tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88153408164578844322012-02-16T01:44:23.961-06:00Kickin' the Bucket with Michelle PontoIn 2006, Michelle Ponto decided it was time to take her life from drab to fab. She's now tackling her bucket list one project at a time. Follow her Kickin' the Bucket fun with her blog.Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.comBlogger2131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-84686824231245935252012-01-09T17:01:00.001-06:002012-01-09T17:02:15.615-06:00Whew! I survived my first newscast!
The first episode of News10@9 was this morning and it went pretty smoothly. Of course, I was nervous and had to avoid caffeine in the morning so I wouldn’t talk at record speed, but other than that it wasn’t bad.
But it wasn’t all me -- as I'm the newbie on the set. The crew and on-air team were fabulous and held it together when I was floundering. Our anchor Dan Elliott saved me when I was Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-32399295871212459262012-01-05T13:38:00.009-06:002012-01-09T16:44:19.797-06:00Getting smart quickLast night I had this crazy dream I was in the Tardis. I was all alone and it was fun -- kind of like being on a joy ride. All these buttons everywhere, but which one should I push?
For those of you who don't know what the Tardis is, it's the phone box/time machine Dr. Who travels in. It's got a lot of buttons and levers, and I don't even think the Doctor knows how to the fly the thing properlyMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-78162341445811128502011-12-29T13:00:00.004-06:002012-01-09T16:42:03.612-06:00Learning the lingo outside my comfort zoneThe new News10 @9 a.m. show is starting in a couple of days and the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of learning new stuff.
Watching a show develop from concept to an on-air production, if you've never seen it done before, is like being sent to live in a foreign country. You don't get the language and you feel like you're in the way instead of being productive -- but at the same time it's Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-14046339165350410272011-12-16T12:16:00.002-06:002012-01-09T16:40:05.939-06:00Shape shifting into a new frontierI’m a bit of a career shape-shifter. Some people, like my step dad, knew what they wanted to do back in high school and then stayed with it for 40 years. That's not me. I'm the opposite and am always on the move. Literally.
In the last five years I've lived in Toronto, Memphis, Houston, Tampa and Sacramento. Each city has been a blast and I've made amazing friends in each of them.
My career Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-35859428263867760442011-11-17T13:46:00.007-06:002011-12-21T10:38:04.571-06:00Sacramento Cupcake Wars means more cupcakes for meI'm officially done with all my NPC Competitions for the year...and you know what that means. Yes, that's right. I can have chocolate again. Whoohoo!
And there is no better way to satisfy my sweet tooth than with cupcakes. Plus, I've actually had a couple cupcake shops call me up over the last month to see if I could interview them, but I was holding back. What fun is doing an expose on Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-85485520664079064422011-11-10T18:31:00.005-06:002011-11-10T19:02:34.964-06:00Test Driving the Lodi Wine App
Randomly driving around the wine area.
There’s an App for nearly everything – including some for wines. So naturally when I came across the one for the Lodi Wine Area, I not only had to download it, but I had to take it out for a test drive.
Here’s why -- usually when I visit a wine area, I either do a bunch of research online beforehand or I drive aimlessly through the area hoping to come Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-48372690500904958382011-11-07T18:40:00.010-06:002011-12-20T23:16:16.779-06:00Bucket List: Going on a Ghost Hunting InvestigationGhosts scare the crap out of me…yet, I can’t resist seeking them out. If there’s a haunted castle, hotel or restaurant in the area, then I’m there hoping (and kind of not hoping) to see if I can see a spirit or two.
So being a ghost-lover, one of the things on my bucket list was to go out with an official ghost hunting team and check out a supposedly haunted place for real. Yes, that’s right. I Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-26353617719798729672011-11-04T14:03:00.007-05:002011-11-04T14:21:08.250-05:00Running away to Miami for the weekendYou can never go wrong with a weekend getaway to Miami – or at least, I can never wrong. I love the whole Miami vibe. I love the food, the fashion, the people, the ocean and the shopping.
The weather doesn’t even to be good for me to have a good time. In fact, even in the rain, I find the city is beautiful. There's something to be said about palm trees swaying in the wind and the ocean surf Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-11059012355433406542011-10-23T19:27:00.000-05:002011-11-20T17:44:10.829-06:00Off-roading wine tours? Napa's got it allIt seems it takes more than great wine to attract tourists to Napa. It takes what I fondly call "gimmicks." Don't get me wrong. I love the gimmicks. Instead of pairing wine with cheese, I get to pair wine with something totally fun and unexpected.
Take for example the horse-drawn carriage tour at Castello di Amorosa. While I still want to do the whole cheesy carriage ride in Central Park, thisMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-30694216970691214332011-10-04T13:24:00.001-05:002011-12-12T22:53:04.884-06:00What? Michelle is saying "no" to free wine?In 10 days, I’ll be standing in front of a bunch of judges at an NPC Bodybuilding Competition in Fort Lauderdale.
If you've been following my blog or have checked out my photos, then you know I’m not one of the traditional girl bodybuilders. Instead I compete in the bikini athlete division. I love challenging my body with the training, but because I’ve only been doing it for five months, I’m Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-72593471671898920332011-09-11T13:59:00.013-05:002011-09-18T17:44:26.949-05:00Crossing the Dublin Ritz off the Bucket ListOver the last five years, I’ve been slowly crossing off the North American Ritz Carlton locations off my bucket list including: Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, South Beach, Orlando, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Cancun, Marina del Rey, Laguna Nigel, Maui and Half Moon Bay.
I first saw the Dublin Ritz online a few years ago and instantly fell in love. It looked so green, lush and decadent -- my version ofMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-41943333627820398092011-09-10T12:41:00.004-05:002011-09-18T17:48:07.672-05:00Staying in a Castle in KenmareThe county of Kerry and the village of Kenmare were completely different from the Bantry and Ballylickey area where I had spent my first few days. With Ireland’s largest mountain dominating the horizon, the scenery of the area was stunning and the towns were even more quaint and picturesque.
My hotel in Kenmare, the Park Kenmare Hotel, was also stunning.
