Laughter is the Best Medicine

You know what they say? Laughter is the best medicine.

Nothing feels better than laughing until your abs are sore!

During last night’s performance by Sinbad, my family and I did just that.

Sinbad

Before heading to Hard Rock Live to see Sinbad’s stand up comedy routine, Ryan and I met up with my family at Emeril’s Orlando located in Universal’s City Walk.

Ryan 'n' Me

Since Emeril’s is a pretty pricey restaurant, my family and I ate dinner before meeting there and just ordered dessert (which is the best part of the meal anyway, right?).

The entire evening was organized by my mom, sister and I as a birthday present for my dad, so of course we had to have the restaurant staff sing happy birthday to the big guy! 😉

Birthday Boy

He was more than a little surprised. 😀

Ryan and my dad both ordered appetizers, and my mom, sister and I had a few bites and also enjoyed some  freshly baked corn and French bread before ordering our desserts.

For dessert we selected the strawberry shortcake and two slices of the banana cream pie, since Ryan and I loved it so much the last time we visited Emeril’s back in May.

Emeril's Strawberry Shortcake

Banana Cream Pit x 2

Check out those chocolate shavings!

I think it’s safe to say that between the five of us, we demolished these desserts!

Though I loved the banana cream pie in the past, strawberry shortcake took the cake (pun! 😉 ) for me. I’m a sucker for cold, creamy strawberry gelato, fluffy puff pastry and a plethora of whipped cream. Sign me up!

Once dessert was devoured, we walked to Hard Rock Live to head inside and laugh our little booties off all evening.

Me & Dad Outside Hardrock Live

The Ladies

We were really lucky to have amazing seats in the second row, so we actually made eye contact with Sinbad and were able to see his expressions and mannerisms.

He had the whole crowd cracking up as he talked about the insanity of amusement parks, the differences between men and women and his upbringing.

Stand up comedy is a wonderful way to sit back, relax and laugh until you cry! What an awesome night!

Today

My sister spent the night with us last night, so once she wakes up this morning we have plans to head to church after breakfast.

Also on the agenda:

• Church
• Dog park
• Outlet mall (?)
• Selecting the tuxes or suits Ryan and his groomsman will wear for our wedding
• Registering at Bed Bath and Beyond (?)

Time to get crackin’ in the kitchen! Lata! 😀

Birthday Beach Day

First things first… Thank you so much for your kind words about my plantar fasciitis and for sharing your injury experiences (and recoveries!). After speaking with a guy at my local running store last night, it sounds a lot like I may have a combination of plantar fasciitis and a bruised heel, since I have so much pain on impact. Not so fun!

Workout

Today I nixed the 10-mile run I had on the books as part of my half marathon training plan, and instead opted for some cross training that didn’t put any pressure on my heel.

Ryan and I hit the gym around 8 a.m. and I spent 10 minutes on the stair master before heading over to the elliptical to catch up on my magazine reading for 40 minutes. I have so many magazines piled up since I’ve only been running on my cardio days and haven’t been able to read any for weeks! I am sufficiently caught up on my celebrity gossip. 😉

Beach Day Fun 

After heading home for a quick breakfast, Ryan and I headed to my friend Laurel’s apartment to caravan up to New Smyrna beach to celebrate Laurel’s 25th birthday!

New Smyrna Beach

Through Laurel’s boyfriend, we were lucky to have access to an amazing house right off the beach that we used as a staging area for all of our food and as a nice little refuge from the heat!

The Digs

We didn’t waste much time inside once we arrived at the beach though and headed out to soak up some rays and play in the ocean.

Merri & Me

Me & My Hunk-o-Man

Playing Bocce Ball

It felt great to just kick back, enjoy the gorgeous weather and chat with our buds!

Lunch

After spending several hours out in the sun, we were ready to come inside and enjoy a perfect beach-day lunch.

Lunch

I enjoyed a hot dog on a lettuce “bun” with all the condiments, onion and tomato, four pieces of watermelon (only one is pictured), lots of harvest cheddar Sun Chips (only a small handful pictured) and a strawberry cupcake for dessert!

My Dawg

Such a summery lunch! Beach food is the best!

Unfortunately Ryan and I had to leave the party a little early and head back to Orlando. On the bright side, I’m really excited about our plans!

My mom, dad and sister are coming in town to see Sinbad‘s stand up comedy tonight with me and Ryan after we enjoy dessert at Emeril’s. My family and I have loved Sinbad for years and think he’s hilarious! I’m so excited to see him live!

Have you ever seen a comedian perform live before? Who would you like to see?

I’ve seen Robin Williams and Ron White and both were hysterical! I would love to see Ellen. I think she is beyond funny!