It's Official

Hi all,
It's official! I have a new nickname! My girlfriend/racquetball partner at the gym, Julie, as bestowed me a new name. Yep - you guessed it -- GUMBY! She chose that special name for me because she says I'm made of rubber when I'm in the court -- I stretch in unusual ways and extend my body strangely. I guess it's a perfect fit! I don't mind -- it helps me get all those kill shots! I will live up to my new title and keep up my Gumby-like moves.
Happy Day,
V

Too Much B.O.

Hi all,
Went to a racquetball tournament at the gym this weekend; believe me, it smelled like a locker room! The competition was fierce and very enjoyable to watch. My trainer competed in women's doubles and didn't do all that well but at least she gave it a try.

I don't think the love for Racquetball has died down; I've heard it's very popular in Florida and the mid west.

I'm hoping to train a bit more and possibly enter a tournament at the end of February. I definitely need more practice and refine a few kill shots. I will continue playing my buddies at the gym and perfect my game. Stay tuned.
V

Celebrating

It seems we're always celebrating a fun occasion; last Friday was no different as we celebrated our friend Vart's 50th birthdy! We had a great time of dancing, eating, drinking and friendship!
We are happy Vart had a birthday to bring us all together and share laughter!
Cheers,
V

January 20, 2009 will be a day for the ages. Wherever we are, there is one thing every American will have in common -- we will all remember where we were the day that Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America.

Enjoy this day and be proud to be an American.
Veronique

Weapon of Mass Destruction

No - I don't own a gun or anything that powerful; but wait, I guess I do -- my racquet for racquetball. This weekend I gave it a little TLC and purchased a new sleeve for my racquet. The photo shows it with the old handle peeled and cleaned -- the new sleeve was soon applied thereafter. I should have taken a before and after photo. Needless to say, I am now armed and loaded! I'm so ready for my weekly challenges and will soon sign up for doubles matches at the gym!
Hope your weekend was energetic.
V

Tennis Anyone?

Last night Greg and I challenged each other to a game of tennis. It was a gorgeous night; 65 degrees; calm; peaceful; and the air smelled pure! I felt like I was at Wimbeldon; however, my game wasn't as honorary. I need a lot of work. I think my body is confusing racquetball with tennis (at least that's a good excuse). Anyhow, it was a good workout (running all over the court) and it felt great to be outside! Can't wait for those spring nights! Anyone willing to take me on, just give me a buzz. I'm always up for a challenge.
V

New Do

Hi all,
My good friend, Erin, reminded me that I had not yet posted a photo of my new do (see attached). It's actually a lot cuter than the photo now that I've learned to style it. I've actually gotten quite a few compliments -- thanks all! I like the change and it's a great way to start a new year!

Hope everyone is happy today!
Try to make at least three people smile each day. (I wish dogs could smile!)

Enjoy the sun!
V

Challenge Anyone?

This morning started with a 60-minute doubles racquetball game followed by a singles game.
Doubles - Tie game
Singles - V won
I love racquetball! I wish my elbow loved it too! My right elbow is super sore from all my strong shots -- ha, ha! I do think that hyperextending it on some shots has caused my elbow some pain. No pain, no gain! I'm still up for a challenge. Anyone want to play?
V
Tonight is a killer spin class! It's ok - you can call me a gym rat!

Colorful

Had to get some accessories from my iPod Nano -- these cool little covers will keep my device scratch-free.
There are so many cool products on the market -- I'm not that techy so everything impresses me!
Everything keeps getting better and smaller.
Happy Tuesday,
V

Older but Always Wiser

Today is my mom's 76th birthday!
Happy Birthday mom!
I love and respect you more than you will ever know!
Your loving daughter,
V

Remembrance

An eerie moment of silence and calm appeared as the jet flew into Buchannan Field today. The precious cargo inside was Breanna's friend Ben Tollefson; a 22-year old brave soldier that was killed in Iraq. His body will be laid to rest in San Bruno on Saturday, Jan 10. He was a good friend to my daughter and will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace Ben.

Push It

Monday - back to work and already in the groove. 4:45 a.m. came early but I awoke to my prepared gym bag calling my name. Off to the gym I went. It was nice seeing my old gym rats friends -- it has been 12 days since I worked out in Concord. Now that I have my "new" gym 2 miles away, it's much easier to go there and get my yokes on.
Even had the energy to do a second work out this evening.
Happy days,
V
Workput: 30 mins. arms; 45 mins. racquetball; 20 mins. stair climber; 20 mins. treadmill

Sunday Tradition

Howdy,
Every Sunday my family comes over for a family dinner; tonight is no exception. This tradition has been going on for years and years. It's so great to have family so close by.

Today was another successful day of spin - 26 miles in 66 mins. Maybe I can start a new goal of 126 miles per week.

Enjoy this Sunday!
V

23

Hi all,
I started off my day with a spin class in which I logged 23 miles in 1 hr. It's a great work-out and lots of fun! The music does it all for me!
Today was the day for a new hair style. I got my hair cut and will post a photo soon. It's fun to have change.
Tonight we are going to Peanut's/Mona's for a spaghetti dinner and Texas Hold'Em. Get your chips ready! May the best man/woman win!
Enjoy this first Saturday of the year!
V

Happiness is.....

having TWO beautiful daughters!

Day 2 (09)

It was another invigorating day of this new year!
I rebounded from bed this morning and went to the gym. Had a great workout!
I'm still trying to do some chores around the house since I've been on this holiday break -- today was "clean the garage" day. I managed to get quite a bit done (boxes sorted, a lot of junk thrown out, a huge pile to take to Goodwill). I came across many photos of the girls when they were young -- what great memories! It's so hard to believe it's 2009 -- where did all those youthful years go!
I hope you are all enjoying this second day of the year -- I hope that if you've made an resolutions that you are well on your way to upholding your contract with yourself. Keep up the great work!
Tonight I'm going to my monthly dinner with my friend Renee -- we are starting our
26th year of friendship!
Enjoy this day -- make it special!
V

LOOK DEVINE IN 2009

Happy New Year to You All!
I hope good things will come to all in this new year.
I will follow my MO of "Look Devine in 2009" in an effort to live more healthfully, exercise more intently, and explore regularly.
I'm hoping my new year will be filled with new experiences with friends and the creation of long lasting memories.
My word for 2009 will be challenge. I want to challenge myself to do things outside my comfort zone, physically exert my capabilities in unknown areas of fitness, and volunteer to a worthy cause (possibly for the Special Olympics, a cancer organization, or a children's hospital).
I hope everyone had a peaceful and bright set of holidays with family and friends. We valued all our moments together and look forward to many more in 2009.
Happy first day of the year!
Happy trails,
V