Cooking For One

I've been missing this handsome fella something fierce here lately. Time is creeping by and its got me going stir crazy. I feel like there's still so much time to go and so much happening before he gets home. I'm swamped with work and school, on top of trying to maintain a healthy well balanced diet and work out plan. I'm managing I am, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my bad days. 

Hurry home baby I miss you, to pieces and your dogs are driving me crazy!!!! 

This is one of the pictures from the night he left, which I never posted because they break my heart every time I look at them. 

While G's been away I've completely changed my eating habits.... for the better. I'm by no means converting to going 100% clean but I am happy to say that I am now eating 75-80 % clean meals which is a huge change for me. I did a straight 15 days clean eating the last part of March and well I only caved twice during those 15 days. Progress and Practice People. 

I've enjoyed making some yummy new meals and even revamping some of our favorite meals into a healthy cleaner version. 

Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Chicken and Spinach for breakfast. 

Baked Apple Slices for a afternoon snack. 

Turkey Taco Salad w/ Fresh Canned Salsa for dinner.

 Are just a few of the yummy dishes I've been cooking up here these past few weeks. 

Speaking of being swamped with School, My friend / Co-worker / Classmate and I met up at Starbucks last weekend for a study date and spent a good 3+ hours working on one paper, ONE!!!! Only to find out a few days later we still needed to add to it. Not much but still, the fact that I had it or though I had it done and now its not is so aggravating. This whole back to school thing is still new to me, but I'm making it work. I'm so blessed and glad to be back in the classroom, but ready for summer break. (did I mention I might be taking a summer class aahhhhh)

Oh and I'm officially back on the streets!!! I took the winter off from running, why well because it was freaking cold out and I'm a wimp. I feel like a new person out there running. I was worried I'd struggle a bit at first to get my grove back but that hasn't been the case and it just makes me want to push and strive that much more. It just goes to show that this new life style I've created for myself has really benefited me in more way's then one.

 It's My Birthday Month!!! Holla!!!! 

And I've set a goal to run 29 miles in the month of April to celebrate my (soon to be) 29 years of life!!! 9 miles down and only 20 to go, I'm off to a great start!! 

And just for fun.....we got new jump ropes at school this past week and I had so much fun getting out there and breaking them in with the kids. I seriously felt like I was back in middle school gym class. Anyone looking to get me a birthday gift, here's a idea!!!! lol. No but for reals!!! 

January Review Week-2

I totally failed this week on the no spend January Month. In my defense all purchase were for a good cause or good reason. I'm working on a little something for the hubbs and well I can't say what it is on here but lets just say he's gonna LOOOOOVVVVVE it. So with that being said my target trip was much needed for this little project, plus I needed dog food. I did make a few other random small purchases over the weekend for a few things I'm working on at home and some needed items. I had a gift card for the majority of it so it wasn't to bad. It was such a beautiful weekend I seriously wanted to spend the whole time outside and while I spend a good amount outside, washing my car by hand was not on the to do list. But it needed washing something bad, so I splurged and drove it through one of those fancy car washes. In all honesty I've given it my best effort but life happens and gets in the way sometimes. This little project I'm working on wasn't planned going into January so it has kinda put a damper on things. But its gonna be worth it. 

As far as the 21 day no junk food challenge I did pretty darn fabulous good, I only caved twice. Once at work on Wednesday when our sweet cook made Pizza Rolls for lunch. OMG her pizza rolls are so so yummy. There on a croissant roll and seriously are the simplest most unhealthiest thing ever to make but so tasty. I just couldn't pass them up, she only makes them for lunch like once a month. The other time I caved was this morning when I made banana nut muffins for breakfast. I was desperate and going to be home all morning with plans to clean the whole house and needed something to kick start my morning. They were quick and easy from a package but mighty tasty. 

Still going strong on my other New Years Goals and quite happy with that. I'm determined to make this a great year. So with that said I'm going to start putting some of those DIY Pinterest home project's together. I mean why else do I pin them right, not for them to just sit on my board and look pretty. 

January Review Week-1

Well let's just say I gave it my best effort and I did pretty good (kinda) for the first week of the month. I've been pretty good with the no junk food 21 day challenge. Ugh, till it came to this weekend. Not gonna lie its been pretty hard some days but all it took was alittle will power and I pushed through but fell off the wagon over the weekend just a smig. This past week I had two mini bags of pretzels (which were gluten & fat free) from the vending machine at work. (on separate day's of course) I asked around at work and more people then not considered them not to be chips. I was desperate, hungry and had a dollar bill on me which never happens because I do not carry cash. I didn't consider it breaking the "No Spend January". For NSP I opted not to use my debit card. However let me clarify, I do not / did not have cash pulled out or set aside to use during the month. I just happen to have it tucked away in my wallet. 

