Aching...

Legs are killing me. Third time at Barry's this morning this week and if my muscles were sore before, they are torturing me now. Guess I should have waited another day.  Dropped another 2 kilos since my first class so I have no chioce other than keep going. It sucks!

Watching the Oscars tonight. How boring it has become. Next time I will fast forward so I don't have to watch the advertising and the boring parts.

Yesterday we did a little day trip to San Clemente, a small town located about 30 min south towards San Diego on the coast. It is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture, the city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea". It has a long pier and it's very pretty, nice little main street with some shops. Found a baby shop and I think we could have bought everything in there:)

Some pictures of the beach

Sunny Again

Yesterday we took it pretty easy. Started the day off with a long walk in the nice weather

 Saw this little fellow enjoying the sun too! A little gecko. Lots of them out at the moment.

The trail was pretty empty.

Trying to take advantage of the weather and get out of the house twice a day. Puh!

Last night the last presidential debate took place in Arizona. Scary stuff. Being a Swede, it is hard to understand the different views of any Republican candidate. Honestly, all four scare the shit out of me. It is kind of entertaining to watch until I realize, it is not the muppet show I am watching but four politicians who are very much real!

Mum is arriving tonight so I'd better tidy up a little and get us ready for our morning walk!

President's Day

Yesterday was a federal holiday and everyone who works for the goverment (state) had the day off, i.e, schools, post office etc.  For us it would have been business as usual but Gavin took the day off  so we had a bit of a long weekend.

I went to Barry's Bootcamp in the morning, 3rd time in 8 days, not bad huh! And this time I was not the weakest link and I even caught myself sort of enjoying it half way through the class. During my forst two classes I was ready to walk out after 10 minutes and promised myself never to go again. But feeling the progress already (stamina, not weight :( ) I will continue to go and I might even end up liking it. Maybe.

It turned out to be a decent day weatherwise so we popped over to Alan's in the afternoon for a BBQ,

Most complexes here have a clubhouse you can rent, it has a kitchen, some flatscreen TVs (TVs are everywhere here, at the petrol station, in many restaurants and bars). You can rent it for the day  for e.g. birthdays.

 

The lads were playing some pool after the BBQ while Emily and I chilled on the sofa.

Today is by the way fettisdagen in Sweden where you eat semlor. There is actually a Swedish bakery up in Glendale, LA which sells them and they are not hard to make but I think I will skip them this year.

The Swedish school is closed to day due to the bank holiday yesterday and instead of pre-school we are going to the mall The Shops at Mission Viejo to meet the other Swedish mums for lunch, http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=239. 

Sore Muscles

No Barry's for me today. I think every little tiny muscle in me is aching right now. Will need a power walk later on to stretch my legs out.

Nice to have NOTHING on the agenda today. Bought lots of vegetables and fruit at Costco yesterday so it will be a healthy day. We thought we might to a day trip to San Clemente but weather isn't great although since Emily is having a growth spurt again we would need to go to Carlsbad and do some shopping. Carlsbad has a big outlet shopping mall with some great kids shops, e.g. Osh Kosh. Perhaps the sun will come out later and we can venture out. Funny how you set new standards, this weather would be considered to be perfect in February in most places but now we consider it to be COLD.

Yesterday we went for lunch at a new place we haven't been to before, http://www.opahrestaurant.com/, it is walking distance from us and I had a delicious chopped seafood salad with shrimp, crab and lobster. This is one of the few nice and healthy restaurants around here.And it is not part of a big chain. Little pricey perhaps but I have realized that you get quality by paying the price here. But my, what kind of quality! Last night we had steak, file mignon picked up at Costco's. Beats any Argentinian steakhouse I have been to. Ever.

Healthy Living

What was I thinking booking myself into Barry's Bootcamp for a 7 pm class on a Friday night?

Somehow I ended up there, together with 5 other participants half my age. NOT good. Don't ever exercise with significantly younger people than yourself, nor a small group. It can only end in an humiliating way.
Five minutes into the class I was ready to leave again. Was it really this hard last time? Must have forgotten. Running 7 mph with 10% incline, and that is the beginner's speed. Crazy! Somehow I lasted the full hour, but was unable to do some of the exercises on the floor. Push-ups while pulling your knee up at the same time? Unheard of. Jumping up on the stepper backwards with weights in your hands? No way, I might fall over.

