This photo of my niece and nephew is too precious. We'll save it for when these kids battle as pre-teens. Ha! She's smitten with her baby brother (rightfully so!). What a special connection they share -- it's wonderful to see. What a blessed family!
7.31.2006
7.28.2006
BOOM BOARD :: An Infomercial
Sooooo, yesterday I participated in the filming of an infomercial for the Boom Board. It was my first time doing anything like this. The shoot is taking place over several days and I took part in the "fitness class" day. What a lot of fun! (above is the product we were there to market; below is a photo of the fitness class we were there to shoot. I'm in the back row, wearing black pants).
I drove out to Glendale first thing in the morning... it was HOT... The studio has air conditioning, but it could not run while the we were "rolling", so it was mostly just hot and sticky. My fitness class buddies told me it had been MUCH hotter the day before, so I just counted my blessings that we had it easy on this day.
We were all primped and prettied up to look fresh and fit, oiled up in some cases... and we waited for the sets to be set-up for the class. Let me tell you... this Boom Board really does work you out! (yes, I have to admit I'm SORE today!) The user determines the amount of resistance, and we were all trying to look studly, so, by the time we'd done a few takes I was really feeling it! It's one thing to swim/bike & run >> it's a whole other thing to do weight training/muscle toning, and this was more like that.
Leg lifts, lunges, biceps, triceps, shoulder raises, etc., after awhile I was wondering how much more I could take... But, what a great time! Everyone looked great and worked really hard and sweated a whole lot. I can't wait to see the final product! (above is Cassie, our talented hair & make-up gal with Rachel, uber fit & fun, fit-chick extraordinaire AND LA Tri Clubber, of course!).
Pictured above is a lot of the group, which also included Detra Jones and Mary Lockton (clubbers!). Thank you to LA Tri Clubber, Cathy Kinder (far left) and inventor, Howard Leight for casting me in your project. I think the Boom Board will be a hit and you picked a great team of people to help you launch.
Sooooo, yesterday I participated in the filming of an infomercial for the Boom Board. It was my first time doing anything like this. The shoot is taking place over several days and I took part in the "fitness class" day. What a lot of fun! (above is the product we were there to market; below is a photo of the fitness class we were there to shoot. I'm in the back row, wearing black pants).
I drove out to Glendale first thing in the morning... it was HOT... The studio has air conditioning, but it could not run while the we were "rolling", so it was mostly just hot and sticky. My fitness class buddies told me it had been MUCH hotter the day before, so I just counted my blessings that we had it easy on this day.
We were all primped and prettied up to look fresh and fit, oiled up in some cases... and we waited for the sets to be set-up for the class. Let me tell you... this Boom Board really does work you out! (yes, I have to admit I'm SORE today!) The user determines the amount of resistance, and we were all trying to look studly, so, by the time we'd done a few takes I was really feeling it! It's one thing to swim/bike & run >> it's a whole other thing to do weight training/muscle toning, and this was more like that.
Leg lifts, lunges, biceps, triceps, shoulder raises, etc., after awhile I was wondering how much more I could take... But, what a great time! Everyone looked great and worked really hard and sweated a whole lot. I can't wait to see the final product! (above is Cassie, our talented hair & make-up gal with Rachel, uber fit & fun, fit-chick extraordinaire AND LA Tri Clubber, of course!).
Pictured above is a lot of the group, which also included Detra Jones and Mary Lockton (clubbers!). Thank you to LA Tri Clubber, Cathy Kinder (far left) and inventor, Howard Leight for casting me in your project. I think the Boom Board will be a hit and you picked a great team of people to help you launch.
7.25.2006
CAPITOLA W2W WEEKEND
Last weekend a small crew of gals and I made our way north to Capitola. What a quaint and lovely little beach town! The reasons for the trip were... to decompress from the city, get some Gal-time, and run Wharf to Wharf. W2W starts in Santa Cruz and ends in Capitola. They call it "The Best little Road Race in California" and it sells out at 15,000 participants (which is a really large field for a race only covering 6mi).
