tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69185046098801775812024-03-19T03:23:57.872-07:00Random Bits of HappinessA look at various objects, moments, links, things and people that have made me happy for whatever reason or a listing of my blessings...Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-53453425215627265872010-03-01T15:05:00.001-08:002010-03-01T15:06:42.307-08:00Sick.We had an awesome time at Disneyland. DH is talking about going back already. We both came home sick though. DH is already recovered and feeling normal again. I'm struggling along.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-41872004355676938272010-02-16T14:06:00.001-08:002010-02-16T14:06:40.152-08:00Long weekend.Cross post from my Sparkpeople.com blog. I'm not in the mood to rewrite.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/5/9/b596260350.jpg"><br />I love holiday weekends! DH and I spent Saturday just vegging since I was still recovering from my overkill workout on Thursday. Saturday night we decided to go into SF in the morning and tour the SF MOMA. <br /><br />We arrived in the city for lunch and headed over to DH's favorite cafe Chez Carla, but it was closed. So were the next 3 suggestions he had... not many tourists in the financial district where he works on the weekend so nothing was open but subway (even a quiznos was closed). Since we were there for something different, we walked back to the Ferry Bldg and had lunch there. Our favorite cafe there had closed for good. It's sad that the costs were too much for them to stay but maybe they reopened elsewhere. <br /><br />The weather was foggy - no surprise there - but by the time we had eaten, the sun had come out and it was getting really warm. DH asked if I still wanted to go to the MOMA but on a day like that who wants to be inside wasting it? Not me. So we did the touristy thing and hit Pier 39 and had ice cream overlooking the boats. <br /><br />We did lots of walking and saw some great photo ops. My favorite was the panorama I took featuring the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. I don't think I'd ever get bored of SF.<br /><br />I just realized that tomorrow is ASH Wednesday, the start of Lent. I grew up Catholic but haven't been practicing since college, for reasons that are my own. I always loved the whole atmosphere of Lent, focusing on renewal and growth. My parents always taught us it wasn't about denying yourself anything but of challenging yourself. <br /><br />For Lent this year, I'm going to focus my eating, not just mindlessly eating but making choices. I'm also going to switch up my exercise routine more. Hopefully, the gym here will reopen on time (end of the month) after its remodel and I can get back into switching it up with my dvds. As much as I love my DVD collection, it gets boring. The warmer weather also means I'll be outside more too.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-68529934020939087502010-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:002010-02-08T20:05:33.262-08:00Another weekThis week started well! I can honestly say I rooted for the winning Super Bowl team. My DH was quite amused with my interest, since I don't usually watch sports. I'm glad that the Saints won and I hope something wonderful happens because of it.<br /><br />My exercising schedule this week is going well. I did weights and cardio yesterday before lunch and the ABS Diet Interval training session this morning (followed by a walking dvd routine to get my 10K steps in).<br /><br />I started using my gocco machine this afternoon and my first test was a bust. I don't know if the copy wasn't on a laser copier or what but it didn't work. My second attempt wasn't great either (although that one sort of worked). I'm going to try again tomorrow.<br /><br />Enough for now.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-41756103077965249452010-02-03T16:06:00.000-08:002010-02-03T16:09:18.530-08:00January wrap upWell, overall I think I did pretty well with my exercise program... but I still need to think about (and make) better food choices. I'm struggling at nights not to snack and the weekends are just pure temptation. I just wish this was easier. If I didn't love food so much, I wouldn't have a problem - but that isn't something I can change. I can; however, hold myself accountable and make better choices...