Day 189 - Speed

As part of my birthday outing, the boyfriend and I went out on Lake Michigan on a speedboat. While I've been out on the water before, the Sea Dog was quite intimidating as it boasted of it's high speed ride. As I took my seat, I was amazed by the Chicago skyline as usual. I never take the beauty of my city for granted. Never. I love it.

While we waited for the other passengers to board, we insisted on taking the usual self portraits. This was one of my favorites. I love the lights of Navy Pier in the background.

I was more than excited for the ride, until the Captain insisted on everyone buckling their seat belts. Tightly. The adrenaline started to rush and at that moment, I wondered, just how fast were we going to go? And how wet would I get? I documented my safety below.

The ride started, the music started, and I made the boyfriend hold on to me just in case the seat belt failed. I loved feeling absolutely free out on the water, I think the faster we went, the bigger my smile got. I couldn't snag a good picture of the city once we were out on the water, we were going way to fast to take a good photo! That, and the fact that the ride was way too short (I could have stayed out there forever!) is my only complaint about this experience. Talk about doing one thing every day that scares you! Speed boat ride is right up there, and I suggest if you ever get the chance, that you should do the same!

Day 188 - Berfday

So, today I'm officially one year older. I celebrated by getting my bicycle tuned up, a long walk, a short ride, a manicure, flowers, dinner and drinks, and speed boat ride on the lake - not too shabby. As my night unfolded, I kept thinking, what should my "new years resolution" be? I think I kept hoping for some type of epiphany, or a bolt of wisdom that would somehow guide me to live the next year of my life even better, but it never came. So what does one do when they turn a year older?

Sure you can party the night away, but that's not my style. I really want to live the best life I can, and have no regrets at the end of the journey, but how do you achieve that? I took the entire week of my birthday off to pamper myself and indulge, and I've done just that, quite successfully I might add. I've allowed myself to sleep in and enjoy late breakfasts. Formal, 5:30am workouts have have been replaced with leisurely bike rides and a lot of walking (5 miles per day). I think a staycation to celebrate my birthday week has been one of the best things I've ever done to allow for a soul replenishment, but even with all the pampering, spa treatments, and fun, I'm still left questioning, what, if anything, can I change in my life to live better?

I think, if anything, this week has taught me that I do need to indulge once in awhile and take care of myself so I can bring the best "me" to the table. Of course, this isn't really a new revelation, but this is probably one of the first times I've put it to practice and have seen the benefits in action. So what's my plan going forward? Continue my blog, which seems to provide me with goals and new ideas, continue working on improving my health, body and mind, and most of all, just when I think I shouldn't, go ahead and just do it! Whatever it is, go ahead and spend the extra money, get the spa treatment, take the class, buy the shoes, or whatever it is! My parting words and birthday gift to myself... Enjoy life, so others can enjoy you!

Day 187 - Spa Date

Day 4 of my birthday week pampering involved a lunch date with a girlfriend, and a spa date. I got a much needed facial, and she got a much deserved massage. The facial was pure bliss, I could have stayed in the relaxation room all day, and then I wondered, why did I wait so long to do this? I think everyone, male or female, needs to take some type of spa day for themselves!

Day 186 - Hairscut

Why do they call it a hair cut, when you actually get them all cut? Shouldn't it be hairscut? Anyway, I got one today. It will take some learning on how to work with the cut (lots of new layers) and style it, but Amber at Floyd's rocks! After day 3 of pampering myself for my birthday week, I met up with a good friend and we headed to the U2 concert at Soldier Field. Not bad for a Tuesday!

Day 185 - Kicks

Today's birthday pampering included buying new shoes! They're not sexy sandals, but even better! They're my magic running shoes that will take me anywhere I want to go (insert Forest Gump movie clip here). With all the walking and activities I've done this year, and continue to plan on doing, I've really worn down my already over used Asics, and decided it was time to replace them.

Not only have I vowed to participate in some type of event each month such as a 5K run/walk, but I am participating in a 10K a day program at work, where the challenge is to walk at least 10,000 steps, or 5 miles per day. I figured I might as well walk in style! I love the sunburst colors of these shoes, but also, I immediately fell in love with the Ryka brand fit as it is designed specifically for women, and has an angled instep to compensate for the Q angle of the woman's femur and stride.

On a side note, my Asics took their last 11,250+ step walking trip today. I was so thankful to spend the 4th with my boyfriend today, as it was totally unexpected due to his crazy work schedule. We spent the morning catching up with each other's news, and eventually started a trek throughout the city for food, shopping and fun. Even though the Asics have seen me through some awesome miles and will be retired, they will surely stick around until next June, wherein I plan to participate in the Dirty Girl Mud Run and will need an old "friend" to help me get dirty!

Day 184 - Pedi

I have pretty toes again! I faced fear of embarrassment and headed to my favorite local nail shop, Hollywood Nails for some feet TLC. I've neglected my toes (and feet) since February (at least) and thought that since it's July and my feet still haven't seen a sandal or open toe shoe, it was about time to get them peep-toe-pretty! I love Mike, and his mom Nancy, they are the most awesome host/hostesses! Yes, I say host, because this family run shop makes you feel like you're at home.

Mike gave me the scoop on the "going-ons" of the neighborhood, and even helped me choose the right color for my tootsies, which was "You're a Pisa Work" by OPI - I think he was trying to tell me something. Later, during my awesome foot massage, Nancy and other customers served up wine, and spicy guacamole and chips. It was just the right amount of snackage and alcohol to fill the tummy, and lighten my spirits while watching the Cubs actually win a game.

I left the shop a very happy customer, and can't say enough about the royal treatment I received. This is day one of my birthday pampering week, so as the week goes on, you'll read more about the little things I choose to do each day to help me relax, and/or take care of myself. Bring on the birthday fun!