Kick off for the 3 day training

Today was the Kick Off for the 3-Day 24 week Training. I picked up Samantha, along with our new training team member Janet, and we went to the New Balance store on Chandler Blvd (east of the 101). Good sales (I bought a 3 Day visor). The event started at 8AM but of course we were there early enough to get a java and a great parking spot. The 3 Mile walk was a push as the pace was faster than our normal pace. But we did it! Made plans on the way home to vary our walks, go with different people and extend the experience. Our first step on the 24 week training plan to prep for our November 21 3 Day Walk.

New Dancing Shoes!

I started ballroom dancing last week and had such fun. This calls for
a new pair of dancing shoes.

DanceInstructorMisha suggested that I come to the first class in comfortable shoes and not sandles so that I didn't need to worry about losing my shoes. So I wore black walking shoes. I pulled out my old tap shoes, but decided against taking them to the class since it is hard to walk on a hardwood floor with out making some (deliberate) noise.

We started the class with about 12-14 people. Some were couples, but the majority of the class came without a partner. And, believe it or not, there were more "spare" men than women. The students were all ages. We started with a waltz and my partner was experienced so it was fun. Look out Ginger Rogers. I concentrated on the fact that the man is supposed to lead (which goes against decades of habits) and we were able to spend a good part of the first hour actually dancing, and doing "twinkles". (You will need to google that term.) Then, with 1/2 hour left, Misha announced that we would switch to, are you ready for this???....the Tango! I could hardly contain my excitement. I know nothing of the tango except for some severe head swings, so everything was new. Fun, fun, fun.

I went home exhausted and very happy. I woke up the next morning with sore feet. But still very happy.

Paisley Violin Espressos

Introduced Gwen to the Paisley Violin for espressos. Trying to figure out why they have cups that don't match the type of coffee, but actually nothing in the building matches...so I guess that it matches.

Don McLean - American Pie

Front row!! Yep, one of the first ones in the gate to get seats at an outdoor concert. It was fun listening and it was fun singing along. Bye, Bye Miss American Pie. Drove the chevy to the levy but the levy was dry. You get it!

Victus Personal Chef Service

Notice that I haven't been adding my food stops lately? I haven't stopped eating, just starting eating healthier during the week. I've outsourced my meals and cooking! Every evening my meals for the next day are delivered in a little cooler, right to my door step. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as two snacks, are ready to go for the following day. I've been eating healthy and fresh foods with minimal, if any, additives. This has been a great discovery for me as it has not only provided me with better eating habits, but has freed my time considerably. I dropped six pounds in the first month just by changing my eating habits. I actually lost more in fat, and gained some muscle weight. How do I know this? I also go to have this measured in a "Bod Pod". Very futuristic machine. I'll take a photo the next time that I get my density measured.

Amazing Race @ Saddle Ranch

The calm before the storm. Yes, this is a mechanical bull. It is located at Saddle Ranch on Scottsdale Road south of Camelback. Samantha is hosting her very own "Amazing Race" for the second year and I am the host at this point. One member of the team has to ride the bull before they can get the clue to the next stop. Did I ride the bull? Heck, no!! I did that in my early 20's and swore NEVER to ride again.

I had a root beer float instead. Ahhhh, summer.

Paisley Violin

Talked Nick into driving to Grand Avenue to try a little place recommended by Good Neighbor Shauna. This had been a favorite of hers when they were located closer to her Honeywell office. It was hard to find when the sign was painted with darker paint, but this is nice and bright and much easier to find when you are zipping down Grand Avenue. The owners told me that they have been here for about four years. I had discovered them while attending the First Friday Art Walk in Phoenix in March.