The drive up is just beautiful and our whether has been clear and HOT here on the west-coast. There was a ton of traffic in both directions, making our journey about an hour longer coming and going. On the way back to LA on Sunday, the temperature gauge read 118 as we passed Paso Robles. (yikes!). The photos above is of Capitola's downdown beach area.
While in Capitola we visited ... Margaritaville (mediocre margies / food), Paradise Beach Grille (amazing food at very reasonable prices), and we discovered a new little wine bar called Cava, where we listened to great tunes and enjoyed flights (sample tastes of 4 bottles, photo above) of our fav grape creations while getting to know the owners Cliff and Zach. 
Wharf to Wharf is a 6 mile event, soooo, Ali and I selected to leave the hotel in Capitola and run to the start, then run back w/the race. I suspect we covered 14 miles that day, all-told. Mel played bus driver, taking Amber & Lisa to the race-start (thanks Mel!), and then she headed back to our hotel for a little R&R by the pool. (pic above, Lisa, me, Ali, Melissa & Amber)
In summary >> this weekend ROCKED. Great gal bonding. Can't wait for W2W '07 (this is one to put on the calendar). Capitola is delightful.
http://www.wharftowharf.com
http://www.cavacapitola.com
Last weekend a small crew of gals and I made our way north to Capitola. What a quaint and lovely little beach town! The reasons for the trip were... to decompress from the city, get some Gal-time, and run Wharf to Wharf. W2W starts in Santa Cruz and ends in Capitola. They call it "The Best little Road Race in California" and it sells out at 15,000 participants (which is a really large field for a race only covering 6mi).
The drive up is just beautiful and our whether has been clear and HOT here on the west-coast. There was a ton of traffic in both directions, making our journey about an hour longer coming and going. On the way back to LA on Sunday, the temperature gauge read 118 as we passed Paso Robles. (yikes!). The photos above is of Capitola's downdown beach area. 
While in Capitola we visited ... Margaritaville (mediocre margies / food), Paradise Beach Grille (amazing food at very reasonable prices), and we discovered a new little wine bar called Cava, where we listened to great tunes and enjoyed flights (sample tastes of 4 bottles, photo above) of our fav grape creations while getting to know the owners Cliff and Zach. 
Wharf to Wharf is a 6 mile event, soooo, Ali and I selected to leave the hotel in Capitola and run to the start, then run back w/the race. I suspect we covered 14 miles that day, all-told. Mel played bus driver, taking Amber & Lisa to the race-start (thanks Mel!), and then she headed back to our hotel for a little R&R by the pool. (pic above, Lisa, me, Ali, Melissa & Amber)In summary >> this weekend ROCKED. Great gal bonding. Can't wait for W2W '07 (this is one to put on the calendar). Capitola is delightful.
http://www.wharftowharf.com
http://www.cavacapitola.com
7.24.2006
I'm a Proud Auntie
I'm brimming with pride over my new nephew and sweet niece -- not to mention my amazing brother who is just the greatest Dad since our own --and-- his amazing wife, Stina!
Check out how sweet little FINN is at only a week old.
6-weeks and counting till I get to meet the little fellow. D.C. is reportedly VERY HOT, just like everywhere else right now, I guess. Hopefully, we'll have a nice cool spell when I visit and Finn, Merete and I can take lots of walks to give Matt and Stina a break.
I'm brimming with pride over my new nephew and sweet niece -- not to mention my amazing brother who is just the greatest Dad since our own --and-- his amazing wife, Stina!
Check out how sweet little FINN is at only a week old.
6-weeks and counting till I get to meet the little fellow. D.C. is reportedly VERY HOT, just like everywhere else right now, I guess. Hopefully, we'll have a nice cool spell when I visit and Finn, Merete and I can take lots of walks to give Matt and Stina a break.
7.18.2006
Girls on the Track • A Crit • BBQ on Aberdeen
Another fun-filled weekend in LA has passed and here is the report! Friday night, a crew headed back to Hollywood Park to enjoy big winnings, cheap beer and $1 hot dogs. Paul won $60 on one race around the track... and everyone else seemed to at least pay for their brew. (above: Anneka, Paul, Seth & Jeanette)
Between the races, the host was promoting what we all thought was a bikini contest. Then, between the last two races of the night they began loading girls in bikini's into the horse starter-stalls. Next thing you know, about 20 girls were running a 100 or 200 yard dash on the track in their bikini's and running shoes (pic above). It was nuts! For the rest of the night as you walked around the facility, guys would holler at you, "I would have bet on you honey." In the photo below are Michelle Moriarity, me & Karen Ma.
