Sittin with honey on my face...

Right now, I'm just chilling in my living room, watching some tv, with a little honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon on my face.

Don't believe me....here's proof!

Next time I will actually follow directions and make a thick paste, but for tonight, this will do.  

And I would like to thank Pintrest and this lovely blog for my nighttime adventure!  In addition to a nice tingly feeling, I am enjoying the occasional lip lick....mmmmmm....a bit like a mulled Arnie Palmer!

Gute Nacht!

bleh...

Today is National Running Day.  eff

I did what any person with a bum foot would do.  I put on my running clothes, running shoes, and my nifty lace up cast. I snapped a picture (and secretly wished I was running my ass off outside).

Then I stripped out of my running clothes and hopped in the bath.  Whatev's...On the positive side, I am walking completely off crutches.  I am slow...(huh, just like I run!)...but I am making progress!

P.S. I spent the night working on school work...I will continue the Alaskan Adventure Series tomorrow night!  I like to keep my peeps on pins and needles!

Just a quick note...

I know I am in the middle of talking about my Alaskan adventure but I have had some other things on my mind.

A bum anything generally means for me little exercise.  And vacation generally means for me unhealthy eating.  While I didn't eat insanely horrible on this trip, I did eat a lot of carbs, and I can certainly feel it.  But it's hard to not be able to get down with my bad self and exercise...I have always been one who needs to watch what I eat, and exercise.  But since I can't exercise as intensely as usual, I am going to make it a goal to watch what I eat even more than usual.  This means I am going to track everything in my WW tracker.

So tomorrow morning, I will weigh in as usual.  I will watch my food intake all week, and on Thursday, I am going to re-join the Y and start getting my swim on while I work on getting my ankle back into tip top shape.

Wish me luck!  I know it can be done.  I saw a great WW commercial tonight featuring Jennifer Hudson.  I needed to hear her message.  She said to tell yourself you can do it, and not listen to the self-doubt that can eat away at our motivation in our mind.  Thanks Jen...you hit a cord with me!

Adventures in Alaska...Part 2

Monday morning when we arrived at 4am, Laine met us at the Port.  It was so great seeing her!  We hadn't seen her since Christmas vacation.  And we were super stoked she pulled herself out of bed at 4am after spending the weekend at a Brewfest!

She took us to the hostel she works at and we all crashed for a few hours.  Possibly the best sleep ever!

We ran a few errands, and Laine showed us around her town a bit, then we headed off to West Glacier trail for a hefty hike.

It was a bit rainy, and cloudy, as seems to be the usual weather for Juneau, but the scenery makes up for that.  It was just beautiful to be surrounded by the most pristine mountains I have ever seen.

The beginning of the trail was pretty smooth and wide.  It definitely crossed my mind a few times that this trail would be a piece of cake if it stayed like this.

Then it started getting a little steeper, and the path turned from dirt and rock to simply rock in many areas. The rocks were a bit slick, but we all had great boots on so I just kept trucking along.  In fact, I felt great.  It was a powerful feeling to be huffing along in the beauty of that trail, taking it all in and just plain being active in nature. I'm sure that sounds corny, but it's probably the best way to describe how I felt.

And then, I probably got a little to confident in my hiking abilities.  I started keeping pace with the head of the pack (our group included 7 people and a dog).  And as I jumped up on a rock ledge to move to the next height, my right foot lost its footing, leaving my left foot to support my body as I fell off the rock ledge.  I landed on a branch filled bush, which made a shit load of snapping noises, and scared the crap out of those behind me.  I am pretty sure  no one with me heard my ankle pop (only the branches cracking), but I certainly did.

I knew right away that something was wrong, but still tried to stay cool and keep my composure till I knew for sure if something was wrong.  Chaz helped me get up, and as I started to put pressure on my left foot, a sharp pain shot up my leg on both sides.  That's when I lost my shit.  Straight up bawling!  I think I said something along the lines of I did something really bad.

And I did, but it could have been worse.  I will tell you though, it's not easy getting through a trail with only one leg.  Wanna know how I got back?!?!?  You'll have to check back later for the next part of the story!

Adventures in Alaska...Part 1

Alaska was a blast!  I am definitely coming off of a high and have the "just got back from vacation blues"....I suppose it doesn't help that I have a bum foot, but going back to work today was hard.  I didn't go in until noon, and by 3 pm I was ready to blow that popsicle stand but I stuck it out.  

And the foot thing, well that's just one little (well, actually a big) part of the vacation, but I'll start from the beginning.

Our trip started out on Friday May 25th.  We flew to Seattle via Denver and hopped on a bus for a three hour ride to the ferry port.  When we arrived, Terri met us right away and we quickly met up with Denis.

