Pillar
Life, fitness, cars, and the everyday in between.
The hubby and I have always gone through the weight loss fitness journey. We’ve done so many exercise and diet plans from hiking, biking, heavy weight lifting, p90x,…
It has been strange times living through the COVID pandemic. I went on maternity leave November 2019 and had a healthy baby boy. Maternity leave ended 8 weeks later, and I was…
Thank you to all the veterans for your sacrifice and service! This day is even more special because my hubby is a veteran. Today, I will be making sausage gravy and biscuits…
Take a look at our current Amazon product with a recently reduced price! Orange Feather Wine and Whiskey Glass Set, Long-Stemmed Wine Glass, Lowball Tumbler, Stainless Steel…
Orange Feather’s Wine and Whiskey Glass Set, Long-Stemmed Wine Glass, Lowball Tumbler, Stainless Steel Bottle Opener and Reusable Ice Cubes, Fun Novelty Gift for Parents.…
Thank you… US of A, for giving me the chance to practice our right to vote! – girl in pigtails
Thank you… inventor of the washing machine, dish washer and hot water heater. You make my life so much cleaner and happier. You know… it’s the little things that you take for…
Thank you awesome weather! You made our drive so much more enjoyable. -girl in pigtails
Thank you Acules for being a reliable bad ass! We took a trip to Shenandoah for the skyline drive. Traffic was horrible! Who knew the first weekend in November would be the…
Day 2 of thanks—I sent a 'thanks a latte' e-card to an awesome coworker.
TLDR
I thought it might be cool to do a thank you card for each day up until Thanksgiving. My Grandpa used to say, “never underestimate the power of a thank you card and a cup of…
I attempted to make jello the other day. Nothing fancy just cherry and blue raspberry in a layer. And… It got me thinking about our political parties… and all the political…
By it’s cover! First of all people are people. There are good, bad and sometimes the ugly but they are still people. Ray and I went to the Baltimore Tattoo convention and saw a…
And life’s a little weird. And when we find someone Whose weirdness is compatible To ours, we join up with them All fall into mutual weirdness And call it LOVE! I am proud to…
This is my first taste of fall weather… 50s and drizzle but I love it! People think I am a weird Cali girl living in a Maryland world but I think they enjoy my new-ness. So, in…
So, the HTB (Hubby to be) and I are getting back to good health. We’ve had a long journey to a healthy lifestyle and always fell short. Each year we start a diet/exercise plan…
It is so hard to lose a friend. My little birdy boy took the eternal sleepy about a week ago and to be honest… it tore me up. I did not realize how much I cared about that…
I am feeling like a racehorse at the starting gate. Just two months ago, Mr. Awesome Fiance (Ray) and I packed up our little NorCal life and settled down in the land of strong…
I am going to miss my Safeway 1211 family. As the old saying goes: “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times” but we got through it together. You never know how much…
I am incredibly happy to announce that I am finished with my MBA. It was a long hard year; doing two classes every eight weeks but I got it done! I also have to toot my horn…
I am down to my last week for my MBA. – girl in pigtails
Let’s show them what ‘like a girl’ really means! – girl in pigtails
At my Starbucks, we decided to decorate for valentine’s day. My team and I thought it would be fun to write down our definitions of love… of course we left it anonymous; some…
The Super Bowl half time show was amazing this year! I loved Katy Perry’s song choice, guest appearances and the theatrics were something that is sure to go down in Super Bowl…
This is my Monday mood: buried in homework with no end in sight. Oy vey!
I almost don’t know what to do with myself right now! I finished my finals before Christmas… yay! For those who have been following me for the last few years know that I have…
This has been a crazy year of goodness! Frist, I would like to introduce to the blog world Mr. Awesome Boyfriend. I have kept him pretty anonymous throughout the time I have…
Finished my last final at 2am—four MBA classes left. Merry Christmas to me!
Hi again! I'm halfway through my MBA and powering through to the finish.
Yeah, that is the new MX5 Mazda Miata. My first reaction when I saw this was as followed: 1) WTF… that looks like my car but in red, and newer, with ugly wheels and clean and…
I want to say that I have found the best hair artist ever! Tara at Victoria ‘ s hair and salon in Danville. She took a great deal of care and time to give me a new doo. I…
I have been going through life at top speed for a few months now. I just finished my fourth class towards my MBA. It is a ton of work especially when trying to plan for…
Should always be in the passenger seat! I was on my way to work (super early) this nice Sunday morning. I saw this beautiful classic old convertible. This is not uncommon in…
A quick hello from girl in pigtails—my very first blog post, just saying hi.
