He's giving the commencement ceremony address at his school on Saturday then after that we are leaving for the 12 hour drive to Birmingham! Woot!

Jazzy's birthday party is on Sunday. She's having a Hello Kitty birthday party and that makes her Aunt Jamie very happy. I made her invites. They are super cute if I do say so myself!

We also bought Jazzy and Ariyah ADORABLE HK outfits for the big day. And I bought myself a HK tank! I wonder if I could find Mr. F a HK tee?!? lol

Just found out that we will be able to lease our condo again! I am so relieved and happy. The thought of finding a new place to purchase or rent wasn't a happy one, and we have fallen in love with #1003. The owners said they will give us first rights to purchase when and if they decide to put on the market but that leasing again suits them too! YIPPEE!

You may remember my posts regarding the Designer Showcase Home that I posted photos of. The nonprofit I work for was the beneficiary for this hugely successful event. So successful we are pursuing it again for 2010 and they have found the perfect house to redo. Oddly enough the owners are from Birmingham. So that's neat. And, we had a designer meeting last week and you will never ever in a million years guess who showed up? Monica Pederson from HGTV! OMG! She is more beautiful in person than on the boob tube, if that is even possible. I believe she and one of her good friends, who is a designer in the area, will be doing a room in the house! How exciting, huh? And definitely good news for my non-profit!

I'm about to sound like my Aunt Laney but here goes: I went to have a health screening for work yesterday (b/c if you do it you got a $20 gift certificate and 4 hours leave!) Good news: I don't weigh as much as I thought - haven't weighed myself in about a year so that's good. Bad news: my cholesterol is high and my HDL ratio was high for cardiac risk. Um. Oh. Holy. Mary. Mother. Of. God.

I can't take this lightly. My daddy had emergency open heart surgery 4 years ago at 52 years old. I've never had a problem like this before so this is weird. I guess I have to start eating more fish high in Omega 3 and eating oatmeal and Cheerios. Fortunately, my new friend Liz and I are starting to walk the bridges together and we want to take it up a notch soon b/c we both want to get fit so that's a step in the right direction. Geez, I sound like an old person.

Speaking of, the fact that I will be turning 31 in a few weeks doesn't scare me. I'm excited! But I was thinking the other day about turning 32 and that does scare me. Why does 32 sound so freakin old? It sounds like the age of accomplishment and I'm like "OH crap, what have I accomplished?" I need to get busy working on my "what to do in my 30s list". Can I add "world peace" to my self-absorbed list?

Oh yeah. Almost forgot. I got bangs.

Amigurumi

2009-05-09T10:27:00.003-04:00

I'm really digging this crocheting stuff.

Here's the body of the Ninja:

Finished product:

Tiny. Stealthy. Deadly. Cute.

The froggy I made for my momma for Mother's Day!

He loves the beach:

In my purse so he can be boxed and mailed to Alabama:

I'm really getting the hang of this...and it's fun!

Til Death Do Us Part

2009-05-02T12:27:00.009-04:00

Meet my first amigurumi doll - the Skeleton Bride:

Here she is taking some pre-wedding photos:

Smile for the camera:

Exotic even:

With the bridemaids:

And here with her maid of honor:

Yes I know she kinda looks like a snowman - but cut me some slack - I just learned to crochet! She DID looked like a bowling pin until Mr. Fitness helped me squish her down into what she is supposed to look like. My sole purpose to learn to crochet so was I can make these adorable things!

Mad as heck

2009-05-01T13:42:00.001-04:00

My favorite show Lipstick Jungle IS cancelled.

I'm so sad and mad.

In November, they said it was cancelled. In January, they said it wasn't. And now, it's official.

GONE. I just don't get it.

I will miss you forever Wendy, Nico, Victory and you, Mr. Joe Bennett.

Billy Starr or um not....