We chilled for a bit while the cars were loaded onto the ferry, and once we got on the ferry, we got to enjoy watching the people set up tents on the decks of the ferry.  You can pay for a cabin, or set up a tent/sleep on chairs under a closure and heat lamps.  It was quite the site!

We spent the weekend on the ferry, playing games, taking pictures, and relaxing.  Chaz and I got off in Ketchikan to enjoy the town for a few hours but other then that, we just stayed on the boat...it was just like a little cruise!

Port

Lovely scenery

I was even a good girl and snuck in a workout in my cabin! You can take that 30 Day shred bizzo anywhere!

Cabin

We arrived in Juneau on Memorial Day at 4am and headed to the hostel Laine works at to catch some z's!

Check back later for Part 2!

Ten years...

This is my husband Chaz...oh yeah, and that's me too!  Today is an important day.  It's the day we mark being together for 10 years.  10 wonderful, amazing, and fun years!  I have been with my husband for almost half my life...crazy!  And I wouldn't have it any other way because life has straight up rocked with him by my side.

We have dealt with our fair share of issues.  Long distance for 6 years, lived and had jobs in different areas, and all of that on top of the normal couple flare ups.  Yet for some reason, we rarely focus on the tough parts...they seem nonexistent, because we have so much fun in our day to day lives...we just fit together, and it's awesome!  We love life, and we love each other!  It has been a blast and I am so excited for our future together!

Here's to another lovely 10 years with the love of my life!

I love you babe!

Welcome home!

This past weekend in the CO was wonderful.  I had an amazing time with family and the weather was warm and sunny…my favorite kind!  We enjoyed tons of food and I even learned a new game…Bunko….straight up life changing! 

The driving wasn’t too bad…I am an expert at sleeping in the car, and I had packed a book, some movies, and knitting.  I didn’t eat too bad….but I didn’t eat too good.  I got home and after relishing in my welcome home gift,

I headed straight to the bathroom where I stripped down and started the mission I would like to refer to as, “Try to make it look and feel like you did not just spend over 30 hours in the car over the span of the last four days”.  Yes, TMI, but seriously, I have never been that eager to just rid myself of everything related to a road trip.  I even got down to the knitty gritty, removing my chipped nail polish and replacing it with a fresh, clear color…it’s the little things! 

Again this week I needed to put in some crazy hours but it looks like I will be taking a little bit of vacation...can't sweat the small stuff.  In the end, it's all worth it, and that's what matters!  Even ditching out of work early yesterday only to go home and nap!  lol...but even with my week being travel and work crazy, I have been productive!  Not much by way of working out but I am making headway with my class, did some cleaning and organizing, and I am tracking what I am eating.  I am feeling pretty good, with a good amount of sleep, so really can't complain. 

This weekend I have a hockey tournament all weekend, and it gets to be a long weekend, only to be repeated next weekend but I have already planned to not go into work until 9:30 on Monday and Monday night I will take in a movie with my friend to make it ubber relaxing!  Seriously, probably the best plan I have come up with for combating stress!  Allow for recovery and plan something to look forward to!  Done and done!

Tonight I am running the lakes...hoping for a nice run that just comes easily...sometimes they can be a pain, and sometimes they just rock!  Hoping to Rock it!

A year and a few months...

So, last Wednesday I decided that I was going to go hard core with my Weight Watchers tracking (Wednesday’s are my weigh in day)…I haven’t done that since like, umm, last April…I think. I have been a member for over a year, and I will preface with the fact that WW has been at the forefront of my mind, most days. Very rarely am I not cognoscente of the choices I am making…but it has been a while since I have recorded and kept track of everything. But this week I did, successfully! Granted today is not Wednesday, but there is no stopping me now! I feel wonderful, empowered, refreshed.

I would say that starting 10k training has also probably helped, but I just feel great. In a few short days, my pants are fitting better, my stomach feels lighter, and I just feel like me! And boy have I been running! I printed off a schedule and have stuck to it! Every day! I don’t know why it is so easy to fall out of a habit, and so fricken hard to get back into it, especially when the habit feels good. Yeah, it’s hard work, and yeah, sometimes it is the last thing I want to do, but I have to remember to push through and know that in the end, I will love the results, the feeling, and ultimately, the action itself (ie. Working out!).

The one thing I am good at is not lying to myself. I am very real. I love food. I admit that. I know that. I OWN that! I am never going to question why I am a bigger girl…I fricken know why. I love cooking, and baking, and Sunday Family dinner, and eating out, but that also translates well into my Weight Watchers Journey. I am constantly reading blogs, digging for new recipes, and most of them I really enjoy. They have even become staples in my house.

