Day 89: Evening Walk

From Diana:

I really enjoy walking around the city in the evening. It's buzzing with people rushing to get home and it's illuminated with city lights.

Day 88: 3 Date Plan

From Diana:

During lunch, the guys at work were talking about what a good second date would be.  Naturally the conversation lead to first dates and the dating scene.  Which, is something I know very little about lol.  However, that didn't stop me from revealing my "3 Date Plan".

This 3 Date Plan was all made up on the spot based on the conversation, so this has not been proven but it makes a lot of sense!

Date #1: Go out for a coffee or hot chocolate.

This is actually my co-worker's first date idea, so I can't claim this one lol.  Anyway the idea is that you go out for a quick coffee.  If you like your date and you like how things are going, you can continue the date by going somewhere else after coffee or have another snack.  However, if you aren't feeling the date, then you just have your small cup of coffee and say your goodbye as quick as 20 minutes.  Genius!

Date #2: Take your date on an activity or event that YOU like.

Yes, I said plan a date around something that YOU like. The truth is that you are dating for your own personal gain so why waste your time with a person who can't really get into the things that you like or someone that is at least willing to give it a try for a few quick hours? Fellas, if you like a sporty or competitive lady then take her indoor rock climbing or to a sporting event. If she's really girly and is whining the whole time then you know that she isn't the girl for you and no 3rd date is needed!  Ladies, you get the idea.

I actually told the guys to go bowling on Date #2. Go bowling at one of those club-like bowling alleys. I didn't suggest this because I'm geek and a champion bowler but because (1) bowling is fun (2) your date will show their competitive side (3) your date will show their silly side. If find that people's personality really comes out while bowling. If you like the way the date is going, then bowl another game! If not, then you only have to play one game and then call it a night! This is the same concept as "Date #1."

Date #3: Tell your date to plan the 3rd date.

If Date #2 test passed, then ask your date to plan #3. You may be surprised with Date #3. They could plan something that they like. If you enjoy what they are into, then great! But, if you don't then you might have learned something about them.

By Date #3, plenty of text exchanges, and plenty of late night phone calls you should know them well enough to know whether or not a 4th date with this person is worth your time.

So, there is my non-scientific dating plan.  Try it!

Day 87: The Mist

From Diana:
This was the view in the afternoon from our floor. Ever seen "The Mist"? This looked like a scene right from that movie! Half of our floor was up taking pictures of the strange fog.

Day 86: Past times

From Adonis, 

Being that I am not working while I'm here in Oz, a lot of people that I've met here, wonder what I do to pass the time. I thought I'd share a couple things with you guys. For the most part I spend time at the gym, bike ride, write songs, and produce music. Some activities that I have gotten back into include painting, and using my hands to create things. A couple of posts ago, Diana revealed a jewelry display that I made for her. Well I made another one and thought you guys would like to see it. This particular display can be connected to become one solid piece, or hung as two separate pieces. I also built in pictures frames, so your favorite person is always near. 

I completed a couple of paintings as well. One of which has been in the concept phase for about 3 or 4 years (woman & the cat). Diana has a couple photographs that I will be reproducing, and I have a few more ideas that I really want to get onto canvass. These are some of my past times, enjoy. 

P.S. I really appreciated the kind words about the jewelry display I created before. I would happily make one for whoever requests. However, because of Melbourne prices, they aren't cheap to create. So while I love the compliments, think how much its worth to you, before you ask me to make one.    

Day 85: Brisk Bike Ride

Here are two pictures of our brisk 2 1/2 hour bike ride today. It felt good getting out there on a beautiful brisk winter afternoon. We've said it before and we'll say it again: We are really enjoying this Melbourne winter. It started off with a clear sky but towards the end of the ride the clouds started rolling in and it even drizzled on us. But, that didn't bother us. We just kept riding.

Day 84: Graffiti Candy

From Diana:

Today we had a great day. We started by going to a co-worker's housewarming & engagement celebration. The food was AMAZING and she was so welcoming. We wish her and her future hubby the best!!

After the housewarming, we headed over to the Red Bull Wrecker's Yard Graffiti Competition. I'm so glad we made it to this event. There was graffiti eye candy for 3 hours! There were 7 rounds with a surprise theme and 1 winner. The canvases got smaller with each round, making the artist stretch their creativity and skills. While the artist worked the canvas, we watched and enjoyed some good ol' hip-hop. The rooftop vibe was just what we needed to help us get a taste of home (NYC) on the other side of world. 

