Back from Mexico! Pics!

I am back to reality from my awesome trip to Mexico. It was a vacation that I really needed and one that I won't soon forget. It was only 5 days long but it was awesome from beginning to end, and now I'm back to rainy NJ.

I went away with 4 other girls to an all inclusive near Cancun. We got an insane deal for the whole thing, rooms, flight, all inclusive. It was just way too good to pass up! The resort we stayed out was awesome. I highly recommend it. The food was delicious, the drinks even better. There was a huge pool with a slide and a cliff jump and it was right on the beach, where they had boating and kayaks available to use. So much fun!

The view from my hotel! So pretty

Out to dinner with my three favorite girls

I have always had a bucket list of things I want to do. This trip gave me the ability to conquer two of them! When I was overweight and away once, everyone I went with did ziplining. I couldn't go though because there was a weight limit. It killed me to not be able to go and I knew that one day I would do it. This trip allowed me to finally go ziplining!!! One of the best things ever! I want to do it again and again now!

Me getting ready to zip line for the first time.

On my way down!

I even got to go upside down on them. Which was terrifying at first but really fun once you stopped feeling like you were gonna die. haha

I look like a pro here. :)

After ziplining we went out on ATVs. I was not the best driver, but still a really cool experience. 

Finally here I am conquering another item on my bucket list. You can see I'm screaming haha. Going down a zip line into water. I'm not scared of heights per se, but I am scared of jumping. The last obstacle race I did, there was a cliff jump that I didn't do. I got to the top and froze. I couldn't make the jump. I was so embarrassed that I vowed to myself to get over this fear and finally do it! I also jumped down from that ledge as well. Now I am ready for the next Tough Mudder!

Splashing down.

The rest of the trip was spent just relaxing and getting some sun. I feel so much better than I have in months. This trip has really taught me to let go. To face my fears head on and experience the world and everything in it. Now I am on to the rest of my bucket list. Which includes running my first half marathon on Sunday! EEK!

Weekend Trip and Race in Boston

Time really is flying by. I can't believe it's Turkey day in two days!! It is by far my favorite holiday and I cannot wait to see my family. Since the hurricane things are slowly getting back to normal. There is no more gas problem here thankfully and we are starting to rebuild. It feels good to be getting back into a routine again.

This past weekend I went up to Boston with some friends from the gym. We had an amazing opportunity to do a Spartan Race inside Fenway Park. It was one of the coolest things I've ever did. The race was awesome and I did pretty well in it too. I finished in the top 30% of all racers! Not too shabby.

About to Start!

Fenway!

Climbing over a wall! All by myself for once

Climbing up a ladder over rafters

Carrying concrete

Down a cargo net

Box jumps

All my gym buddies inside the dugout

Spartan Finishers!

On the field!

This was an experience I'll never forget. A lot of the obstacles I was able to do all on my own for the first time. Which was amazing for me to be able to do. Now I only have two days left of work before the long weekend. I can't wait to relax, eat awesome food and do some serious shopping. Followed by my first 9 mile race on Sunday!! EEK!!

I'm back!! (Pictures of my trip!)

I had the best time in Florida. It was a much much needed break and really helped me destress. I got to do and see so much!!! This is only a handful of pictures I took from my phone. I have way more on my camera. I was able to go to Seaworld, Aquatica (water park), Universal, Disney (Epcot and Magic Kingdom!). It was great. All that walking around was rough though. I just hope it helped counter all the yummy foods I ate!!

The best day I had was the day we went to Epcot. Which I have no pictures from. I was way too busy eating. Word of advice, if your going to Disney, go during the Epcot food and wine festival. It was the best experience ever. There are 29 countries/types of foods that you were able to sample from. I ended up hitting 14 of them that day. lol. They are small plates that cost about $3-5 a plate.

I had a Margarita in Mexico, Ravioli in Italy, Karaage Hand Roll (crispy chicken in a sushi roll) in Japan, Waffle in Belgium, a creme brulee in France, a lava cake in Ireland, Cheese soup from Canada, and something called a griddled greek cheese with pistachios and honey from Greece. Which was so amazing I got it twice. That is just a few things of what I ate that day. I had to be rolled out of Disney basically. It's a great experience and something I think people need to experience at least once!