So I have written before about how this will be a lifelong goal...I have a feeling I will always be watching what I eat and making sure I get enough exercise-and I know I am not the only one…I think I am the majority, and that is why I don’t get down on myself too often. And I know there will be ups and downs, I just want to continue to keep it in check! For life! I’m cool with that! I know what my body likes, needs, what have you, and consistent checking in is the best method for me. There will be splurge weekends, and I know I will forget to track or just get lazy in the future, and I am sure there will be months where I just don’t put enough energy into it….but I am making a goal to never be what I was last December…if I hit that number again(unless of course that is the number I hit when I am prego-but let’s hope I can be healthier then that!), the shits gonna hit the fan!

So that's me...for now...who knows what tomorrow holds but I am pretty sure a run, work, and dinner with a friend!  Oh yeah, and cuddling my hubby!

My 26th birthday!

I am so blessed. I have an amazing husband. On a daily basis he makes me feel wonderful, beautiful, and most importantly, loved. I have a family who is always there for me, no matter what. They too provide me with so much care and love. I have friends who are irreplaceable and the most loving kitties in the world. I have roof over my head, a job, nice clothes, and plenty of food. I read a great blog post, and it made me think that I too could give back, and make my birthday extra special...for me, and a few other people! Truly, it feels so good to give, it is a gift in itself!

So I didn't do 26 random acts of kindness, but I did what I could with the resources I had. It felt pretty good, and I did it throughout the day to make the feeling last.

1. I brought my coworkers breakfast, at both my Monday morning meetings.

2. I placed the newspaper in front of the elderly man across the hallways door...he has a bad back, and the newspaper is always thrown halfway down the hall.

3. I got a free coffee from Dunn Brothers so I took the money I would have spent and left a large tip.

4. I mailed off a few "just because" cards

5. In addition to a few "just because" gifts

6. I commissioned my brother to bring a friend who had just had surgery a ballon and some soup...

7. And I made sure to send a few extra dollars so he could treat himself, and to thank him for his good deed!

8. I went through my clothes and purged what I no longer needed or had not worn. I had my sister and her friend come rummage through the donations! They found some good finds!

9. I sent a few perky emails, to brighten some days.

10. I donated to a cause that I love!

11. I purchased two gifts cards and handed one out in the diaper aisle, and the other out in the clothes/food area.
12. I made little gift bags for the people who joined me for dinner, to let them know how much it meant to have them celebrate with me.

13. I sent a few "Great Team" cards at work to thank coworkers for their help!

Hmm...13, half of 26! I will take it! Maybe next year I can strove to do more!

Wonderful March Weekend...

This weekend was a nice, relaxing, get stuff done weekend.

Friday night I made dinner with my brother who was home from college and we played cards with my grandma. There is nothing better then spending time with family. These are the moments I will always remember.

Saturday morning my mom and I logged a 5.5 mile run. Much more then I expected, but my mom is good at pushing and motivating. I would say I am ready for the 5k next weekend.

I was hit with a migraine afterwards but luckily I had some good medicine and my nice bed to help me recover. Although my head was sore the rest of the evening, I was able to enjoy some Mexican food with my family.

I don't get migraines often, maybe one a year, but when I get them, I am knocked right down! Hopefully it will be a while before the next one.

Today, a perfectly relaxing Sunday, I worked on homework, hung with my family and husband, and did some cleaning and organizing.

That pile to the left is all donate...and that is probably only half of what I will have once I go through my dresser.

Dinner tonight was a delicious taco pizza!
1 package pre-made TJ's pizza dough

1 can TJ's light Organic Salsa Pinto Beans

1 lb. organic hamburger

taco seasoning

3 tbsp. salsa

1.5 cups light Mexican cheese

I pre-baked the crust, topped with the beans, hamburger mixture, salsa and cheese, baked for an additional 5-10 minutes, then topped with lettuce, chips, sour cream, salsa, what have you!

So good, and depending on additional toppings, you get 8 pieces for 6pp each...and the pieces are a nice size! I know I used a lot of Trader Joe's items but you can use your favorite brand.

I finished my night by packing up the tie blanket I made this weekend. I am donating it to a silent auction for a little boy whose family is from my dad's hometown. It sure feels nice to help out where I can!

Sleep good! I am off to bed so I can get up and head to the Y in the morning!

Not feeling well...

At all!