I am really impressed with the Out of Milk app. My shopping list was so easy to use! We clicked on each item and added the price. So, at the end we knew roughly what we were…
Mr.Awesome Boyfriend and I finally sat down to discuss our finances. Over the last few years, we have accumulated a lot of debt. The debt, is mostly credit cards and a lot of…
We're selling Pigtails, our Miata—the engine seized after overheating. Sad day.
Work, gym, school, housework, sleep—my routine keeps me steady until graduation.
This week I started my MBA classes. Yup two classes every 8 weeks. I am knocking this shi@! out in about a year. This is going to be a hard year but once it is done… it’s done!…
So, I’m back from a little break. I took about a 3 week break to recover from a hard 12 weeks of heavy lifting. I also gained some weight through muscle gain and at a 1800+ cal…
One of my customers made this for me. It totally made my day and reminded me that Easter is right around the corner! Hoppy Easter!
How Human Are You? on Nat Geo Wild compares our behavior to animals. Love it!
Boyfriend's traveling, so I hit the elliptical with a gym buddy instead of squats.
Six days off healed my back. Back at squat 100, bench 70, row 60. Yes!
Tried squatting 100lbs and hurt my back. Resting the week—form over ego.
Squats at 95–100lbs, bench 65, row 55. I feel like I'm going to explode!
Squat 90lbs! Nine weeks in and lifting isn't a program—it's my sport.
New PR: squat 85lbs! Bench 60, row 50—tracking everything on MyFitnessPal.
Squatted 80lbs with no help! A few weeks ago I needed a spotter for that.
End of week 8: squat 75, bench 55, row 45. Form is getting dialed in.
Squat 70, press 45, deadlift 155! Deadlift is officially my favorite lift.
Week 8 day 1: squat 65, bench 50, row 75. Good start—the week is flying!
Deload week paid off—deadlift hit 145lbs. Kicking butt and taking names.
Deload week stats: squat 55, bench 45, row 70. Coming along nicely.
Deload day: light squats and press, but deadlifted 135×5. Form is everything.
Tough week—stuck on squats at 75lbs. Deadlift at 125 was the only bright spot.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor's in Business Administration!
Stats… Squat: 70lbs …NO assistance… Whoot! OH Press: 45lbs NO assistance…YAY! Deadlift: 115lbs This girl is on fire! Ass to the grass! -girl in pigtails
Failed my 5×5 sets but worked negatives. Weight lifting is a roller coaster.
Today’s Stats: Squat: 65lbs I am so excited because I did all 5 sets with no assistance! Over head press: 45lbs with some assistance Deadlift: 95lbs In one month I am already…
I just finished week 4 of strength training. Looking back just 4 weeks ago I have already inproved. I started squatting just the bar (45lbs) and needed help. Today for a warm…
Whoot! I am feeling so pumped! Today’s STATS: Squat: 65 lbs… I still couldn’t do 5×5 so, I focused on going down slow and controlled and had a spotter help me up. Bench: 60lbs……
Squat 60, deadlift 85, press 45—with C4 pre-workout and new gym friends.
Squat, bench, row all at 60lbs. Adding weight and tracking reps with form.
Week 3 lifts: squat 60, press 45, deadlift 85. The weight keeps going up!
Squat 55, bench 55, row 50. Slowly but surely, the weights are climbing.
High protein paid off—squat 50, press 40, deadlift 75. Felt so strong!
Squat 45, row 45, bench 50. Staying positive and focusing on correct form.
Week 2 of 5×5 with a friend whose warmup squat is 315lbs. Seriously humbling!
Week 1 stats: squat 45, bench 45, row 40. Not too shabby for a start!
Watch the video around 1:48—you'll see flames shoot from the Miata. So cool!
New Year's resolution: back to weight lifting with Elliott Hulse on YouTube.
Grades are in—I finished my Bachelor's in Business Admin. Next up: MBA!
Birdy girl got a friend! Well, we got him a few months ago but I wanted to make sure birdy girl liked him enough to stay. He is pretty as a camp fire. We got him at the same…
Big History on H2 connects everything—one episode on salt blew my science-loving mind.
This season reminds me what matters—my job, my degree, and the people I love.
Happy Holidays from your friendly Danville Safeway Starbucks!
I was able to enjoy my tree! [Singing Voice] So, last year I made it my mission to create a beautiful Christmas tree for under $75. It was a huge success! This year money…
Happy Turkey Day! Remember, eating until you pop is totally acceptable today.
We got the car back Sunday; by Wednesday the transmission died. Hoping to fix her.