This is no black & white post... this is graffiti eye candy full of color. We hope you enjoy!

Winner: Man w/ Hot Dog

Winner: John Lennon

Winner: The Sax

Winner: Mother Nature

Winner: Tantric Sex for Dummies

Winner: Woman w/ Red Bull & Spray Paint

Winner: Police Wrecker

This guys was the overall winner. He was the artist who won with the "Woman w/ Red Bull" (Chance) and "The Sax"(Music)

NOTE: Do NOT use my photos without explicit written consent from me.

Day 83: Collaboration Dinner

We were invited to a collaboration dinner yesterday.  10 people invited and we all made different dishes to make one big dinner.  Here's what was on the menu:

Entrees:
- Ceviche <-- we brought this one and it was a hit!
- Pumpkin Soup (pictured above).

Mains:
- Veggie Lasagne
- Stuffed Zucchini
- Indian Curry stew
- Focaccia
- Cous Cous

Dessert:
- Carrot Cake
- Berry Sorbet

Sorry for the Lo-Fi pictures. I forgot to charge my camera so I had to make do with my celli.

Day 82: After Lunch

From Diana:
I really like being able to go home (our temp home) for lunch. Why? I get to see Adonis! Duh! He greets me with a smile, hug, and kiss! This is the best part of his day.  But, then I have to leave to go back to work... this is the worst part of the day for him.

I have to leave him... and return to the suits. That's the wackness!

Day 81: A Bathroom

Day 80: Long Exposure

Click to enlarge

Taken from our balcony

Day 79: Health & Wellness Update 5

Hello hello hello,

Back again with another Health & Wellness Challenge update!! Can't believe its week 10 already. That means I'm a quarter of the way through! This week you won't be getting a picture of me. I figure, if you have joined me in the lifestyle change, the calories I intake and foods I eat, would be more useful knowledge. I know you'll miss my man boobs but don't be too upset. 

The Diet I'm on is something I made up based on foods that I can deal with on a regular basis. Foods I wouldn't get tired of. 

Diet is based on 1600 calories. The expected result is 2-3lb loss per week. 

*IMPORTANTE* 

The energy I expend on cardio is used to offset my caloric intake. This is a conservative but accurate estimate. The reason I do not include strength training is because it is to difficult for me to measure. 

40min jog on treadmill @ 6mph (10 min mile)- 797 calories burned

20min Eliptical @ 6mph- 329 calories burned

This is my normal cardio workout, done at the end of my strength training. 

Variations may include 30min run with 30min elliptical, but always a solid hour of cardio. 

BREAKFAST

My breakfast is normally, about a cup to 1-1/2 cups of Muesli. I eat it with about a cup of whole milk. 

Occasionally I'll have a banana and a protein shake with 8-10oz of organic soy milk. 

Calorie break down: 374 total - 484 w/ protein drink

Banana- 80

Muesli (contains nuts and dried fruits)- 219

1/2 cup Whole Milk- 75

(Protein Drink- 110)

LUNCH

My lunch is very basic. You might even call it bland. However, its what I like and If I'm really feeling wild & crazy, I'll bake some chicken thighs and maybe even use a dressing like balsamic vinegarette. I eat about 30g of mixed mesclun salad with a can (185g) of yellow fin tuna. For a dressing I use either 2 or 3 tblsp's of vinegar or I'll squeeze half a medium sized lime with a small pinch of salt and pepper.

Calorie break down: 386 total - 496 w/ Protein drink

Mixed green salad with Balsamic vinegarette- 280

Yellow fin Tuna- 106

DINNER

Dinner is a mix of different meats. I like to keep it simple. I usually focus on the protein to fill me up and use a vegetable or two so the plate doesn't look so baron. 

Tonight we are eating baked Salmon (150g serving) and (2 cup serving) Broccoli. 

Calorie break down:  270 - 380 w/ Protein drink

Baked Salmon- 210

Steamed Broccoli- 60 

SNACKS

I usually don't snack during the day. I tend to snack in the few hours after dinner as we watch TV and prepare for bed. I don't snack every day because 1) Its a hassle going to Cosco to buy Craisins and 2) its a hassle to go to Aldi and buy Cashews. So I make it last. Those are my two normal snacks 1/3 cup (40g) Craisins, and 1/4 cup sea salted Cashews. My usual substitutions are sliced peaches and pistachios. 