So moving on, I never had to go on post unless I'm going shopping at the commissary which is about once a month. I did have to go this past week to pick up a refill at the pharmacy though. Which just happens to be located a few doors down from a Smoothie King, my weakness and the only one in town. I'm a huge fan I went back and forth all morning before going weather I was going to get one. I mean there's not another SK in the city and who knew when I'd be back on post again. So I caved and splurged spending a whopping $6.89 on a (healthy mind you) lunch. Friday morning one of our parents brought in Donuts for us, it was Friday PEOPLE!!!! I caved and indulged on a donut or two ok ok 3 but that's it and seriously I never eat donuts so it was a treat. A treat I should have done with out but I didn't. I had a sleepover with my Sweet Little Friend Savvy this weekend and had to stop and get something to finish dinner with and a small baby shower gift. Which are ok purchases on the "NSJ". However this afternoon when I was taking Savvy home she wanted cupcakes so we stopped. Who's the best Auntie!!!! Oh Yea Right here!!!! $16.50 on cupcakes all for her and the little dude. I did get one for myself because well, why the heck not. I only ate half of it which means I only half failed. Besides 3 small house hold bills that had to be paid and a late Christmas gift to myself. It was already budgeted for, I already had the money set aside for it (from my NeNe), I was just waiting for the item to come back in stock. 

I finished off the week with a Friend from work at a baby shower for one of our Co-Workers. Were I had two chicken salad sandwiches on croissant rolls. They were fabulous and after I left I felt so awful for eating them. blah. I refused to walk by the dessert table not to be tempted and I held my head high and did great. 

1 week down 3 more to go. Here's for a even better week 2. How are you doing on your New Years Goal's / Resolution's? 

Aside from this little January Challenge I've been doing really well on my New Year's Goals. Of course its only 10 days in but I'm quite proud of myself.

Baby Shower Shenanigan and my new Wifey sweater from my Spouse (Love it and You Girl, thanks a million) Paired with my Tiffany & Co. Crystal Tear Drop my husband bought me for our 3 yr Wedding Anniversary. 

Less Than A Week Away.....

I really can't believe that I'm less than a week away from running my very first Half Marathon. I'm sure to some your thinking, really big deal I've done plenty or even a full. Well props to you because I can only hope to be were you are one day. I've come so far in the last two months with my running then I ever expected. When Kelly first mentioned to me at the beginning of January about doing a half with her I had doubts of even being remotely ready. The thought "I only have two months to train" kept crossing my mind. Although I had been running for quite some time I didn't think I was ready for that long of a distance. Not yet any way. I mean a Half Marathon, 13.1 miles......that's A LOT if you ask me. 

 Well let me tell you exactly two months later after signing up I am SOOO READY. 

Two months was / has been plenty of time to train and get ready for it. We've lucked out pretty good with our training schedule and weather. Sure we've had some pretty chilly (crazy cold) morning and evening runs but after we get going, I always seem to warm up. Even through the rain and some sleet we've kept going and pushed through. I've gone through 3 different pairs of shoes and I've finally found a pair that I love. I've found some great running FB pages were I've read some really inspiring stories from other runners 5k-Full Marathon racers. I've ran many race's in between training which has totally helped and only pushed me that much more. 

I've come so far from were I was, I've changed so much and I've learn so much in the last two months and I owe it all to Kelly. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and didn't think I could do this. She's kept me going and pushed my butt that little bit more each time when I needed it. I'm doing this for me, to prove to myself I can do anything I put my whole heart, mind and soul into. 

I'm so excited and can't wait for Saturday to get here. Although when I have to get up crazy retarded early that excitement might be a little less. 

 I just wanted to give a big shout out and THANK YOU to each and everyone of you who have followed along this journey with me. Those of you who've supported, commented and left encouraging and inspiring comments and messages. Thank you all so much, it means more than you will ever know.  I can't wait to share my Half Marathon story with you next weekend. 

Best part is the hubs will be there to cheer and support me along the way. (from the start and finish line that is, he's not running it) Which is a super big deal seeing he's only been to one other race I've ran. 

5 days left y'all yikes, say a little prayer for me on Friday night Saturday morning if you'll please.