<br /><br />My goal for February is to keep up my workout routine, eat more fruits and veggies (at least 3 total but hopefully more) and not snack so much on junk food. <br /><br />Onward...Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-80052801570842179232010-01-18T17:11:00.001-08:002010-01-18T17:18:16.201-08:00Weightloss rewards.I might not have been very good about writing here every week but I have managed to blog at my sparkpeople.com page at least once a week so far this month. I need to start writing things down so I get everything I want to done. <br /><br />Anyway, I finally remembered to print out the last couple blogs for my weight loss journal/scrapbook to chronicle the last few weeks and my thoughts etc. I am also finally writing out my rewards for each milestone:<br /><br />1st 10 lbs: more whipped body soap from A Breathe of French Air, an etsy.com store that I love. I think I'll get a 3 or 4 month supply.<br /><br />2nd 10 lbs: a complete new outfit (including shoes and accessories)<br /><br />3rd 10 lbs: scrapbooking shopping spree of all the coolest stuff and an album/accessories for my fitness journal/scrapbook<br /><br />4th 10 lbs: a day at the spa... nails, facial and maybe a massage. After all that exercise, I'm going to need to relax!<br /><br />Final 10 lbs: dress from butter by nadia that I love.<br /><br />Onward and upward. And off to work on my journal scrapbook.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-15781016045697531492010-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:002010-01-10T15:39:12.475-08:00Another weekWell the first week of being back into eating healthy and living better went pretty well. I exercised every day and got DH to the gym with me twice. We skipped Thursday night because he was tired from work and it was late. I'm hoping he gets more into it as we get into the habit of going. He knows he needs to go and that he should go so I don't feel like I'm nagging when I suggest we go. Easier on all of us.<br /><br />This week, more scrapbooking, more exercising and working on my business ideas. Hope to have some done and ready to send to a printer for test prints soon.<br /><br />In other news, we've had two earthquakes lately. I felt one and the other was so faint I only knew about when DH mentioned it. He gets emails from the survey people reporting local activity.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-11330901213345654162010-01-03T14:01:00.000-08:002010-01-03T14:13:19.821-08:00New Year!Hard to believe it's 2010! Seems like 2009 only just started but here we are and I have lots of plans for this coming year.<br /><br />Number one is getting healthy. I've been hm-hawing about it for a while now and have gotten more in shape but I've neglected working on my eating issues. I know I don't eat enough fruits or veggies so this is a high priority this year. I'll eat more of the good things and less of the bad, but without getting hung up on cutting everything out of my life. I'm sorry sometimes I want a slice of cheesecake and that should be fine. Dieting doesn't work. Lifestyle changes and being positive are my goals.<br /><br />Number two is getting my business going. This time next year, I will have had at least 6 months of experience and survived my first christmas selling online. This is taking longer than I thought to get going. It's moving forward though so we're going to keep positive and keep moving.<br /><br />Number three is to spend less time zoned out in front of the tv and more time enjoying my hobbies (scrapbooking, writing, photography, designing, whatever). I've got the gift of lots of free time so I need to use it better. Getting healthy and getting my business going will incorporate my hobbies too. I'm going to start a scrapbook/journal to write/bitch whatever about the coming year and get back into a photo a day blogging.<br /><br />Every week I'm going to blog here at least once. I'm going to blog on my sparkpeople site and get involved in the groups/teams there. I'm going to spend more time doing stuff with my husband and I'm going to enjoy life.<br /><br />On that note, I'm off to update my sparkpeople site my.sparkpeople.com/ANOTHERAMANDA.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-26219339227643661032009-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:002009-10-15T19:55:33.189-07:00Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!