After my ten mile run yesterday I was not too enthusiastic about going for a run today.  It was another beautiful fall day, sunny and windy but not too cold.  We decided to head to a nearby reservoir for a family nature walk.  We hoped to hike up the mountain there, but unfortunately the trails were covered with leaves and we didn’t know where to begin so we stuck to the trail around the reservoir.  It is a three mile loop and the little guy did great for about 2.5 miles of it before getting a lift on Orlando’s shoulders.  Here are just a few photos of the walk.

Carlos carrying the backpack...for about 2 minutes before it was too heavy!

My guys

I love him!

Guy talk

After the walk we went home for lunch.  Carlos was thrilled that he didn’t have to take a nap.  He proclaimed emphatically that he was not tired.  However, we knew better, but  we were secretly plotting an early bedtime for him and he was none the wiser.  Orlando and I had plans for dinner out with another couple and we wanted Carlos sound asleep for our departure.  Separation anxiety never gets easier (for me!).

While the guys relaxed I braved the mall.  It was mobbed and I was having trouble finding a parking spot.  For a brief moment I considered turning around and going home, but I persevered.  I was on a mission – for pants.  Aside from scrub pants for work and workout pants I own two identical pairs of jeans.  That’s it!  I loathe pants shopping.

I am the essence of pear shaped…small on top, rounded out on the bottom, just like an Anjou pear.  Let’s just say Skinny jeans were not made with my body type in mind.  I wore a size 14 for the longest time, as long as I can remember.  I am currently in a size 12 but  bordering on a 10.  I am 5’2″ which makes length an issue as well.  I tend to have wear petite pants for the length, but they are almost always tighter fitting than a regular fit in the same size.

I generally have good luck at Loft so I set out there first.  I loaded up the dressing room with pants of all styles and sizes.  After about an hour I walked away with three pairs of pants.  They had an incredible sale, 30% off everything in the store.  I bought a pair of khaki corduroy pants size 12P, a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans size 12P and a pair of black lounge pants in a medium.  My sister is my style guru and she made the recommendations.  I think I followed her suggestions quite well.  I was happy with my choices.

I wore my new jeans with a simple red sweater (handed down from my sister the day before) and my high heel black boots.  It is amazing how good it feels to get dressed now that I’ve lost some weight and toned up a bit.  I didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable.  I wasn’t pulling down my shirt or adjusting things.  I was pleased with how I looked.  Looking good and feeling great are certainly motivators to continue on this journey toward a healthier life.

We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at an old stand by in the area, Judie’s Restaurant.  This is one of my favorite restaurants.  The couple we went out with had never been.  I enjoyed a small glass of Rosé Champagne.  My meal came with a house salad which is simply mixed greens and toasted almonds.  I had the house poppyseed dressing.  So simple, but so tasty.  Along side the salad was the reason why I love Judie’s so much…their famous popover served warm with homemade apple butter.  I could have stopped right there and been happy.  But I didn’t stop there.  I ordered the roasted garlic crust salmon which is grilled salmon filet slathered with roasted garlic served with sauteed leeks, spinach, portabella mushrooms, capers and Penne Pasta in a Basil, Cracked Pepper, Butter Sauce. My mouth was entirely happy after that meal and I have leftovers for lunch today.  Good food, great company = fantastic night.