So I have officially driven across the country twice in the span of about two months!! I can't even believe it but I have to say I feel very fortunate to have done so. The first time across was obviously to make the move to Virginia Beach and the second time was to bring my car to VB. Originally, we were going to have my car shipped through a moving company but I began to hear may horror stories of cars taking several months to arrive, terrible customer service etc. Even though I did put miles on my car I feel I saved piece of mind and was also able to see some new places. My sister made the trek with me and we had a fabulous time. We didn't kill each other either...I was surprised :) I will dedicate my next post to highlighting both road trips.
Being in a new city, with no job, no friends or family is exactly what it sounds like...frightening. Unpacking and organizing the house has taken up a lot of our time and that has taken my mind off of the obvious worry of not having a job but I have begun to do some job searching and applying. I also am enrolled in two classes, abnormal and developmental psychology. Both are online through California schools since I am still a CA resident. Pretty sure these classes will be keeping me occupied as well.
Virgina Beach is growing on me. Manny and I have to keep reminding each other that it is not California, I mean nothing is ;) I am thankful there is a Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and four Targets!! We've visited some other cities recently that had only two small grocery stores so I know it could always be worse. It's all about perspective, right?
I'm trying to get myself back into the swing of physical activity. I feel like the majority of the last couple of months have been spent sitting in a car so trying to not sit too long anymore. I signed up for a 7 day gym pass at a local gym. It is a nice facility with plenty of equipment and classes but I don't have the money to spend on a membership at the moment just using to get myself out of the house this week. Plus, we have gym equipment at the house and I just discovered that we have an On Demand fitness channel so working out at home will be even better!
Time to get back to the house work!
Happy Sunday!
Anybody else out there do a cross country trip?? Tell me about it :)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Run down
I've been dealing with quite the myriad of emotions lately. Obviously, this impending move across the country leaves me nervous and excited at the same time. I am nervous because I will most likely arrive to a new state, unemployed, surviving on a bit of savings and left to rely on my boyfriend until I do find work. Honestly, that leaves me quite unsettled. And I know that I will find work but the interim is what I am concerned with. I don't want him to grow resentful of me. This feeling stems from what I grew up seeing my father feel for my mother since she didn't work but instead chose to raise my sister and I. Of course, that is not the path I am choosing for myself but even having someone take care of me for a short while leaves me with a pit in my stomach.
More than anything I want to be proud of myself but I also very much want Manny to be proud of me. For him to see me as an accomplished, intelligent woman. I do get down on myself because his ex-girlfriend before me was incredibly smart, also a psychologist, an excellent writer, pretty, tall... I understand I am being ridiculous because Manny loves me and has chosen to be with me but I can't help but regress to these feelings given my current circumstance. I want nothing more than to further my education and move forth with a new career. Given my age though, it does make it more difficult but nothing is impossible and I know that I am capable. Remaining positive and determined is what I need to hold to.
Despite all of the above, I did manage to have a very enjoyable weekend with Manny's aunt and uncle whom came for a visit to San Diego. We definitely over-indulged in some amazing food and drink. However, it was worth all the laughs and good conversation that was had.
Monday was a rough one though. I managed to wake up for my stats class but my throat was sore and I was incredibly tired. I decided to take the day off work and just rest. I certainly got plenty of rest; I slept from 8:30 am-4:30 pm! Needless to say, I wanted to get my body moving. I hadn't exercised at all over the weekend and my body was in debt. I made my way to the Burbank hills for a short yet rewarding hike. I worked up a sweat and got some fresh air which I know I needed. I then got some Trader Joe's goodies since the fridge was quite bare and took it easy for the remainder of the evening.
I also wanted to share this amazing recipe that I made on Friday prior to going to San Diego:
Banana Bread Granola http://minimalistbaker.com/banana-bread-granola/
It was very easy and makes a huge batch. I was very impressed with myself and everyone I shared it with thought it was incredible...especially Manny who loves all things banana :)
Here are some pics to highlight the weekend:
Those mussels and scallops were so amazing. The food is from Stone Brewery at Liberty Station. I wish I would've taken pictures of the outside patio, the ambiance is spectacular. The last picture is from a Russian restaurant we ate at. So many veggie options. Manny and I shared two dishes, one being a vegetarian french dip that was so wonderful! Great food!
More than anything I want to be proud of myself but I also very much want Manny to be proud of me. For him to see me as an accomplished, intelligent woman. I do get down on myself because his ex-girlfriend before me was incredibly smart, also a psychologist, an excellent writer, pretty, tall... I understand I am being ridiculous because Manny loves me and has chosen to be with me but I can't help but regress to these feelings given my current circumstance. I want nothing more than to further my education and move forth with a new career. Given my age though, it does make it more difficult but nothing is impossible and I know that I am capable. Remaining positive and determined is what I need to hold to.