<a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/queen-of-hearts-and-alice-in-wonderland.html">Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!</a><br /><br />I haven't been very good about blogging but I saw this cute little costume and had to share. It makes me wish my sewing was straighter and my faith in myself stronger... too cute.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-87139169939756870332009-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:002009-06-22T13:48:59.073-07:00New week.I've been so busy scrapbooking, learning watercolors, working on invites that I haven't thought about blogging. I'm so horrible about I know. I'm going to try harder though.<br /><br />Last week, I redid the test for 100 pushups and got 25 (the last 5 were really hard). Today before my regular workout I did the section for 100 pushups week 1 for level 3. This time, I will finish it and I will be able to do it at the end. I promise myself!Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-37935642033395802482009-06-15T08:49:00.000-07:002009-06-15T08:52:51.324-07:00Another lull.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnRp21ZoAfkh2jBhU-3ew0qKj2lhkv1761ISfJMpxJjQS3ASwpBb8QR70bclmnGFLVInMDYw3GwKfWueGV1GPUSxLg4QOMQ6fQmvE9DCaGuKwnX46UusseH6gepVnrlcB0VhIASsYkZk/s1600-h/Hawaii.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 503px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnRp21ZoAfkh2jBhU-3ew0qKj2lhkv1761ISfJMpxJjQS3ASwpBb8QR70bclmnGFLVInMDYw3GwKfWueGV1GPUSxLg4QOMQ6fQmvE9DCaGuKwnX46UusseH6gepVnrlcB0VhIASsYkZk/s320/Hawaii.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347582758821258690" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry... I haven't been very good about writing regularly. I'm going to be honest and say I do think about it... but it usually happens as I'm heading out the door on errands or the middle of cooking dinner or some other important activity.<br /><br />I got my pictures from Shutterfly a week ago Friday and then was waiting on batch number two from Scrapbookpictures or something like that. They came in good time and the sizes (ranging from 6X4 pictures my MIL took to 12X12 panorama sheets) were fab. The price was better too than some of the others I've used in the past.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-58435689860341952042009-06-05T10:46:00.000-07:002009-06-05T10:52:22.623-07:00Been awhile.I haven't posted lately because I just didn't think about it. Horrible but true.<br /><br />We had a great time in Hawaii last month and are getting back into the groove of being home. I've ordered my pictures for scrapbooking and am waiting for the first batch to arrive (hopefully today) and I put in the second batch this morning so I hope to get those early next week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMewyunGQcHMB1DNsu6e7wE5hLyFlvSeDwHqBdV5-9V_8cpDD2tAvz9F50fy6d28-E1vnRcF3slhpQYlAOrdIvCw5BBvehRtTGcmPj3yQc3c1pAC2A3hw-Jw13QQD-8l7tyRHTSqWlTcg/s1600-h/6546-600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMewyunGQcHMB1DNsu6e7wE5hLyFlvSeDwHqBdV5-9V_8cpDD2tAvz9F50fy6d28-E1vnRcF3slhpQYlAOrdIvCw5BBvehRtTGcmPj3yQc3c1pAC2A3hw-Jw13QQD-8l7tyRHTSqWlTcg/s320/6546-600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343902188068723746" border="0" /></a>I ordered the dress for my friend's wedding and now need to find some silver shoes to go with it... I'm sure it'll be fab. The dress is from Alfred Angelo, style #6546. I liked the seeming and think it was the most flattering on me. I didn't like where the beading was on some of the other dresses/separates. So that narrowed down my choice a bit. I also wanted something not too fussy. I dig the buttons down the back... reminds me of my wedding gown.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-32233206054050010712009-05-19T10:19:00.000-07:002009-05-19T10:20:21.459-07:00Back from vacation.T and I got home on Sunday from a 10-day trip to Hawaii. I took over 4,500 pictures. I'll post some when I'm done working on my friend's wedding invites.<br /><br />Back to work.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-1690319321058605632009-04-28T15:27:00.000-07:002009-04-28T15:33:19.554-07:00Another week.I did my progress test for the 100 Push-Ups Challenge and it did not go well. So I'm going to repeat week 5 starting tomorrow and see what happens. I'll probably need a week or two on that level before advancing to week 6. It's a bummer but I don't want to hurt myself and it was uncomfortable...