Picking Up The Pieces

Just a little bit of life lately and a Instagram dump. Because every blog needs a catch all here and there right, to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest of what's going on in our life. hee hee. 

Dinner in Nashville a few weeks back at Hattie B's. It was quite tasty, we must have gone at the right time because we got right in. Typically this place is packed with a line out the door and down the side of the building. I went with the chicken tenders, coleslaw pimento cheese mac n cheese. I was semi disappointed to find out that they only serve their Chicken and Waffles on Sundays. :( 

Finding ourselves in Nashville once again we went to Blaze Pizza for lunch. You can choose from one of their pizza's on the menu or you can "customize your own" and its made right there in front of you. This place reminded me so much of Chipotle and let me tell you it was so so good!!! We'll def. be going back here. I got the BBQ Chicken and the hubbs got the Green Stripe. Both where delis!!!

Our most resent Nashville outting was complete by gathering some goodies from some of my favorite stores that we don't have in Clarksville, such as Trader Joes, REI and Fresh Market. I'll say we cleaned up pretty well and are going to be eating some tasty snacks. I finally got my hands on Cookie Butter which I'd been looking EVERY where for, for months. Its soon good!!! 

 What better way to enjoy your 3 day weekend, Thank You Labor Day. Then go for a nice long run on post. I typically don't run on post. In fact this was the first time I ran on Ft. Campbell. I wanted to change things up, you know put a little spice in my life. I didn't have a set milage I wanted to run when I headed out but knew I wanted to make it a long one. And that I did, 15 miles just shy of 2.5 hrs and I was sweating my booty off. But it felt great. I'm officially training for my 2nd Full Marathon, which I plan to complete next April for my 30th birthday. Yikes we aren't talking about that though. 

 This past weekend the hubbs and I headed out early EARLY Saturday morning for a quick two day trip to Louisiana for a wedding. One of the Soldiers in his platoon was getting married to the Post's Deputy General's Daughter and had plans to attend. Driving through the city of Monroe we where talking and the hubbs made a big deal about it. I wasn't sure why he was making such a deal for then he reminded me about the Duck Commander store / filming location. Well of course we had to stop then. We / I are big fan and I had to get the obligatory picture in front of the sign. The "shop" turned store was packed with loads of goodies and souvenirs to take home. We took a quick look around before heading back on the road. 

 Only 3 hours away from home, if only we come make a quick stop. But only having two day's we just couldn't swing it. 

 We stopped for lunch once in Shreveport at a local restaurant and the hubbs orders Fire Gator bites even after I told him I would NOT be trying them. Something about it just completely weirds me out and I just can't do it. The idea of eating Alligator, NO thank you. However he pretty much twisted my arm and I tried the tiniest bite. No it wasn't horrible but just the idea of it I couldn't get behind. Mixed in was fried Jalapeño slices so I chowed down on those since the hubbs doesn't care for Jalapeños by themselves. 

Busy enjoying ourselves and the beautiful wedding I failed on getting any pictures of us at all. EPIC FAIL. I was so bummed, but there's always another time. I did get a picture with my fabulous boots on. I mean you can't go to a country themed wedding and not wear your boots!!! It was a absolutely beautiful wedding and I couldn't be more happy for the newly weds. I'm so glad we where able to make the trip out to be apart of their celebration. 

The next morning we slept a little bit, if you call 5am sleeping in. We decided to take advantage of the hotel's complementary breakfast they have. I mean after all I'm pretty sure we paid for it in our rate some how or another. Waffles, Yogurt, Banana's and a Muffin just to name a few things that may have crossed my plate. On the road by 6:30am headed home. 

Our GPS took us out of Louisiana through some back country roads and blessed us with this beautiful sunrise. It doesn't get more relaxing or better than looking over a fog covered pasture with cows out grazing around. 

On our drive home we finally had a chance to stop at the largest Bass Pro Shop ever. The outside looks way neat, and on the inside you'll have just about everything your normal BPS has. I think it get's the title being the largest one simple from the building size. There is a restaurant inside, a body of water aka mini pond that has boats for display and I believe its the worlds tallest free standing glass elevator in the middle. It's one of those places where we can save we've been and check it off the list of must see's. 

Back at it first thing Monday morning. My BB group is hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge this week and its just what I need after a weekend of splurging. I'm going all out and doing 10 days. We have another little trip planed next weekend and I / we plan to fully indulge in lots of yummy goodness. 