We adjourned to enjoy a concert by The Romantics after the last race. As it turns out, Michelle's beau, Val (in the fedora, below), manages the group, and he invited us to party with them after the show. Being the lame early-to-bed crowd we are, though, I had to turn the offer down, and headed home by midnight.
The next morning, Dani and I met Rejean at the Cycle for Life Crit in Inglewood to cheer him on. We enjoyed watching him race, along with clubber Charles Sharp. Crits can be pretty exciting to watch... at the end of the one Rejean and Charles were in, there was a pretty impressive wreck where one poor fellow rode away in an ambulance. I sure hope he was okay! Charles only suffered some strawberries and some bike damage, and Rejean avoided it completely.
It was great seeing Neva out there >> one of my favorite people and one of the most impressive athletes I know! (Pictured above: Dani Paxson & Rejean Labbe; Neva Day w/me)
Later that afternoon I headed over to see buddies Tom and Tim for a BBQ at their current place of residence, which happens to be Kirsty Alley's home in Los Feliz. A few brews, time in the pool, camaraderie, a BBQ and lastly, a screening of Pushing the Limits, capped off an awesome, but H-O-T, LA weekend. (pictured: Tom Mullen & Jon Grogan playing ball in the awesome pool, below that, everyone gathers on the back porch for grilled veggies & yummy bbq).
Another fun-filled weekend in LA has passed and here is the report! Friday night, a crew headed back to Hollywood Park to enjoy big winnings, cheap beer and $1 hot dogs. Paul won $60 on one race around the track... and everyone else seemed to at least pay for their brew. (above: Anneka, Paul, Seth & Jeanette)
Between the races, the host was promoting what we all thought was a bikini contest. Then, between the last two races of the night they began loading girls in bikini's into the horse starter-stalls. Next thing you know, about 20 girls were running a 100 or 200 yard dash on the track in their bikini's and running shoes (pic above). It was nuts! For the rest of the night as you walked around the facility, guys would holler at you, "I would have bet on you honey." In the photo below are Michelle Moriarity, me & Karen Ma.
We adjourned to enjoy a concert by The Romantics after the last race. As it turns out, Michelle's beau, Val (in the fedora, below), manages the group, and he invited us to party with them after the show. Being the lame early-to-bed crowd we are, though, I had to turn the offer down, and headed home by midnight.
The next morning, Dani and I met Rejean at the Cycle for Life Crit in Inglewood to cheer him on. We enjoyed watching him race, along with clubber Charles Sharp. Crits can be pretty exciting to watch... at the end of the one Rejean and Charles were in, there was a pretty impressive wreck where one poor fellow rode away in an ambulance. I sure hope he was okay! Charles only suffered some strawberries and some bike damage, and Rejean avoided it completely.
It was great seeing Neva out there >> one of my favorite people and one of the most impressive athletes I know! (Pictured above: Dani Paxson & Rejean Labbe; Neva Day w/me)
Later that afternoon I headed over to see buddies Tom and Tim for a BBQ at their current place of residence, which happens to be Kirsty Alley's home in Los Feliz. A few brews, time in the pool, camaraderie, a BBQ and lastly, a screening of Pushing the Limits, capped off an awesome, but H-O-T, LA weekend. (pictured: Tom Mullen & Jon Grogan playing ball in the awesome pool, below that, everyone gathers on the back porch for grilled veggies & yummy bbq).
7.13.2006
BORN TODAY: Finnegan Kasik Oakes >> My Nephew
Pictured, is my #1 niece, Merete, with her new little brother. Do you see how she's being careful with his head? She's so smart!!I've become an Auntie for the 2nd time >> little baby FINN was born this morning in Washington, D.C. at 10:21 am. He's healthy and doing great, just like his Mom, Stina.