<br /><br />Yesterday, I jogged on the treadmill for 45 minutes and then lifted some weights in a circuit for another 20. I took a walk in the afternoon to get some fresh air too.<br /><br />Today was an easy day with a Pilates session first thing and then just relaxing with some errands (bathing suit shopping ICK) and trying to get a spare key made. Ended up having to go to the office and have them make it. UGH.<br /><br />Could be worse though.<br /><br />Took a walk this afternoon while I was waiting for the dishwasher to run (it's too loud to stay inside while it's going) and my honey flax bread to rise. It's still chilly out, considering the warm weather of early last week - but I guess I should appreciate this while it lasts. I'm thinking our new area is going to be rather warm come summer.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-14145141800815470492009-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:002009-04-24T11:50:05.424-07:00Hello weekend!Hello weekend! I've missed you; where have you been? Somewhere exciting I hope. No real plans for you but we're glad you've arrived. The week hasn't been too bad. T went into Sunnyvale for work on Wednesday and then yesterday went back to SF only to realize he left his laptop here at home. So he took the next train home and worked from our office instead. We had a nice lunch at the elephant bar and then I did some reading while he earned money. Worked out well for me.<br /><br />We're counting down the final weeks before vacation and I'm just too excited to do to much around the house or job hunting or any of that nonsense.<br /><br />On to 100 PushUp Challenges - week 5 was hard. I did the pushups but I'm not doing well with any set more than 12. I barely managed the 30 required for the final set today - and only because I paused to rest... not sure if that is cheating or not. UGH. I may have to start from week 4 or 5 after our trip and try again...<br /><br />In other news, I got my new lensbaby (the composer), an optic kit with single glass, plastic and pin-hole optics, and a wide angle lens to play with. I'm a happy girl.<br /><br />My paper samples for my friend Melissa's wedding invites came. I'll think more on that after our trip as I know she needs some decisions to make before I can really do anything anyway.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-48466787858253243542009-04-17T11:40:00.000-07:002009-04-17T11:46:25.831-07:00End to week 4.Not the best week for me, I'll be honest. The muscles around my knee started twitching on Tuesday and got worse Wednesday so I didn't go jogging instead I went to the gym and used the elliptical machine and lifted weights in a circuit. I think I did a bit too much or I should have taken Wednesday off completely because yesterday I could barely walk at all. I took a short walk in the morning just to get out but it was uncomfortable and movement required thinking... not good.<br /><br />Felt much better today but again no jogging. I went to the gym and used the elliptical machine instead and then did my push ups and some weight training (same as Wednesday). I'm not too surprised about the knee issues as I had problems walking correctly as a kid (I actually had to think about it because my feet rolled in). Physical therapy and orthodics have helped me correct the issue. It's barely noticeable these days. Even still, my mom (a nurse) did warn me it could happen when I told her I had taken up jogging. I'll talk to her about it this weekend... worse comes to worse I'll go back to the treadmill and just do different settings more often for some challenge.<br /><br />Laundry is done so off I go.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-46270152376444732792009-04-13T11:22:00.000-07:002009-04-13T11:27:36.587-07:00Mid April (Almost)Last week went pretty well exercise-wise. I managed 7.2 miles jogging on Friday and I felt pretty good afterward. Tired, of course, but still pumped.