Built in 1897, the place looked a bit Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-39984159541759809082011-09-09T20:23:00.006-05:002011-12-12T22:45:41.636-06:00Taking the Road Less Traveled in IrelandIreland does have regular sized roads where there are lots of lanes and you can go 120 km without having to worry about knocking mirrors if another car comes along. While you will get places faster (and I probably wouldn’t have had the fender bender on Monday), you won’t get see much as you by-pass every town and there is no place to pull over to take photos.
One thing I did was switch off the “Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0Co. Cork, Ireland51.76016408656068 -9.58651580163575551.275525586560676 -10.778289801635756 52.24480258656068 -8.394741801635755tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-88274766025265616752011-09-08T14:37:00.012-05:002011-12-12T22:38:14.324-06:00Only the Best Day in Ireland EverEach day in Ireland is better than the last. It’s still raining. In fact, it’s raining harder and is even windier than it was the day before, but if I wait for the sun to shine, I could be here until July. Not that it would be a bad thing, but I doubt my boss at the news station would keep my job for me.
Memorizing my cycling route for the day, I put on a couple extra layers (plus borrowed a Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0Co. Kerry, Ireland51.89005408758063 -9.58557166406251351.43272258758063 -10.335786664062514 52.34738558758063 -8.835356664062513tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-85359462310386398592011-09-07T03:09:00.013-05:002011-12-12T22:31:23.616-06:00The Totally Unexpected DaySome days things don’t go as expected. Today was one of those days.
I woke up around 6:30 a.m. to the sound of rain drumming down against my window. It was not quite a hard rain, but definitely more than a drizzle. Plus, it was windy.
I know it is Ireland and it’s green and pretty because of the rain, but when doing a cycling trip, rain and wind really aren’t on the agenda.
I promptly wentMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-73151248381918882902011-09-06T03:07:00.003-05:002011-09-18T18:04:41.985-05:00Making Winnie-the-Pooh ProudIrish people love their carbs which is dangerous – because I really love carbs, too, and have very little resistance to them if they are on the table.
Last night, my fish was served with three different types of potatoes: steamed with butter, scalloped and fried. The cooking at Seaview House Hotel is much like their hospitality -- honest and truly Irish. Nothing fancy, but really good food as Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-30368402495196046372011-09-05T13:11:00.005-05:002011-12-12T22:21:36.339-06:00Loving Seaview House Hotel in Ireland
The view from my room at Seaview House Hotel
After a day of travelling, I’ve made it to Ireland. I’m tired and bloated from plane food – but mostly I’m tired. I also just spent the last hour driving down narrow, winding roads and through the hills of Ireland (in the rain) convinced that I was lost. Really lost. In fact, there was one point where I considered picking up a hitchhiker thinking he Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-65849718050680080642011-09-04T13:10:00.000-05:002011-09-06T13:11:13.263-05:00The Girl of SandwichSandwiches. Delicious, yummy, out-of-this-world sandwiches.
I’m sitting in the Heathrow Airport in London and having a late lunch as I wait for my plane to Ireland. I had completely forgotten how much I love sandwiches from the UK. They are the best thing to…um…go with…sliced bread!
People always make fun of English cooking, saying it is bland and boring compared to the fare of France and ItalyMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-78555579844504201542011-09-02T06:18:00.001-05:002011-09-18T17:23:10.575-05:00Planning the not fun stuff for IrelandLearning a lot with this Ireland trip. Now it’s all down to the nitty gritty stuff that I hate planning because it’s the not fun stuff. It’s stuff like power adapters and making sure my credit cards work overseas. Boring - but essential.
But what I’m really learning is that things have changed since the last time I was overseas. In some ways, it’s gotten easier to do things as you can do them Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-49707262460985100462011-09-01T06:10:00.001-05:002011-12-12T22:17:53.770-06:00Planning my Trip to Ireland - Part 5Amazing day today! I have finally found the hotel where I’ll be staying during the cycling part of the my Ireland tour.
No, it’s not the Park Hotel Kenmare. I’ve emailed them and discovered they do have Hybrid Giant bikes I can rent for the day, but at close to $400 a night, they are a little out of my price range for a long term stay.
I may check out their spa or have dinner there though. It Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-4128561421497487442011-08-30T07:44:00.000-05:002011-08-30T07:44:00.209-05:00Planning My Dream Trip to Ireland – part 4With my Ireland Dream Trip deadline coming closer, I now have to start making some decisions.
After a week of researching, I’ve now decided to concentrate on two parts of the country: Cork and Dublin.
I picked these two spots as they were the reasons I wanted to go on the trip in the first place.
The area around Cork and Kenmare is where I dreamed of cycling. I want to see tiny Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-17138586151806084612011-08-18T13:07:00.004-05:002011-08-18T13:08:56.700-05:00Conquering the Midnight Century in DavisFor me, it’s not all about sweating it out in the gym. I like to vary my workouts – especially my cardio. So on the weekends I treat myself by running 6 miles in the park or cycling for as long as I can go. But I have never gone 100 miles – and I really REALLY wanted to.
I picked up a Bike Hiker’s guide last week Thursday…and I saw it.
The Midnight Century.
One hundred miles beginning at 7 p.mMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-30280877741385911652011-08-16T05:42:00.000-05:002011-08-16T05:42:00.400-05:00Planning my Dream Trip to Ireland - part 3The reason I wanted to cycle around Ireland is because it is a cycling-lover’s dream. You can cycle the coast, the hills, the farmlands and through the villages. There’s only one problem – I won’t be able to do it all by bike in three days.
Yes, I have been training. I've been cycling every weekend since May and can easily do 60 to 80 miles a day if there aren't that many big hills. I thoughtMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-48495382317009069852011-08-11T05:06:00.000-05:002011-08-11T05:06:00.192-05:00Planning My Dream Trip to Ireland – part 2Still working on my next bucket list adventure.
Sleeping on it didn’t really give me a solution to my Ireland Dream Trip, but it did give me courage.
Here's what I've come up with -- instead of booking the cycling part of the trip with a tour, I’m now going to create my own trip that fits within my time and money boundaries.
