Bend, Boots & Babies! (and beer....and blues...and boats...and butte...)

I couldn't decide which B words to use, there are so many to choose from!

I did something I've never done before. I came home from a vacation weighing the same as when I left! And I ate and drank to my heart's content. The only thing I did differently is that I did not use the vacation as an excuse to go crazy with "road trip" food or copious amounts of chips (I had some, don't get me wrong, but they weren't my staple!).

I ate more "low carb' than I would normally eat on vacation. Out on the boat, for example, everyone had sandwiches and crackers, I had egg salad and fruit (and beer, but whatever, it's still a vacation!).  Beer is a tough one to avoid in Bend. There are more breweries per capita than anywhere on EARTH! And good beer too!

I also continued my "daily commitment" to get up early and do one activity, for myself, for at least 30 minutes (yoga, walk, meditate, run, horseback ride, hike, whatever), the only difference is that it did NOT involve getting up early.

I emphasize the "for myself" because I don't want to think of doing an activity I enjoy as a chore. It's a gift to myself. A big fat sweaty hug every day! I choose activities that will hopefully contribute to health, vitality, balance, etc. Today however, suffering from a vacation hangover, I gave myself the gift of extra sleep!

Back to Bend......

We hiked up the Butte one day: (Oh yes, I have proof!)

We danced our butts off for a solid 90 minutes to this guy - Tommy Castro, Munch and Music at Drake Park:

We were in the "front row" right below the stage and periodically, someone would jump up on the stage and dance until security kicked them off. I decided it was something Emily and I should do, considering our slick moves and all. So I "co-erced" her into hopping up on stage with me (really, it was just a head nod toward the stage and me mouthing the words: "LETS GO!?"). That was fun!

But the best part of our visit were these little angels:

Oh my gosh, two more perfect little girls could not exist anywhere in the world! I am so proud of my niece Brenna. She is such a fantastic mom and role model. And Matthew is such an amazing dad. I'm very proud of both of them. Here is my beautiful niece Brenna with one of her babies (shoot, I don't know which one!):

Matthew was probably attending to the other one!

We girls did some of this:  

While the men-folk tended to the babies (so cute!):

And of course, it's just not a trip to Bend without a pilgrimage to Cowgirl Cash! (an awesome cowboy boot consignment store where I can pick up some "already broken in" boots!):

And yes, I usually wear them out of the store!

We usually do consignment store shopping because the stuff is so good, and it's cheap, and there is no sales tax! At another store called "Rescue", I grabbed a Sue Wong dress off the rack and kind of jokingly held it up to me, because it WOULD look super cute with my new boots! Rob's mouth hit the floor and he insisted I try it on. "Isn't it a bit too....uhhhhh....you know....for me?" He said it was "just the right amount of....uhhhh....you know..." (I don't remember the word I used, but it wasn't a good one).

The only problem was that the dress was a size or two too small! It's a size 8, and I am not! Right now. But it was the only one (since it's a consignment store). And even though it was "previously owned", it wasn't cheap.

Rob decided that I needed to have it. I told him it didn't fit....but if he bought it for me....I would be in it for his birthday! Besides, Glen (my brother in law) said I could always "flip it". Lol! SOLD!

(sorry for the bad photography, you get the idea)

I have a secret way to get to my goal and in that dress by November 21st  that I'm not divulging yet. It's too secret. But I'm hoping to have a big reveal. I just want that damned REVEAL!

Considering I didn't get into a bikini by Memorial Day or 4th of July, and Labor Day ain't happening....we'll have to see if my top secret plan works. Stay tuned....,,