New York Photos

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A Quick Rundown on Recent Travel

I hope to post pictures earlier this week than later, but here's a quick rundown of our fabulous trip to New York:

- Lots and LOTS of sightseeing. My feet still feel achy from all the walking
- Great experience watching a taping of the Colbert Report - Chris even got to ask Stephen a question!
- Fun dinner with my cousin Jeremy and his friend Paul
- Top of the Rock - best view in the city, hands down.
- Helvetica is the first type face to become part of MoMA's permanent collection
- Chris learned that he actually DOES like modern art!
- Yeungling and Brooklyn Lager. YUM.
- Chocolate Chocolate Canoli and Raspberry Cheesecake at Veniero's
- A visit to the old stomping grounds - 1st avenue and 12th street
- The Strand Bookstore
- A fun taping of Letterman
- A really wonderful afternoon spent with Kevin at the Public Library, Bryant Park, and Grand Central
- Fishs Eddy!!!!
- Wonderful wonderful Cuban/Mexican food in Park Slope - guacamole was heavenly!!
- Shopping in Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Gorgeous weather

One Week!

I've been so excited at the prospect of our New York City trip, which is just one week from today. I am getting quite giddy over the thought of it, too. We are still researching intinerary options. I have lost sleep over the excitement!

The Conclusion of a Very Good Week

It's been awhile since I could say that I really had a great week all around.
Here are a few highlights:

Monday: It was GORGEOUS outside, and I took the dog for a LONG walk and went to the gym. YAY me.
Tuesday: I volunteered for the first time at our church food ministry. We feed meals and distribute bagged lunches for the homeless and working poor in downtown Cincinnati.
Wednesday: I took a really fun Latin Aerobics Class at the gym. I'm still sore Saturday morning.
Thursday: I had a great meeting with my boss and team about upcoming project's and I feel really optimistic about the work we'll be doing this spring/summer. I also had my annual review, and it went really well. I came out of it really feeling confident about my work and my ability.
Friday: I stepped on the scale to find I've lost FOUR POUNDS this week. I treated myself to a new haircut (see photo from webcam...hehe), and I had a fun night out with Chris and good friends - Angie, Todd, Julia, Sean, & Datina. I hadn't realized how much I needed it.

Feeling Discouraged

This is the second week in a row now where I have worked REALLY hard to concentrate on my dieting goals. I have been really good with my food intake. I have either worked out at the gym or walked the dog every day (sometimes both). I've gotten plenty of sleep, too, which is something I needed to catch up on, because I know being tired makes me feel hungry.
And both weeks? I get on the scale to find i've lost a pound. Now I know the trend is going in the right direction, but I feel like I've worked really hard to jump start it a bit. I've lost a total of 13 now, but I was REALLY hoping to be at the 20 mark before our trip to New York on the 18th. But Jesus, really only ONE POUND?
*sigh*
It's been a lifelong struggle for me - this weight thing. And I absolutely hate it. People aren't really even noticing yet, and that's discouraging too. I've been working on this for a solid two months now. And some days it makes me wish I was just eating what I *want* to eat!

Worms and My Garbage

It's quite amusing to me to tell people that I now willingly have a bin full of worms and garbage on my front porch. I am so excited about this. My vermicompost bin is underway! Chris has quite enjoyed feeding them, which is really cute.
Today the big outdoor bin gets "officially" underway, because I have the supplies. I am so excited about this. We will be reducing our landfill waste significantly, and that's something I can do to make a difference.
Consequently, to get my "Master Composter" Certification, I have to do 10-15 hours of service. I am going to try to devote this to teaching friends and family how to have their own bins and piles. I'm thinking a "fermentation and fermentation" party in the fall (maybe earlier if I feel confident in my composting knowledge and practice by then!) - that's a composting and wine party. I'll be handing out flyers door to door on the street, and offering to have the supplies at my house to start new bins with my neighbors for a fee less than $10.
I'm such a geek about this, but I really am excited!

Shhhhh!!! Don't tell...

But Justin Timberlake, was freaking awesome! I had such a fun time. The man can DANCE, and he sure can entertain an unlikely fan!!

I'm actually looking forward to the gym tomorrow - to rock out some more!!