<br /><br />The weekend was lovely weather-wise. T's parents were out Saturday and we went into Danville for lunch at an adorable little bistro-cafe we found last month. We all ended up getting the Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, very good. Speaking of which, my food choices over the weekend weren't very good. Loads of fatty or sugary foods, I just couldn't say no. I feel like I failed but I haven't gained any weight - but I haven't lost any either. I am the same weight I've been for the last year or more how depressing is that. I'm working out but my food issues are keeping me from moving forward with my weight goals. I'm just stuck in some sort of heavy syrupy sludge.<br /><br />This week will be better. I have decreed it to be so. Today, almost 6 miles during my jog and 67 push-ups for the challenge. I'm working on all my issues and I'm keeping all my fingers and toes firmly crossed.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-51683969877660658922009-04-06T15:42:00.001-07:002009-04-06T15:50:59.827-07:00Another week.Amazing news this weekend - Randy and Missy V finally got engaged on Friday night so Missy and I had to have a nice long chat Saturday after some calming down had occured. They've been talking about different things for awhile now so are setting up some tours for Saturday. They want to get married later this year so they need to get to work soon. I don't think they need to start that soon but I know how exciting it is to be engaged and want to go whole hog into planning. Congrats!<br /><br />I got some new DVDs today from Amazon.com that I'm going to add to my regular workout routine. I got one last week from Netflix and was pretty happy with Jillian Michael's latest DVD so I got both of them to switch off with. I think I'll be good with DVDs for a while since I already have a few.<br /><br />I did my progress test last night for a 100 push-ups and got 17. My 18th wasn't up to par so I called it good and started week 3 in the same rank (1) as I have for the other two. I was hoping to do better but there will be another test in 2 weeks so I'll see how that one goes. I might need to repeat a week as I get near to the end. Today's push-ups were much harder to do. I'm hoping that I feel more confident as I go through the week and build up more strength. Fingers Crossed.<br /><br />My jog this morning was almost relaxing. I did my usual Wednesday "hard" jog and plan to do something similar on Friday with Wednesday becoming my "easy" jog day. We'll see how long that lasts. I'm getting more into and yesterday afternoon T talked me into an IPOD nano (I already have the classic) but the nano will be great for jogging. I ordered NIKE+ and an armband on Amazon.com last night and I'm hoping to get them both tomorrow. I ordered an adapter for my shoe too since I don't have NIKE shoes but it'll take a few days because it was from another company thru Amazon.<br /><br />A month from now we'll be in Hawaii for 10 days. I am so looking forward to the vacation and cruise. I'm not very happy about the flight but we're going to get a hotel in SF for the night before and take BART in so it should be fine.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-55441468094008851002009-04-03T12:02:00.001-07:002009-04-03T12:04:33.144-07:00Almost the weekend.Well, I finished week 2 of the push-up challenge and getting myself out and jogging. I think both are going okay. Jogging seems to be easier than the push-ups but I'm going to stick with both. It's a great way to count down the days until we leave for Hawaii! Hopefully, I'll be comfortable with both by the time we're heading off to paradise.<br /><br />Not too much planned for the weekend. Relaxing and errands seem to be the most pressing plans as far as I can see. Nothing too hard or pressing. We do need to get T's car smogged. Otherwise, quiet and relaxing is fine with me.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-87575708062545671352009-04-02T11:23:00.000-07:002009-04-02T11:25:19.292-07:00Happy April!Hard to believe that we're into April now! Why didn't time move this fast while I was in school? Those days just seemed to drag on by. The joy of being an adult I guess.<br /><br />We're now down to a little over a month before we leave for our trip to Hawaii!! I cannot wait to get there and experience paradise. I think T is just enjoying the thought of time off work. Can't say I blame him. Soon.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-37275620992120778402009-03-30T12:48:00.000-07:002009-03-30T12:50:22.513-07:00Another Week, Another JogHard to believe I managed last week. I found myself up early today so I took some pictures and then another jog around the neighborhood... approximately 3.3 miles or so. I'm trying to mix up the length and routes I jog so I'll keep you posted on how that goes.