A month in bullet form

Since I disappeared from the blogging world for a month, I'll catch you up on my life in bullet form (it's better that way, trust me):

• I spent a weekend in Savannah. I went on a ghost tour (appropriate since it’s the most haunted city in the US), and for the first time on a ghost tour, I actually got a little scared. I still don't believe in ghosts (I’m waiting for them to prove it to me), but I still like hunting them. I blame those cheesy boys from "Ghost Adventures."

• I spent a long weekend in Biloxi. The area is so pretty, and everyone is so nice. And, I did something amazing: I ran my longest distance ever on a treadmill. The hotel gym had adequate air conditioning, a fan on the treadmill, a TV on the treadmill, and a great view of the pool and gulf (a nice change from my craptastic condo gym).

• My dad visited over the Fourth of July, and we went to five baseball games in five days. We also saw the Rays win five games, including a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. If that wasn’t sweet enough, I also got a batting practice ball and photos with Raymond and DJ Kitty.

• I participated in a two-week boot camp that I adored. I’d still be doing it if it was still happening.
• I did another spin class, and I really, really liked it this time. I think my bike was adjusted just right this time. That, in combination with a fabulous teacher (my sweet and talented friend, Danielle, from running group), made it pretty awesome.
• I tried a hot yoga class for the first time, and I sweat a ridiculous amount. And I wanted to laugh almost the entire time. How in the heck are you supposed to grab your arm if you can’t get a grip due to profuse sweating? I mean, this is a really humorous situation. Apparently, laughing is frowned upon in these establishments, though. But, I went back a second time. And, I’m going to a class tonight. Mainly because I have a Living Social deal for a month of unlimited classes. Well, and I kind of like it. And, I get to see this girl, which makes it awesome.
• After the group fitness adventures, I decided that it’s definitely for me. I love the camaraderie, motivation and encouragement from working out in a group setting. It just makes it more fun.
• I fell in love with this song. Please do not judge my musical taste on this (although you’ve probably lost any hope in me having decent musical taste since I like Justin Bieber). The good news is I know it’s terrible. The bad news is I sing along and car dance the crap out of it. (Note: It could be offensive to some.)

 

• I’ve officially entered into the “eat-all-watermelon” season. Peaches are my favorite fruit, but I crave watermelon, and I want to eat it every day while it's in season. 

Have you been to Savannah? Biloxi? What is your farthest distance on a treadmill? Do you adore mascots as much as me? Tried a boot camp, spin or yoga class? Do you have the urge to giggle at yoga?

A week in Florence

I’m back from a week in Florence … South Carolina. It really is less exotic than it sounds.

It wasn’t a vacation, but it wasn’t because I wasn’t in a vacation spot. It was because I was working … OK, and it isn’t a vacation spot. It really isn’t.

Why the heck was I there? Good question. I keep asking myself that. My boyfriend is there doing contract work. So, I drove up to South Carolina with him (with a stop in St. Augustine, FL) to spend a week there before driving back home (with another stop in St. Augustine).

Somehow I started watching “Ghost Adventures,” and I kind of fell in love with the idea of hunting ghosts (not with tight T-shirts and cheesy spiked hair, thank goodness). So, we did a ghost tour each time we were in St. Augustine. Amazingly enough, a ghost was spotted.

Perhaps it's time to try some bronzer.

My official ghost hunting tool was reacting like crazy, trust me.

But, the coolest thing about St. Augustine.

Beachfront Avenue!

I could not stop singing “Ice, Ice Baby” for two weekends. I know my boyfriend appreciated it.

Speaking of music and the boyfriend, that is one of the really terrible things about road trips with him. We do not agree on any music. Well, except for Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Prince, Nirvana and the White Stripes. That’s it. No beautiful Bruno Mars, boy bands or ‘90s rap. Or if the beautiful music is involved, lots of complaining follows. Sigh.

In happier times (not in the car listening to music)

Thankfully, I’m not going to the Bruno Mars concert with him.

Speaking of Bruno, how adorable is this? 

I had no idea he was in “Honeymoon in Vegas” until last week. I am now certain he is my favorite singer, and we have so much in common. 

Theresa and I are just like Bruno.

Well, aside from the fact that he’s 5’5”, and I’m 5’10”. And many other things, really. But, we both wear Elvis suits and that counts for something.

Now that I’m back in town, and it’s confirmed that Bruno and I are best friends, it’s time to focus on a race this weekend.

Yes, a race. In May. In Florida.

I’m wondering why I decided to do this.

It’s a 10K-5K challenge. I’ve done anything like this, and I’m guessing it’s a good thing I decided to do it in May.

So, I run a 10K, and then I line up and run a 5K. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Now, I’m a little worried. Heat makes me nervous. So I definitely won’t be running it in an Elvis suit (those things are super hot; ask Bruno).

Have you visited Florence, South Carolina? St. Augustine, Florida? Have you worn an Elvis suit? Have you ever run a 10K-5K challenge? Do you like running in the heat?

Wacky Wednesday

• After my 5K on Saturday, I headed to Winter Garden (one of the many Winter-named cities in the state to lure northern tourists) for a girls' weekend. We did some paddle-boating, quad-bike riding (not sure if this is what the four-seat, four-pedal bike is called or not) and wine drinking. Lots of wine drinking.
• The party continued in the Bay Area on Monday night. Nothing like a Monday night party. 

Yes, I am a giant. A purple giant.

• Jessica Simpson has not had her baby yet unless she is keeping a big secret from everyone, which I don't think she can do. Come on, baby Simpson! You can wait until my birthday now and make me one happy girl (again, for the millionth time, yes I'm pathetic). 
• I'm leaving for New Orleans way too early tomorrow. I'm ready for a Bloody Mary and a ghost tour (and whatever else the city has to offer). Bring it on!