2009-04-27T21:52:00.003-04:00

So I just finished "band" practice with Mr. Fitness. That's right. We have made a band. No name yet. Though there are several out there that we just can't commit to yet. So far it is just cover songs. Johnny Cash, Lenny Kravitz and Adele (really a Bob Dylan cover) to name a few...also threw in some Nirvana and Pearl Jam but didn't come up with any keepers yet. Chad is writing some stuff so maybe we can throw in some original work in between the actual good songs.

Rock on!

Cross-eyed and buck toothed

2009-04-20T20:49:00.006-04:00

Dear Blog, it's been a long time. How are you? I am swell. How's the weather? That's good. Oh, yes the weather here is splendid indeed. What? Well, of course I don't hate you. I try to blog as often as I can. No, please stop crying Blog. I love you. Here's a tissue and a great big hug. If I post some pictures on here will it make you stop crying? Okay. Good.

My brother and I. I love him to pieces - wish we were closer. I don't really like this picture of myself and it's blurry but Corey is grinning!

This is what he normally looks like in pictures LOL:

With Corey's newest dog. He loved me.

My daddy. No telling what he is talking about in this picture. He's the best daddy in the world. He's wearing the new Braves hat I got him.

I love this picture of me and my mom. I think she misses me:

Jazzy!

Ariyah has the best smile:

Jasmine with the Easter present we got her. I love this face!:

Ariyah finally let Chad hold her. It was like "oh yeah, NOW, I remember you":

I'll be loving you FOR-EEEEEVVVERRRRR

2009-04-03T10:33:00.002-04:00

Had a very busy but good week.

Work is going very well. We had a big cocktail reception in a very NICE part of Stuart called Sailfish Point to tell people about my organization in hopes they will help us complete the capital campaign $ goal. These homes are amazing and are $10 million dollar homes, if not more. It's craziness! The home was at the point of the Sailfish Point with amazing oceans views, and a jetty and an elevator and 20 foot ceilings! Wow!

We are going to Orlando for the weekend to see my second cousin, Dwight and Mark. I'm super excited! He says I saw him when I was ten but I don't remember. He looks a lot like my dad! And he says I look like my grandmother (my dad's mom) so that is the biggest compliment ever. And, I am named for her - Marie - so that compliment is just icing on the cake. We are also planning a trip to IKEA - Mr. Fitness is an IKEA virgin so this will be fun!

Maybe I'll have some good pics to post on Sunday.

We decided we are coming to Birmingham over Memorial Day weekend. And unfortunately, we will not be there long enough to see NKOTB that Friday. You've got the right stuff, baby. I was struggling with homesickness the first of this week. I think because I was thinking about Easter and what we were gonna do for Easter. Typically, that meant spending it with my family. So, I was so homesick so bad! Sniff, sniff - but my heart doesn't ache much anymore.

Bringing it back Old School

2009-03-26T10:35:00.006-04:00

Did I ever imagine we would own a record player again? Not in a million years. I grew up on my parents old vinyl from the 50s, 60s and 70s. A few favorites would be Diana Ross and the Supremes and Jim Croce. If I could get ahold of those records now I would be stoked! Mr. Fitness, however, grew up with vinyl of a different flavor - Hair Metal.

We are digging the new record player. It's circa 1970s from JC Penney. The table is from a local thrift store that sells vintage furniture too and we found this table that holds the records inside!

Mr. Fitness also recently purchased about 150 records. Johnny Cash, John Denver (we love this one), Elvis, 5th Dimension, the Beatles, and my new favorite band, Boney M, a german pop-disco group. Think the African American ABBA.

Stacks and stacks of vinyl:

More stacks:

We are so bringing it back old school.

Bee-ah Right Hee-ah

2009-03-23T12:43:00.007-04:00

Had a blast at the Braves vs Mets Spring Training game yesterday! The Braves lost but it was still such a fun experience.

We were surrounded by New Yorkers and thus we really only saw a few Braves fans!

There was a guy selling beer and peanuts and instead of saying "Beer right here" it came out "bee-ah right hee-ah" - it was awesome!