Yup, that's right..I will be going solo on my Going Solo adventure.Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-89587491931653802172011-08-09T09:11:00.001-05:002011-08-14T12:09:02.009-05:00Planning My Dream Trip to Ireland - part 1Ireland has been on my list of places to see for years and I decided last year, that 2011 would be the time to do it.
I must admit, it's always easier saying you're going to do something a year from now than actually doing it. This trip is one of them -- because so far it hasn’t been easy. Money, time and coordination have all come into play.
THE IRELAND PLAN
So what's the plan? Well, my Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-7253108330633273312011-08-02T06:36:00.001-05:002011-08-02T14:27:04.817-05:00Driving up the California CoastI’ve wanted to drive the old Highway 101 down California since I moved here last year. But here’s the problem -- it takes forever and I never really have a whole day just to drive. I always seem to have someplace to go.
On my last trip to San Diego, I decided to suck it up and take the time.
I got up early – really early. Yes, I was on the road by 4:30 a.m. and watched the sun come up over theMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-56597539717454324732011-07-26T15:08:00.001-05:002011-07-29T14:37:18.190-05:00Weird Places to Sleep: Hezen Cave HotelIn my last blog, I showed you a place where you could sleep in a tree. Not everyone likes heights, so I found this place where you could sleep in a cave.
The cave hotel I found is located in Cappadocia, Turkey -- and very cool looking. It only opened in May 2011 so it's brand new.
If you haven't heard of Cappadocia, you're not alone. I had no idea it existed until I found this hotel either.Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-63361172225233870732011-07-24T14:42:00.001-05:002011-07-24T15:06:59.442-05:00Weird Places to Sleep: The Treehotel in SwedenA lot of people ask where I get my ideas for my bucket list and if I have any recommendations for them.
I get my ideas from everywhere. My list is constantly evolving as my life evolves.
Everyone has their own dreams, goals and personal achievements. And everyone's dream is different. So while I can't tell you what to put on your list, I can share some of the interesting things I've come Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-59759556690008205292011-07-20T19:44:00.009-05:002011-09-18T17:31:24.342-05:00Vegas: One man's nightmare is another woman's dream
I have a friend who absolutely detests Vegas, but the strange thing is he’s never been there and refuses to go to see what’s it is like. I’ve told him you can find anything in Vegas. If you want great wine –it’s there. Great spas – they’ve got it. World famous chefs- they are there. Amazing entertainment – yup, they’ve got that too.
Instead he’s got this perception of what the place is like Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-55680481439953952842011-07-15T20:37:00.004-05:002011-09-18T17:33:37.367-05:00Hold the bacon, pleaseOver the last few months, I’ve seen bacon mayonnaise, bacon and asparagus, bacon, bacon cupcakes and even bacon crème brule.
This is all well and good – if you happen to like bacon.
If you’re a non-bacon eater like me, it’s starting to become intrusive when you see that your favorite vegetarian items are now smothered with bacon. I’m sure they taste great, but when my pancakes are served withMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-24434550176795014922011-07-12T19:23:00.005-05:002011-07-24T20:40:23.272-05:00My Training Secrets - REVEALED
I've been getting lots of emails about my training program for the NPC Bodybuilding Show I did in June, so I thought I would post the basics in case anyone else wanted to check it out.
Basically, I owe everything to Vanessa Campbell and Shannon Dey from Team Bombshell. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teambombshell.
While they look intimidating as all the girls look Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-6861167724890987802011-07-11T08:06:00.005-05:002011-07-24T14:54:53.792-05:00Cycling the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour RouteAs soon as I heard about Oregon’s Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, I knew I had to cycle it. There was only one problem – none of the bike rental places in the area seemed to know how to get on it.
MAP OF OREGON'S VINEYARD AND VALLEY SCENIC TOUR ROUTE
But I wasn’t about to give up. The Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route was created in 2009 to showcase the viticultural, agricultural andMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-3474094182338989642011-07-07T21:03:00.005-05:002011-07-24T14:49:43.934-05:00Going to Sonoma for ChampagneOn Monday, I unexpectedly had a day off. Whoo hoo!!
So did I waste it and do nothing? Not a chance. I drove to Sonoma to check out a vineyard,known for their sparkling wine. Nope, it wasn't Mumm or Chandon. I figured those would be way too crowded and I wanted to relax on my day off.
Instead of hitting the ones you see all the time on the shelves, I decided to visit Gloria Ferrer -- and it Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-56401253836427470122011-07-05T07:02:00.007-05:002011-07-24T20:45:59.752-05:00La Jolla is pronounced La Hoy-ya
The coast at La Jolla
Embarrassing lesson of the day: La Jolla is pronounced La Hoy-ya.
Who knew? Well, apparently lots of people as I was the only one pronouncing it wrong.
The good thing is I picked the place because it sounded “jolly” and it is kind of a happy place. I mean, how can you go wrong with the ocean right there?
Looking for a weekend of rest and relaxation, I decided to driveMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-31842126860838237972011-06-29T18:47:00.019-05:002011-07-08T00:48:14.596-05:0010 days of Feasting
My pancake view from Jer-ne at Marina Del Ray
After completing my first NPC Bodybuilding Competition in San Diego, I did what any girl would do: I pampered myself completely and took a well-deserved break from my workout schedule.
Yup, that’s right. I gave myself a 10 day vacation to eat whatever I wanted and be a couch potato before going back to the gym.
So did I pig out on burgers,Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-54769798946525880792011-06-27T19:27:00.004-05:002011-07-03T19:33:18.236-05:00All the Breads I’ve Loved Before
mmmm...bread
You can’t always judge a restaurant by its printed menu, but sometimes you can judget it by its bread – or at least I can.
On Saturday, I had dinner at George's at the Cove in La Jolla. I had checked the menu on the way in, but you never can tell when eating in a touristy place by the water, just how good the food is going to be.