Despite all of the above, I did manage to have a very enjoyable weekend with Manny's aunt and uncle whom came for a visit to San Diego. We definitely over-indulged in some amazing food and drink. However, it was worth all the laughs and good conversation that was had.
Monday was a rough one though. I managed to wake up for my stats class but my throat was sore and I was incredibly tired. I decided to take the day off work and just rest. I certainly got plenty of rest; I slept from 8:30 am-4:30 pm! Needless to say, I wanted to get my body moving. I hadn't exercised at all over the weekend and my body was in debt. I made my way to the Burbank hills for a short yet rewarding hike. I worked up a sweat and got some fresh air which I know I needed. I then got some Trader Joe's goodies since the fridge was quite bare and took it easy for the remainder of the evening.
I also wanted to share this amazing recipe that I made on Friday prior to going to San Diego:
Banana Bread Granola http://minimalistbaker.com/banana-bread-granola/
It was very easy and makes a huge batch. I was very impressed with myself and everyone I shared it with thought it was incredible...especially Manny who loves all things banana :)
Here are some pics to highlight the weekend:
I'm hoping the rest of the week is good for all of you. Wishing you health and happiness :)
Xx Nicole
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Jumping to it
Happy Tuesday! It's only 11:28 am and I am ready for this day to be over. Is that bad? I am so exhausted today for whatever reason. I mean I know I have been up since 6:00 am for school but I thought I got enough sleep. At least it isn't too busy at work so it could be worse ;)
Last night I finally started to use the mini trampoline I got for Christmas. I had one many years ago and remembered it being great exercise while also being quite fun so I asked for one as a gift. And as I began my to jump last night it was just I had remembered. After that I knew I had day 17 of my ab challenge to do. Let's just say it is getting extremely hard to do all at once and I need to break the session up. I mean 75 sit-ups, 100 crunches...yikes! I have to admit that I am proud I am working on my abs considering it is my least favorite part to exercise, any effort is progress in my opinion.
The weekend was a good time as I expected it would be. I was able to see friends I hadn't seen in awhile and with the move looming over me I of course am thankful to see friends even more often.
A look back at the weekend:
I certainly had plenty of adult drinks, danced and laughed. All the components of a wonderful evening!
Last night I finally started to use the mini trampoline I got for Christmas. I had one many years ago and remembered it being great exercise while also being quite fun so I asked for one as a gift. And as I began my to jump last night it was just I had remembered. After that I knew I had day 17 of my ab challenge to do. Let's just say it is getting extremely hard to do all at once and I need to break the session up. I mean 75 sit-ups, 100 crunches...yikes! I have to admit that I am proud I am working on my abs considering it is my least favorite part to exercise, any effort is progress in my opinion.
The weekend was a good time as I expected it would be. I was able to see friends I hadn't seen in awhile and with the move looming over me I of course am thankful to see friends even more often.
A look back at the weekend:
Did everyone enjoy their weekend?
Hoping so and hope this week is great.
Xoxo Nicole
Friday, March 14, 2014
The start of something new
The next four months of my life are going to be very busy. I just started a Statistics class, I will explain exactly why I am taking the class another time, it's complicated. So the class is Monday through Thursday from 6:30 am- 7:45 am. Waaayyy too early for this night owl but it was the only class I could find to fit my schedule with work :(
I am looking at this from a positive angle and viewing it as a personal challenge. It's challenge enough that I am in bed by 10:00 pm. Fingers crossed I make it through and pass!!
The other big development in my life is that Manny has been offered an incredibly amazing job opportunity in Virginia Beach. Manny had actually been propositioned for the job last year and so we were prepared for the prospect of moving early on. It became official last week and we are now planning to leave California in June, trek across the country for a couple weeks to move/vacay and then settle into Virginia Beach in July. Naturally, being a native to Los Angeles and it also being my home for all my 32 years it does leave me with a touch of sadness. Though I just keep reminding myself that mine and Manny's family are in California and so we will always have a place to come back to. With all that said, I am beyond thrilled and excited to venture beyond my comfort zone and experience life on the other side of the country...I hear they have seasons :) He and I also friends on the east coast, so I look forward to visiting them and also being that much closer to NYC!!! My favorite big city!
I have been looking at the job market in Virginia Beach and getting an idea of what is available. I am generally focusing on personal training but also looking at government/military jobs. Developing this blog into a job as well would be a dream but I know that takes effort. But I suppose even if this blog isn't a paying job or even successful as of yet I should treat it as such, perhaps that should be my approach. I am going to do my best to document this new phase and journey in my life and hope to build an audience out in the web sphere to share it with.
