Proud Aunt Moment

Well, after a long 19 months, I finally heard Regan say "Coco" in person, as clear as day and it melts my heart every time. After many failed attempts at capturing the moment, I finally got one....not the best video, but at the very end, you can hear her say it.



And a few photos:

Double Lutz Wishes & Triple Salchow Dreams

I love to try and experience new things, and after suggesting the idea of ice skating before the season is over to L, she thought Friday evening would be a good opportunity to do so.

First thing was first, dinner with Naomi and Rod. We've been trying to go through the DM Metromix Top 100 Restaurant list and decided on Mama Lacona's (esp since they are closing for good on Sunday) After a lovely dinner, we headed to Brenton Skating Plaza, where we met up with LW for a little ice skating action.

It was a beautiful night to ice skate - dry and not too cold. The DJ added to the ambiance with some good tunes, including JT/Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Metallica, all while "drinking in" the glory that is the Metro.

I'll admit, I was a little nervous. I had my doubts as to how I'd do on the ice. I kept picturing myself slinking along the side, holding onto the railing the entire time. But, turns out, I didn't do too bad. It's similar to rollerblading, which I loved back in the day. As the evening went on, my confidence level grew and I attempted some choreography. Unfortunately I wasn't able to whip out a triple axle but I did manage to skate on one leg, skate backwards, spin, and rock a few dance moves, including my go-to maraca snap. Although I missed my chance at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, I'm pretty sure I can be ready in time for 2014.

Wishful Thinker?

I was reminded of the great flick, Dumb & Dumber during my commute this morning....

Picture it. I'm driving on 235, tunes blaring, maracas snapping, and heat blasting on this record-setting cold day (Jeriann said it was -7, my car said -4) and as I switch lanes to pass a car, I look ahead of the car I'm about to pass and couldn't believe my eyes....a man riding a motorcycle. For real. Apparently he missed the memo that it's only February 25th, not to mention the fact that we just set a record low temperature. Reminded me of this part of the movie: "...we're there!"

Kickin' Creative Outlet

As I was picking up my room tonight, I looked into my closet and wondered how I am ever going to find a place for the two new pair of Uggs I got. (I know what you're thinking - 2 pair seems gluttonous, but to say I got a killer deal is an understatement...two pair for less than the price of one!)

I couldn't help but get distracted for a brief moment from the conundrum I have found myself to be in and look at what I consider to be some of my art. If you know me, you know I hardly have a creative bone in my body when it comes to the more conventional ideas of art. I cannot draw to save my life, I'm pretty sure my 18-month old niece could paint better than me, and you could mistake the clay Snoopy sculpture I made in junior high to be the Blob.

I believe my creative outlet comes through my style. And shoes are a big part of that creativity. A diverse collection of sneakers, pumps, flats, and boots. Here a few of my favs:

Collectors Item: Hale Bob's Fergie

While looking through a magazine a couple of years ago, highlighting Hale Bob's '08 spring collection, I saw these and fell in love. As luck would have it, a few weeks later while surfing the net, I found them at victoriassecret.com, marked down. A few clicks later and they were mine.

Sneakers: Adidas Sailing White

I blogged about these back in December.

Heels: Steve Madden's Triumph

A chic nod to the 80's. I rocked these in Vegas for the No Doubt concert and received many compliments, including some from ballroom dancers we sat next to at a club after the show.

Flats: American Eagle's Ava

These shoes are so comfortable - they feel more like slippers than shoes, yet they still maintain a geek chic look. And the fact that I paid $10 for them at Payless makes it even better! (Mine are red)

Pumps: Naughty Monkey's Hide 'n Seek

These are a favorite because of how different these are. There's so much going on from the wooden heel (which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but it works here) to the netting, to all the bright colors. Comments I've received on these pumps range from, "Those are the most fabulous shoes I've ever seen" to "those are 'f' me shoes." (that comment coming from a bartender in Greece)

Boots: Uggs - Classic Cardy/Classic Short

Of course I have to give my new Uggs props, mainly because of the stellar price. (And how great they'll look with my denim mini :) ) Although I haven't worn them yet (need to treat them first) I know I'll love them and get plenty of use out of them.

Booties: Not Rated's Yankee Doodle

My first and only pair of booties. Super cute when paired with a sweater dress, but versatile enough to wear with jeans.

Rockin' the Plank

As I mentioned in my last post, Yoga is by far my favorite fitness class. It's been about a month since my first yoga class in almost 2 years and I feel that each class I'm improving on my strength and balance.

Tonight I reached a small goal I set for myself in doing Side Plank without the assistance of my knees. Although my arms were definitely a little shaky as we held the pose for several breaths, I held strong and refused to give up. That's one small step for Nic, one giant leap for womankind. (or something like that...)

Operation Get Fit Update

I'm about 3 months into my Y membership and I'm happy to report I'm still going strong. I've taken advantage of the warm, dry environment, on those days when it's too cold or wet to run outside. But the biggest highlight, for me, is the classes I've taken advantage of.

*Body Jam - Naomi and I danced up a sweat during this class, working on our hip hop, Latin, and swing moves. It's not something I'd want to do every week, but it's a fun spin to a cardio workout, incorporating some sweet dance moves I have every intention of breaking out the next time I hit the dance floor. If I'd attend this class more often, I'm pretty sure I'd be a top contestant for Dancing With the Stars....just sayin'.

*Spin - L and I checked this out Friday morning. We were ridin' the spin V-train up until that point, so nerves were a little high, and we certainly didn't fit in with the "regulars", as they came in full cycle gear, but we quickly got the hang of it and really enjoyed the workout. I'm definitely in for spin.

*Abs/Back - A quick but effective workout of the core. Just waiting for BC '10 to roll around so I can show off what's sure to be my washboard stomach ;)

*Yoga - This is by far my favorite and the class I've attended the most. The stretching, the strength-building, and the meditation - all make for a combination of a great workout. It's definitely a nice getaway from the usual cardio.

Knock, Knock...Anyone There?

I know I've been neglecting the blogosphere lately - it's been a week since my last posting and I need to catch up on my blog reading. But it's been a busy week....that's my story and I'm sticking to it. This past week, at a glance:

Monday - Work, Yoga
Tuesday - Work, a little Phat Tuesday celebration at Jethros, followed by the Drake game*
Wednesday - Work, Ash Wednesday Mass, warm-up drink at High Life, Volleyball*
Thursday - Work, 4 mile run around Gray's
*Left the house at 6:30 A.M. and got home at 9:30 P.M.

This brings us to today. I'm writing post spin class, pre-lunch date with KC, followed by a few errands and some cleaning.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy staying busy and this week I was busy with fun activities, however, I'm ready to welcome the weekend with open arms, and another post or two (so be ready Naomi!)