<br /><br />I'm feeling creative (and congested) so I'm going to go scrapbook for a bit before I dig back into editing a friend's paper for a class she's taking.<br /><br />Maybe we'll have another earthquake to make it even more fun.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-13663597942559235012009-03-27T16:29:00.000-07:002009-03-27T16:37:38.573-07:00FridayBeing unemployed isn't too bad when money issues aren't a concern (at least not an overwhelming concern). We're lucky to be comfortable and we have a cushion so if T does get laid-off we'd be okay. After reading some articles recently, I've become aware of just how uncommon being able to say that is. We're not saving as much as we should, but we are saving. I cook dinner every night during the week and we're more careful about costs when dining out and shopping.<br /><br />Some days I wish I had a job so that things would be even more secure and I'd have less to worry about. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">But</span> (isn't there always one of those?) I've really begun to enjoy all this free time I have during the week. I get so much done freeing us up for fun stuff together on the weekends.<br /><br />I've sent out one resume/application this week for a part-time job at a local community college that could be very interesting. I'm also researching photography programs nearby. I have no desire to do another 4-year degree. I already have one. I've taken some community college classes off and on and I think that might be the way to go. One of the schools near T's parents has a certificate program that I am going to look more into in the coming weeks. It's about an hour away but I could probably put something together that doesn't overwhelm me or stick me in too much traffic for too long.<br /><br />This week, I focused on reading more about photography and next week I'm going to reread the same book and start on the chapter assignments. I'll post a review when I'm done the first one.<br /><br />I think I'll give myself some scrapbooking time as well - we'll see though.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-2214491753711665402009-03-25T11:52:00.000-07:002009-03-25T11:54:39.039-07:00Another Jogging Day.Go Me. I jogged again today... almost all of 4.5 miles (I walked a block in the middle and the last two blocks at the end) but overall I think I did pretty well. YEAH.<br /><br />I also managed my second day of pushups for the 100 pushup challenge I'm doing.<br /><br />T is working from home today so we'll be going out for lunch and then I plan on recovering a bit on the sofa.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-30111431746180802092009-03-23T11:41:00.000-07:002009-03-23T12:17:33.239-07:00Happy Monday! (No Joke!)Well, I had a pretty great weekend. The weather was sunny but with a chilly, which was a little surprising after all the warm days we've been having... felt more like Spring two weeks ago. Can't complain too loudly though. Still had lovely days all weekend long.<br /><br />While T was helping a friend move, my MIL came down and we went to the Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton. Neither of us had ever been, but figured it'd be fun to go once and see what it was like. MIL had a great time looking at all the varied products she's never seen before (she's not a magazine junkie like I am) and talking about the craft shows she use to do in the same building 10 years or more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0pbjd8G3LfqpMM19QR7QbQW1ZxhauTBIJBs2MfZ_egHQnH62OJPA-UmrtqiDdrR_vBeC1_UwpPvuNYJI0Y0GBxiMO0LBejquhyphenhyphen8GvZr9w0jUJmWcsOqFpnH-YHRrgV7Wbq5FbHx3brc/s1600-h/03232009_IMG_8702.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0pbjd8G3LfqpMM19QR7QbQW1ZxhauTBIJBs2MfZ_egHQnH62OJPA-UmrtqiDdrR_vBeC1_UwpPvuNYJI0Y0GBxiMO0LBejquhyphenhyphen8GvZr9w0jUJmWcsOqFpnH-YHRrgV7Wbq5FbHx3brc/s320/03232009_IMG_8702.