Dear Mr. Budget Truck

So last night as I was riding home on my bicycle, a budget truck hit me and took off. I am fine...totally fine. Here is the rest of the story for those of you wondering.

I was heading home from work about 7 (I was on a road that is about as busy as 291 hwy going through Lee's Summit for my KC friends). I went through a traffic light that turned red as I was in through the intersection. I could hear a truck speeding up behind me. The truck came through the light and hit my handle bar. I fell into a car and then into the road. Thank goodness that the light had just turned red because had there been cars coming I would have been run over.

I was so irritated and annoyed. I wasn't seriously hurt. I just took a hard landing on my hip, but not too hard. I was fine enough to keep riding so I kept on. I caught up to the driver a few lights up and tried to flag him down. His window was cracked and I was yelling at him to pull over... No such luck though. He took off through the traffic, cutting people off and driving crazily.

I made it home and called the precinct just down the street from where the accident happened. The lady said that I needed to go back to the scene and call 9-1-1. So that is what I did. 

I told the dispatcher I didn't need an ambulance and within 5 minutes there were 3. I told them I was fine but they still insisted on checking me out. They took my vitals and looked at my hip etc. They suggested I go to the hospital, however, it was already after 8:30 and I just wanted to get home and eat and go to bed. 

I answered what felt like a million questions and then they said I could go. We finally got home and ate dinner at about 9:30. My hip is still a little sore but not too bad. I was able to ride to work today without too much pain.

I hope they catch the guy. They asked if I would prosecute and I said possibly, but honestly I don't know. I am not seriously hurt and there was no real damage other than a scratch and a broken light on my bike. Should I press charges? I would hate for someone to go to jail because of this minor incident. I more or less want an apology and for him to replace my broken light. 

Thoughts and opinions would be great!

Well that is my story. See everyone, I am fine! Now you all can stop worrying!!

Christmas Bucket List

So this year being our first year in NYC, there are several things I want to do!! Here is our bucket list for this year's holiday season.


-Cut down our own tree (we are doing this next weekend in Connecticut)
- See the Storefront Christmas lights
-See the light display in Dyker Heights (suppose to be amazing)
-Go ice skating in Central Park
-Go to Rockefeller Center
-Go to Herald Square (Macys that is in Miracle on 34th st.)
-Go to the Union Square and Grand Central Holiday fair (we are doing this this weekend)
-Watch It's a Wonderful Life

and last but not least

Not to gain any weight!!

I am so excited for this holiday season!!! I am ready for it to get the show on the road though!

Weight Loss Competition

So my friend did a weight loss competition that just ended a couple of days ago. I, having gained a lot of weight since Josh and I got married, decided, heck why not. It was 12 weeks long and $50 to join and then the prizes were broken down dependent on how many participants there were. 

1st prize-$700

2nd-$200

3rd-$100

There were a hefty list of rules we had to follow (ie. no medical intervention etc). I was set for the challenge. From the beginning I was determined to win. One girl kicked everyone's trash from the beginning and lost almost 12 pounds the first week... WTH???

I learned a lot of new things about my body. I am super sensitive to sodium. If I have anything super salty one day, then the day after I will weigh at least a pound more due to water retention. My body is also very sensitive to foods that have fat in it... (you are thinking duh) I mean, if I have more than 10 grams of fat a day I'm screwed... Carbs, however, were my best friend. If I ate a lot of carbs one day then the next day I was always down.

This competition was a great experience for me. There were some weeks where it was difficult, but overall it was not as hard as I thought it would be.

My meal plan usually resembled something like this:

Breakfast: Flat Belly Smoothie (Kale, pineapple, frozen blueberries, greek yogurt and coconut water)

Lunch: Chicken Salad (Romaine, Broiled chicken, salad toppings (by McCormick), and fat-free Balsamic Vinaigrette and a Banana.