Running into 2013

I'm jumping back on the 500 Mile train for 2013. I did pretty well in 2012 but I didn't quite reach goal. No worries there's always plenty of time this year and thankfully its starting off pretty well. I'm already about 20 miles in and its only the 21st of January. I have a race this coming up weekend (10k) and then 2 in March (a 5k &) which includes my very first Half Marathon. So there's another 22 miles right there, plus all the training I'll be doing leading up to those races. Yesterday was our long run day, we only planned on running about 6 miles and ended up finishing it off at 9.52 (yes the .02 count). It's so hard to get a long run in during the week just because it gets dark so early. I don't mind going on the weekends though, because I am fully committed, refreshed from the work week and ready to go. If you want you can read my 500 Miles in 2012 post HERE. I also have links to my first two races there and what jumped started my journey on running. Over the last year I've become more and more committed and in love with running. Its by far the best stress reliever ever and I feel so good about myself after I finish a run no matter how long or short it is. I'm by no means a great all-star runner, I don't have a super fast mile minute pace like my husband but I believe for me and myself alone I'm doing great. I've come a long way from when I first started back when we lived in Hawaii. I never in my life would have though I would enjoy it as much as I do. If you would have asked me about 2 years ago if I'd be were I am today I'd probably laugh at you. One step at a time, one run at a time & I'm getting better than the day before. I've found that having a running partner has helped tremendously, it helps keep me accountable and the other person as well. I've ran with a few different people on random occasions here in the South & I never felt that connection or drive to keep pushing myself until I started running with Kelly. It's like a whole new world opened up and I've been going strong ever since. I do have those days were I don't wanna go, I just wanna go home from work and call it a day. However I know she's waiting on me, and I don't want to let her down so I suck it up and go. Afterwards I feel so much better and I'm always so glad I went. I'm focusing 100% on my running this year and building my miles. I'm building a better lifestyle for myself, getting my body in the BEST SHAPE ever (on my 30 b4 30 list) and loosing weight in the process. I have hopes / dreams / plans......HECK I'm going to do it....of running a Marathon before I'm 30. It's also on my 30 b4 30 list. (If you haven't checked it out just go HERE) I am not going to put the pressure on myself of trying to do it in 2013, but 2014 you better believe it. Baby steps, one thing at a time. I love running with my Nike+ watch that the hubbs got me the year before last for Christmas. It helps me track my pace, miles, calories & time. I try not to look at it while I'm running but when I get home and plug it in to my computer I'm able to see how I did. I can compare my runs, see were I need to improve and what I might need to do differently next time. I recently went and was fitted for proper running shoes for my feet and two weeks later I can already tell a big difference. Even with the change in the type of socks I was wearing. You really can't skimp on running and getting your body fit. Every little detail makes the biggest difference now and in the long run. I'm still learning as I go and making adjustments as needed. Since I've started running with Kelly I've learned that I need to walk it off after I finish running. My heart rate is up so high that I can't just stop moving. I need to slowly let it drop back down to a normal pace. Before I would never do this now I know better & really it makes so much more sense. It's one of those things you don't know or think about until someone tells you and explains why. Also stretching I'm horrible about it but I've gotten better, I don't want to fall behind or slack off because of my lack to stretch my body out before and after I run. It takes 10-15 minutes & it makes the world of a difference. I've got a long way to go but at the same time I've come a long way!!! I couldn't be more happier with myself right now.

2013 = a new year and a new me!!!!

500 miles in 2013 I will make it!!!! 

Check back in the months to come for a Mile count up!!!

January -

February-   

March- 

April-

May- 

June-

July-

August-

September-

October-

November-

December-

Any tips, suggestions from my fellow runners out there ?!?!?!? 

You can track my progress and Milage HERE the link is on my tool bar at the top of my blog as well!!!!! 

Summer in January

It's a beautiful day to be outside enjoying the warm weather. To bad I wasn't off work, only on my lunch. Hey I'll take 70 degrees any day during the winter months though. Jealous much?!?! You shouldn't be. Lol, why, because I'll just enjoy it for you. Five day forecast shows the temps in the mid 70's for the remaining week leading into the weekend. I'm sure once we start to hit triple digits again I won't be loving the warmer weather so much. For now though I'll enjoy it.

Most days I go home on my lunch to let the pups out. Today was no different, only thing was they were going for a little ride. Poor pooches had a vet check up today. While we waited out turn to be called we hung out in the back of dads (the hubbs) truck. It was to nice to be stuck in side a waiting room with a bunch of other crazy four legged furry friends. They though they ruled the way then. I just love these two, to pieces!!!