Okay, I know you are all tired about me talking about our bedroom decorating but I have to mention a few more things. I finally did purchase the three Euro shams for cheap cheap at Homegoods! Chad also had a brilliant idea for a headboard that was all of $12 that you can see in the second image. AND, this is the cool part that I have to tell you. In the Apartment Therapy book called Real Homes, Real People Hundreds of Real Design Solutions - on page 68 it features David's Andersonville, Chicago Home AND (here is the cool part) he has the same endtables as we do in his bedroom! Heeeeee!

Vintage Orient

2009-03-16T09:57:00.008-04:00

After 6.5 years of marriage, begging, pleading for new bedroom furniture, refurbishing what Chad brought with him when we got married, NOT bringing that with us when we moved, I finally have furniture that I absolutely love! I've decided to call it 'Vintage Orient' because that is what it looks like to me. I'm trying to figure out what decade it was from, but alas have no clue. I'm thinking 70s. On the inside of the drawers it says 'American of Martinsville', which is interesting in itself because I'm American and a Martin (from my dad's side).

Okay blah blah blah...here are the pictures!

Eventually, I want to take the dresser mirror down and put a small flat screen in the middle. Because having a television in our bedroom has not been bad for our marriage - even though the salesman at Haverty's has a different opinion. We have mirrors all over the place in the condo and really do not need a dresser mirror right now but when we aren't living here, we will need it.

I love love love it! What do you think?

Other nonsense

2009-03-14T23:12:00.002-04:00

More randomness...

Meet our pelican friend, Lucky. He has a hurt foot so that's what Mr. Fitness named him:

So after all that yip yapping I did on figuring out our bedroom furniture on my last post- we did end up buying some yesterday. I guess in an effort to be green, and many other reasons, we decided to look at thrift stores, flea markets and the like for possible furniture options. So, our first stop was a furniture consignment shop called "Furniture Consignment" (everything here in the little strip malls are named for the obvious). Chad was on the phone with our car insurance to get his windshield replaced so I went ahead and went in. It's a large store and I was in heaven because I like to take old things and make them new again or heck just leave 'em old and grimy looking and make up a cool history for it. I'm wandering through the place and was happy that I found several possible headboards and was rifling through them. Then, I looked in one of the rooms located in the very back and I saw it - a bedroom set. I thought wow now that is different looking. Now, we were only looking for a dresser and 2 nightstands and possibly a headboard, but this set had everything including the chest of drawers and a full size headboard. Well that wouldn't work and it was priced for the set. I went up front to see if he would separate it and he said yes and told me the new price for the pieces I wanted. Mr. Hunka Hunka fell in love with it too. So, it will be delivered on Monday. I was gonna wait and post before and after images together but I wanted to go ahead and post something - mainly because I have no patience.

Here's the new bedding in which I love, I'm gonna take away the two Euro shams and add 3 new Euros hopefully soon once the ones I want at westelm.com are not on backorder. So basically this is the best side of the room:

And this is the bad side. It looks like a college dorm:

I can't wait for our 'new' furniture!

What do vampires and bedroom shopping have in common? Nothing.

2009-03-12T12:46:00.009-04:00

Hola! Here are just some random thoughts.

My father-n-law and his girlfriend, Kathy, came down for the weekend. I had to work all but one day they were here. The first day we went to eat seafood and then to a play called The Sugar Bean Sisters. It was hysterial - even the second time. I think they enjoyed it.

I'm glad I get my weekends back. I'm off for 4 days, which will be nice. We had originally planned to go to the Keys but I don't think the water is warm enough to enjoy snorkeling, plus I want to just hang out at home in our freakin paradise. We have made some new friends who is Mr. F's guitar teacher and we go to church with them and they had talked about going to the Keys in a few months so maybe we can go with them.

Been bedroom furniture shopping...I just want to get something already! We went back to Rooms to Go and found a few new sets that we like. We've also been looking at thrifts store and consignment shops. I found a king headboard that was really cool and vintage. I couldn't find the price or size (to make sure it was in fact a king) and she said it was for display only. What the hell. Leave it to me to find something I really like that is for "display only". Ugh. We are trying not to be so "matchy matchy" with buying the exact set of everything (bed, dresser, nightstands) that all go together. Our style is really ecclectic - but it would be easier to just go ahead and buy the set. I don't want a dresser mirror though so we can get a flat screen tv to put on top of the dresser. At Rooms to Go, it's cheaper to buy the set than individual piecess - so who knows I might cave.