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316462891469171458" border="0" /></a>Some of the loot I managed to find. I spent about $120 or so on various products. I'm so excited to play with them. Some will have to wait though I got them for an album I've done for a friend and want to add pages too. She needs to get "officially" engaged first or for our vacation later this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY_-Cfufcg0SjPeraRHJs3-MHt-F3gkdCBohmCDAU7vt2yU9LmAbrNnFwrKWSGLASqsGjonSbv9Na0dzWk2wJRhCwakwpqEnhLrm3A3_XBtIZE5QxJdDdlbQDZvjShadQgMrhJSSicf8/s1600-h/03232009_IMG_8703.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY_-Cfufcg0SjPeraRHJs3-MHt-F3gkdCBohmCDAU7vt2yU9LmAbrNnFwrKWSGLASqsGjonSbv9Na0dzWk2wJRhCwakwpqEnhLrm3A3_XBtIZE5QxJdDdlbQDZvjShadQgMrhJSSicf8/s320/03232009_IMG_8703.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316463395791691746" border="0" /></a>These license plate albums I think were my favorite things that I bought. I got the PA one since that's where I'm from. I guess I could have made my own because I still have my PA license plate from my old car BUT with my knack for injuries buying one seemed safer. The HI one is for our upcoming trip to the Islands with the In Laws later this Spring. Should be an AWESOME trip. I can't wait.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhSegR2nBPN8ScPFyZYYB0kBFy9TCM1YnbXl1mYWf2y-7bTptV4gON598ppoWc5UOWG5hksyMAu4KnWpcBOSO8TQBwh0VqFdWFxhgL8DDb45zds7g9jRy8Z_m5oFWWgi7MNNvutFJY8c/s1600-h/03232009_IMG_7798.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhSegR2nBPN8ScPFyZYYB0kBFy9TCM1YnbXl1mYWf2y-7bTptV4gON598ppoWc5UOWG5hksyMAu4KnWpcBOSO8TQBwh0VqFdWFxhgL8DDb45zds7g9jRy8Z_m5oFWWgi7MNNvutFJY8c/s320/03232009_IMG_7798.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316462689797092834" border="0" /></a>Lastly, I've started to get serious about getting in shape. I'm jogging outside. Go Me! I did pretty well last week with my first solo run. This week seems to be going well too. I'm going to switch up my runs so I didn't get bored and to challenge my muscles more. I am also starting the 100 Pushups Program. I did the first day today so that will be another thing on my running days. Should be a nice challenge.<br /><br />I'm hungry. Lunch Time.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-32904765727705536472009-03-19T15:28:00.000-07:002009-03-19T15:30:20.189-07:00Update.It's been a while since I've posted. I haven't had too much to say... job searching, reading, chores, exercising, sleeping, making dinner have all pretty much become my routine.<br /><br />I'm starting the 100 pushup challenge tomorrow with my initial test. I hope Missy V will agree to do it with me. Hopefully, I'll do better with someone else along for the ride.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918504609880177581.post-13684990151702456552009-03-09T14:39:00.000-07:002009-03-09T14:44:52.955-07:00Good weekend.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEjpPedb88Z1WgeiIg1F08Ws5AUANLNOF4TRoLIVNVr_uu90sPQ3ySK-IB8wp2jl07p4d66Avjz0bJj3aFRkhI78blcYptWwGyn_bn3fPpZ_2n3Ye5VgaUyBmC9qjNgtV3HMH0MR8uNI/s1600-h/03082009_Tree2_HDR2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEjpPedb88Z1WgeiIg1F08Ws5AUANLNOF4TRoLIVNVr_uu90sPQ3ySK-IB8wp2jl07p4d66Avjz0bJj3aFRkhI78blcYptWwGyn_bn3fPpZ_2n3Ye5VgaUyBmC9qjNgtV3HMH0MR8uNI/s320/03082009_Tree2_HDR2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311307230745447858" border="0" /></a><br />Hello again friends!!!<br /><br />What a great weekend. Good weather and we accomplished our goals - even better.<br /><br />Saturday, we drove over to Danville and had lunch at a little bistro called the Peasant and the Pear. I had the Waldorf salad and it was very yummy. T had a delicious looking chicken sandwich and we shared an order of garlic bread that was just heaven. Two thumbs up.<br /><br />Afterward, we walked around downtown Danville but there really wasn't too much to see. It just isn't as quaint a town as Sonoma or Healdsburg up near the wineries but still a good day all around. Back home, we actually cleaned out and reorganized the closets as planned! Ohmigod! Miracles do happen.<br /><br />Sunday we went hiking and I took some fun pictures. We haven't been since last year. I had a great time and I'm hoping T did too because I'll want to go again very soon.<br /><br />So far this morning I went grocery shopping, had lunch, had time with the kitty, did my work out dvd with Jillian Michaels and then went for a jog outside. Dinner is planned and I'm just enjoying my relaxation time.Amanda S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02716442800558357292noreply@blogger.com0