However, my doubts disappeared when they Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-2499836952221219422011-06-24T00:34:00.006-05:002011-06-27T20:03:24.332-05:00Food judging an Iron Chef-style challenge
Chef John Holloway
Sitting with the other two judges at Atria El Camino Gardens’ “Who’s Cuisine Will Reign Supreme” food challenge, I was nervous. Not about how I would judge the food. No...I've eaten in enough places and written enough food articles and restaurant reviews to know what food tastes good and what food doesn't.
What I was nervous about was the mystery ingredients. What were Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-49566552393289442232011-06-19T21:03:00.002-05:002011-11-20T20:51:14.902-06:00Putting on a Price on DreamsWell, I did it. After 9 weeks of working out and watching my diet, I've completed my goal of competing in the NPC 2011 Southern California Championships in San Diego.
To make it even more rewarding, I placed in the top five of my class.
So was it worth it?
You do the math:
Professional show bikini - $450.00
Training and meal plan - $90/month
Entrance Fee - $80
Spray tan at show - $150
Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-66960501004162840782011-06-18T20:46:00.022-05:002011-07-24T20:40:41.036-05:00Showtime: 2011 NPC Southern California Championships
My Makeup Artist
3:05 p.m. Friday, San Diego
It’s the day before the 2011 NPC Southern California Championships. This is a bodybuilding competition for those of you who aren't sure exactly what I have been training for. I'm in the bikini competition as I'm not exactly super buff and I thought I was ready until I saw the girls checking in the lobby of the hotel. They are so much thinner and Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0San Diego, CA, USA32.7153292 -117.1572550999999932.4256327 -117.35807359999998 33.0050257 -116.95643659999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-59308901247610927732011-06-16T13:27:00.003-05:002011-07-24T20:46:20.759-05:00A little French pamperingWhat’s does a NPC competitor do the night before a fitness competition? Get her nails done.
Yup, that’s right. After weeks of sweating, lifting weights and eating healthy, the night before my big competition isn’t spent in the gym. Instead I spent it running around Midtown and East Sac looking for a place that does French Manicures – without an appointment.
My first choice was Curvee on H Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-89664038186299135962011-06-15T19:19:00.005-05:002011-07-24T20:46:38.599-05:00Secret Wish: Be a guest judge on food show
Bobby Flay during taping of Iron Chef America - AP
This request could not have come at a better time. After weeks of eating bland low-fat food, I received an invitation to judge a cooking competion. Yay!!
You know I love food - really good food, but I bet you didn't know that I've always wanted to be a guest judge on one of The Food Network cooking show. I've always been reluctant to Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-35391286629501383782011-06-13T20:50:00.005-05:002011-08-06T14:06:06.479-05:00Sneak Peek: The bikini has arrived
It's actually more red in real life.
It’s five days until showtime and I’m starting to worry. I’ve booked my fake tan session, my hotel and pre-cooked my food. Everything is ready – except my body.
Last week my coach Shannon Dey told me my butt was still looking too flabby. I figured, whatever…once I get my professional show bikini, it will hide all those flaws.
WRONG!!
I got my bikini Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-24667694806375546512011-06-11T17:53:00.004-05:002011-07-24T20:46:54.360-05:00Testing out the “best” cellulite creamCellulite sucks. After working out for 8 weeks on this killer exercise and cardio plan, I admit defeat.
Yup, that’s right. All those experts in magazine articles who say it doesn’t go away were right. I really thought I would be the exception to the rule and that if I worked out really hard and toned up my squishy areas, my skin would become all smooth – kind of like an air mattress when you Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-24501709990694832902011-06-06T13:49:00.012-05:002011-07-24T20:47:09.239-05:00Ode to a cupcakeIt’s 12 days before my fitness competition and while I’m not hungry, I’m starting to make a list of things I haven’t been able to eat in the last 8 weeks.
One of them is this decadent S’Mores Cupcake seen in the photo. It’s the most incredible thing I’ve seen in a long time, and if you ever go to Toronto, then I suggest you add, along with seeing the CN Tower, China Town and the Hockey Hall of Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-13551584746303810562011-05-26T20:11:00.005-05:002011-07-24T20:47:21.334-05:00Girl power - times two!
Kristin and Michelle
If you think I do a lot of stuff, you have to meet my friend Kristin from Tampa. She makes me look lazy. She works full time at a high stress job, but yet checks out concerts, sporting events and triathlons – plus, she still has time to watch every episode of Gossip Girls.
So when she called and told me she had a 12-hour stopover in Sacramento, I knew we were going to haveMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-43506678615233616232011-05-18T14:59:00.006-05:002011-07-24T20:47:35.605-05:00Keeping it real with Alejandro Reyes
News10 Blog U (I'm taking photos at the left)
Last year I did a psychic reading with Jesai Chantler over the phone. I’m not going to share the whole thing with you, but he did say he saw me attending the Oscars or the Emmy Awards or a similar red carpet event.
At the time, I thought he was way off base as none of my scripts were being turned into movies and I wasn’t dating any celebrities – Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-16574947184448675172011-05-17T13:51:00.005-05:002011-07-24T20:47:50.688-05:0031 days and countingIt's just 31 days before my NPC competition in San Diego. Yes, I am counting down them down – but only because I was a little less dedicated during my first four weeks on being on the program than I should have been.
My trainer says you won’t see a lot of change in your body the first four weeks, but considering I have to be show-worthy in just a few weeks from now, I’m starting to worry. Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-83230005163446690832011-05-15T10:15:00.004-05:002011-07-24T20:48:15.282-05:00Pancakes never tasted so goodAfter cycling in the Gold Country Century ride in Auburn on Saturday, there was only one thing I wanted. Pancakes. Light, fluffy, yummy, pancakes with maple syrup.
This probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but because I’m still following my Bombshell Fitness meal/workout plan, I only get to have one cheat meal a week – which means I can’t eat all the food that I want, whenever I want it. ThisMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-35165398789053812422011-05-14T22:42:00.001-05:002011-07-24T20:48:33.307-05:00Conquering one hill at a time on the Gold Country Century RideIn January, I was asked to take part in the Amgen Celebrity Ride as part of the Gold Country Metric Century. I was excited that I would get the chance to cycle on the same route the Amgen Tour of California cyclists would ride on. I saw myself speeding over the hills of Auburn with the grace and elegance of the pro-cyclists.