I did get the bedding from Crate and Barrel and I LOVE IT. When I make the bed today, maybe I will take a picture of it.

One of the beds we like:

One of the other beds we like - Mr. F checking it out:

In Stuart at the Sailfish Capital of the World fountain. Yes, I did make a wish:

Paradise, my friends, absolute paradise. Taken earlier this week:

MY Valentine's Day present:

Here's the Rooms to Go image of the set we like - I love the bed. It's 'winged':

Here's the other bed we like - it's the one Chad is sitting on in the image above. I really like the bed. The wood grain alternates on each panel. Nice detail. I like the dresser and other pieces to this set. The dresser and nightstands have a 50s/60s mod look to it.

I said this was random thoughts and it certainly is. I've been thinking about writing a book. Or a play or just something. I also thought a musical about vampires would be neat. Have to think about it some more. Could be a comedy. Dunno. Any ideas you would like to pass on? I may dedicate the book/play/thing to you. :o)

I'm excited that next weekend we are going to see the Mets vs. the Braves! I just bought a tshirt and cap off of mlb.com. Go Braves!!!!! I might be the only person there supporting them - oh well. At least I'll look cute doing it - the cap has rinestones on it!

We are going to Orlando the first weekend of April to see my cousin. I am so excited. He said I saw him when I was ten, but I don't remember. So, I'm glad we are 'reconnecting'. It will be a blast!

And then at the end of April, Fort Walton Beach here I come! I get to see my Christine get married! Awwwww! I'm gonna cry. She has given me the most awesome priviledge of singing in her wedding. Maybe Mr. F will let me bring a baby turtle back. (I know V and S are laughing about this).

Okie Dokie - peace out - love you all - J

Home Tour

2009-03-01T18:35:00.010-05:00

Okay. Before you go feeling sorry for me that I worked for 12 days straight (which, by the way, I've never had to do in my entire life - not even in college), I have to show you some pics of the showcase home.

You can put away your violins.

Frances Langford was a singer and Hollywood film star in the 30s and 40s. She was beautiful and a Florida girl through and through. She was married to Jon Hall (the first Tarzan - I wonder if they ever role-played?), to Ralph Evinrude (who invented an outboard motor, like I know what that is), and to Harold Stuart (who did nothing cool that I know of). This is her beach home. She didn't actually live here as she had a place on the river (about 3 miles west of here) but she entertained here and let her friends stay to get away from it all. Her friends included Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason and Perry Como. One of her still-famous songs is "I'm in the Mood for Love".

Forgive the low res images - it's all I have right now

The room with the view. This is the ocean room as the new owners call it:

I love lamp:

Beachy decor in Kitchen area:

Original fireplace to home. Frances Langford wanted a huge fireplace so she could place a sailfish she caught over it. The brick is from the London Bridge.

As soon as I saw this artwork, I had to have it! I ordered it and now have it hanging in our living room. Happy Valentine's Day to me!

The Jackie Gleason suite. Mr. Gleason had one of his honeymoons here.

Beautiful outdoor lanai:

Again, outdoor lanai (nice, huh?):

View from the Bob Hope suite (the bedroom):

Place setting on the dining room table:

I think I took about 5o more photos but you get the gist of it. Absolutely gorgeous, beach chic.

For Tracy

2009-02-28T17:21:00.004-05:00

I'm tired.

I have been living and breathing the Frances Langford Designer Showcase House.

Today is my 12th day to work and you just don't even know how excited I will be for my day off tomorrow.

We opened a huge Designer Showcase House that is open on the weekends so that is why I've been working non-stop. We had budgeted about 1,000 people over the 16 day period and to date we have over 2,300 for 7 days! So that is very good. And I would consider that a success even though it's not over yet. On the plus side, I'm getting a ton of ideas on decorating my bedroom and other spaces. And if you know me, you know I love to decorate!

