Gym Junkie

Never in a million years did I once think that I would become a gym junkie. In fact, the idea of paying to 'get/stay in shape' has always seemed a bit ridiculous. But, with a new drive to get 'wickedly toned' and an opportunity for a discounted monthly price, I decided to give it a go. I'm at day three and I'm already a junkie. Is that bad? I didn't even go today, because I opted to go on a massively long hike with my Dad and dog (Lily) at Hoyt Arboretum. But somehow, because I have not actually been in the facility, my body is yearning for it. Hahaha... Oh man.... What have I gotten myself into? Nah, but really, I'm enjoying it quite a bit. It feels good to not only work out, but really want to do the work. Best part, I've already seen results. I even created a new diet, which I think could make me millions. I'll share, because I'm not greedy like that, and of course, it's just plain common sense.

Eat Healthy.
Eat Less.
Exercise More.
Do It Everyday.

It's a guarantee success, don't ya think?

In other news, I attended a women's self defense class the other night. You know, the kind where the dudes wear padding and you're aloud to beat them up. It was awesome. Apparently, from the bruise on my right knee, that is my bodily weapon of choice. Didn't help either that I was continuously using force. Technically, I was told not to, but come on, when given the chance to get out some aggression on the 'bad men' aka Gresham swat team members, how could I resist? I was 'learning' to physically defend myself. HA! My only complaint, which I brought up to one of them, was that during the mock attacks, they would stop the moment you first pushed back, and thus allowed you to beat them up without any further movement (it made you start thinking too much, and reacting less). Come on. I need a little tag team action. Like playful banter/wrestling, but in a self defense kind of way. Anyways, the dude just told me that if all goes well, it will become a regular class that builds up to that point. Hurray! I can't wait.

I have also made some head way on the matter involving the best email ever to be received at 1 a.m. Last night I got another email with tons of info and the structure of the course. Guess I'll be going back to grad school after all (I'm trying to think positively on the matter, as currently, I have made it to the final/last round before the lucky 12 are chosen, and it's all I want right now). It's finally settling in that the next year of my life could quite possibly be spent at one of the top ad agency's in the U.S. I'm stoked, but getting more and more nervous as the days wear on. The weekend interview process is fast approaching, and I can't even fathom what it will actually be like. All I know is that I get to meet my competition and tons of people in the office. Eee gads! This should be interesting. And fun. And maybe a little crazy. Hmmm.... One can only hope.

Lily Bean sleeping in-between hiking Hoyt Arboretum and going to the dog park. So sweet.
Hey! New game.... Guess what the photo is of below..... Are you cleaver enough to figure it out?
**Disclaimer: No prize will be rewarded for correct answer.

Best Email Ever To Be Received At 1A.M. And Other Things

Yesterday, I woke up early (6:30 a.m.) to prepare spending the entire day out of town helping some family members pack. I was without internet and email access the entire day. Truth be told, I love days like that. When I returned to PDX and checked my emails, I noticed I had one from a very special place/thing. I was a little nervous to see what it was, as I have been waiting 1 1/2 weeks to receive news, good or bad. To my dismay, the email simply contained a PDF to download, and since I wasn't on my own computer I had to wait till we were once again reunited.

I ended up going to a free show at Berbati's with GS. We stayed for 2 out of the 3 bands (due to the Blazer game, the concert didn't start till around 10 p.m.). I liked the bands, as I knew I would. Just a shame that the crowd attendance was uber weak. GS and I were probably the only people there that were not associated with one of the bands.

Anyways, upon returning home, I remembered I had that special email I needed to download. I was hesitant, knowing that if it was not what I wanted to hear, then I would have a bad end to the night. But if lucky, I knew it could easily turn into something even more wonderful. I contemplated saving it till morning, but realized that I just couldn't wait. Hey, I'm an only child o.k., I have no patience. When the download opened, this is what happily awaited my bright eyes:

'You wanted to be in 12.
Now you’re in for it.
Almost.
We plucked your entry and 21 others from over 250 applications, and we’d love to meet you.....'

Yep, GOOD NEWS all around. There's more, but for the sake of privacy, and not releasing too much out of the bag just yet, I'll spare the details, for now.

Long story short, I've been saying that if something big doesn't happen career wise for me in PDX soon, then there would be absolutely nothing holding me back from picking up and leaving as soon as I could. So ladies and gentlemen, this news, could most definitely be that big career thing. And although I am not there quite yet, I'm close. Closer than most could ever dream about, and I couldn't be happier. Yes, my life is soon to change, and, with my belief in the Universe always granting what you want, that maybe, just maybe, I'll make it after all. Recognition has come (in the form of interest), and although it feels extremely good, it just doesn't seem real yet. I keep repeating through my mind 'Really? I'm THAT good? Nah, I don't know about that.' All I can say, is it brings a smile to face, and what more could you ask for. I'm finally really excited for what the future holds. I knew this year would be good! Cross your fingers for me, please.

Completely changing the subject 180 degrees, I joined a gym today. Yep, I am determined to be a regular and get back into good shape. The Universe is calling.... It's time to get wickedly toned! I'll be starting my intense, at least 3/4 days a week workout plan (it's in my head) tomorrow morning, bright and early, at 9:30 for Quickfit Step. God, I love aerobics. Friday I plan to go to the Re-action Cycling class at 5:30 a.m. That's pushing it as far as a.m. wise (I've never been a morning person), but I figure, I'll give it a try. It I just can't cut it that early in the morning, I'll attend the evening classes.

I also got a call from my Aunt tonight that Kings of Leon will be in town. Score. They will be playing at the Rose Garden. Bummer! With age, I prefer smaller, more personal concerts. But oh well, should be a good show. They sound like a wild whiskey drinking southern boys always down for a good time. Just my type of people. Rock on! Let's hope those 15 year olds don't rush and sell out the concert before I get a chance to buy 2 tickets.

Speaking of my Aunt, she told me yesterday about a video series I had to check out :Green Porno. I know how it sounds, but hell, this video series by Isabella Rossellini is absolutely amazing. Everything, besides herself, is made from paper. I'm especially fascinated with the entire process of how she decides what animal/insect sex lives to follow, right down to the concepts, design, making and follow through. Check out all the videos on the Sundance website.



I like to stay current with design news and trends, and the other day I came upon this video. New Zealands take on London design. I found it quite amusing. A city I love, and will always be near and dear to my heart, London, and a place I've been itching to go to for awhile, and hoping for this winter, New Zealand. Notice the W+K reference....