My night tonight is going to be pretty easy...and I am looking forward to it. I want to do a quick 1 mile run. With the 5k in less then a month, I gotta start running consistently and I personally think a little movement or exercise is good when I am sick (although I have read some reports that it is not as it inflames your sinuses and stuff-I have never been good at listening). Then, it will be inside to have dinner, shower, then lay on the couch all night watching tv and/or movies. And when I say lay on the couch, I mean like bring my pillow and comforter to the couch, have a huge glass of water, and just not move.

I hope to put up some pictures from V-day, and maybe work on a bit of homework, but that is all...I know that sounds like a lot but for me, it really isn't! I generally pack my plate pretty full so this will be relaxing for sure!

I am a little put off that this is the second time in the last two months that I have been sick with a cold but what can you do. Aside from medicine, zicam, Kleenex, water, a humidifier, and hand soap, I really don't know what else I can do.

Lovely love...

Tonight my husband planned our Valentine's Day celebration. It was simple, and sweet, and I had a grin on my face the entire night. I am in love with the most amazing man. I feel lucky everyday to have him as the man who stands beside me in all that I do. And I will stand by him, through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. We are in this together and I honestly could not ask for a better person to share my life with. Our life has been full of adventure, full of laughs and joy, and most importantly, LOVE!

I will fill you in on our date tomorrow, but tonight I leave you with a picture of Faith enjoying one of Chaz's gifts! He got a year subscription to Backpacker magazine and she couldn't wait to enjoy it!

The awkward space between...

This past year was pretty interesting as far as trying to get healthy.

I made a commitment last December to get healthy. I jumped on the bandwagon and joined Weight Watchers online.

Around the time of my 25th birthday, I had dropped almost 25 pounds.

Then, I just kind of settled. I would focus, and then not focus. I was motivated, and then not motivated. Well, that's just life. But I would rather go through those lulls at an all around lower weight and a healthier lifestyle. Through the back and forth lulls I have managed to put back on 10 pounds. Ah, sucks putting that out there...but really, I settled.

I know weight and health is at the fore front of many people's minds. We are constantly trying to fit a mold, or reach a certain goal, or look a certain way. I am lucky enough that I am generally happy with myself and my features. Sometimes I feel I look pudgy and bloated, but other times I think I look damn good. Interestingly enough, it is not my body that I pay as much attention to when I am working out and eating right, it is the mental state that I focus on. I get a wonderful high from working out, it just seems a pain to get to that point. Why is that?

I have been getting in a few runs, and workouts at the Y. I am running a 5k again for my birthday. Definitely something I am going to try and anniversary. And fancy that, Pintrest has given me a few gems. I just started adding this to my routine today...I loved it and right now, I am feeling the burn.

I know this isn't easy, and I know this won't happen over night, but I don't want to continue in the wrong direction. Time to switch it up!

Fresh start...

Last night my mom and I went to go get our herrrrs done by my mom's lovely friend.
There is nothing like a night of laughter, relaxing, and a new look!

So here it is...

Our apartment is still a mess, and pictures still need to be hung, but I thought I would give you a sneak peak!

I am really seeing the potential, and having fun putting things away. The silver shelf above will be getting a makeover with matching crates, and once the walls are adorned, I think the dining room will be a great segway into the living room.

The living room is ridiculously huge. There's still a walking path and hutch off to the right that didn't make it into the picture!
The messy room, but you can tell we are all starting to feel a bit more at home! (see cat laying on bed).

So while this is a work in progress, it has already come together so well and I can't wait to see the finished project! And of course have you all over for dinner!

And on the subject of food, I will leave you with my fat kid moment of the night...(and I was a fat kid so I can say that!) I was able to use my newly put away kitchen to whip up a late night craving! Luckily, they are only 4p+ a piece! (I swear this doesn't happen often but sometimes you just have to indulge!)
mmmmmmmmmm!

What up 2012!

I had a wonderful time with my family today. Since we were with Chaz's family for Christmas, we decided to celebrate Christmas with my family on New Year's Day. A nice way to let the season last a little longer, something I totally needed-I was just not ready to let go of the holiday season but I think I am getting there. After two wonderful Christmas celebrations, I am feeling satisfied and fulfilled. I am guessing I just needed to celebrate with my family to really take it all in! Just being with family cements the reason for the season and I love that! We had a great dinner, opened presents, and watched My Idiot Brother...a different movie, but I really liked it!

And now, 2012 begins! Wow, it is just crazy how time flies! This year went by particularly fast and I have a sneaky suspicion that this is a fore taste of years to come....boo! But I guess it does me know good to dwell on how quickly time flies but rather on the amazing things I do to fill that time.

