Thursday, October 16, 2008

Turbo Turbo

In just four days, I am embarking on the most challenging exercise-related day of my entire life. From 8am-6pm Saturday, I will be attending Turbo Kick instructor training. For me, taking this training to get TK certified is similar to standing on the edge of a cliff. I’m looking over the edge, and I only have two choices. I can get scared, hold myself back, and crawl back down the mountain (in other words be boring and safe), or I can take a deep breath, dive in, and make a change.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

What Am I Doing?

Perhaps a better question would be, "What aren't I doing?" I feel like I'm barely home, I'm so busy. Here's the kicker though: I don't really have anything to show for being so busy.

Oh yeah, nothing except for the 20 pounds I have lost!

That's right. I'm never home because I'm working my ass off at the Y. Literally.

I'm taking the Turbo Kick instructor training October 18. I've never taught any type of group ex class before. I can teach taekwondo all day, but moving and talking at the same time?? We'll see how it goes. Here's a promise though: I'm going to own that training!

Friday, July 18, 2008

You Can Shop in Vegas

When we were in Vegas a couple of weeks ago, I broke down and bought the Imju Fiberwig mascara. I had told myself that I wouldn’t buy it, but it was taunting me with it’s claims of “paint on false lashes,” so I had to have it. My eyelashes are really long anyway, and fairly thick, so I usually don’t notice much of a difference when mascaras claim extended length or volume.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Fiberwig. I don’t notice extended length, but the mascara separates my lashes beautifully, and will stay on through two taekwondo classes. Score! It’s great for every day. At $22, I’m not sure I’ll buy it again, but I’m glad I tried it. I also tried Sephora’s new Atomic Volume mascara. LOVE IT. It’s $16, and the black is super black. The brush has the rubber bristles, but they’re all different sizes, so the brush can get even the short lashes. It has great separation, lift and volume. I haven’t tried this one with my eyelash curler yet, but watch out when I do!

Here’s the rest of the cool stuff I got in Vegas: Sephora Metallic eyeliner in bronze (210) $4 – awesome. Try it. Ted Gibson Build It blow drying agent$28 – smells awesome and actually does provide some lift and hold. Caudalie Beauty Elixer $15 – Don’t waste your money. Alcohol is the second ingredient, and it stinks. Literally. It smells bad. I should have stopped and read the ingredients before I purchased it. (btw, I got some Caudalie cleanser travel sizes. Awesome cleanser. Very gentle, and they will work on everyone’s skin types.)

Lest you think I only shopped at Sephora, I also got some flip flops from bebe. Love them!!

Oh yes, and when you’re in Vegas, take some time to go to the Casino Royale on the strip. They have dollar margaritas. All Day. Just one dollar.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Hot Weather and Designer Purses

Three months and three days until the Turbo Kick instructor training! Woot Woot!

Ok. DH and I spent the Independence Day weekend in Las Vegas. The heat doesn’t bother me (unlike the poor fellow that passed out in the “Tix 4 Tonight” line, but that’s a story for a different day), so I had an awesome time. The whole reason for the trip was my SIL getting married. Yay for her! I’d never been to a Vegas wedding before, so I was a might surprised when I noticed that from the time the limo picked us up to the time it dropped us off was less than an hour. We went to see the bodies exhibit, and saw a Cirque du Soleil show.

I went to the Chanel boutique in the Wynn hotel, and met a nice man from OP who insisted I try on this supreme black leather slouchy satchel with the chain handles. Oh my, was it lovely. The price was also north of $3000. Despite his assurances that I would be the only one in Wichita, and probably the only one in the whole MIDWEST with this satchel, I couldn’t spend the equivalent of six month’s utilities on one handbag. Needless to say, I do not have the supreme black leather slouchy satchel with the chain handles. I also trotted DH over to the LV boutique to try and explain the differences between a real designer handbag and a knockoff, but I just don’t think he was interested. I try to explain that handbags are art, but I think his definition of art and mine are not the same.

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Only Good Thing About Being 14

So, I used to be 14. It really sucked.

There was one good thing though, a friend and I went to see the New Kids on the Block concert at the Kansas Coliseum. I can't express how much I loved the New Kids!! Donnie, Joey, Jon, Jordan, and Danny....Oh, I had posters of them all over my room. I could never figure out who I liked the best though (I always wavered between Joey and Jordan....didn't we all??), so I just always said I liked them all.

They're back!!! I love the song "Summertime". I listen to it over and over and over and over...you get the point. They're going to be in concert on November 11 in Kansas city. I am seriously trying to convince DH that we need to go, but he keeps grumbling about having to turn in his man card, or some crap like that.

We'll see. I have plenty of time to try and convince him. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, we're going to see 3 doors down on September 4.

Keep on Rockin'!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

What Does the Future Hold for Me?

I can see it. It's just past my fingertips, right where it's been for the last two years. I can see it, but I can't reach it.

My yoga teacher says that I've completely missed it. I've focused so much on expressing positive energy and willing the universe to provide for me that I have not been allowing it to happen.

So, this is me, making it public. I am not the one in control! Do you hear me universe? I am not in control! I'm here, floating in the shimmering pool, allowing the waves of peace, zen, and energy to wash over me.

