Now and Then

Well as happy birthdays go- mine was a bit of sweet and a bit of sour! The above photo depicts me now as 34 year old Min with 15 year old Min at Prom!
- AHHHHH That girl!!! If she only KNEW. . . .what choices I would have made instead LOL!
I've made only a few mortal mistakes in those 19 years between. I've learned greatly from the amazing highs and amazing lows thrown my way. I've been the good person and the person I don't like. I feel more secure and solidly content in my skin now- more than ever. Nothing can derail me from whatever I am wanting to do.

- SO- for the gossip!
- Matt took me out to a beautiful birthday dinner at Roy's a Hawaiian Fusion restaurant. It was GORGEOUS. As you may know I adore fine dining, and Roy's usually doesn't disappoint with service and meal. . . .

Except this time =( The BUTTER FISH
talk about INSANE food poisoning!! I was in agony my whole birthday night and into the next day - and even today I still feel a little green gilled.

Talk about BLAHHHHHHH.  - BUT.
I'm feeling much better now and actually happy I have been on my best dieting behaviour lately *angel eyes*
LOL mostly because I'm terrified of eating ANYTHING that isn't bland! It's okay though because I love to have deep conversations with Bob Harper on the back of the Quaker Oatmeal box about the healing properties of plain oatmeal!!
Remember the Dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding - and his obsession with Windex being the cure all?? - YEAH, that is how I am about Oatmeal!!!

Moving on. . .

LIFT, TONE, BURN!!! PURE BARRE!!!!

THAT IS RIGHT-- MAMA IS HOME! It feels so GOOD to be back at the Barre! I really missed the full body workout I get from each class. Though I loved Zumba and Body Pump and Spin, it felt as if there was something missing. . . .As if only parts of me were being worked at a time.
Now I think Anna and I have nailed it on the head. 1 hour Pure Barre then 30 mins Elliptical. We get the core strengthening LIFT TONE BURN and full on greatness of PB - then the cardio burn out of the Elliptical. I don't feel trashed out either. It is a completely different set of skills to be strong in this way - than to be strong in cardio. I always leave feeling HIGH. Also - there is a new instructor named Chaz! He is so awesome! I really enjoy his classes, as he is very passionate about form and making the most out of each isometric movement. ALSO - maybe because he is a man, he immediately dispells any catty bitchiness that seemed to have been lurking the last time I was there a few months ago. I finally feel like I can just go in there and be surrounded by positive energy.

To be honest my running outside has NOT been happening due to the horrid weather and miserable heat. . . . I will pick it up - PROMISE!!!! ( I know. ... Promises Promises!!)

Aside from adoring Pure Barre - I'm really into crazy leggings lately.

Bright colors just make me a happy girl =)  I'm really into Beyond Yoga and Splits59 more than anything right now. Though I am still interested in what Lululemon is up to, it is mostly from a curiosity outsider point of view! A lot of people are complaining about the Quality Control of lulu going downhill! CRAZY things too . . like Lulu telling people that the ph in their sweat is causing their workout clothes to stain odd colors. WHAAAAT???? PRAY TELL Lulu, what should my PH be to be allowed to safely sweat in my WORKOUT clothes?! LOL
HILAR!
 - Some blondes are upset because of pink headbands dying their hair pink while sweating - or ruining their extensions!!  - Leather couches being stained from bleeding fabrics - clothes bleeding onto other clothes just from sweating.. unraveling seams - see through leggings! -and that is just to name a few. . .I find it hilarious I am paying so close attention to the drama of a workout gear brand. ..  but really it is actually interesting. HOW is this company raising prices, treating customers terribly, pushing expanding lines that are shoddy - and still in business?! WILD.
Well . .  we shall see! For now though I'm having fun exploring new brands such as Kira Grace and Nancy Rose Performance.

 I know this post is chock a block filled with photos!! It is getting quite long. .. one more to share! My awesome Nepal roll on bracelets I bought for myself for my birthday =)
Other noted amazing gifts are a shopping spree to splits59 from my darling Matty and a gorgeous Rose gold pendant in the shape of a beautiful ship from my parents. It is an antique from Scotland.

Well that is it for now! - Looking forward to going to Pure Barre tomorrow morning!
All the best for you -
love,
Minda