22 Miles!?

This Sunday, I have agreed to participate in a 22-mile walk from Zuma Beach to the Santa Monica Pier. Why? I have no clue. The group of guys that I surf with have started this tradition years ago and last year I joined them. It was shortly after I ran the LA Marathon, so the idea of 22 miles seemed relatively easy. It wasn't, but I survived it. This year, there was no marathon I ran. Instead, my weekends consisted of surfing and a few beach walks/jogs every now and then when the waves weren't there. Needless to say, I am completely nervous about the walk this year. Not only is it it this Sunday and I already need new shoes, but it starts at 4:30am!!! It's going to be tough. I'll let everybody know on Sunday night if I survive. Wish me luck. 

Free time

One thing that I can say I have done well out here with is finding activities to get involved with during my free time. Working in this business, I surround myself with people who give their entire lives to their jobs. Seven days a week, 12 hours a day. I think that would be absolute misery. Those people may make more money than I do, but are they really happy with their lives? 

I could never imagine devoting so much time to just one thing. Life it too short for that kind of mentality. Since moving to LA, I have managed to train for a marathon, run a marathon, learn to surf, play challenging games of tennis, hike, and practice Pilates all with the use of my free time away from work. And that is just a few of the activities that I enjoy doing. Now, I can't imagine those activities not in my life. Except for maybe the training for a marathon, that might have been a one time thing ;) But, who knows what the future can hold. But, point of the matter is, life is too short to not be doing fun things on the side. Work is not everything and every once in a while, it's a good idea to remind yourself that. Speaking of free time, these are just a couple of pics of me enjoying mine a few weekends ago in Malibu.

Sore Loser

I know we are taught at a young age that winning isn't everything. But, we all know that, in some small way, that is a lie. I mean, winning can be everything. Look at our nation's democracy. If a candidate doesn't win an election, they don't get to be President. Period. Then decisions are made by the winner and the loser doesn't get a say in them, at all. Professional winning sports teams get trophies and the right to claim victory and parades to come home to. The losing teams don't. Obviously, winning can mean something. But, not in this case...

I played a good game of doubles tennis at the Malibu Racquet Club on Sunday morning and I found my competitive edge coming out a little too much. It's tougher when playing doubles, because when you screw up, you screw up for two people and vice-versa. The game was getting heated and my tennis partner and I were missing shots and losing our focus. I felt bad because the disappointment I had with my own playing was rubbing off on my teammate. She was getting nervous and her game began to lack, as well. At the end of our losing match, I felt defeated and exhausted. But, it was also a great opportunity for me to look at myself and my behavior when playing. Sure, it's great to have a competitive side, but in these kinds of cases, it's best to remember that, yes it's true, winning isn't everything. Unless, of course there's money on the game you are playing ;)

My New Nephew

The day seemed so slow today but that was because I had big plans after work. I got to meet my older brother's first newborn son, Owen tonight. It was amazing. He was so small and adorable. It's hard to believe we were all that tiny at one time in our lives. For only a week old, he's very observant and kept looking around the room, looking for things and faces he recognized. 

It was pretty awesome to say the least. He's a very lucky boy to be born to such wonderful people as my brother and his amazing wife. I look forward to watching my nephew grow up and have to admit it's going to be a little weird hearing him call me "Aunt Maggie" for the first time. But, it's has a ring I could get used to. Afterall, as long as I am the cool and hip aunt and remain that way, I'll be just fine. :) I have a close friend who has a couple of sons and I like to consider myself one of their cool, hip "aunts" , as well. It's kind of fun having a reputation to keep up! 

Wrap Party

I had a fun Friday night tonight that actually reminds me on why I love my job. Tonight was The Office wrap party and for some strange reason, I was on the invite list to get in. I was completely shocked when I received the invite, but never the less, I took advantage of it. The party took place at the Santa Monica Pier and it was completely shut down for us. The rides, games, food, bar, and photo booths were free. It was insane. Well, it was insane that people pay such an absurd amount of money for that kind of thing to begin with, but anyway. I had a lot of fun. I was able to bond a bit with my boss and hang with fun people from the show. I didn't get the chance to take pictures which was a bummer, but I didn't want to look too cheesy, either. John Kraskinski didn't show up, which was a bummer, but I did get to meet Rainn Wilson, who seemed nothing like his character of Dwight. I saw Jenna Fischer, but just missed Steve Carell, who had to leave early to be with the little ones. Oh well. Still a fun night and also a great reminder on why I am lucky to get paid to do what I do. 

Pictures

Oh yeah...I learned how to upload pictures into my blog. I am so happy. I think I knew how to this whole time, but was just lazy to actually do so. Now there is more reason to read my blog! 

Whirlwind Weekend

I am just now catching up from quite an exciting, but sleep-deprived weekend. One of my closest friends from Memphis came out for a visit this last weekend and it was up to me to show her what LA had to offer. I made sure to cut no corners in this action packed three and a half day weekend. The two of us took LA by storm and I have to say I hadn't had fun like that in a very long time. I love when people visit me because I get to do the cheesy things in LA that I usually would take for granted. It sort of brings an innocence back to me. Reminds me of how I used to view LA before I actually moved here. I forget about all the sights and the scenes and I don't get to appreciate that kind of stuff when I am by myself or with another LA native. So, the more people from out of town that visit, the better. As long as I don't wear myself, or my bank account, out!

I was sad to see Melissa leave because it just reminded me of how close we are and how infrequent we see each other. I guess that's what happens when you get reunited with long-distant friends. You have such an amazing time with them but then are quickly reminded on how far away they are. Maybe that was the kind of attitude that was behind Carole King's "Far Away". One of my favorite songs. 

On a happier note, I became a real first time Aunt this week! My older brother and his wonderful wife gave me a nephew! I haven't met him, yet, but, I can't wait to spoil him with hugs and gifts. If he's anything like me, he might just go for the gifts ;)