Half way through the course the guys took their t-shirts off, the girl next to me took her top off, just running in her sports bra. California style! She shouted "feels, great, doesn't it". I managed to sqzeeze a "yeah" out while concentrating on my breathing. The guy to my left introduced himself as Scott while sprinting, shouting "what a great way to spend Friday night, huh" while increasing the incline to 15%.

The humiliation reached its peak when half the group walked past me saying "great job", " you did great", "keep coming". Must have looked like the chubby one in the corner who really was out of place. Do I have to tell you how happy I was when hubby came home this morning after his first bootcamp class, looking completely exhausted. There are two of us now, the unfit ones!

This morning I went to my first pure barre class. It was a mixture of ballet and pilates, focusing on the legs, butt and abs. Quite hard work since you are touching the muscles you normally don't use. Not sure if it is my thing but I will try it one more time.

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines!!

Got some flowers last night. Apparently I don't like red flowers (??) so I got some orange and yellow roses. Very nice. And, very lucky for hubby, no flowers no chocolate for you:)

We have decided to stay home tonight. For the first time in years, we are not going out for a meal, instead we are having a take out, probably Japanese. I tried to remember the dinners we had on Valentine's day in the past. Last year we went to an Italian restaurant across the road from Nancy and MArk in Cologne, the year before it was either a steakhouse or Sushi, or we cooked. Not sure. I know the first Valentine Gavin and I spent together in 2005 I had booked him at the dentist. And he cooked lasange for me afterwards. Year after that we went to Daitokai in Cologne and spanked 200 euro on Japanese food and wine. The years after that  are a bit of a blur. In Germany Valentine day is not so commercialised yet, nice. It was never a big problem making a reservation or just popping out for dinner, and it was never particulary busy. Over here there are set menues and it is super busy, shops are filled with sweets, chocolates and all sorts. Have to admit I have no idea what Valantines in Sweden is like. Probably somewhere inbetween.

Time to wake the sleeping beauty. Unfortunately she is still struggling with a cold. She now sleeps around 9-10 hours a night, such a blessing. She is definitely not feeling to well at the moment, she never sleeps much during the day (cat naps only) but today and yesterday she has slept unusually much. Poor baby. HAve to admit, I am enjoying the silence a little.

Busy Monday

Had Emily's 10 week check up this morning. All good! She is now 60 cm tall, and weighs 13 lb, 10 oz. She had another vaccination and that certainly ruined her mood for the whole day. She slept 10 hours last night but not even a good night's sleep cpuld prevent her from crying nearly all day.


Once done at the doctor's, we went home quickly before driving down to Laguna Beach for some lunch. Not so sunny today, unfortunately.

Never seen so many Aloe Vera at once!

Emily's passport arrived today! Quicker than I expected, but something else we can check off the to-do list.


Not sure if we are creating a monster here, introducing Emily to the iPad already. She does enjoy pictures and sounds a lot at the moment and there are some great apps for children.

Still haven't used that yoga mat I bought last week, I made a weak attempt to go to the yoga class tonight but came to the conclusion that my muscles ache too much from the bootcamp yesterday.

Sunny Sunday

The sun came out yesterday again and we drove down to Huntington Beach to walk along the beach and grab some lunch. Huntington Beach is about 30 minutes south from us and is known for its long beach and surfers.  I actually didn't know how busy it was going to be, there were people everywhere,

Had some super healthy lobster tacos for lunch so we decided to share this lovely afters..s'mores..NOT so healthy. Ice cream, whipped cream and marshmellows..Yum!

That was pretty much our day yesterday. We came home and watched the Grammy's, Gav went to bed, I fell asleep on the sofa and went to bed eventually. A nice pretty quiet Sunday!

Barry

Ajajajajaj  - I think every little bone in my body is hurting. I have just paid Barry's Bootcamp http://www.barrysbootcamp.com/irvine-ca.html a visit. My goodness, that was hard work, possibly the hardest workout I have ever done. I thought I needed to do more than my daily power walk(s). How right was I!  Booked myself into the 8:30 class this morning, one hour later I had it black on white. I am totally unfit. This is definitely the way forward. Me and hubby (who is out running) will take it in turns.  I feel less worried about the burrito I had Friday night now (it had 790 calories, no more burritos for me).