Holy Horses! I have a DashDaq and did a speed test starting at 60MPH to 100MPH in 3.70seconds. Oh and I only had it in fourth gear! This car is a beast that I will train!…
Not all at once—I deadlifted 135lbs eight times. Weight lifting is my new sport.
My little rice rocket is finally coming home. Jay @ TDR in Florida finished putting the rocket together and she should be back in Cali this week. It is official the car does…
Four classes left for my BS—I passed the DSST for Human Resource Management!
I just completed my Starbucks Coffee Master program. It is like a black belt in Starbucks coffee knowledge… It was very inspiring to finish. I am so excited and want to start a…
Muscle Town has not been easy but the results are fabulous! I’m in the best shape of my life and getting stronger each day. I’m able to lift weight that makes people’s jaw…
So, I’m sure most parents have to deal with the transition from crib to big kid bed. Some adjust easy while others take more nurturing. Well, I never thought I would have to…
Knocked out two more A's. Entrepreneurship and Training & Development start today.
Safeway invited me to a CAN DO workshop at corporate—bright future ahead!
My little birdy is getting so brave. She started jumping on our finger with a whistle command. That is so awesome for a tiny bird. She also gives kisses while sitting on her…
Ten weeks in, we lost 33lbs combined and shifted to more weight training.
This is not going to be a super in depth assessment of the phone but I will say what I really like about it. Then, maybe, in another post, I can give stats and get all nerdy…
Nine classes until my B.A.—Managerial Accounting, E-Commerce, and an MBA ahead.
Week 7 done—holiday weight is gone and I'm seeing real muscle growth.
Week 7 of our lifestyle change—looser pants, better portions, gym feels normal.
My canary's third week of molting—baths, heat, and her feathers turning orange.
Dickens had it right—good times, bad times, and every experience shapes us.
My car is on it’s way to Florida to get a new engine, exhaust, and turbo. Our new friend, at TDR, is going to hook us up on a great deal. When my car comes home she will have…
I'm working on reading speed and comprehension—breaking old grade-school habits.
This is pretty exciting news! I found this on I Fucking Love Science Facebook page. There is a black and white striped bat that has been discovered in South Sudan. This bat is…
This is one of my favorite shows right now. It is one of those shows you can sit back and just be completely entertained. Everyone needs a little escape from reality. The show…
Week 5 at the gym—down 3 pounds, leg press at 90lbs, and feeling strong.
Pareidolia lets us see faces everywhere. Carl Sagan said it helped us survive.
Our red factor canary molts once a year—we feed her special food for deeper red.
Short Starbucks shift, dinner with friends, and our healthy ultimate banana bread.
Lime-A-Way spray fixed my shower glass doors—goodbye soap scum and hard water.
My BFF from work and I went to get manicures at Plesanton Nails off of Santa Rita Rd. The girls were super fast and very nice. My simple manicure was only $12. I will be back…
30 minutes on the elliptical, 300 calories burned. I love 24 Hour Fitness!
Endomondo is a great app that tracks exercise and I got the PRO version which adds a lot more tools. I specifically like that on a walk or hike it tracks the route, hart rate,…
Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I finally joined 24 Hour Fitness—pool, weights, classes.
Movie night! I'm about to watch The Hobbit and I am ridiculously excited.
This is so cool! I saw this on Facebook on the page I Fucking Love Science. It is a flower that looks like a monkey… yup that’s right! These incredible looking flowers are…
Typing test: 41 WPM! Finished beginner and intermediate—60 WPM, here I come.
So, my little Mazda MX-5 roadster is about to become the Pigtails Rice Rocket. We have officially worked out a deal with TDR out of Florida ( http://www.tdr-mx5tuning.com/ ) to…
The Rainbow Eucalyptus tree is real—nature's most colorful bark, no spray paint.
History in the making—Pope Francis I elected. I watched it live on the news.
Rise of the Guardians gets 5 out of 5 popcorns—Jack Frost and friends save the day.
Oz the Great and Powerful in IMAX 3D—5 out of 5 popcorns. Mila Kunis shines.
My canary makes soft 'eek' sounds when she's excited. Training takes trust.
Wreck-It Ralph on demand—video games come alive, plus a candy-land racing game.
A week of typing practice: low 30s WPM now, and I'm not peeking at the keys.
I have officially received my coffee master workbook! In 8-12 weeks, I will achieve this high status and look snazzy in the ultimate coffee master black apron. I will know the…
I am so excited! I got some driving shoes… and yes they are purple. LOL I noticed a few of my Mazda friends had Puma shoes when they were driving. I thought that it was a great…
Road trip to SF for the Chinese New Year parade, with a stop at Alice's Restaurant.
