Some things I'm thankful for today...

• My dad, and his dedication to family traditions
• Running on the beach
• Pine nuts
• Diet Sprite
• “Starships” by Nicki Minaj
• Bocce ball tournaments with kooky cousins
• Black and white ice cream sodas

Make a Friend With a Boat: Part I

I am dying for a friend with a boat. All summer long in Rockaway, I watch boats float around. On the bay, on the ocean, up to the bars... And I just know it – all those people on all those boats must be having THE best time ever.

Actually owning a boat, though, seems like a lot of work. So the best answer, to me, is to make a friend with a boat. They can take care of the upkeep, figure out what to do with a boat in the winter (where do they all go anyway?), and I can provide long afternoons of charming company, delightful conversation, and maybe some pink drinks.

This past weekend I was lucky enough to be invited out to my friend Theresa’s family’s home on Glenwild Lake in New Jersey.  ‘The group started the day with a group tour of the Newark Museum, which unfortunately I missed. After hearing about the tour I know I need to get there soon. I’ve never even heard of this museum, but it’s super close to the city and actually has the biggest collection of Tibetan art in the world. Some of the art is considered to be sacred, and people actually make pilgrimages from all over the world to see the collection. And I’ve never been! 31 before 31 perhaps?

So I met up with the rest of the group at the lake house. AKA one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! The lake was so pretty and so peaceful. It was hard to believe I was only thirty minutes outside of Manhattan.

And the best part is… THEY HAVE A BOAT!

Ok, so it was a canoe, maybe not quite the party boat of my dreams. But we all agreed that I need to start somewhere.  Theresa, Beth, and I went out for a twilight cruise around the lake. Since there were only two oars and two seat, I got to sit pretty in the middle and be rowed around. My adorable new puppy friend Olly, who is terrified of the water but loves to be in the canoe, came along for the ride as well. Hopefully Olly and I were delightful enough company in return for all their hard work. (Thanks, friends!)

It was such a great day, and our canoe ride made me crave more time on the water. Step one: made a friend with a canoe. Step two: what could be next?! Help me out, universe! (And also, help me out any friend who might have a friend with a boat?)

Another goal (part of the way) accomplished. Ta-da!

Just a Little Light

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." - Anthony J. D'Angelo

Hello, Brooklyn

I've lived in NY for 28 years now. In real life, I've probably seen the Brooklyn Bridge from every possible angle. On movies and TV, I've watched lots of dramatic moments happen on the bridge. (# 1 favorite/most dramatic: Miranda and Steve reunite at the end of Sex and the City: The Movie, # 2 favorite/most absurd: Ramona makes a string of increasingly and terribly mean comments to Bethenny in Real Housewives NY).

Anyway, after 28 years of watching from afar, I finally walked across the bridge myself!

My wonderful friends Mallie, Nick, Elliott, and  Hayley met me on the Manhattan side early Sunday morning. We were lucky enough to get a beautiful, sunshiney morning. The views of the city and Brooklyn were just unbelievable, and it was fun to share the walk with both gawking sightseers and exercisers alike. How amazing would it be to have your morning jog or bike ride take you over the Brooklyn Bridge! We were more of a strolling type of group, but we all managed to work up a healthy appetite for a delicious brunch at "Bubby's Brooklyn."

And, I am happy to report that not one single mean comment was exchanged along the way (unlike Ramona and Bethenny).

Me and Mallie, still friends on the Brooklyn side.
 Love you Mall, and thanks for the great pictures!

Dance Dance Dance

Second goal accomplished - African dance class!

My friend Rachel and I went to an African dance class at the Djoniba Dance Centre by Union Square. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves in for, but we loved it! The class was packed, everyone had such great energy, and the teacher did not let us relax for a moment. The best part was that we got to dance to live drumming, which totally let me imagine myself dancing in Africa (or, an episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta). So much fun, and I can't wait til the next time I go out with Rachel and impress everyone at a bar with our new moves!

Here we are, right after class, right before my face returned to its normal shade of pale!

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar

First goal accomplished – I went to my first boxing class!

 I’ve been wanting to try boxing for a while. I’m not sure exactly where the idea came from… but it might just possibly have come from reading every single one of Jillian Michaels’ self help books. (She loves her some martial arts, and I will do anything she says.) I’ve been to some cardio kickboxing classes before, but I really wanted to try actually hitting something.

 So thanks to a groupon deal that my thoughtful parents got for me, I finally got myself to a mixed martial arts studio in Tribeca. I walked in to the studio, feeling cute in my sweats, pink tank top, and pretty headband.  And I almost walked right back out.

 Everyone else in the room was wearing full-on white martial arts outfits, boxing gloves, looking so profesh and SO intimidating. Luckily another woman who was new came in soon after me, and someone from the studio worked just with us throughout the class. It ended up being almost like private training, which was very cool. And, I LOVED hitting things!!! I found myself putting everything I had into kicking and hitting the mats. It felt amazing. Instead of getting tired and weaker, I actually found myself feeling stronger and fiercer throughout the class.

 I don’t really think of myself as strong. I definitely don’t think of myself as a fighter. But as my punches landed, I felt strong. Powerful. Confident.

 I bet Jillian would be proud.

Viva Las Vegas!

Just signed up for the Rock n Roll marathon in Las Vegas! It looks like a total one of a kind experience - running along the lit-up Vegas Strip at night, along with runners dressed as Elvis, and people actually getting married during the race. Time for the countdown (and training) to 12/2/12 to begin!