Last year I wrote a list of things I wanted to fulfill for that year. I did pretty good with that list, even exceeded in some areas, but it is nice to look back and see what I wanted then, and what I want now. It is also a great reminder of little things that I find important and want to place more emphasis on. I love that fact that last year I put pack less when I travel but just last week I was schlepping pounds of luggage around the airport...some things may just never happen! So, in sticking with tradition, here is my list for 2012.

Ringing in 2012 (List)!

1. Focus on my amazing marriage and count my blessings. I am married to my absolute best friend and I thank God daily for bringing us together and giving us (going on) 10 years together. I am looking so forward to what the future has in store for us!
2. Continue to prioritize family and make sure that I stay in touch with family both near and far away!
3. Continue running and working out
4. Make eating healthy a priority again
5. Read more books
6. Enjoy the last two courses of my Master's education
7. TRAVEL
8. Attend more sporting events
9. Take more walks...it doesn't always have to be a run.
10. Continue to find good, healthy, tasty recipes!
11. Work hard at work, and play hard outside of work.
12. Don't sell myself short
13. Let me friends know just how much they mean to me
14. Try new restaurants
15. Eat organic, cage free, grass fed as much as possible
16. Tell funny stories
17. Learn a rock star joke
18. Go camping
19. Play cards with my grandma
20. Live everyday to the fullest...don't live with regrets
21. Be more organized
22. Keep a clean house
23. Pamper my cats even more!
24. Knit a blanket
25. Take it all in

Happy 2012 to my family and friends! I love you all and you made 2011 just wonderful! Here's to another great year!

And a Happy New Year!

I realized in my last post that I didn't include any Christmas morning pictures. I only have a few but here they are...I know my grandma in CO will enjoy seeing them!

Tonight we ring in the New Year. We are doing so in our household by having steak, chicken wings, fries, and salad, followed by popcorn at the movie theatre! Then we will celebrate at midnight with sparkling grape juice, Hawaiian bread and spinach dip! I am looking forward to a fun night! Check back to tomorrow and I will let you all in on my New Years Resolutions!

Does this make you think?

Chaz's aunt gave us all cards for Christmas. I loved the quote they had on them as it really filled me with contentment and comfort.

You will find the road to Christmas

where your hopes and dreams come true,

And your heart will know the magic

that the Season brings to you.

~Garnett A. Schultz

Love it! Just simple, lovely, and true!

Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! I hope it was wonderful and blessed for all. I had the most amazing time in Reno with Chaz's family. It is just crazy how family time can end up meaning more then a trip to an exotic island or a foreign adventure. It really only takes amazing people to provide you with a wonderful vacation and adventure.

I of course missed my family on Christmas but look forward to celebrating with them over the New Year weekend. I love having the 12 days of Christmas to really get some good celebrating in. And as is popular with my family, my decorations will remain remain up until the 12th day of Christmas! It really is a great setup to be able to celebrate christmas with both families! It does't happen every year but when it does, it just feels extra special!

I will update more on the trip later. For now, I just wanted to get on and say Merry Christmas! I hope God has enriched your lives this year and that even through hardship, pain or sorrow, you were able to see the blessings. And if your were lucky enough to experience nothing but joy, be sure to really count your blessings.

Loads of love to everyone this holiday season!

Lovin me some misto...

I wrote on here a while back that to curb the cost of a coffee drink, I sometimes like to get a misto...half coffee, half steamed milk. And with the holiday season here, you can get egg nog in your misto. Since this is a bit of an unhealthy habit, I just ask for 1/4 of the drink to be egg nog instead of half.

This little number is super tasty and costs about half the price of a latte...around 50 cents more then a cup of coffee.

This got me to thinking though...wouldn't it be great to make this at home but with Holly Nog (light egg nog). Sure I can heat milk on the stove and then add it to my coffee, but there is something wonderful about steamed milk.

Cue wish list!

There are two options at Target.

One is this handy frother that doesn't use steam so it can mix hot and cold drinks.
http://www.target.com/p/Aerolatte-Milk-Frother-Stainless-Steel-with-Stand/-/A-10141928?reco=Rec_pdp_10141928_ClickCP_Adjacency

I love the steam aspect though and don't need to dirty the whole kitchen so maybe something like this would be better. Steam and froth at the same time!
http://www.target.com/p/AROMA-MILK-FROTHER-2-CUP/-/A-13759561?reco=Rec_pdp_13759561_ClickCP_Adjacency

Yeah, Aroma Milk Frother it is! Maybe I'll have to buy this little number soon! Better yet, maybe by Thanksgiving and I could play barista for everyone. Mmmm...pumpkin spice dunkin doughnuts coffee with Holly Nog...I can taste the holiday season already!