Dinner: Whole grain pasta with sauce and then either broccoli, corn, or baked potato

Dessert: Yes I had dessert almost every night still. I am a big sweet-a-holic. If I would have cut out dessert I am sure I would have ended up binging and failing at this. I would typically have one scoop of Vanilla (no sugar added type) and then a light Cookies n Cream. There is also this awesome mug cake from the paleo diet that I would have on the nights I was really craving something chocolate.

So as you can see, overall my diet was fairly simple and I still got to eat yummy foods!!! There were obviously nights where I had something other than this for dinner, however, the carbs/fat/sodium counts were generally about the same. Then there were nights where we went out with friends and I ate good food but just had the condiments on the side and ate about 1/3 of the plate. One rule I always followed was to start with the veggies first. Eat the most healthy and then eat the rest that way I was filling up on the good stuff.

It was pretty easy to follow this and I am very proud of myself. I did not win, however I did come in 3rd place! 3rd out of 20 women!!!!! Pretty awesome if you ask me!

Here are my stats:

Start-

Weight-186.2

Waist-41.5

Finish-

Weight-157.0

Waist-33

I lost 29.8 pounds and 8.5 inches! I am so proud of myself. I did very well! I am glad it is over. 12 weeks is about as long as I could go without going crazy. I exercised a lot. Everyday I ride my bike to work and home and then on the weekends I would ride along the shore for about an hour. I think that was also a big factor in my success!

And now the moment you all have been "weighting" for! (did you catch the pun?? I came up with that on my own ;) )

My before and afters!!!

 

My friend is also organizing a turbo challenge to do for the 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is only so we don't gain. It is $20 to enter and as long as you don't gain anything you get your money back. If you are interested let me know and I can hook you up with more details! After the first of the year we are doing another 12 weeker and I will definitely be doing that to keep the motivation to shed the last 17-20 pounds! If you want more info let me know!

Summer from H.E.double hockey sticks!

This summer has been really hot. Having lived in Texas I am used to the heat, but this was a whole new level. Having to walk to and from the subway in the heat makes this heat seem... well bleh! 

I saw this article on BuzzFeed and it was the total truth!

The article is titled "The 23 Worst Things About Living in New York City in the Summer"

You really need to read the article and see the pictures to get the full sense of it, but here is the general outline!

1. The various topnotes of the hot garbage smell…

Yes... Tuesdays and Fridays in our neighborhood are the worst. Everything reeks like spoiled, sour milk. It is awful. I usually end up walking around with my shirt pulled up over my nose... Can you say rank?

2. …exacerbated by the stench coming from the street puddles that never dry, even in 90-degree weather.

The stench is pretty bad. It smells very mildewy... It is very gross.

3. For ladies, the dreaded “boob sweat.”

The boob sweat isn't something I have really experienced yet. The back sweat however is another story.

4. FOMO from your friends’ beach Instagrams.

I am not a huge Instagrammer so I don't have this problem.

5. Having to wash your dirty feet in the sink after wearing flip-flops.

I have to wash my feet every time after wearing flip-flops. My feet are usually outlined in black gross lines.

6. Going to the park since it’s so nice out and realizing the whole city had the same idea.

This summer has been so hot that not that many are at the park. Plus, the mosquitos have been insane so I avoid the park like the plague.

7. Waiting for the subway and feeling like you are going to DIE.

There is no AC underground. None whatsoever. Sometimes it gets so bad down there I feel sick.

8. Then getting on the one subway car without air-conditioning and almost passing out against the pole.

Luckily the AC works pretty well on the trains I ride. Also, because of my hours I usually ride during the times that aren't busy.

9. Showing up to work with a sweat-stache.

Me? Sweat-stache? Nah... Just give me a towel... :)

10. Not being able to make any food because turning on your stove or oven turns your apartment into a burning hellscape.

Holy cow! We avoid turning the oven on in fear that we may shrivel up and die... Without central air it is super hot.

11. Stinky clouds of hot meat air wafting off the street carts.

Since I don't work downtown, I don't really get to experience this.

12. Rooftop bars are awesome, but insanely crowded.

Not my scene so I have not comment!