Barry's bootcamp's concept is that the group is split into two halves. One starts on the treadmill, the other one on the floor. Hardcore running/power walking (15% incline!!!) AND some tough arm, leg and stomach exercises on the floor. 15 min treadmill, 15 min floor, 15 min treadmill, 15 floor. Aim is to continue with the daily walks, twice a week Barry's and twice a week pure barre http://purebarre.com/CA-irvine/index.html.

Weatherwise we are experiencing a litle chill at the moment. Yesterday we went to Fashion Island to buy Emily some books and it even rained. We found this little cafe, think it was Belgian, we had some soup and some proper sour dough bread. The place reminded me a little about Bastian's in Cologne and for a minute it felt like we were back in Europe. Drinking hot chocolate, eating soup and trying to keep warm. 

Bought some children books at Barnes and Nobles (they had some really good deals), I really like the B&N down at Fashion Island because it is big and they have a good selection in general, the one at the Market place is small. Also popped in to Kitson and bought a book and looked around. Not sure what the fuss is about that shop, they have some cute stuff but it does not justify their prices. Also popped in to the children stores Hanna Andersson and Peek...aren't you curious. Hanna Andersson is a Swedish inspired kiddies shop and sooo different to the American ones such as Carter's. Whereas it is hard to find something in pink in Sweden, the children clothes in the US seem to be very gender based. You know exactly where the girl and boy stuff are as soon as you enter the store, where the baby clothes in Sweden are more neutral. Sometimes I think the stuff here is really cute but after a while I need something else than sweet kittens and mommy love you prints on the tees.  The peek shop is just cool, stuff I would wear but in smaller sizes! Turns out that the shop assistent in Peek is Swedish. Swedes everywhere!!!

DHL

Ohhhh the nearly forever lost parcel has surfaced in Cologne again. And I just finished writing a complaint to DHL.  Wonder if it will make it here the second time around.

Power Walks

I am now up to TWO power walks a day. One in the morning, and one in the after noon. Went down to Dana Point to meet another mum from the Swedish school and walked a long this beautiful beach,

We were out for 3 hours in total (walking!) yesterday and this was Emily most of the time.

We had 27 degrees yesterday, felt like summer again. Saw in total around ten humming birds, unfortunately I am too slow with the camera to actually catch one but I will keep trying.

This week has flown by, we have found a baby swim group to join and once she is closer to being 3 months we will join. Will have a little test dip in the bath tub at home first.

I also did a  little test run the other night. Oh my. Not as bad as I thought but it will take some time until I am up to speed again:) I am currently gathering some courage to go to my first Barry Bootcamp class this weekend.  Now or never. Phew. Exhausted already.

Perhaps this nice sunny weather will warm up the pool quicker. I made an attempt to go for a swim last weekend thinking that the Swede in me would't think it would be cold. How wrong was I. I stood in the water up to my knees for about 3 minutes and am quite surprised they didn't turn blue.

Super Bowl & BBQ

After a long day yesterday, first dropping off Gav's mum at LAX and then meeting Beth for lunch in Santa Monica we decided to take it a little easier today.  And go to bed earlier. Oh my, were we tired when Emily woke up at 3.30 this morning after being spoiled all well. Not once has she woken up before 5. Until this morning, that is.

We started off the day with a power walk, Emily and I. Husband decided to go running. Funny. For the past 3 months he has been saying "I haven't been for a run for 8 weeks". Right. so when he did go running, it was quite painful. Thought I heard one of those loud moaning tennis chicks playing tennis first, but then realised, oh no, it is my husband trying to breathe. He lasted for about 15 minutes and then we both walked home. 1 hr power walk, not bad!

Got back and had a wuick shower before picking up some stuff at Trader Joe's - for a BBQ at Alan's, first BBQ of the year! I thought it might be quiet one hour before the game but how wrong was I. Crazy business, people buying nachos, dips, cookies before the game. Something which keeps puzzling me though is whether all supermarkets are sponsred by Pepsi and why it is so hard to find anything from Coca Cola. Strikes me every time I go shopping.

Anyways, weather is truly fantastic at the moment, it is hard to believe it is only February. Afterwards we watched THE game. Nothing is bigger than super bowl, even politics stops for one day. Biggest sport of them all / American Football. Giants against Patriots, and Giants won. Madonna entertained half time. Great show, but I really really really dislike the lip sync. And she should skip the high heels next time. Good shoice of songs though but she show was nearly a little too perfect for my liking. Nice surprise to see Clint in the ad for Chrysler after the half time show.

