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!

I'm hoping the rest of the week is good for all of you. Wishing you health and happiness :)

Xx Nicole

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!

Did everyone enjoy their weekend?

Hoping so and hope this week is great.

Xoxo Nicole

The start of something new

So my New Years resolution was to devote more time to my blog and make it a priority to at least post twice a week. Clearly, I haven't really been upholding my resolution. I can't quite figure out my lack of motivation or how to approach the issue. 

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:

An Abs challenge Manny and I are doing. Today is day 14 but I'm seeing some results already. Let me also say that I despise ab workouts. A personal trainer probably shouldn't admit that but hey, I'm human :)

Disneyland to celebrate my mom's birthday!! I'm going to really miss living so close to Disneyland but as a trade off I will be closer to Disneyworld.

Manny and I at an event for an organization my dad is a part of, Society of Camera Operators. It was open bar, need I say more.

A beautiful San Diego sunset and an equally beautiful breakfast at San Diego's Snooze. Those apple cinnamon pancakes were incredible!

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