Then, where's the balance? How do I find that happy medium between being happy and hopeful, but not forcing the issue?

I Love Summer!

Late Spring/Early Summer is my favorite time of the year.

I love being warm, wearing sandals and tank tops, and being able to run around without a jacket. I have never understood the draw of running around in snow, having to be bundled up in a huge jacket and scarf, and taking the chance my skin will freeze solid and fall off.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Catch Up Part 1 - Dallas, TX - Hotel Drama

My husband and I went to Dallas for our Anniversary. I love Dallas, but it is definitely a whole different animal than Wichita.

First, we get to the Oklahoma/Texas boarder, and it starts to snow. And I mean SNOW. The girl at the counter in the convenience store says that she has never seen snow like this. We continue on our trek, and it is still snowing.

People in Texas are mesmerized by this magical white blanket. They don't change their driving, so there is wreck after wreck. It takes us two hours to go 30 miles. Finally, we get to our hotel. This is an exciting hotel, completely contemporary, with exposed brick walls and concrete floors. Well, they are having their Grand Opening party the night we get there. There is a Valet, and we are told that if we're not there for the party, then we need to park ourselves. Usually, this would not be a big deal, but remember the snow? There is now six inches of it. We are from out of town, we have luggage, and now we have to park our own car when there is a Valet right there? Thanks.

We check in, they give us the wrong room, and we have to wait for a new key. I'm getting more and more pissed by the minute. There is a mall right around the corner with a couple of great restaurants. We decide to head over for dinner. It is deserted. At 6:00pm on a Thursday night. Remember the snow? They can't handle it, so the mall is closed early. Luckily, The Cheesecake Factory is still open. We have a very pleasant dinner, head back to our hotel, park a block away, and walk back through the snow. Thank goodness, the party is over at 11 and the parking lot opens up. My wonderful husband walks the block and parks our car in the lot of the hotel.

This is the end of our hotel drama, the next three days are really awesome, and I will gladly stay at this hotel again.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Kickin' My Own ***

I'm seeing a fertility specialist to try and get pregnant. I've gone through all the tests, and the problem seems to rest with me. My doc thinks I'll be able to get past my problem, I just need to get cycling again. For me, that spells diet and exercise. Hence the title of this post.

I can get the exercise part down without much help. I'm a total cardio junkie (see my previous post about the Strong Kids Marathon), so six days a week at the Y is nothing to me. I need help with the eating part!!!

I'd be willing to trade exercise tips if someone wants to trade recipes!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Flirty Fringe

I love makeup. I mean, obsessed with, always have to try the latest thing, big puffy heart love makeup. I have, at last count, five different foundations, more than 50 eye shadows, not to mention the bronzers, liners, lipsticks and glosses, brushes, and everything that goes along with makeup.

The one thing I cannot live without though, is mascara. I have probably 10 or 12 tubes in my drawer. If I don't have it, I bet you I've tried it. To me, there is nothing more flattering than a full dark fan of lashes. It's got to be black, the blacker the better. I don't know why brown mascara was even invented.

I've tried so many mascaras, I know which ones deliver and which ones don't. I also don't suffer the bad ones. If I try it and don't like it, it goes in the trash, without remorse.

So, here are my faves:
Diorshow Blackout: This mascara is so black, it makes lesser mascaras look gray. The brush is huge, so make sure you're careful with the application. It also doesn't dry very fast, so if you have long lashes or blink a lot, be still until it dries.

Benefit Bad Gal: Another huge brush, but dries quicker. Nice separation volume, and very few clumps. Another winner.

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black: A great dense brush, not too big, and this creates a beautiful fan of lashes. Not bad for eight bucks.

Loreal Lash Architect in Blackest Black: The brush is the real winner here. It's twisted, so it really gets between the lashes to make them long and full. If you won't buy mascara at Sephora or a department store, this is the one for you.

So ladies (and you guys that dig mascara), make sure you toss your tube every three months, and bat those eyes fearlessly!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

I Might Have Bitten Off More Than I Can Chew.

DH and I work out at the local YMCA. They're in the middle of their "Strong Kids" program. For the unaware, the Strong Kids program is a yearly fundraising drive the Y uses to make sure children who might not be financially able to attend camps or classes can participate. The program is supported through community and employee donations, but, I digress.

Next Sunday is the "Strong Kids Marathon" It's a day of classes that are only open to benefactors. Those of us who are willing to pay for the privilige of getting our collective asses kicked by a three hour cardio session. Well, I signed up. I'm a cardio junkie, but at the same time, I'm glad that the instructors teaching the classes I'm going to take are more Bob style than Jillian style.

I just hope I make it through in one piece.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Party in Purple Town

The sign said "Party like it's 1983!"
The last time KSU beat KU at home.
KSU wasn't even playing in Bramlage last time it beat KU.

I was so torn watching the game. I was a KU fan growing up, but I married a K-Stater. My friend N was there. I can only imagine the energy in the coliseum! I hope she didn't get crushed on the court after the game!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

And So It Begins....

So, I'm a Midwestern girl with a big city mentality, just trying to make my way through this crazy life thing. I'm happy, crazy, funny, dramatic, and grounded all at once.

I have an awesome husband, a great family, and some rockin' friends. Wanna be one of my friends? Strap in and enjoy the ride!