Here are some pictures as of late:
I am looking at this from a positive angle and viewing it as a personal challenge. It's challenge enough that I am in bed by 10:00 pm. Fingers crossed I make it through and pass!!
The other big development in my life is that Manny has been offered an incredibly amazing job opportunity in Virginia Beach. Manny had actually been propositioned for the job last year and so we were prepared for the prospect of moving early on. It became official last week and we are now planning to leave California in June, trek across the country for a couple weeks to move/vacay and then settle into Virginia Beach in July. Naturally, being a native to Los Angeles and it also being my home for all my 32 years it does leave me with a touch of sadness. Though I just keep reminding myself that mine and Manny's family are in California and so we will always have a place to come back to. With all that said, I am beyond thrilled and excited to venture beyond my comfort zone and experience life on the other side of the country...I hear they have seasons :) He and I also friends on the east coast, so I look forward to visiting them and also being that much closer to NYC!!! My favorite big city!
I have been looking at the job market in Virginia Beach and getting an idea of what is available. I am generally focusing on personal training but also looking at government/military jobs. Developing this blog into a job as well would be a dream but I know that takes effort. But I suppose even if this blog isn't a paying job or even successful as of yet I should treat it as such, perhaps that should be my approach. I am going to do my best to document this new phase and journey in my life and hope to build an audience out in the web sphere to share it with.
Here are some pictures as of late:
I'm off to San Diego to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend, they have about 15 Irish pubs downtown. I'll be back to recap. Have a fun and safe one!
Nicole
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Under the weather
I've had it for about a week now and feel slightly better today. I suppose I should admit that I haven't been taking the best care of myself. Last weekend I went to SD to celebrate John's birthday (Manny's friend/roommate). Probably wasn't the best idea to go out but I didn't really drink so I'm giving myself points for that ;)
Getting enought sleep is difficult when I am constantly waking up due to a cough and nasal drip (gross, I know). I bought NyQuil Severe thinking that would knock this out and it certainly hasn't. So disappointed! I just want to feel well! Just shows how much I take good health for granted.
Here are some recent photos:
I will be in San Diego again this weekend. Manny has to work on Sunday so I will take that day to relax and take some time for myself. Definitely going to the gym. He has a nice, little gym in his building.We will probably go for a hike and maybe get massages too :)
I will be back with a weekend wrap-up.
Now time to pop some vitamin C and Zinc!
All my best, Nicole
Thursday, January 9, 2014
So This Is The New Year
Hello and Happy New Year!!!
I hope 2014 has started off well for everyone. The end of 2013 was quite a whirlwind of events for me. My birthday was on Dec. 18 and Manny was lovely enough to indulge my child like side and take me to Disneyland. It was a great day!! Then I was up on Northern California for a few days with Manny's family all the while studying for the NASM exam which I was set to take on Dec. 24th. Seems like a crazy day to take an exam but I did it and...I passed!! It was such a great relief, happy it's over but now want to move forward with putting the certification to use :)
I spent time with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas then went to Palm Springs to throw a party and then spent NYE in San Diego. An exhausting couple weeks but all worth it!
Now I face 2014, hopeful for some exciting changes but all the while taking it day by day.
As far as resolutions go I would love to really put effort into this blog and see it grow. Also, to start training some clients and maybe add another certification to the mix. There is a chance I might also take a course at a city college but finding one has proven difficult :(
Do you have any resolutions to share?
The Huffington Post shared this: http://m.huffpost.com/uk/entry/4568429/
What do you think about these diets?
I wish all of you a wonderful week!
Nikki
Friday, December 6, 2013
Back To It
Well with all this being said, I should say that I have been busy between work, studying for my NASM exam and also trying to enroll in classes (more on that later).
All in all, I've been happy and healthy. Once a week I attend a class called BUTI yoga. It's a mixture of dance, yoga and plyomentric moves. It's amazing and you feel electrified when the class ends. I attended class last night and the instructor has now added the use of silks to help stretch the body and aid in active/functional flexibility. I believe they offer it throughout the U.S. It is definitely worth checking out.
My boyfriend shared a great article with me: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/12/05/249072685/what-separates-a-healthy-and-unhealthy-diet-just-1-50-per-day?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook
The SNAP program that they discuss is really such a brilliant concept. It would be such a shame if funding is cut for it. Educating people, especially families with children is a crucial step in building a healthier country for the present and future.
I'm just sitting on a train to San Diego at the moment and reading my Nutrition Action newsletter. Does anyone else get this? Always full of great information.
Well all I can say is that I hope more than anything to work harder on this blog and give it more attention. Now to set that alarm ;)
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