Ten on Tuesday

1. What does your work out schedule look like?
Monday: Step n' Sculpt
Tuesday: Power Hour (boot camp)
Wednesday: Body Sculpt
Thursday: Cardio Funk
Saturday: Pilates

2. What is your favorite machine to use at the gym?
I don't usually use any machines because I do all my work outs in classes. I do however, prefer the stationary bike. I enjoy reading while I ride, because it keeps my concentration on the book, not on the number of miles.

3. What is your favorite class to take at the gym?
I look forward to Thursdays when I can dance my heart out at cardio funk. My instructor is a dance teacher, so I feel like I am taking an intense dance class instead of working out for an hour.

4. Where do you shop for work out gear and clothing?
Which ever place has a sale on their work out clothes. I really like aerie and would love to get all my clothes from there but they're pricey.

5. If you can’t go to the gym, do you have a favorite outdoor activity?
Does cleaning the house count? I can definitely work up a sweat when I sweep, mop, and vacuum. Scrubbing the shower can produce some arm muscles too.

6. What about a favorite work out DVD? If so, please share!
I personally cannot work out at home. I am easily distracted and will tend to not push myself while working out with a DVD. I did however get 30 Day Shred, it's a great DVD and I highly recommend it.

7. Are you more active now or when you were in high school?
Definitely more active now. In high school I didn't see it as something I should do to stay healthy. I also had the mind set that working out was a chore and the only reason to do is to loose weight.
I really think having a gym membership with great classes motivates me to go. A huge plus is it's an all women's gym. No creepy guys checking me out while I exercise.

8. How has your dieting/working out philosophy changed since high school?
Work out to be healthy, not to lose weight. Work out to feel good, not just to look good. Working out can be fun!

9. What do you do while working out– (i.e., day dream, read, listen to music, gab with a friend)? Listen to the instructor and do my best to give it my all. And there are times where they play a great song so I will sing along in my head.

10. What working out resolution would you like to make for yourself this year?
Try more spin classes. I have been to one and let's just say...ouch!
I would like to start running and walking outside more and enjoy the outdoors while I exercise.

7 Quick Takes

1. Today is October 1st and I will be celebrating it with my best friend, Bridget. We plan to do everything halloweenish...yes I made that a word.
We will enjoy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, watch scary movies (Bridget will watch, I will be squinting my eyes and closing my ears) and maybe carve a pumpkin.

2. Since it is October...duh, they're are so many scary movie previews on the tv. I can't stand it! Every time they come on I hum to myself loudly until I press mute so I won't hear the tormenting sounds. I close my eyes and wait about 30 seconds and then cautiously pry open my eyes in hopes it is all over.

3. Did I say I wanted to watch scary movies today...ekkkk!

4. I will be enjoying this on Saturday!

Hey Cupcake just came out with their new flavor, pumkinator.
Pumpkinator: Graham Cracker Cream Cheese Top, Pumpkin Spice Cake
They are releasing this flavor today!

5. This year I will be sewing my Halloween costume. I need some ideas folks!

6. I love Glee...there I said it.

7. Last month I planned our meals for the month. I had no idea it would not only save us money, but also bring more joy in making all the meals.

Oh the Joy of Laughing Babies!

About a month a go I went back to my hometown and got to visit my sister, Leslee and one of my closest friends, Molly. They both have sweet baby boys that are a month apart. I got to capture one of my favorite things in the world, babies giggling.
Enjoy these videos of the two boys and I hope it is what I like to call, a little slice of heaven for you.

Brett


Jack

Sing it Sara!

This is one of my new favorite songs that is playing on the radio. I love it, especially the clapping part. I hope you like it too and the get the urge to get up and dance your heart out.

Sara Bareilles- King of Anything

Sara Bareilles' - King of Anything found on Pop

Ten on Tuesday

I couldn't pass up the “Ten on Tuesday” this week.
Directions: For each of the following, take a picture. This is a chance for us to get a literal glimpse into each other’s lives. Feel free to skip a question if it doesn’t apply to you or it’s too personal. You can include explanations if necessary.

1. Your House


2. Your Shower
I am not so fond of our shower at all, but I do like our guest bathroom for the sole reason that I really like the shower curtain.


3. The inside of your refrigerator



4. Your Pet

Eric and I are allergic to cats, dogs, rabbits, gerbils...basically every animal.

5. Your favorite pair of shoes


I don't get to wear them as much as I would want to, but they are my faves!

6. The most comfortable seat in your house.



7. Your favorite cup or coffee mug.


8. Your laundry room.


9. The view from your office chair.

You can see a my "office" cair on the left corner. My view is not too shabby.

10. Your spouse/significant other/roommate.

My 24th Birthday

Last Thursday was my birthday, and it turned out to be wonderful. Eric got me a sewing machine, which I have been wanting for years. He also surprised me by sending flowers at my school. I was so shocked and enjoyed having them in my classroom. I loved receiving so many sweet messages from my family and friends. One of my favorites was from my dear friend Molly, who wrote me this fantastic poem.

I wish I could call my sweet kien bee,
Sing her a song directly from me,
Wish her a happiest happiest day,
Inform her she makes me happy and gay,
Tell her I'm ever so glad she's my pal,
I'm glad she came through Belinda's birth canal.

I want to sing her a song that tells her all of these things,
But it's a no no to do audible sings,
In your office when you are a lawyer at work,
So she does not get this birthday perk.

Instead I will just write her a verse,
Telling her I wish I could buy her a purse
From Gucci or Coach or Louis Vuitton,
But truthfully, if I got her one it'd be a con,
Because I am poor, oh woe is me,
I don't even have a single penny,
To use to buy a gift for my dear Christine.
Please don't think that I'm being mean.

Instead when she comes again to this town,
I'll show her all the restaurants I've found.
I'll take her and treat her to a delicious meal,
I hope that she agrees and we have a deal.

I love you my wonderful, sweet Kien Bee,
I'm so glad you're friends with a girl like me!

Fabulous, right?
Later that night Eric took me to Trudy's, which is one of my favorite places to go for two reasons. 1) I love their chicken flautas.
2) You get a FREE Mexican martini on your birthday.

I ended the evening by relaxing and watching my favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance.

On Friday, my sister and cousins came up to visit and stay over. It was so nice to have the four of us back together. We talked and laughed all night till about 2am. I loved it!




All in all my birthday rocked!

Let's Catch Up!

I am so sorry to all my readers who have been stuck looking at the same ole post I wrote almost a month and a half ago. The Brinkmans have been busy, and I would love to fill you in on the details...chronologically and with pictures too.

May

I completed my first year of teaching. It was a bittersweet end but I am excited to get a new group in the fall with a year of experience under my belt.



We tried a new flavor, sweetberry at hey cupcake! It was of course delicious but I am still hooked on red velvet.

June

Eric and I went up to Missouri to celebrate our sister, Andrea's wedding on June 5th. Eric got to play his trumpet during the wedding and he did a fabulous job if I say so myself. We are so excited for Andrea and Dustin as they start their marriage. We love you both!


Eric turned 26 on June 18th. We had a fun get together with some friends and I baked a cookie cake which looked like a tombstone.

July
We don't have any pictures yet, but I promise many will come. My birthday is in a week and I am anxious to find out what Eric got me. I hope you enjoyed the update. I promise I will try to post more than once a month.