The day we went to Magic Kingdom I was a total kid. I bought a Tiara and tried to take pictures with characters!!! I even did a character breakfast that morning with Minnie, Goofy and Donald Duck! It was so fun acting like a kid. It was great to escape reality for the day.

Me with Cinderella! I also posed with Sleepy Beauty and Rapunzel!

My friend and I on Dumbo!

At Epcot I got to meet Mary Poppins

Universal I met the Grinch! He loved me.

Best part of Universal is Harry Potter world!! I am a huge huge fan of the books and movies. This place is incredible! I had a butterbeer, pumpkin juice (delicious). I got to see Hogwarts up close. Went shopping at Ollivanders, Honeydukes (great candy) and Zonkos. It you love Harry Potter this is a must see!!! Absolutely amazing. I want to go back when they expand the place.

At Seaworld I got to see the whale show and the dolphin show. I am slightly obsessed with Whales and Dolphins so this was great. I love love Orcas!

The last day, we both were exhausted. So we stuck by the pool all day. The perfect ending to my trip. Getting sun and going into the pools and hot tubs all day long. Paradise.

This was a great trip. One that felt long enough to enjoy and where I was actually looking forward to going home at the end. I'm happy to be back home, and oddly I am loving the cold weather after a week in Florida. lol.

Time is Flying

Things have been crazy lately. I haven't had a moment to myself. Work is crazy busy, and my outside life is crazy busy as well. My gym is having their annual team challenge and I somehow became a captain again! I really didn't want to, its a lot of work, but I was voted in!

Thankfully my co-captains are awesome and are a huge help! We've already had a shirts made, and a team picture done. Now it's just time to concentrate on the daily challenges we have to do. I'm hoping this challenge will help me get back on track and lose this last 20 pounds that just doesn't want to go away!

Other things in my life are brewing. Hopefully new opportunties on the horizon. I can't say anything yet, but keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Color Run Chaos (Pics)

I did my first and last color this weekend. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in how unorganized the event was. It put a damper on the whole event for me. The traffic to get there was so bad. It took over 2 hours for me to get there(when it should have only been a half hour) and we had to park over a mile away from the event. Once we actually got there, there was no one there to tell you where to go, where the start was, where to get bibs. Anything. We wandered forever just looking for the start.


We were supposed to start at 9, but because of the traffic and confusion, we didn't get on the course until after 10. I know this is considered a fun run and not for timing, but I was really surprised at how little people were running. Everyone was walking it seemed, and I saw dozens of people cutting across the grass. I don't understand, why would you sign up for a 5K only to cheat yourself?

The color stations were fun though. The very last station though had run out of color though, but I was already covered so it was fine. I wish I had more fun, but it was so chaotic it was hard for me to enjoy it. Not to mention I was starving! I only had a protein bar beforehand at like 7am and it was now almost 11 when we finished. I do a lot of races, almost all of them give you some kind of food for free. Whether it be fruit or a bagel. They give you something. Here if you wanted to eat, you had to pay.

So be warned. If you want to do a color run, be prepared for traffic and chaos. While the photos are fun and the color part was fun, it wasn't worth it for me. Especially considering the cost of the event. Also it took me another 2 hours to get home. Which compared to my friends was fast. I was happy I didn't park in the parking lot. I had friends who sat trying to leave the parking area for over 2 hours, and then had another 2 hours to get home after that!

Before the color run. All nice and clean

After

My crew for the day. They made the car ride a lot of fun and the traffic bearable. They are the best!

They gave us a packet of color to throw at the end in a big group. That didn't happen, so I just threw it on myself. lol.

Stepping out of my comfort zone

This past weekend made me realize that I've become a little too comfortable in my life. I love my life right now, but I'm complacent. I need to start pushing myself more and really stepping outside of the box.

I've decided starting in August it's time to start doing new things. While I do go out a lot, it's always to see the same people and places. I'm never going to meet a boy if I'm always going to my friend's houses. Or going out with couples all the time. On Friday I went out with my friend from school who was up visiting. It was great because we talked to so many different people. Whereas usually I'm parked at a table with my friends. I need to find a single friend who lives in this area to go out with me. Or maybe I can get my friends with boyfriends to ditch they boys for the night and be my wingwoman.