Day 1 workout complete, and lunch curtesy of Hops Java and Juice in downtown Clarksville. This little joint has only been only about 2 maybe 3 months and let me tell you they are fabulous. All clean, organic, natural ingredients. Plus selection of baked goodies, a ice cream bar and pup cups (puppy ice cream). Its just what we needed here in town. My new Monday lunch spot, Military Monday Discount day. 

Tuesday I headed out for a 6 mile ride after my morning work out and it was so chilly. I'm not at all ready for the cold weather, I mean really who is. I'm really enjoying my bike and even more so that we both where able to purchased one when we where home in Texas. I try to make a point to go riding at least twice a week in the mornings before work and then the two of us go together on a longer ride on Sunday's. We've been going on post and riding around a couple different area's which has been really nice. I foresee lots of fun times ahead of us. :) 

"We've got Spirit, Yes we do. We've got Spirit, How about You?"  It's Spirit week at school and today was Story Book Day. Dress up as a Story book character. Barbie and I decided that we'd go together as a team, seeing's after all we are always working together and getting into one thing or another. I'm not one for dressing up all the time and to be honest this was the first time this week I remembered or even put effort into what I was going to wear. I have to say our outfits / costumes turned out pretty darn cute and we had so many complements on them.  

I suppose that catches things up for a bit. Until next time folks. 

Wrapping up Texas

*Wednesday After finally getting back to the Lone Star State we grabbed lunch with NeNe at David's BBQ. Its only the best BBQ place around the area and since I sadly don't get it that often since the hubbs isn't a huge fan of red meat I make sure to indulge in my fair share of it when I go home. You just can't go wrong with David's. That afternoon we went to visit my mom and see her new house. The people she rents from have horse stables behind her so we where able to go out and feed the horses. We relaxed and hung out at NeNe's for the afternoon and enjoyed a tasty dinner that she made. 

*Thursday we woke up early and went back to Dallas for a ride around White Rock Lake. We saw it the first time we went over there when we went to get Donuts at Hypnotic Donuts. The hubbs though it would make for a great ride being a almost 10 mile loop. We started just as the sun started to peek out which made for a beautiful sunrise.

Of course we couldn't be that close to Hypnotic Donuts and not stop in for one more visit before closing out our trip. I when plan and simple on the donut this time and got a Glazed. It was pretty tasty. I also decided to try there Maribeth breakfast sandwich - Chicken in a biscuit with house made peppered gravy and tater tops. It was so good, I've never had anything like it before. Well worth the splurge even though it was crazy messy to eat. 

That afternoon we went to visit with my Aunt Vonda for a bit followed by a stop at my Mamaw's house. Gosh I miss my family so so much, living so far away has its up's and down's for sure. My Uncle Richard and Aunt Holly live in Mamaw's house now, we went by to visit them and it was the first time I'd seen the house since Mamaw passed away. Just pulling up to the house it looked the same yet SO SO different. Standing there at the door my heart sank and tears started to fill my eyes. My heart was beating so fast and all the pain and heart ache of her passing came rushing back. Never in a million dreams did I think she would have been gone so soon. 

Still today I have a hard time dealing with the loss of my most cherished family member. She was my best friend my rock. No one was home so we didn't go inside. Apart of my was a bit relieved because I wasn't sure I could handle any more. I knew the entire inside would be different and I wasn't sure I would be able to handle it. 

We decided to get lunch at a new place called Super Chix, it wasn't to bad. I still prefer Chicken Express but I was pleased with one of their side choice's Fresh Fruit. We ran a few earns before heading back to the house to relax for a bit. The hubbs originally had a shooting match scheduled for that evening but he decided to cancel so we could spend our last evening in town with NeNe. Dinner at Babe's, one last must have before leaving the great state of Texas. If you've never been to Babe's Chicken, your seriously missing out. The food, The Atmosphere, The Staff, The Music, did I mention THE FOOD its all perfect. Endless Mash Potatoes, Cream Corn, Smoked Green Beans, Buttermilk Biscuits and Salad all served family style. With your choice of meat from Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Fried Catfish, Chicken Fried Steak, Hickory Smoked Chicken. Its all so good, one of my favorite places to eat when I go home. 

