Our pumpkin this year:-).. Brians so proud but it is so cool.. wish it lasted longer:-(

I know I say it every year but man the year is just flying!! The days are now cold, dark, and short but I love it anyhow.. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year.. the leaves are turning and it means that the holidays are here! woohoo.. although this economy is kind of putting a damper on things, I'm staying positive that "all is good"..haha..

Not to mention October usually means CONCORD GRAPE season!! Thanks to a tip from my friend Robert, I hit the Korean grocery store and voila they were still there.. I literally count down the days until these arrive each year then they're gone.. only around for a few weeks..boohoo.. fall also puts me in the baking mood so while Brian was helping Ben on Sunday I baked a loaf of banana bread,..not bad.. next time, more sugar, less baking time..


still hitting the gym when I can. In fact, J&J came over on Sat and we all went to the gym which was great because John showed us how to use some of the weight machines that I was so intimidated to touch before.. now I can go and know if I miss a class I can do the machines instead.. I rode the bike, elliptical(didn't like it but I'll give it another try sometime), then some weight machines.. of course after Mom took us to Bluefin and I ate way too much - so much for the calorie burning we did that morning:-). Oh well.. work was crazy busy so I put in some long days.. had a great dinner on Friday with the "girls" at Elliots.. oysters and more oysters..yum! Oh and J&J brought Joey over to visit Sat before last...3 dogs in the house was pretty crazy. I think Stanley really wants a buddy..k, maybe Amy wants another doggie..

umm..Stanley, thats no way to treat our guests!

NO PAIN NO GAIN!!!

I just got home from my first "spin" class or indoor cycling..whatever you call it.. it HURTS!! ahh.. no one told me.. I sweated like a pig and could hardly walk.. the worst part was the seat..oye, 1 hour on that hard uncomfortable bike seat was killer.. but man what a workout. Who knew. I am sold.. joining the new YMCA tomorrow. I used a guest pass today to check it out and I have to say I love it.. bye bye Curves.. the people are so friendly, the classes non intimidating, and best part, its a 5min drive from home to the door.

I love that it doesn't feel like a gym but just a great hangout. You'll find all ages, nationality, fitness levels here and I dont' feel out of place for once in a "gym" :-) It's a little more then your average gym (and to think I always thought the "Y" was cheaper)..but I'm so excited.. the Pool looks awesome and I can't wait to take the swim lessons. Not to mention this place is brand new! just opened 4 days ago and its HUGE - 52,000 sqft.. sauna, climbing wall, raquetball/basketball courts, wifi and more! they also have yoga, pilates and a bunch of other classes! oye, lets hope my excitement continues and I will use it! but for now i"m happy and very sore.. I just hope I can climb those stairs at work tomorrow:-)

I'm cooking again! haha.. coming home from Maui then Vegas, nothing like home cooked meals.. some dinners I cooked recently..
whats easier then a grilled steak...some homemade caesar dressing, good glass of merlot..we were pretty happy:-)


chicken adobo - recipe I found years ago from a sous chef at Canlis.. some ong choy..comfort food
beef stew with fresh green beans..made so much we had to share with J&J