13. Having to wear next to nothing on your commute because it’s SO FREAKIN’ HOT…

I usually wear shorts and a t-shirt to work... it still seems like I am wearing too much though.

14. …but then freezing in the office because the AC is on the “arctic chill” setting.

I don't usually freeze at work but I have been in stores that I feel like it's wintertime!

15. Iced coffee is more expensive than hot coffee.

I don't drink coffee so I wouldn't know!

16. Soooo many tourists that make the heat seem worse.

Times Square is the worst. There are so many people that it seems like we are all baking together... Plus they are just stand still so it is hard to get anywhere.

17. Either having no air-conditioning at all…

We have 3 window units. One in the bedroom, in the living room and in the kitchen... it still doesn't seem like enough.

18. …or only having it in your bedroom, so the bathroom is like a sauna.

The bathroom does feel like a sauna and the mold grows 5 times as fast so we are constantly having to scrub the shower and shower curtain... Plus it stinks.

19. “Is that liquid that just dripped on me rain, air conditioner condensation, or pee?”

Ew! I know what this is like... the first time I had this happen I was so grossed out until I realized it was just the AC... still though, it is NASTY!

20. Not having the desire or money to go the Hamptons, but feeling weird pressure to go anyway.

I don't have the money or really the desire to go so since I don't have the time then we usually stay home!

21. Figuring out how to buy one of these (window AC unit) and get it to your apartment:

Luckily my husband rocks and did it all himself!!

22. …and then trying to install it without it falling out the window.

Like I said... he ROCKS!

23. B.O. on the subway, in cabs, and everywhere.

OMG! This is so bad.... people just stink so bad... Do they not wear deodorant? I mean come on now! 

But just when you think you’ve had enough of this sweaty dump, you catch one gorgeous view from a sunny rooftop, and suddenly it all seems worth it.

The view is beautiful in this city that when I think of all the horrible things it seems like they don't even matter

Staten Island Ferry

While my family was here we went and saw so many things. One of the things that we did was we went on the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry takes you from the south of Manhattan across to Staten Island. The ride is free and takes about 30 mins each way. It passes right in front of the Statue of Liberty! It was so neat and I love being on the water!!!!

Pier at Sunset

My family recent came to visit and the first night they were in we went for a walk to the pier. That pier is officially my new favorite spot in the city! It is so peaceful and you can see everything!

Accepted to State University of New York!

So in my want to continue my education and needing to find a place that didn't cost an arm and a leg I applied at the Empire State College branch of SUNY. They are decent priced for tuition and they offer great degree programs. Now I just need to figure out exactly what I want my concentration to be!

Copacabana

A few weeks ago we went to this restaurant. It was really good! Copacabana is an old and famous Jazz place. Downstairs they have dinner and upstairs there is dancing. It was really yummy and fun!

My shrimp even came with popcorn!

TV film set

On Memorial day we strolled around the city before we headed to Central Park and we bumped into this set. It is for some show called London Calling. We have never heard of it before but it looks kind of boring... it was cool seeing all the stuff messed up though!

Memorial Day!

 Josh and I walked around Central Park on Memorial day. It was hot and muggy but it was still fun! We enjoyed seeing all the cool stuff!!!

The Guggenheim

The Alice in Wonderland statue

Top of the big rock

Needless to say we had a great day!!

New Haircut!

So I finally broke down and decided that I was not patient enough to grow my hair out! Here is my new look!

Walk to the pier!

Just a couple blocks away there is a pier at the shore where you can stand and see all of Manhattan. It is so pretty! We have been taking the dogs on walks the last couple weeks because the weather has been warming up and we are wanting to see the area. Here are a few pics that I snapped on todays walk!

new apartment

We are finally in our new apartment and are pretty much settled! We really love the apartment and the neighborhood. Everything is so pretty and so nice! Once everything is put away and organized I will post pictures!

Apartment demise

Since we have moved into our apartment we have had one problem after another. The apartment seemed great at first, but as time has continued things began to go wrong.