We ended our evening with a late night trip to Barnes and Nobles followed up with one last visit to Braums and of course I splurged on a double scoop - a scoop of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream topped with a scoop of Peppermint Ice Cream. I'd lost count at this point on how many double scoops I enjoyed while being home, but that's ok right. That's what vacation is for. 

*Friday morning we had plans to go for a bike ride but the hubbs wasn't feeling it. Instead we decided to ride up to a little local place for breakfast. It wasn't the sweaty ride I was expecting to have that morning, but we did enjoy it. Being able to ride our bikes to various places and not have to drive has been really nice. 

We took the morning to be lazy, relax and pack up all our crap from NeNe's house (literally, we brought so much with us, you would have though we where moving in.) and decided to be lazy for a bit before going to meet up with my brother for lunch at his work. I've heard so much about what he does and where he works but I've never been out there so it was nice to finally see where he spends his days. 

After lunch we headed home to load the car and go pick up my little not so little cousin Shae before heading to the river for the weekend. We where also able to visit with my Cousin Ant, my Aunt Holly and her parents a bit while we where there. Its always nice to see her parents, I've always considered them family. A quick stop at Mamaw's house so Shae could grab something forced me to go inside since my Uncle Richard was home. Walking through the door my heart was pounding, it took all I had to hold back the tears and try not to look around to much to noticed how everything was so different. Yet it was staring me in the face. The house I once spent so much time in and that held so many memories was so different and would never be the same. 

Before heading to the river we had one last stop, we where meeting up with two of my high school beat friends and their husbands for dinner. Sadly shortly after arriving at the restaurant they both had to cancel. I was so disappointed and hurt. I had been looking forward to seeing them both and catching up since we had planned our trip home. We didn't let it keep us from enjoying our dinner though, you can never go wrong with Mexican Food and even better when there's Sopaipilla's involved. 

We had a great time in Texas and I can't wait to go back. I miss home like crazy and being back just reminded me that a piece of me will always want to move back here some day. I'm already looking forward to and planning our next trip home. 