Matt, my brother, reports that he has a little hair and a nose like his Mom and feet like The Oakes family (big). 7lbs 5oz and 20.5 inches (don't hold me to these stats... I was driving and listening and trying to remember when my brother called). Yeah!!, it's a happy day! FINN, WELCOME!! I have plans to meet him on Labor Day weekend, in a few short weeks.
7.12.2006
Summer Wed. Mornings in Santa Monica
Soooooo, this morning I got up early and joined a couple clubbers at 5:30am in Santa Monica for a little Run before ACME Coach, Konrad Ribeiro's, Ocean Speed Circuit workout. As soon as I pulled up and we began our warm-up, I was reminded how much I love Wed. mornings in the summer here in LA... I mean, I LOVE THEM. It was clear and crisp this morning... the moon was actually still out and it was super bright, casting this amazing shine onto the ocean. About 6am AS the moon was still shining, the sun was coming up and the orange/yellow rays were glistening on the tops of buildings and on the SM Pier. It was really beautiful.
We ran North, from the boardwalk, up Bay Street and onto Ocean Blvd. turning around just shy of San Vicente. It was a nice 40-min run and we were back in time to grab our caps/goggles, and for some, our wetsuits, before heading to the shoreline behind K-Man.
There is very little that beats this workout before the work-day begins. Don't sleep in. I'm one of those that waits until the Ocean is pretty darn warm before putting a pinky-toe in... but, it's summer and the time is NOW to be in the big-blue. ....This weekly Wed. morning workout is worth an extra bit of driving for those of you on the westside fray.....
I've added the 5:30am run to the LATC workout calendar ... consider it a pre-Ocean Speed Circuit warm up... it makes that initial plunge into the ocean even more refreshing. Come, run at your own pace & we'll see you next Wed. for as long as the Circuit remains on the calendar. Afterwards, you can join your buddies for a group-shower before heading out to the weekly grind. ; )
Here are some pics from this morning, of the Ocean Speed Circuit as well as Tim Bomba's Ocean 101 clinic, just before they took the plunge... too bad I didn't have my camera on the run to capture the view from Ocean Blvd.
http://www.latriclub.com/photos/
For all LATC Workouts & Events, visit
http://www.latriclub.com/calendar
Soooooo, this morning I got up early and joined a couple clubbers at 5:30am in Santa Monica for a little Run before ACME Coach, Konrad Ribeiro's, Ocean Speed Circuit workout. As soon as I pulled up and we began our warm-up, I was reminded how much I love Wed. mornings in the summer here in LA... I mean, I LOVE THEM. It was clear and crisp this morning... the moon was actually still out and it was super bright, casting this amazing shine onto the ocean. About 6am AS the moon was still shining, the sun was coming up and the orange/yellow rays were glistening on the tops of buildings and on the SM Pier. It was really beautiful.
We ran North, from the boardwalk, up Bay Street and onto Ocean Blvd. turning around just shy of San Vicente. It was a nice 40-min run and we were back in time to grab our caps/goggles, and for some, our wetsuits, before heading to the shoreline behind K-Man.
There is very little that beats this workout before the work-day begins. Don't sleep in. I'm one of those that waits until the Ocean is pretty darn warm before putting a pinky-toe in... but, it's summer and the time is NOW to be in the big-blue. ....This weekly Wed. morning workout is worth an extra bit of driving for those of you on the westside fray.....
I've added the 5:30am run to the LATC workout calendar ... consider it a pre-Ocean Speed Circuit warm up... it makes that initial plunge into the ocean even more refreshing. Come, run at your own pace & we'll see you next Wed. for as long as the Circuit remains on the calendar. Afterwards, you can join your buddies for a group-shower before heading out to the weekly grind. ; )
Here are some pics from this morning, of the Ocean Speed Circuit as well as Tim Bomba's Ocean 101 clinic, just before they took the plunge... too bad I didn't have my camera on the run to capture the view from Ocean Blvd.http://www.latriclub.com/photos/
For all LATC Workouts & Events, visit
http://www.latriclub.com/calendar
7.10.2006
PONIES, DIAMONDS and a little BIKE RUSH
Weekend update::::: I had a blast at Hollywood Park on Friday... friends from LA Tri Club gathered along with some non-tri buddies to bet on the ponies and take in the Super Diamond show (Neil Diamond cover band). What a time! I won about $25 (but it's hard to remember after all the $1 brew I consumed).