Not much going on other than that. I'm going to take a few days off in March for a long weekend and we may go to the Keys. At this point, I don't care if we just stay home.

I'm missing my friends and family in Bham a lot lately. So, someone better be planning a trip to come visit us soon. We are trying to think of when we will go to Bham again. It will probably be in May over Memorial Day weekend or something like that. We will see.

Mr. Fitness has been sick for about two weeks now. He had swimmers ear that went from one ear one week to the other ear the next. He went to the doc but the antibiotics were not helping. He finally went to a doc friend (or aquaintance) we have met several times at parties and he hooked him up with meds. He is getting better - thank goodness!

Gonna spend the evening eating Chinese and going to the hot tub. It was such a gorgeous day today - high 83ish. I hope its just as nice tomorrow b/c I plan on laying out all day and furniture shopping for our bedroom! I did purchase some new bedding. Now we are looking for a headboard, dresser and side tables.

Here's the bedding I purchased:

Much love to all my readers (all 4 of you that is, but its still fun to use the word 'readers') lol

Satisfied, Tracy?

oh yeah

2009-02-16T22:00:00.005-05:00

So I think I have a bunion.

And that makes me depressed.

Why? Because the word bunion is synonymous with "old person".

And I think I found a new wrinkle on my face this weekend.

Oh Dear Lord.

BUT, if I end up having laugh lines like my daddy then I will be okay with that. Because I love his laugh lines and when I see mine, I will think about him.

i'm so happy

2009-02-16T20:41:00.003-05:00

You may remember me blogging about how upset I was that Lipstick Jungle was being cancelled. I was so upset that I even wrote NBC (thank you Jen Lancaster) to tell them how crushed I was.

Well. It. Worked.

Yay Victory, Niko and Wendy!

An epiphany

2009-02-10T18:52:00.007-05:00

epiphany [i -pif-uh-nee]: a sudden, intuitive
perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

My simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence happened just a few moments ago when I was on Facebook writing on Dana's wall and hounding Sherry to write about her "I'm 30 Now What?" plan on her blog.

If you have followed my blog from the beginning, (I'm sure of the like 3 of you that read this, someone was there with me on that inaugural day!), you may remember that the six months prior to my turning thirty, I was in a neverending quest to figure out what the hell I was gonna do in my 30s. Now, I have some broad ideas like travel overseas, maybe (MAYBE!) have a child or adopt one, get my teeth whitened, learn Spanish, learn to play the guitar, stuff like that. I just had a brilliant idea to add to my list and its very specific and I love that!

I'm going to go to every tropical place mentioned in the song Kokomo! If I counted right that is about 10 places - 2 of which I had never heard of and didn't realize they were singing that so I wonder what I was singing during that part? Hmmmm.

I've been to one so far - Bahamas. Mr. Hunka Hunka Burnin Love and I are planning to go the Keys in March when he is on spring break.

So, I'm excited! I have a plan!

p.s. my digital camera has died so the photo portion of my blog will be put on hold until we get a new camera. I have a digital camcorder that takes photos but they are low quality so maybe I can use that in the meantime.

Shakedown 1979 - cool kids never have the time

2009-02-02T21:19:00.006-05:00

It was 30 yrs ago on Sunday in 1979 that my Mr. Fitness was born. I'm so very glad he was and cannot thank his parents enough for doing the deed nine months prior.

We had a great birthday weekend. Our camera died before I could take pictures of everything! And oddly enough not one picture of the Birthday Boy himself - he was behind the camera mostly! But here are some pics of the week and weekend:

Ck out these kite surfers.....they are so cool....

Mr. Fitness took this. Apparently, we are obsessed with taking pictures of the sunrise...

Channeling my inner Marilyn Monroe and getting ready to go to the hot tub:

This was just funny. The surfboard is almost as big as the Miata:

It's me on the balcony. I had just colored my hair so I wanted to capture the moment without gray hairs....