1 Week Down a LifeTime To Go!!!

          (its long but I PROMISE its worth the read!!!)
          I had the chance a couple weeks ago to participate in a Beach Body on Demand free 14 day program. I was apart of a challenge group where we helped keep each other accountable by checking in at the end of each day. The coaches that ran the group where great and super support supportive. Giving us challenges and recommendations to keep everyone involved on track. I was totally bummed when the 14 days ended and was looking for more. That's when my ever so Sweet Blog Friend Jenny (whom I learned about the initial program from) introduced me to her next challenge group starting up. "Spring into Summer" The Beach Body 21 Day Fix Extreme plan. I was hesitant at first for many reason but my excitement and drive to continue my journey to getting fit and living a healthy life far exceeded those fears. I talked it over with the hubbs to get his take and opinion on the program. I talked it over with a friend whose gone through the program as well. After going back and forth I bit the bullet and signed up to be a Beach Body Coach and haven't looked back once. I spent the next few days (and still currently) searching through Pinterest for approved meal plans: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, treats, snacks you name it I wanted to know everything. Suggestions on how to incorporate this into my life. Not to mention the million and one questions I had for Jenny, she was such a doll to answer them all and so supportive.
          Once I received my kit in the mail I spent the evening reading every piece of material provided. I was so excited to get started with this new journey. I made out my meal plan for the week according to the container allotments I was allowed and took the weekend to prep for the week ahead. Something I've been doing already since the hubbs has been gone, I just had to put a little more work into it this go around. Which was a big reason behind wanting to do this program in the first place. I've been eating the right foods, clean / healthy foods but not necessarily the right portion amounts for each food group. With 21 Day Fix Extreme program it lays it all out there for you. Its pretty much fool proof. Included is a nutrition guide / food plan - that goes along with each food group and a coordinating colored container (also included) that allows you to measure out your foods. 3 sets of work out DVD's and a weekly schedule to follow. If that wasn't enough also included is a month supply of Shakeology, which is a meal replacement protein shake filled with super foods your body needs. Shakeology helps with increasing your energy levels, reduces cravings, weight loss, improves digestion and regularity and simply transforms your health. - i.e.: straight from the website. (I've had shakeology a couple times before but it was only a small sample pack and I didn't stick with it.)
          Today I officially completed the first of three weeks in my first round of the 21 day fit extreme plan. It wasn't completely horrible at all, in fact I had trouble making sure I fit in all my containers when making out my meal plan for the week. But I got it done. I've grown to love shakeology, it tastes amazing and really is a great way to start my day. I've found that I've been in a much better mood through the day and much more alive if you will. I go to bed looking forward to waking up just so I can have my Shake-O. It's that good!!! I'm currently drinking Strawberry but can't wait to try out some of the other flavors. This past week had definitely opened my eyes to a new way of looking at food and how to incorporate it into my day. Not to mention the workouts, 30 minutes might not sound like you'd get that much out of it but boy let me tell you. I used to bust my butt for almost a hour every morning. With the 21 DFX I'm sweating my booty off half way through it. And I'm not doing the same routine every day.
          Needless to say I'm loving this new me and the 21 DFX program. It's something I plan to continue with even after the 21 days is up. That includes my daily does Shakeology. I plan to even continue with the Fix after my husband returns from deployment. I've worked to hard over the past several months since he's been gone to toss it all out the window when he comes home. It will most definitely be a adjustment, I'm not going to lie, it will be a struggle to get into a routine and learn how to cook according to the Fix for Two. But I'm up for the challenge and I'm not going to let life get the best of me.
          Living a New Fit Healthy Life Style has become a new love of mine. Not to say I lived a horribly awful one with horrible choices before. I / we ate relatively healthy, (we lacked in the veggie and fruit department) I didn't exercise but I did run quite a bit. However that wasn't enough. And I know that now. I don't know everything about being healthy and working out or making the right choices nor will I ever I'm sure. But I'm learning as I go and enjoying the ride to a better me. Will there be mistakes, cheat days, frustrations, failures, times I want to give up. YOU BET. Will I pick myself up and dust off my feet and keep going? YOU BET.
          I've only got one life to live. I plan on living it to the fullest. The longest, To the best of my ability. I know the only way to do that is through trusting God and his plan for me. I strongly whole heartily believe this is his plan. I've got a wonderful support system through many friend both in real life and through my challenge group and of course my biggest supporter my husband. I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for him.
          I say all of this (my own opinion, review and feed back) to 1) keep myself accountable. 2) put out there what has changed about me through this deployment and how I've grown. 3) to give you and / or someone you know the knowledge I've gained.

You've got goals, dreams???

          If you are looking to jump start your life to a healthier you, drop a few or several pounds, maybe break some old habits, fit into those jeans or swim suite again (hello summer is HERE) or simply want to get your nutrition on track. Please Please let me know. I would more than love to help you with that. I promise you wont regret it at all, in fact you'll be thanking me later. 

1 week down a LIFETIME to go!!!! 

Weekly Running Wrap Up and More

* I haven't typically run much through our little neighborhood because well its pretty small. To get any good distance in with out venturing out on the main road I'd have to do a couple loops around our circle. That gets old real quick. Last week I did finally make my way into the neighborhood that's right across from ours. Just thinking it was a short dead in street I figured I'd at least check it out. Low and behold I ran across this street sign. Made me miss my love so so much!!! I was able to get a good 4 miles combine with my normal route all together. So not to shabby. 

* April 10th made a year that we signed on our house here in TN, I still can't believe sometimes that we own a home. It's been a great year and we've learned a lot about being home owners. Thankfully we haven't had any problems at all. Knock on Wood. We've made a few changes / adjustments around the house but for the most part its been working well just as is for us. I'm looking forward to many many more years of memories made in our first home.  

* Last Sunday I met up with one of our sweet friends from our time at Jackson. Drill SGT Cutter was here at Campbell going through a school for a couple weeks. Her and the Hubbs were Drill SGT's in the same Platoon together and became good friends. I know G was bummed he didn't get to see her but it was great to catch up and have a yummy lunch together. 

* That afternoon I decided I'd better run off that yummy fried chicken I had at lunch and counter balance it with a healthy protein filled dinner. A 4 mile run and a Avocado Boiled Egg Sandwich was the perfect ending to a great weekend!!! 

DS Cutter, the Hubbs, DS Brady 

* The week before last I was pretty stoked with my run and pace. 4 miles in under 40 minutes and my pace was in the high 9's. Not to shabby at all for just getting back into the running season. Little did I know that was only the beginning. 