Tomorrow is back to reality.  NO plans, just survining the day again.

Weekend Again!

Time is truly flying, weekend again!! Yesterday was a super busy day. Went down to Newport Beach for a walk, 1,5 hours in the sun. Exercice AND tan. Just the way I like it, haha. Drove home, had a shower and fed Emily before we went to Citadel, an outlet shopping mall just outside Los Angeles.Bought some presents for little Thomas, and walked around for a while.

We were going to go out for a meal last night but once hubby got back it was past seven so we did a take out from Tokyo Table. We opened a bottle of champagne, I managed to have one glass before falling asleep on the sofa. Oh dear.

Today is a new day though and sunny is already shining. Mum in law is going out for a run in a minute, I will go for a swim once Gav has stopped working. Just got a txt from a friend in Germany, -13!!!!!! Mitleid!!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I really have sympathy with my friends in Cologne, -13 degrees C!! WOW!!!! Now that is cold. We have now booked our flights to Europe, 29 March to 2 April in Cologne, 2 April to 9 April Liverpool and 9 April to the following Sunday in Gävle. Let's hope it has warmed up a little before we arrive! We have no winter clothes, whatsoever.

After having a pretty chilled day yesterday (we went for a walk and drove up to Anaheim to have lunch with Gavin and Alan) we will go to Fashion Island in Newport Beach today. It is an upscale outdoor mall which has all the big department stores, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy's and Neiman Marcus and some neat stores like Jigsaw etc. It is a good mixture, they have free wifi and some big comfy armchairs you can sit and relax in plus there are some nice restaurants. This is the place where I got really disappointed eating Italian ice cream.  Need to buy some birthday presents for Emily's nephew Thomas (hip hip hurrah Thomas, turning 2 today!) and will look for some sandals at Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

Picture is from the net.

We have free zumba and yoga classes a week at the clubhouse. I am thinking about joining the zumba one tonight. Depending how I feel afterwards, (like not tooo out of breath) I might go to Barry's bootcamp on Saturday or Sunday. We shall see!

Los Angeles

We had a great time in LA on Monday, 10.20 am must be a great time to drive up there, we had no traffic at all and it only took us 50 minutes to get to Hollywood. Sun shined and I even got a little tan!


Nice blue sky and sunny!

 

Michael Jackson got his hand and foot prints last week Friday. Hand prints are from his children but they used his shoes.

Hollywood looked very quiet and astongishingly clean.It has really been transformed compared to my first visit here back in 2004 where it was dirty, had a lot of homeless people and run down shops. Still, much hype about nothing but it is one of those attractions you should have seen and been to if you happen to be in LA.

We continued to the Grove for some lunch at a French restaurant below. Never been to a French restaurant which serves burger and cobb salad but hey ho, it was ok. And they have a changing table. Very important! This is actually the first restaurant we took Emily to when she was just 2 weeks old.

Definitely one of my favourite spots in LA. Saw Päivi from the Swedish housewives, not looking so glamorous though, in her baggy track suit bottoms and no make up.

Since time was running fast and Emily not being so patient any longer, we did a quick sightseeing of Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive before heading back to Irvine.

Calories

Just been for lunch in Anaheim. A sweet little grandma restaurant, famous for their pies. And now for their calories! They had the calories written down next to the meals on the menu. WOW!!! All their salads contained around 700 to 1100 calories, needless to say, my appetite disappeared in no time. Ended up having shrimp tacos, 580 calories which was the healthiest choice. Phew. Good thing we went for that walk this morning. I have started using the app Lose it! (thanks to Laurel and Rosemary) to track calories and exercise, I think it only works in the US since you can scan the barcodes and search for restaurants. Best app I have discovered for a long time!!

Emily has finally fallen asleep, mum in law is relaxing by the pool and I am soon off to the brow boutique for some trimming.

Hard to believe she was asleep 2 minutes later....

We have had super healthy food all week (well, I know, it is only Wednesday) so tonight I will pick up some fantastic Mexican food on my way home from South Laguna from this place http://lasirenagrill.com/LagunaBeach/. They do the best of the best quesidillas. Yum!