The event was this past Saturday and while I wasn’t quite the Olympian Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-12900799935390500312011-05-12T17:11:00.005-05:002011-06-08T00:48:26.605-05:00SacCycleChic - You go, girl!As a writer, you often run into other writers. I don’t why that is. Somehow we attract each other and end up bonding over the woes of our craft. Maybe it’s because it’s an isolated art form, but just knowing there is someone else out there following their passion and struggling like you is what you need to stay focused.
One of my fellow bloggers and girlfriend did that just recently. Lorena is Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-39989731605210898292011-05-10T16:44:00.005-05:002011-05-10T16:44:00.460-05:00Twitter for the Grim ReaperDon’t think I’m morbid, but lately I’m finding myself reading the obituaries and being completely intrigued. I can’t help it. I love looking at the photos families have chosen of their loved ones, reading what these people did and wondering about their lives.
That’s because their orbits aren’t about their death, but telling the story of their life – in 200 words or less. It’s kind of like Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-2190885092826404352011-05-09T13:59:00.001-05:002011-05-09T13:59:53.106-05:00Has the Nook killed the public library?There are always rumors that no one is going to libraries any more -- especially when you see more and more people downloading their reading to electronic devices like the iPad and the Nook. But has technology made checking out books obsolete?
As a writer and someone who still likes to read a novel the old fashion way -- by turning the pages, I was happy to learn this is not the case. In fact, Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-49088104661978362052011-05-08T15:42:00.006-05:002011-05-08T19:06:18.299-05:00Happiness is fitting into last year’s shortsThe birds are singing, the air conditioning is on and the allergies I only have when I'm in Sacramento are in full force. There is only one thing left to do – get out the summer wear.
I don’t know about you, but for some reason my winter clothes are all bulky and comfortable (and mostly black) while my summer clothes seem very small in comparison. Not that they are too short or revealing, Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-39818364223764211832011-05-03T15:27:00.006-05:002011-05-08T19:07:24.048-05:00Half price frappacinos and a new yummy flavorI know I'm not the only Starbucks addict out there watching my pennies these days, so when I heard Starbucks was offering half price frappacinos from May 6 to 15, I had to spread the good news.
Here's how it works: Show up at your local Starbucks between 3 and 5 p.m. during those dates and order any one of their yummy frapacinos ranging from mocha and coffee to sweet treats like caramel and Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-44718426526241554572011-05-02T19:57:00.005-05:002011-07-24T20:51:43.020-05:00Who is Ginger Elizabeth?If you don’t know Ginger Elizabeth, you’re about to get an introduction. She is the Sacramento chocolate goddess. This is because everything she touches is delightfully yummy (just look at that stuff in the window - I could eat one of each!!).
I first came across her chocolate masterpieces at the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay a couple of years ago – which some of you know is my escape place Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-90612316443495026542011-04-27T19:42:00.007-05:002011-06-08T00:52:42.320-05:00Caught up in the Royal Wedding FrenzyOkay. I admit it. I’m totally caught up in the Royal Wedding frenzy.
After months of trying to avoid watching "Entertainment Tonight" to follow the William and Kate wedding gossip (even though I secretly wanted to), I admit defeat. I’m hooked…and yes, I want to see what her dress looks like…her shoes…her flowers…the whole deal. In fact, if someone gave me ticket to London, I would be standing Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-73037743195925297382011-04-24T12:52:00.003-05:002011-06-08T00:56:27.045-05:00What happened to coffee with the girls?It’s Week 2 of my IFPP training and so far I’ve learned that I don’t mind the weight training and the cardio. But I really don’t like plymetrics.
It turns out I have no coordination. None. However, I am suffering through them.
But the hardest part of the training is how it’s affecting my social life.
For the last two weeks, my girlfriends have called and wanted to catch up over drinks. WhenMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-8727089757807774552011-04-14T20:45:00.007-05:002011-07-24T20:49:02.300-05:00Outside the comfort zone challenge for 2011Each year I like to do at least one thing completely out of my comfort zone -- but it can’t something someone else made me do. It’s got to be something that I’ve always wanted to do.
Last year I did my first triathlon and went to Guatemala as a trip historian. Both of them pushed me in different ways. The triathlon challenged me physically and spending a week working out of a tiny clinic in theMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-69222859378826572442011-04-13T14:12:00.001-05:002011-04-13T14:13:17.117-05:00Spencer On the Go coming to SacramentoSpencer on the Go will be at the 2011 Sacramento Mobile Food Festival on April 30 2011. Now this is exciting news for all foodies living in the area. If you don't know why I'm excited then you haven't checked out the yummy gourmet food they have in their truck.
Usually, the only place I get to have Spencer's food is when I'm hanging at Terroir Natural Wine Merchant and Bar in San Francisco (loveMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-44693941344821378522011-04-10T19:16:00.001-05:002011-04-22T19:19:11.414-05:00Taste Restaurant: The perfect way to end a day of wine tasting
Grilled tuna
Fine dining in Amador County’s Plymouth? I would have never considered driving 45 minutes to Plymouth for dinner, but that was before I ventured into Taste Restaurant. Now I'm telling all my friends about it because this place is too good to miss.
Located on the town’s Main Street, Taste Restaurant is a decadent delight – and the perfect way to end a day of wine tasting in the Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-36881215811355139302011-03-31T14:37:00.002-05:002011-07-24T20:50:16.093-05:00Holly’s Hill: Sommelier's choice for white winesThe fourth winery I dragged the sommelier to was Holly's Hill Winery, and let me just say that I was getting a little cold at this time. You may think California is warm, but once you hit the foothills, it's freezing. There was even snow on the ground.
I know I've lived here for a year now, but I'm still in denial and don't want to believe it can be cold -- so part of the reason I was freezing Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-73371371851472837402011-03-30T14:44:00.001-05:002011-04-04T14:49:20.330-05:00Sommelier picks for Sierra Vista WineryAfter visiting Miraflores, my sommelier and I were off to winery number 3: Seirra Vista. I didn't get to speak to the own of this one because as soon as we got there, we learned the power had gone out and he was busy trying to get the generator to start.