* This past Wednesday rolled around and I headed out for my run on my lunch break. I never really have a plan going into it during my lunch runs, I just go for it and figure it out along the way. 3.10 miles later - I was over the moon with my pace and time. It may not be much for some but for me it was awesome. 

* April's my Birthday month, I'll be 29 so I set a goal to run (at least) 29 miles during the month. I accomplished and passed that goal on Friday with my 5 mile run during my break. I went down further than I normally do on my route which meant I had some killer hills to come up on my way back. Figuring that would set my pace back a little, I was mentally prepared for it. Nope I crushed it yet again. 

--I've got the distance down, now it's just working on the pace. I'm not trying to get to a certain pace or time. Simply working on pushing myself, maintaining and getting stronger and if my pace continues to gets better that's just a added bonus.--

* A friend of mine from Texas makes these cute adorable signs, pretty much anything you want it to say she can to. I set her this quote I'd see a while back that I though would be fitting for our back patio and she had it whipped up in no time. I'm just getting around to hanging it up but I think it fits perfect on our patio. 

Weekly Check In

                    This past week I challenged myself to finish out the month of March (which would be 16 days) by eating a completely CLEAN diet. I took some picture through out the week to help keep me accountable. I’ve been working out every morning when I get up before work since the hubbs left. I actually really look forward to waking up and working out each morning. I have also been walking the pups faithfully every day, some times multiple times a day. I’ve been really watching what I eat and controlling my portions (this one has been a big one, but I’m managing just fine). I’ve completely cut out Fast Food all together from my diet and I don’t do Soda. (I haven’t in 4 years.) Not to say that I don’t go out to eat here or there because I do. I’ve just cut out the junk. It started as simply just something to give up while the hubbs was deployed and nothing more. But I’m to the point were I will not go back. I’m sure I’ll have my day’s once he comes home were I’ll struggle to say no because it will just be quick and easy but I’m determined to stick with it. It's a lifestyle change not a diet. 

Saturday, I decided to change it up a bit so the pups and I went up to the Greenway for a stroll. What was just going to be a brisk 4 mile walk turned into a 3 mile run with a mile walk in-between. I would have ran the whole thing but Bailey my bigger pup couldn’t hang. When she’s done she stop’s dead in her tracks and doesn’t move. So I had to walk a bit between mile 2.5 and 3 to give her a rest. I had no intentions on running when I left my house but thankfully I had on good supportive shoes. No running watch, which in hin’s sight was probably better because I didn’t get caught up in my pace. Being it was my first run of the season. It did feel great though and I’m so glad I went for it. When I got home that afternoon I went straight into a 40 minute work out to finish out my day. 

           Sunday morning after church the pups and I went on a 50 minute walk around our neighborhood. It’s really not that big but I add in a side street and then loop around out circle twice and it comes out to 50 minutes. I had a good bit of homework to catch up on that I had put of so once I finished that I took advantage of having nothing to do and was completely lazy. Until 8:45ish that night rolled around I felt guilty because I hadn’t worked out yet so I got my booty up and pushed through a 20 minute work out. Going to bed feeling so much better about myself. 

               Monday morning I woke up 30 minutes earlier than I normally do got in a 40 minute work out and took the pups on a walk. During the week in the mornings I typically only take the pups half way around the neighborhood and cut through the middle street to loop back around. Simply because I always feel like I wont have enough time to make it all the way around and back before I have to leave. I though I’d give it a go this morning since I was ahead of my schedule and I had plenty of time. I even ended up running the back side on the way back. I had class that evening so I took my dinner with me and ate at work before going to class. I’m trying to avoid eating late. When I got home that night I did another 15 minute leg work out before calling it a day. Day 1- clean eating was a success!!! 

 Tuesday I started my new hours at work. The other Pre-school teacher asked if I’d be willing to switch schedules with her and work 7:30-4:30. Hello of course, I will. Anything to get off a bit earlier. The only down fall to that was, meant I was going to have to get up even earlier to get my work out in. I set 5 alarms on my phone before going to bed, fearing I’d sleep through them or hit snooze. Nope I work up right on time at 5:00am. (my goal was 5:30, but the earlier the better) I managed to get in a 50 minute work out at 5AM BEFORE work people!!! Talk about motivation. Then the pups and I headed out for our morning walk well before the sun came up. It was a bit strange to be out walking them in the dark but the temperate was amazing. 500 calories burned before 6:30am and later a freshly made smoothie in hand and I was on my way out the door to work and I even made it there 10 minutes early and wasn’t rushing at all. That evening after getting home I did a 15 minute arm work out, had my Crock Pot Chicken Salad for dinner and called it a night. 