To be honest, I thought Hollywood Park would be a little sketchy (I'd never been before)... but, as it turned out, I plan on going again, and highly recommend it! Hanging out in the Jack Daniels bar section and taking in the concert was a great way to spend the evening, and there was plenty of eye-candy for girls & guys alike -- not to mention it's totally cheap! Like I said, I won about $25, but I paid out $20 to win that, so call it even + a few beers & $1 hot dogs. A cheap and fun night.
Pictured on left: Tom Mullen, Heather Ankeny & Jon Grogan; below are Travis Burrell with me. Right: Dani Paxson and her sister Heidi Llovet; Kate & Jimmy Freeman; Jeanette Dvorak and Kelly.
So, Saturday, I was able to sleep in (for ONCE, thank goodness) since I had plans to visit the Velodrome in the afternoon. I attended an LA Tri Club clinic for velodrome newbies. Rodger Young took us through the what, why and how's of the velodrome... then, we took to the wood. (like a track is for runners, but this is for cyclists). The photo, below, is NOT US at the clinic, but is what it looks like when a pack rides, you can kinda tell the angle they're riding at....
Weekend update::::: I had a blast at Hollywood Park on Friday... friends from LA Tri Club gathered along with some non-tri buddies to bet on the ponies and take in the Super Diamond show (Neil Diamond cover band). What a time! I won about $25 (but it's hard to remember after all the $1 brew I consumed).
To be honest, I thought Hollywood Park would be a little sketchy (I'd never been before)... but, as it turned out, I plan on going again, and highly recommend it! Hanging out in the Jack Daniels bar section and taking in the concert was a great way to spend the evening, and there was plenty of eye-candy for girls & guys alike -- not to mention it's totally cheap! Like I said, I won about $25, but I paid out $20 to win that, so call it even + a few beers & $1 hot dogs. A cheap and fun night.Pictured on left: Tom Mullen, Heather Ankeny & Jon Grogan; below are Travis Burrell with me. Right: Dani Paxson and her sister Heidi Llovet; Kate & Jimmy Freeman; Jeanette Dvorak and Kelly.
So, Saturday, I was able to sleep in (for ONCE, thank goodness) since I had plans to visit the Velodrome in the afternoon. I attended an LA Tri Club clinic for velodrome newbies. Rodger Young took us through the what, why and how's of the velodrome... then, we took to the wood. (like a track is for runners, but this is for cyclists). The photo, below, is NOT US at the clinic, but is what it looks like when a pack rides, you can kinda tell the angle they're riding at....
WHAT AN AMAZING RUSH it is to ride on this track! At first you take off where you ride on the even-surface, but as you build some speed, you can climb up higher on the track & basically the thing spins you around like a top... you're on a bike with no breaks, and you can't stop pedaling... and the surface you're riding on varies in degrees to what seems like almost 90-degrees at the top. You think you'll slide right off, but you just stay glued to the surface and keep pedaling for dear life... it's a total rush. The photo below is the crew at the Saturday clinic. Great fun! 
7.07.2006
JULY 6 2006
A new baby has joined our ranks on this day... little Emerson David Lindner, born to Michelle and Brennan. 7lbs 7oz, 20.5". CONGRATULATIONS Michelle & Brennan!! .
While they were busy welcoming the little fellow at the hospital ... The Gang was enjoying their Playa del Run event series. The Sunset installment in Playa del Rey. A beautiful evening for a swim and a run, followed by a beer and a burger at The Shack. (Pictured above: Marielle Monte & Kennedy Minton; below are Erika Aklufi, Ian Murray, Jamie Silber & Konrad Ribeiro).
A new baby has joined our ranks on this day... little Emerson David Lindner, born to Michelle and Brennan. 7lbs 7oz, 20.5". CONGRATULATIONS Michelle & Brennan!! .