Then on Sunday my brother invited me to go to the Haskell with him. If your from NJ you know that it's a huge horse racing event that happens every year. I was exhausted on Sunday. My friends from college had just left, and I was planning on relaxing on the couch, recovering from a slight hangover. Anyway he invited me and I was on the fence, but then said, nah I'm going to stay home I think. My brother then asked, "Why?"

Such a simple question, but it had a huge impact on me. I have no good reason why. Was I really going to miss out on something fun just so I can catch up on my DVR? Again I'm never going to meet someone sitting on my couch at home. So I quickly threw on a dress and we went.

I am so happy I did. I saw so many people there and it was a great day. I paced some bets (lost each one) and just mingled with people. I would have missed out on a great day, all to watch TV. So I've decided I'm going to make a conscious effort to do something new each month. Whether it be on my own or with some friends. I need to do something I would normally not do.

Maybe I'll meet someone, maybe I won't. But I'll have fun doing new adventures and I won't regret putting myself out there. The unknown is a scary scary place, but the best things usually happen when you step outside your comfort zone and into that unknown.

My Second Mud Run (aka I'm addicted!)

Last Saturday I did the Rugged Maniac 5K in NJ. It was a blast!!!! I love these races. It really pushes you to your limits but it also makes you feel like a kid again! Even though your covering a lot of miles you don't really feel it because of the obstacles.


I am officially hooked!

This run was a whole lot dirtier than the last one. I was crawling though the mud, going down a huge slide into muddy water, and climbing countless walls. I finished in 50 minutes. Not too bad for a 5K. If I would have ran it on my own I would have come in a lot faster. But I ran with my gym buddies so I made sure to stay with them. That's what these races are all about. Team work. It's not about the time, it's about helping each other out. And conquering things you never though you could do.

There was a tunnel with a rope that I had to climb up. Looking at it, I thought I would have to skip it. I didn't think I had the upper body strength to pull myself up like that. But my friend was right there cheering me on. I couldn't believe that I was able to do it and that it was so easy! It's insane sometimes. How different I am now.

Even though my eating hasn't been great and I'm up a couple of pounds in weight, I was still able to rock this mud run. I know I will never be the person I used to be. That I will never let myself get off track. Sure there will be detours but nothing I can't easily bounce back from.

My next mud run will be in September. This one is 8 miles!! EEK!!! It's going to be tough, and the distance scares me, but I know I will be able to conquer it with my friends.

Here is a picture of some of us after the race, enjoying our free beer. I'm the one all the way on the left, with no shoes on. lol

Week Long Celebration (pictures)

I turned 28 on June 28 last week. It was my golden birthday so to speak. Since it was such a big day, I packed my week full of fun activities! I was a little too ambitious and I'm still exhausted from all my celebrating.

Last Wednesday I went to see the Beach Boys in concert. I love love love the Beach Boys. I've seen them in concert at least 6 times. They were my first concert ever and I've been hooked since. The place was packed. We got lawn seats but even on the lawn we have to squeeze into a spot. They look terrible, but they still sound AMAZING. Seriously I can't even believe how awesome they were. It was one of the better concerts I've ever been too.

Here I am at the concert with my friends.

Then on my Birthday I had to go to work. However after work a bunch of my friends from work we all went out for drinks at this local dive. I drank way too much. I don't know what got into me but I went to town.

Here we are doing a shot in my honor.

Me using a pool cue as a microphone....

It was so much fun, we were there for a really long time. I got pretty sick once I got home too. What's worse was I had to go to work in the morning. That was not fun. Then that night on Friday, for my birthday my friend got my concert tickets to see Badfish on a boat that went around NYC. It was beautiful out but really hot.

I thought it would be cooler on the water but it was really hot out. Everyone on that boat was a sweaty mess. It was still a lot of fun though. The band was awesome, they sound just like Sublime. And it was gorgeous being on the water. It was a great birthday gift.

Here I am on the ship

My friends and I next to the Statue of Liberty

Then to wrap it up on Saturday I went out with my gym family. We went to a resturant that looks right onto the ocean. It was a lot cooler on Saturday thankfully so we were able to sit outside and enjoy the night. It was a great way to wrap up my week long birthday celebration!

My trainers

Enjoying the night out!

I had a great Birthday. I know a lot of people dread getting older and getting closer to 30, but I'm in the best place right now. I am looking forward to what 28 will bring me. I have a feeling it's going to be a wonderful year. If it's even half as good as 27 treated me, then I know it'll be amazing.