I changed my oil all by myself… ok Mr. Awesome Boyfriend helped. I got my hands dirty and it was so cool. We lifted the car and put it on jack stands. I made a newby mistake…
Oh my goodness! My little birdy apparently loves bok choy! We usually give her kale or a mixed green salad. At Ranch 99 they have baby bok choy for a pretty good price. I…
I finally have my eye lids on… the Mazda ! I was able to get them from I.L. Motorsports. The only down side is they didn’t come painted. Once painted, it took about a week to…
I use to go through life with the two finger typing. It worked for me but I knew there was a better way. Typing is a skill that has been lost, I think because of texting, but…
As you all know, I have a cute ball of feathers in my life. Phoenix is about to have her one year anniversary adoption date. OK, I say “almost” and it is really in June.…
I made it… I finally made gold status with my Starbucks card and received the elite card. If you register a gift card at Starbucks.com and make 30 transactions you too can get…
Safeway has Valentine's covered—roses, chocolates, stuffed animals, and more.
Yesterday, was the best day ever! Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I went on a little drive with the NC. She handled like a dream. Our route took us through mostly mountain passes but…
First the tint: During a morning walk, Mr. Awesome boyfriend and I found Kar Tunes. We are their first walk-in customers. 😀 They do mostly car up grades and window tinting.…
We swapped the stock horn for a Nautilus. Beep beep—what a difference!
This Miata is coming along great! Mr. Awesome Boyfriend and I bought some chrome accents and painted them with DupliColor Metalcast metallic purple. It adds a little pigtails…
I am so excited to talk about my awesome mode of transportation… my 2006 Mazda Miata MX5. She is gorgeous with a black soft top and marble white paint. Thanks to the Internet,…
So, the last time I posted on weight loss and heath we were talking about a program called INSANITY. Well, it was exactly as it sounds… insane. I loved the program because it…
Yup… I am a proud owner of a red factor cannery! I was originally going to get a fish tank but once I saw this little bundle of feathers; I was in love. This is my first pet…
After P90X plateaued, I'm trying Shaun T's Insanity—lots of jumping, no equipment.
A little shout out to the elegant Audrey Hepburn! However, she is right: I love Tiffany’s too! I just devoted my eyes to the great multinational jewelry and silver wear…
This spring it is all about a POP of color! At least, that is what I’m hearing on T.V. To stay “hip and funky fresh”, I decided to take the pop of color to my toes. I have to…
It is officially spring time! -Starbucks bunnies (-Girl in Pigtails)
Sorry I've been MIA—school A's, and I'm training to be Starbucks assistant mgr!
Yup, I said it… I love my nachos. I thought I would be nacho-less when we started our new years resolution to get fit! But on the contrary, I have found a way! The first step…
Valentine's roses at Safeway—$9.99 a dozen. I picked peach roses for the house.
P90X week two done. Lost weight, hello abs, and sharing my Day 1 stats.
Official grown-up moment: my own medical, dental, and prescription coverage.
P90X round 2, Day 1—total muscle failure halfway through, but we pushed on.
Finally over my New Year's cold. P90X starts Sunday—90 days of pain ahead!
The eggnog has been drunk and the presents have been opened. It is the eve of the new year and it is a nice time for reflection. This was a good year for learning and personal…
Fixed a typo in my banana bread recipe—applesauce is 1 cup, not 2. Sorry!
It is getting closer and closer to Christmas time, and Starbucks is to the rescue. They have a ton of mugs, tumblers, stuffed animals, gift cards etc. I have a few favorites of…
December started with a head cold. My sick-day essentials, including Alka-Seltzer Plus.
Thanksgiving gratitude: crazy drink orders, mashed potatoes, family, Black Friday.
The Safeway grand opening was a hit—bigger departments and samples for weeks.
I was picked for the Pleasanton Safeway grand opening—free samples all weekend!
The Saturday my boyfriend planned start to finish — a BART ride, the Embarcadero, Coit Tower at sunset, and mall nachos.
A three-hour hike in the Pleasanton foothills, a screaming wildlife warning, and a big cat that may have been following us.
DashDaq says 60 to 100 mph in 3.70 seconds, fourth gear. This car is a beast!
I'm back! Online school at Grantham is going great, and work has been busy.
Mr. Tony Horton's P90X—90 days that break everything you know about exercise.
On our P90X rest day we went hiking instead—birds, cows, and flies included.