Later that evening after work I took my first Strength class at a local gym here in the South. My running partner K teaches the class and asked me to come check it out. Of course I couldn't turn her down. Let me tell you I could barley move after it. 45 minutes of weights with squats, lunges, push up & sit ups and add in 10 minutes to Tabatas at the end. I'll be lucky if I can run tomorrow let alone walk. I felt so good about myself afterwards, trying something new and pushing through. I'm looking forward to taking it again and trying out some of the other classes they have to offer at Jamie Scott Fitness. 

You know just adding in some cross training with the running, got to build up my strength and tone my body. 

Monday Fun Day Blues

I'm happy to say that my run went a lot better tonight. I was so motivated and pumped when I got off work. I completely erased yesterday out of my head, with a fresh start nothing was going to hold me back. I pushed though it and ran it out as hard as I could. Still it wasn't a great as previous run and I know now that its just going to take a good couple runs to get used to my new shoes. But I'm not going to let that get me down. I did once, (yesterday) and I'm not going to let it happen. I'm motivated more than ever and I have nothing to loose but everything to gain. There's no stopping me now!!!! 

On another note: when I was in Texas back in October I bought my Mamaw this high speed toaster that she wanted for her birthday. In the shopping process I found this fabulous crock pot that was made by the same brand as the toaster. I just had to have it, and of course I needed it in Hot Pink!!!! My mamaw decided she would get it for us for Christmas. We quickly found out that this color wasn't sold in stores. Ok so problem solved we'll order it on line.....NOT.......it was sold out and has been for the past 2 plus Months. I think it was a couple days before Christmas my Mamaw (or my mom, I don't remember who it was) called me and told me that my mom had order the crock pot. It was finally back in stock on line. YAY!!!!! The color I wanted. My beautiful Hot Pink Crock Pot arrived this evening. It's not the same color pink as my KitchenAid but that's ok it's going to look great in our kitchen when we use it anyways. I mean seriously how many people can say they have a PINK Crock Pot. 

PS: is it Friday yet?!?!? I'm ready for Saturday and Sunday again......I really enjoyed my semi lazy weekend yesterday & the day before. 

Breaking Them In.

Remember in my earlier post from today when I said I don't do well with change, 

well here's a little story about what happen today. 

K and I had plans to go run today but she decided since it was so cold, rainy and crummy out that she should keep her little one in. Makes total since, don't wanna get the baby sick. But I of course had to try out my new shoes that I'd got the day before and hit the streets running, literally. :) I was so pumped and ready to go, the cold weather didn't phase me at all. I'm actually kinda used to running in it now, although some days it still kinda sucks. I was about 2 miles in to my run and my feet were feeling it something bad. I don't know if it was really just all in my head or that fact that I took a different route today running or if it was me just getting used to new shoes, I didn't wear my running socks (socks really do make a difference). I mean it could have been a ton of different things. But my run wasn't great at all, I wanted to quit and just give in and walk the rest of the way home. Even if that did mean a LONG walk in the cold dreary ugly weather. But I DIDN'T I sucked it up and finished my run, I kept telling myself I was lapping everyone sitting at home on the couch. I blamed it all on the shoes, I was so disappointed and frustrated with myself. I had lost all hope for the day and was so down and hard on myself. How could this be, I've become such a good, faithful runner and now all of a sudden I'm stuck in a rut. How in the world was I suppose to run a half marathon in two months at this rate. I texted K and told her what was going on and how I was feeling. She reminded me that not every day is going to be a good day, that there's going to be tuff ones here and there and that's just life. Sometimes we fall and just need that little boost to get us back up. The weather was crappy, they were new shoes, the route was different, it was semi rainy / misty. I hadn't really eaten before I went, I wasn't totally awake. Not to make blame or find excuses but it had to be something right? My feet had never really hurt before when I had to break in new shoes or when I switched, so that's why I was so thrown off. Although I did go from wearing Minimalist shoes to Comfort supported shoes which was a big change and I'm sure that had something to do with it. 

I did it though, I didn't give up. I kept going with my head held as high as I could. :) We have plans to run tomorrow (Monday) after work and I plan on wearing my new running shoes with the right socks. I have to give them a chance, after all they were properly fitted for my feet. The good thing about the store were I got them from is still even after a week or so of trying them and I'm still not happy with them I can take them back and get fitted for a different pair. This is just a small road bump in my day, I refuse to let it get me down. Although the rest of the day did end up being a lazy one at home not doing much. Hey it was Sunday the hubs was at work, he had CQ and I had no plans. Do you blame me ?!!?!?!