Calorie break down: 312

Craisins- 130

Cashews- 182

Results

If you read this far down, good job. If you skimmed to get to the results, you stink. 

Body Composition Summary- Courtesy Genesis  Fitness 

Height:177 I didn't get taller :( 

Weight: 242 lbs thats right bitches, 2   4   2  p  o  u  n  d  s

BMI: 35.3 I went down 2.4 pts

Fat mass- 90.17 lbs

Fat free mass- 151.83 lbs

% body fat- 37%

42 more pounds to go. See you guys in two weeks.

And as always, let me hear about your personal gains and losses. 

I am interested in hearing any insight you guys may have. 

I am open to any advice and ready to offer my own if needed.

Day 78: Lisianthus & Calicarpa

Day 77: Rose St.

From Diana:

I love love loooove this song (Ex-Factor) by Lauryn Hill so I was delighted when I saw this on a random wall on our way to the Rose St. Artist Market today. These words are in the song and I wonder if whoever put this on the wall knew that or if they put this on the wall because of the song.  Either way, I love it!

Our trek to the artist market today was to pickup a painting from this man, Carey Potter and a belt made out of a tire for a friend.  Anyways, we really really like his work. It's so witty, and fun, and artistic. We bought the two at the bottom.

Click to enlarge

 Rose St. Artist Market extra:

After the market we headed over to the florist to pick up my flowers for the week:

This time we picked up double form Lisianthus (The big purple ones that look like roses) and Callicarpa (the long stems with mini berries).

Day 76: Self-Motivation (7)

I need some serious motivation. Taking the break from photographing while we were away was nice. But, now I'm like *blah*

Day 75: Instant Satisfaction

From Diana:

I love my instant camera, but I don't love the film price and I really don't love the film price in Melbourne.  That's why you don't see many of these. 

I take a picture of my weekly flowers and post them on our apartment wall. I can't wait to get this week's flowers. I think I'll get tulips again. I loved my first ones.

Day 74: Fijian Extras

Fiji extras:

Waterfall in the resort

With his bare hands!

Pool-side drinks (2 for 1 happy hour special):

By the way... our flights were not delayed due to the volcanic ash.  Our airline was the only one that decided to continue flying. Not sure if that was a good thing, but we made it through (thankfully!).

Day 73: Vinaka!

Click to enlarge... you must

Thank you for having us!
P.S. Those are islands trailing off in the upper left hand corner of the first photo (not clouds).

Day 72: Paradise

From Diana:
Day 4 was when we made it to paradise. It was amazing to see one of God's creations. During the trip we talked about how blessed we have been. We don't take this trip for granted and we appreciated every second of it... especially on Day 4 when we set sail to Mystery Island. Just look at it:

Click to enlarge

We set sail to the beautiful island above on a really nice ship. Adonis and I kept singing "I'm on a boat b!tch" lol.  The crew was so friendly: they serenaded the guests, provided snacks and drinks, and even showed us a quickie version of the Fijian Kava Ceremony. Here's how it's done:

• Before having a bowl of Kava you must clap once
• Then say "mbula"
• Drink
• Clap three times

It had a neutral taste. Like dirt in water lol. Read up on Kava. It's supposed to make you feel relaxed and a bit woozy if you have enough of it.

I actually snorkeled for the first time! How could I not fully appreciate the beauty of the island both on land and in the water? I have to admit that I was so nervous and freaking out about the fish touching me and possibly biting me. Ah! However, after a few practice snorkels in the shallow water I was ready. The nerves left me as I swam to the edge of the reef and dipped my head in the water. There were beautiful fish swimming under me and the coral was beautiful (even though it seemed like it was half dead lol). Still amazing.

Here are other island treasures:

The ride back was very peaceful. Everyone was so relaxed and there was just a nice feel in the air:

Click to enlarge

We got back to the resort right before dinner. We were greeted by these amazing colors in the sky. It was a perfect last night in Fiji.

Day 71: Spoiled Spa Brats

Day 3 was spa day! We sat by the pool drinking contaminated Fiji water.  Then we both indulged in a hot stone massage. I also had the mandatory extras: facial - mani - pedi.

Later that evening, we had a date night.