While they were busy welcoming the little fellow at the hospital ... The Gang was enjoying their Playa del Run event series. The Sunset installment in Playa del Rey. A beautiful evening for a swim and a run, followed by a beer and a burger at The Shack. (Pictured above: Marielle Monte & Kennedy Minton; below are Erika Aklufi, Ian Murray, Jamie Silber & Konrad Ribeiro).
7.05.2006
4th of July Weekend
What a wonderful and relaxing weekend! I had the chance to spend a couple of days in Ojai with Gina & Justin and their munchkins Julian and Annabella. We hung out with their neighbors, ate BBQ, pet horses, sat around their pool and took hikes. It's super relaxing there, a real change-of-pace from LA. It was pretty darn hot though, but bearable in the shade or in when hanging out poolside! (photo above is from Gina's backyard)
On the 4th I started the day by volunteering at the Pacific Palisades Youth Triathlon. What a riot! The kids were so super cute... seemed like we had over 100, but I'm not sure how many. They were aged 16 and under. They first rode their bikes 3-miles, then ran 1-mile to the pool, then swam just over 100 yards or so I think in the pool. They were soooooo cute. See pics. Pink Huffy bikes, helmets with streamers on them... kids biking with their goggles around their necks, and running out of transition with their helmets on. All classic moves. I can't wait to help out again in '07. After all, this is where it ALL STARTS! (photo above is Paul Hekimian, Bill Lockton, Liz Kollar & me, below is the start line of the tri... notice the kids w/their helmets sideways!).
Following the Youth Tri, I headed to Manhattan Beach to enjoy some sun and watch my buddies play volleyball. My brother Jess drove down from Northridge to enjoy the afternoon with our old friends from Conroe. Charles Cates who lives in Manhattan Beach is a childhood friend. He's now married to beautiful Analyn. Charles (aka Chuck)'s brother Will was also in town for the holiday from Chicago. It was great to see the boys together. It's wild, their must have been something in the water on our street growing up, because all of the Cates boys and my brother, Jesse, are all over 6'3". (photos below are Jess, my brother & Will Cates and below that are Charles & Will on the V-Ball court).
Following the beach, I enjoyed the local fireworks shows with several buddies from the rooftop of my building. It was perfect weather this year, all around. Great times with old and new friends, and the chance to watch some young kids take on Triathon! Happy 4th!!
What a wonderful and relaxing weekend! I had the chance to spend a couple of days in Ojai with Gina & Justin and their munchkins Julian and Annabella. We hung out with their neighbors, ate BBQ, pet horses, sat around their pool and took hikes. It's super relaxing there, a real change-of-pace from LA. It was pretty darn hot though, but bearable in the shade or in when hanging out poolside! (photo above is from Gina's backyard)
On the 4th I started the day by volunteering at the Pacific Palisades Youth Triathlon. What a riot! The kids were so super cute... seemed like we had over 100, but I'm not sure how many. They were aged 16 and under. They first rode their bikes 3-miles, then ran 1-mile to the pool, then swam just over 100 yards or so I think in the pool. They were soooooo cute. See pics. Pink Huffy bikes, helmets with streamers on them... kids biking with their goggles around their necks, and running out of transition with their helmets on. All classic moves. I can't wait to help out again in '07. After all, this is where it ALL STARTS! (photo above is Paul Hekimian, Bill Lockton, Liz Kollar & me, below is the start line of the tri... notice the kids w/their helmets sideways!).
Following the Youth Tri, I headed to Manhattan Beach to enjoy some sun and watch my buddies play volleyball. My brother Jess drove down from Northridge to enjoy the afternoon with our old friends from Conroe. Charles Cates who lives in Manhattan Beach is a childhood friend. He's now married to beautiful Analyn. Charles (aka Chuck)'s brother Will was also in town for the holiday from Chicago. It was great to see the boys together. It's wild, their must have been something in the water on our street growing up, because all of the Cates boys and my brother, Jesse, are all over 6'3". (photos below are Jess, my brother & Will Cates and below that are Charles & Will on the V-Ball court).
Following the beach, I enjoyed the local fireworks shows with several buddies from the rooftop of my building. It was perfect weather this year, all around. Great times with old and new friends, and the chance to watch some young kids take on Triathon! Happy 4th!!
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