My Friend's Wedding (Pictures)

The wedding was a great success! The dress fit perfectly and everything was beautiful!!! I got down there early Friday and we went right into it. Got our nails done, went out to lunch and just hung out talking about old times. It was so much fun. Then it was time for the rehearsal dinner. The venue was gorgeous and totally suited them. It was great to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in years. Then it was time for the dinner. The food was delicious but I was still being very careful with my eating. I was determined to look great for this wedding

Soon it was the big day. We ordered a huge breakfast, knowing that the next time we would be able to eat wouldn't be until dinner that night. We all got our hair and makeup done soon after. The two women did an amazing job. I never felt more beautiful. It was just so much fun getting out makeup down and just being with my good friends.

Then it was time to take pictures. My friend wanted to take pictures around the city so we walked around Baltimore in our best dresses. lol. The pictures are going to be stunning and it was so much fun being out there. So many people were cheering for us. It was great. Thankfully the heat broke and it wasn't nearly as hot outside as it had been!!

Then it was Wedding Time!

Here we are, getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Me and my groomsman for the evening. I love this picture.

Watching my friend marry her best friend. I could barely hold back the tears. It was a simple and beautiful ceremony. The groom was this adorable mess. I loved it.

The photographer asked me to hold his lighting. My friend thought it was hilarious and snapped a picture. This ended up being one of my favorite pictures.

My good friends, dancing up a storm

Photo op time!

Me and the Groom. He's so happy!

Toward the end of the night. She was on cloud 9.

After the reception we went back to the hotel bar. I got maybe about 2 hours of sleep that night. That's how great it was. Everyone at this wedding was so happy and it was just a great group of people. No problems or drama. Just everyone having a great time, celebrating their good friends getting married. This wedding is definitely one for the record books. I had a blast and wished it didn't end so quickly.

Dancing in DC! (Pictures!)

This past weekend was fabulous. I had so much fun. It was my friends bachelorette party! So Saturday morning I got on a train and headed down to DC for the weekend. I am so so happy that I took the train and didn't have to deal with any beach traffic. The train rain smoothly and I actually got into DC 10 minutes early. Which never happens with trains. I was the first person there. I had booked the hotel and planned to decorate the rooms. Since it was too early to check in, I headed out to lunch.

It had been a long time since I've went out to eat by myself. Probably not since I worked in the city. I found a cute little place and sat at the bar so I felt a little less awkward. The bartender was friendly and I had my phone so I was all set. The food there was excellent and it killed the hour I needed before checking in. Then I went to the room and got everything in order. I put streamers up and caution tape around the room. Then two of the girls with booze came and we got everything in the fridge.

Then it was time to party! We started drinking, played some games and then got ready for out night out.

Me and the bride to be getting dressed up.

This was our whole group. About to head out to dinner!

We went to a really great middle eastern restaurant. They even had belly dancing! So much fun and the food was amazing. After dinner it was still early so we headed back to the room before we went out again.

The hotel had a wax figure of George Washington. I of course had to take a picture with him. This the whole wedding party, the bride and her bridesmaids.

Finally it was time to go out dancing. We went to a gay bar called Cobalt. They played the BEST music and it was great to be out!

You can tell I'm drunk when my one eye gets lazy and isn't as big as the other. lol

I had a blast. I didn't want to leave. Everyone seemed to want to go around midnight. I was not ready to call it a night yet. Thankfully one of the girls wanted to stay too. So while everyone headed back to the hotel, we stayed dancing for a few more hours. It was awesome and just what I needed.

A surprising thing for me that I learned was that straight men actually go to gay bars. I danced with a few guys there who tried to get handsy with me. Which was the exact reason why we went to a gay bar, to avoid that from happening. I was able to push them away though and not get too annoyed with that.

Sunday morning I woke up at 6am feeling like death. The bride was up too thankfully so we went outside and found a Starbucks. I got a bagel which really helped me feel better. Soon it was time for me to head back home. Again I have never been so happy to be taking the train. I didn't have to deal with driving and I was able to rest the whole ride back. I'm also going to be taking the train down for the wedding. It is easier and nicer, plus train fares are pretty cheap lately. So WIN!

Only 3 weeks until the wedding! I cannot wait for it!