Of course, while he was doing that, we tested out his wines. They also had some yummy shrimp appetizers so I had try those as well.
Owned Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-7658460778465223772011-03-29T22:23:00.001-05:002011-03-30T13:28:40.211-05:00Best picks from the Miraflores Winery
Victor Alvarez from Miraflores Winery
After checking out Auriga Cellars I dragged my sommelier to the next winery. It was Miraflores Winery and it was my favorite. Not only did I like some of the wines, but the owner Victor Alvarez is a fantastic storyteller. In fact he kind of reminded me of my grandfather, except instead of having a thick French accent, he had a Spanish one.
"In this area,Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-15363372652891917942011-03-28T16:01:00.004-05:002011-03-29T19:28:55.688-05:00El Dorado Passport weekend: Best picks from Auriga CellarsSometimes working at a news station totally rocks. This weekend I had the chance to visit a bunch of wineries in Pleasant Valley and talk to the vineyard owners about their vintages. Of course, I did do a bunch of sipping and spitting along the way because there really is no way to write about wine without actually tasting some of it.
If you've been following my adventures, then you already Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-40679631794602351542011-03-15T16:54:00.006-05:002011-03-15T17:57:48.223-05:00Stolen iPhone? Five prevention tips I now knowHaving your iPhone stolen is not fun. Believe me. I know. Mine was stolen this weekend.
I accidentally left my phone in the car when returning it to the rental shop and in less than five minutes it was gone – and naturally, no one at the rental shop could say which one of their staff checked the car or had access to it.
At first I was in denial. Maybe it wasn't stolen. Maybe the phone was in Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-73662007371320996752011-02-28T18:53:00.004-06:002011-07-24T20:49:38.122-05:00Walking the Red Carpet at the Sacramento Oscar GalaEver dream about walking the red carpet on Oscar night? I have. But because I’m not an actress and currently not dating George Clooney (one can only hope), my chances of this happening any time soon are pretty much non-existence.
I did, however, get to walk the red carpet at the Sacramento Oscar Gala and it was almost as good. Plus, I had to go -- not because it was a station event, but because Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-31353701793182186372011-02-06T22:10:00.004-06:002011-02-13T22:23:41.508-06:00Revolution Wines still evolving?You just have to say the words “wine tasting” and I’m pretty much there. I love the whole concept of appetizers/small plates and wine. It’s one of the reasons I love going to Napa.
So when Revolution Wines opened at 2831 S Street I was excited. I mean, how could I not be? There was a new wine place in town and they had their own cellar. Plus, they had all the words I love in their name – “wine Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-42353320146249701802011-01-25T20:44:00.003-06:002011-07-24T20:43:44.730-05:00Getting ready for Amgen Celebrity bike rideDo you know how far a metric is? It’s 100 kilometers which is a pretty long way by car – but believe me, it’s going to be much longer by bike.
The reason I’m telling you this has to do with the upcoming Amgen Tour of California. If you don't know what this is, it's kind of like the Tour of France except this is the California version. All the famous cycling people participate in the race and Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-91718051488301560362011-01-23T19:53:00.002-06:002011-01-23T19:57:16.499-06:00Blowing the diet with the best pancakes in townPancakes have to be the comfort food for the food-lovers soul. I have absolutely no resistance to them--which could be why the people at Orphan Breakfast House in East Sacramento have seen me two weekends in a row.
I started off being good by getting up early and running 5 miles in the park. But somewhere around mile 3, I started fantasizing about their pancakes and how Orphan is only a block Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-26710563181755142442011-01-03T22:13:00.007-06:002011-01-23T22:39:05.875-06:00Chocolate souffle cake and the ying/yang of foodLately, something’s changed at Tuli’s, my little neighborhood bistro. And the change is only making the place better.
The menu gotten more sophisticated, the wine selection is better and the desserts….well…the desserts are sinful. This is because they have a new pastry chef. I’m not sure where she went to school, but she knows how to make some tempting treats that make you want to come back for Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-21299775637460511552010-12-05T18:54:00.003-06:002010-12-10T18:57:27.133-06:00Driving up the mountain ...for lunchAfter spending a day skiing or snowboarding in Tahoe, nothing says decadence like a late afternoon lunch at Manzanita. Of course, I did none of those snow sports as I haven't gotten around to learning them yet. Instead, I went up the mountain for the view and ended up at Manzanita.
Located in the Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe, Manzanita is the resort’s signature restaurant where renowned San Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-2611779346411800202010-11-23T20:50:00.007-06:002011-07-24T20:37:44.873-05:00Falling for Old Vegas magicCan you believe that in all the times I’ve been to Vegas I had never been to old Vegas? That is…until now! And I was totally missing out.
For those of you who haven’t been to Vegas or are strip-mongers like me, old Vegas is a different world. Yeah, there are still lights and music everywhere, but the decadence has a different feel to it. It's like being thrown back to the time when Frank SinatraMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-29290819961836373932010-11-03T15:01:00.003-05:002010-11-12T18:23:03.378-06:00Cruising in Santa CruzEver since I bought my bike and discovered I can ride 65 miles without dying, I’m all about challenging myself with long rides. But not just any old rides. I’m looking for scenic rides because, hey, if they aren’t scenic, I might as well be sweating away in the gym.
So when I heard about this Coastal biking daytrip, I instantly signed up. First of all, it was free through Sactown Active Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-84771851725126435342010-10-15T15:25:00.005-05:002010-11-14T15:13:44.089-06:00Guatemala Day 6: Last day of surgeriesToday is our last day of surgeries and I'm going to miss the routine. You kind of get attached to the patients here as they are so trusting and so grateful. When you walk by their beds, they reach out and say "gracias" over and over.
The connection between doctor, nurse and patient is not the same here as it is the US. Back home, the doctors say very few patients would thank them after they justMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-87011854455211933182010-10-14T15:23:00.007-05:002010-11-14T15:14:33.295-06:00Guatemala Day 5: Hump day or Spadadzio
On the bus going to the hospital
Every morning I wake up before 5 a.m. and get ready for our day. It’s still dark outside as my roommate and I walk across the hostel grounds to the place where we have our 5:30 a.m. devotionals and at first it seemed really early...and really strange.