Problem #1: When I moved in the toilet seat was broken. I couldn't actually even sit on the toilet. So I called the superintendent and he said he would come fix it. So finally the next day he showed up to fix it. Ok no big deal but a little frustrating.

Problem #2: The pipe under the kitchen sink had a slow leak. I asked them to fix it shortly after I moved in, but finally after about 3 weeks they fixed it. Again, not a big deal, but a little annoying.

Problem #3: Most of the apartments out here are heated by radiators and are generally all heated by the landlord in the basement of the building. We got a huge snow storm the beginning of February and we noticed that the temperature had fallen a little below 60 degrees. We called the landlord and said he would send the super in to turn it up. In the mean time we heated the apartment with electric heaters. After about 2 weeks, Josh finally went down to the basement and turned it up himself.

Problem #4: After the snow storm and then the rain that we got following after that, we noticed some new water spots on the ceiling. We called the landlord and he said that if it got bigger then to let him know. We asked if he would send somebody sooner than later because we didn't have the best feeling about that. He said that he would try to. Well about 2 weeks later we got another huge rain storm and I woke up in the middle of the night soaking wet. I jolted out of bed and the ceiling was leaking. We called and called the landlord and finally about 10 am or so he called back. He said he would send someone and no one showed up until the next day to look and then at that point it was too dark to do anything. Finally the next day, so about 2 days after the leak, he came back. The guy couldn't find anything wrong from the inside so they would have to take the bricks out from outside. 
We were told it was going to have to wait a few days until they could get to it, I sure you could imagine that we were not happy. So the next day they sent someone out and said they would try. We were not happy. They could not find anywhere from which it might be leaking so they patched it here and there and then said we would have to wait until it rained again.

At this point we had had enough and had started talking about moving. We talked to our landlord and told him why we wanted to move. At first he was less than willing to let us out and give us our deposit back, however, the next day he had reconsidered and we are free to go. 

We have found a new place and are just waiting on the credit check to go through. This new place is awesome and is about 2 1/2 blocks from the shore! We are so excited and we hope it works out. If it does then that will be a whole other blog post in itself! Well that is where we are and I know that many of you have been wondering whats been going on... so there you are! Now you know! Hopefully we will have more answers soon and I will continue to fill all you in as it goes!

All settled for as much as can be!

I got the keys to our new apartment on Thursday and from there the fun began. The first thing I did was unload the car... all. by. myself. so about 10 heavy boxes later I was done (that is just what came out with me... way more is coming out with josh). Once I was done unloading the car, I realized they had not cleaned the apartment and that it was truly disgusting. I began with the stove top since the burner grate thingys needed to soak. I filled the sink up with water, sprinkled some bartenders friend on them and started cleaning the rest of the stove top. The next thing I heard was... "drip...drip..drip.drip" it was getting faster and faster so I looked under the sink and it was flooded... the pipe was leaking.... At this point all I wanted to do was cry... I had to do it all by myself and my husband still wasn't going to be here for another week.

I called the landlord, but by the time he came out it decided it didn't want to leak anymore. He tried everything and no leak. I was so frustrated and told him I would call him if it did it again. After he left, I finished cleaning the apartment and then went to get some groceries. That was one heck of a trip all by myself. I decided to take the subway so I didn't have to pay to park and that was fine and all until the trip home... That was the longest quarter mile walk I have ever done. Who knew that all that stuff was so stinkin' heavy?

As the night progressed I got things organized and put away. I am as settled as I can be until Josh comes with the rest of our stuff this next weekend and I am so ready to start working tomorrow. I am hoping that this week will go by fast so he can be here already and so we can finally start our adventure together!!!!

Time's Square on New Year's Eve

So since we were both going to be in NYC over the new year, my mom and I decided to tough it out and watch the ball drop in Time's Square! It was so flippin' cold but we made it! We got down there at 3pm and ate dinner then hopped in line at about 5.

The amount of people that were down there was insane!