Crossfit.

My roommate (Bekah) and I bought a groupon for 20 sessions of Crossfit. We were a little scared to start this week, feeling like we probably should have been prepping for months in advance. However, we've both successfully completed 2 sessions in week one and even though our bodies haven't been this sore in years - it feels good to be able to get through it.

I'm excited to takemy fitness to the next level and really strengthen my core and build muscle, not just lose weight. It's more motivating being told what to do instead of just making my own workout.

I love the unconventional side of Crossfit. We workout in a parking lot. And let me tell you it's a better workout than any gym workout I've had. I feel excited for the next 18 sessions - let's do this.

Love,

B

Painting Pottery.

Ok I know I'm a bit of a groupon crazy lately, but after Thomas guessed about 50 times that his surprise (which was actually an Easter basket) was painted pottery I couldn't resist buying a groupon to visit Pottery Bears 'n Beads in Clearwater with my roommate, 'the other Bekah'. We bought them just before I headed to New York and she headed off on a crusie (rough lives, yes?) but we're diligent planners so we'd marked down last Wednesday night as the big day.

So after work we picked up my car which had to go in for a little tune up during the workday, we headed home, got comfortable (changed into sweats), and went for 'ladies night' at the Bears 'n Beads. We bought our groupons for $12 and they were good for $24 of 'goods'. We didn't know just how far that would get us but I have to say, it was impressively reasonable - with a $7.50 studio fee no matter how many pieces you paint (I painted 3), free soda or wine while you paint (on Wednesday nights because it's ladies night), and plenty of pieces under 10 bucks.

I painted a picture frame for Thomas and these lovely salt and pepper shakers...

I can't wait to see them after they've been fired. Were picking them up this coming Wednesday (I'm horrible at waiting).

We had a great time though, and the guy working was delightful. I can't believe I didn't think to ask his name and neither did Bekah. But they gave us coupons for our next trip in, which I hope will be soon. We had a great time and for me, a great first experience painting pottery. I wouldn't say I'm talented or anything, but I do love a good craft night.

Love,

B

Dance Lesson Adventures.

image.

Well friends, the dance lessons have the begun. Thomas texted me a month or so ago and mentioned that there was a groupon for dance lessons - 2 private and 1 group for $25. After his cousin Brian's wedding we realized were both equally lost on the dance floor and so he suggested we do something about that before his brother's upcoming wedding in July.

I agreed and we purchased the groupon and I called last week to schedule our private lessons, the first of which was last night. The lessons are at Arthur Murray dance studio here in Tampa.

I wish I'd recorded the conversation I had when I called in. The friendly woman on the other line asked if Thomas and I have danced before. I responded something along the lines of 'if you can call it dancing'. She asked what kinds of dance we're interested in, as if we could name more than 3 kinds between us (and the first one that came to mind for me was 'booty dancing'). I responded, 'let's just say we need all the help we can get just to look comfortable on the dance floor at his brother's wedding'. That drove the point home.

So, our first lesson was last night (Thursday) and I think we may have been equally anxious about it. Thomas asked me what to wear...something I hadn't even thought about until he asked. In hindsight I probably should have worn heels since when we dance at the wedding that's what I will be in, I'm sure. But I wore clothes you'd wear to the gym and he wore jeans.

Thankfully our instructor was incredibly kind and gracious. He was so encouraging of us. I am equally thankful that we weren't nearly as bad as we expected once we were told what to do. It was a 3o minute lesson during which we learned the tango, the rumba, and the fox trot. Not bad for two rookies with 30 minutes, right?

I think we may actually come out of these lessons being able to scoot around the dance floor looking like we belong (though probably not stealing the show anytime soon). We may have to hit up a few of their social nights, where you pay 10 dollars and you can dance with your partner, with their instructors, etc for 3 hours and just get a little practice in (we probably have to learn how to stop counting in our heads and just be able to move more naturally).

Overall, a pleasant first dancing experience. I'm excited we decided to go for it even though it was a bit out of both of our comfort zones. : ]

Love,

B

Date Day.

So after Thomas got some exciting news, I asked him if I could plan and take HIM on a date as my congrats. It's been pushed back until now because we haven't had a free weekend where we could actually go on a daytime date, just the two of us. This of course has given me, crazy planner girl, plenty of time to dream up all sorts of fun ideas....I may have 20ish dates planned in my head now so if you need one in the Tampa area, shoot me an e-mail and I might just hook you up.

The Game Plan:

- Brunch at Samaria in downtown Tampa which ranked in the top 10 brunch spots for the area

- A short walk to the Old Tampa Book Company where I gave T a $1 budget for the sidewalk sale - where their old, unique books are on sale for 50 cents for a paperback and $1 for a hardback. I got the same budget. : ]

- The Plant Museum - where I'd previously told you all I'd bought us tickets on groupon and we would finally get to go.

I stayed in Friday night reading, cooking, baking, watching Season One of Laguna Beach with the roomie and resting up for my date. Ok fine, and painting my toes nails which had been chipping since Easter weekend - it was time. I hadn't told T the plan, just to dress comfy, wear shoes he could walk in, and not to eat before he came, there would be food involved.

Pre-date pic taken by the roomie.

We got downtown a little after ten Saturday morning and found parking by the children's museum. It was a beautiful day to be downtown, let me just tell you. For Tampa, beautiful means it was warm but not unbearably hot.

We walked to Samaria Cafe where we had life-changing (and huge) omettes.





We would go again, for sure. The food was wonderful. (thanks urbanspoon for the recommendation).

Afterwards we did had across the street to the Old Tampa Book Store for some browsing a little sidewalk shopping.

I picked an old Dr. Suess book I can read to my future niece/nephew someday and Thomas got some book that didn't look like I'd be interested in...

Then we walked the half mile over the bridge to University of Tampa (and had a stranger take the following picture on the way).

To our final destination of the day:









The Henry B. Plant Museum which is inside an old victorian hotel on UT's campus. Thankfully they let you take pictures inside too...

Coolest lamp ever.

(Thanks Groupon.com for this idea)

We hung out at the pool in the afternoon before getting dolled up to finished off a great date day together with dinner in honor of our friend Marta's graduation from her Masters program. We're so proud of her and enjoyed a delish dinner with her family at Roys - california fushion cuisine. It was fun ending the day with Marta and Brent...

Love,

B