Now things are familiar. There’s that rooster that crows every morning in the distance, the occasional screech Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-64128773313665380122010-10-13T22:11:00.004-05:002010-11-21T14:55:34.133-06:00Guatemala Day 4: The Gratitude of the PeopleThe longer I am here the more I learn about our patients’ lives and the role Faith in Practice plays in them. They are starting to recognize me as I walk by and as I sit by them, they try to talk to me using gestures. Something they give up and just laugh and hug me. I swear, if I do another mission, I'm going to learn more Spanish so I can really communicate with them.
While Monday had a Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-61649049990170087672010-10-12T18:24:00.006-05:002010-10-17T14:55:10.859-05:00You can call me 'Gringa'The best part of my Guatemala trip so far has got to be the kids. As soon as they see me they start chanting, “Gringa, Gringa, Gringa!” and then they run over and swarm me with hugs.
Of course, after that they start blabbering away in Spanish and I have no idea what they are saying.
I try to tell them I don’t speak Spanish, but they don’t care. They keep asking “Gringa” questions, but all I Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-11914222956387396382010-10-12T17:17:00.005-05:002010-11-21T14:55:51.518-06:00Guatemala Day 3: Watching a real-live operation
This little boy would let go of his dad.
The vibe on Monday was completely different from the day before. The team was focused on pre-op, surgeries and post-op and it felt like a real hospital. We were geared up and ready to work and there was no time to waste. We had planned to do 16 to 20 operations a day so the schedule was tight.
I got to wear my scrubs for the first time as I would be Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-12663239305220868342010-10-11T18:14:00.006-05:002010-10-17T14:53:06.105-05:00Guatemala Day 2: Day of TriageMore than 150 people showed up at the hospital on Sunday to meet with the doctors. I wasn't sure when they arrived, but when we arrived at 7:30 a.m. they had already filled the waiting room and were lined up down the driveway and out onto the grass. But there was no pushing or chaos. Instead they waited patiently and greeted us with happy "Good mornings" in Spanish.
Seeing all these people and Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-6257039792500344882010-10-10T19:26:00.007-05:002010-10-17T14:38:38.171-05:00Guatamala Day 1: A long day of travel, but worth itWe arrived in Guatemala City in shifts. When I say "we", I mean myself and 30 other people from across the US who had volunteered to work on a weeklong surgical mission in Guatemala.
I know it sounds crazy that I'm using my vacation to work in a third world country, but this was something I've always wanted to do, and finally the dream was coming true - I was going down as the surgical team's Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-85852576760790655352010-10-01T19:19:00.004-05:002010-11-21T16:51:07.798-06:00Jazzed up in TracyYou know how you should never judge a book by its cover? Well…you should never judge a town by its news coverage.
Working in the media for years, whenever I drive by a new city or an area, the first thing that pops in my head will be “oh, that’s where that fire happened” or “oh, that’s where they found so-and-so.” You know how it is…every place has a story.
So when I had to visit a friend in Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-66130143206388934342010-09-16T20:20:00.002-05:002010-09-17T13:33:49.463-05:00Honoring the Dragon LadyThis past weekend instead of going solo, I hung out with my friend Solo. No, he’s not related to Hans Solo from Star Wars – although, now that I think about it, they both fly jets and have space related jobs (my buddy works for NASA).
Anyway, Solo flew into town for the Sacramento Air show and a special reunion where he introduced me to the Dragon Lady.
So who is the Dragon Lady and why did Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-71317001251380564432010-09-06T16:23:00.002-05:002010-09-11T16:40:42.813-05:00Muir Woods: Mother Nature has room for everyone
Muir Woods is just outside of San Francisco
I have a friend who has been telling me to check out Muir Woods in California, which are located just outside of San Francisco. Now finally after nine months, I finally did it.
For those of you who have been, you are probably wondering why it me so long – especially as the person who told me to check it out has not let me down with his suggestions Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-54449587490089544012010-08-31T00:55:00.003-05:002010-09-11T16:46:32.191-05:00Bring your parents to work day
Sacramento Capitol Building. Arnold, where are you?
Believe it or not, my parents have not been to see me in five or six years. Don’t get me wrong. We’re a close family. It’s that usually I go home to see them and not the other way around.
But last week I got a call. They were on the road…and they would be here in about a week.
You know what that means. Yup, that’s right. It was time to do Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-23132796353713486872010-08-23T18:43:00.006-05:002011-07-24T20:41:40.065-05:00Surviving the Tour of Napa Valley Cycling RideHundreds of cyclists spent Sunday pedaling in the 2010 Tour of Napa Valley Ride. I happened to be one of them and I must say it was a little more challenging than I thought it would be. Of course, being a little bit crazy when it comes to fitness and believing I am invincible doesn’t help.
If you love cycling and haven’t done the Tour of Napa Valley, you need to check it out. It’s gorgeous. You Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-35721206885098792612010-08-16T19:38:00.007-05:002010-09-11T16:49:40.167-05:00Romancing the souffle at The Firehouse RestaurantWhile the cobblestone streets and boardwalk sidewalks in Old Sacramento are killer to walk on when wearing stilettos, it does have some good restaurants. So far I’ve been to Ten22 and some Italian-style restaurant by the water, but the one place I’ve been dying to try is the Firehouse.
I’ve heard from so many of my girlfriends about the wonderful food and how the place is one of the most Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-75339242363416509952010-08-07T19:08:00.009-05:002010-08-08T14:42:32.934-05:00A taste of the French Riviera in…Malibu?If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love the ocean. So while in California, I’ve been checking out the coast in different areas – starting in the north and slowly working my way down to the southern beaches where you can actually wear a bikini and not a fleece-lined jacket like you do in San Francisco.
I swear I get fooled every time. I mean, who would have thought you could be sweating Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-72473517643570462962010-08-02T19:56:00.033-05:002010-08-08T14:56:38.249-05:00The cutest little wedding in the heart of wine countrySometimes the best events are those where you don’t know anyone at all – at least that was the case this weekend when I attended a wedding in the heart of wine country.
As the emergency back-up date for my friend, I got the chance to attend Gloria and Jack’s wedding. Did I know Gloria or Jack? Well, no…but after spending an evening with 40 of their closest friends I now feel like I do.
I swearMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-7020354780367093242010-07-22T21:15:00.026-05:002011-07-24T20:32:57.712-05:00Toogood Winery is too good to ResistFor months I’ve been hearing how Fairplay is the new Napa. And you know what? I checked it out this week and is – except it’s much cheaper and cuter. I know you are saying that's impossible as Napa is pretty darn cute...plus, it's famous.
I say Napa, Schnapa...If you are looking for an intimate wine experience, then I definitely suggest taking a drive to the Fairfield/Somerset area. It’s about Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-44198765851458249772010-07-19T17:13:00.018-05:002011-07-24T20:40:59.027-05:00Returning to my 'Happy Place'Don't bother denying it, because we all have one whether we admit it or not. What I'm talking about is a “happy” place. It’s that place where you go to forget about everything and take the time to simply be in the moment.
My brother’s happy place is his ice fishing shack on the lake. It’s basically a couple of plywood boards hinged together into the shape of a box that he places in the middle Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-38107372671497142952010-07-12T20:23:00.015-05:002010-07-24T18:57:22.478-05:00No more Texas chick. I'm a Cali girl nowIt’s always a little sad whenever it’s time for me to change my license plates over to a new state. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE living in California. The weather is great and I’m loving the scenery (and the vineyards). I’ve even embraced the whole California lifestyle by buying a road bike and riding through the countryside.
Of course, it's not like I'm leisurely biking and smelling the flowers Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-63992952856347961702010-07-08T00:59:00.006-05:002010-09-20T23:28:24.285-05:00It’s time to panic. Only eight days until race day
Me on my bike.
In college, were you one of those people who used to cram before exams? I was.
I wasn't a bad student. I would actually attend every class and take notes, but here's a secret you shouldn't tell my professors...I really didn’t do any work until it came time for exams. I know...that's bad.
Instead, the day before the test I would boil a pot of Earl Gray tea, pop a big bowl Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-44568115758349676032010-07-01T19:18:00.002-05:002011-07-24T20:44:08.204-05:00A night of ghosts and romance in the Old City CemeteryIn honor of the latest Twilight movie, I decided to do something a little supernatural and checked out "Spirits with the Spirits" tour at Sacramento's Old City Cemetery. It was pretty cool and not a bad deal for $15. I mean, where else can you listen to ghost stories in a moonlit cemetery while drinking wine?
I wasn't the only one who thought this. Hundreds of history buffs and ghost lovers Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-24957727862062858472010-06-21T15:38:00.005-05:002010-07-07T19:57:25.161-05:00Good people come with kayaksIf you've been following my blog, then you know I'm desperately trying to train for my first triathlon. I've already got the running down (well, maybe not down, but at least I can run the 6 miles without dying). The biking portion is also kind of under control. That just left the dreaded kayaking -- and making it alive through the San Juan rapids on the American River.
You see...even though I Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-64114448344395340052010-06-14T20:25:00.002-05:002010-06-15T13:46:38.742-05:00Humbled by the superhumans in CaliforniaI bow down to the fitness fiends in California. I mean, I’m a little nuts when it comes to working out and will go on a 50 mile bike ride, run 6 miles and then go dancing that night, but what I do is nothing compared to the people I meet here.
I swear, these people look like everyday individuals and then when you start talking to them you find out they are superhuman.
First there was the Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-40767106940504319092010-06-10T20:30:00.066-05:002010-06-15T13:43:07.276-05:00A 14-year-old girl and a pig named O'MalleySome people blow me away with their amazingness (yes, I know that's not a real word) and 14-year-old Sydney Morrow is one of them. Unlike a lot of people, instead of just talking about something, she took the initiative to start making her dreams come true.
You see, a couple of weeks ago, Sydney wrote News10 and sent us the cutest picture of her and the pig she was rasising for Future Farmers ofMichelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-91776645179494405312010-06-09T01:08:00.001-05:002010-07-08T01:13:34.384-05:00Journalism: You've got to love it to work in itIt takes a certain type of person to be a journalist. You have to be dedicated, creative, a great listener, persistent, but most of all you have to be passionate…and maybe just a little bit crazy.
Last night was election night in California, which means it was a busy day for all of us at News10. Pumped full of caffeine and cookies, we were prepared to cover the races all night long –and then, Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-40335473312644563542010-05-30T19:54:00.007-05:002010-06-10T00:04:38.785-05:00Tres Hermanas: Holy mole!All you Taco Bell lovers are about to hate me because I am a Mexican food snob. But it’s not my fault. I'm blaming it all on the great state of Texas.
Yup…when they say “don’t mess with Texas,” they don’t just mean the people; they mean everything and that includes the incredible Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine you can get there. I swear, before I had tasted the real stuff, I was happy with the Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-86358389732445385892010-05-23T22:30:00.005-05:002010-05-23T22:45:34.262-05:00All Aboard the Napa Valley Wine TrainYes, it’s true. There really is a Napa Valley wine train. I should know. I rode it this weekend and it was pretty cool.
The antique train takes passengers on 36 mile round trip through the Napa valley. While it’s chugging along you get to feast on either a gourmet lunch or a dinner AND you get to tour a vineyard. See…I told you it was cool.
Just in case you need more convincing, the train has Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815340816457884432.post-57165506192290759292010-05-16T12:50:00.011-05:002010-11-21T19:39:41.139-06:00Destination….Vegas!!!Those who know me, know that I am a sunchaser. Just like that Jeep commercial, I will always take the winding road and follow it wherever it goes. However, I don’t own a jeep. I own a little Honda Fit fondly known by those who have ridden shotgun as the Roller Skate.
I live to chase adventure…which is why when my friend told me he was celebrating his birthday in Las Vegas and wondered if I Michelle Pontohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02223779379553992472noreply@blogger.com0