Tuesday was also our St. Patty's day party at work and while the kiddo's enjoyed lots of yummy green treats I held my head high and ate my yogurt and granola. Day 2- clean eating in the books.

                  Wednesday was a little bit more of a struggle to get up at 5am but I managed and made it through my 50 minute work out and headed out the door for our morning walk at 6am with the pups. I used to get up work out get ready for work and then walk the dogs. But now I work out, and right after I walk the them. It makes so much more sense. I can't tell you how many times I'd get ready for work go our for a walk and come back feeling all sweaty. Ewh. This morning I though I'd run the back side of our street coming back around the neighborhood and although I did good and it felt fabulous my Fat girl Bailey though other wise. I just don't think she's got it in her any more. She can only manage running about a mile and she's done. She stops dead were she's at and doesn't move. It's so frustrating because I could be knocking two things out at once, my run and their walk. But I don't want her passing out either so I guess we'll stick to walking when I take them. 

I had a Tropical Oatmeal smoothie for breakfast that morning, took the pups on a 40 minute walk and added in a 15 minute work out from Tone and Tighten before dinner that night. Day 3- clean eat success. 

          Thursday morning up again on time, I'm quite impressed with myself for getting my booty up and moving. I really look forward to starting my mornings off with a good sweat. It's amazing what a workout will do to your attitude and out look for the day. 60 minutes done. That's been my goal, to get my morning work outs up to 60 minutes and I finally did it. No going back now. Morning walk with a 1.25 mile run with the pups before mixing up a Berry and Kale Smoothie and off to work. Another school night so I took my Chicken Salad with me to work for dinner. It's so nice not getting home and 8:45 almost 9pm and still having to eat and get ready for the next day. I wasn't able to take the pups out that evening because it was already late and I was exhausted but I did get my evening work out in. Day 4- Clean eating done!

             Friday morning, oh how glorious it is to see you. I've only got 9 hours till the weekend. I briefly though about skipping my work out this morning but that just wouldn't have worked out. I can't tell you the last time I skipped a morning work out even on the weekends so why start with today. After my 60 minute work out and morning run with the pups I was ready to tackle the day. I have loads of home work to do this weekend but no plans other wise, so I was looking forward to finally being able to sleep in. That evening when I got home the pups and I took our walk around the neighborhood and I did this killer full body work out when we got back. Day 5- of 16 clean eating is complete. 

You start off doing 5 of each set then you go up to 10, 15, 20, 25 of each and then you work your way back down 20, 15, 10 and then 5. The lunges got the best of my and my legs are so sore. But I did it and treated myself to a fabulous salad and some not so yummy blueberry greek yogurt. I got a single serving of the Chobani Greek Yogurt and I was not a fan. It may have simply been that I don't like blueberries but either way, I'll be stick with my Yoplait Greek Yogurt.

      I'm sure I wont recap each week in as much detail so I'm not even going to commit and say that I am. I do keep try of my day's on a calendar on our frig. Here's to next week and finishing out the month strong!!!

Clean Eat's

Here we are half way through March already. I can't believe how quickly time is going by. In way's I'm loving it and then in way's I'm not as crazy as that sounds. I want time to fly by because I'm over this deployment and I want my hubbs home but I'm not ready for winter again. We've just barely started spring. 

I've set a goal for myself for the next two months and I'm determined to reach it. It's totally realistic and maintainable but I need a little strong will to get me there. So I'm planning on finishing out the next 15 day's strong which includes a completely clean eating plan. If I would have though about it at the time I would have taken pictures of my meals as I prepared them and made them up this weekend but I didn't. Blogger fail. Next time for sure though. But here's the run down at what my next two weeks looks like meal wise. 

Post Morning Workout- Homemade Smoothie w/ protein. Already prepped into single servings ready to toss in the mixer with the extras. I made up over a dozen and still have plenty left that I can make. 

Breakfast- Oatmeal. Which I'll have after I get to work and settled with my kiddos. 

Morning Snack- 1 1/2 cups Green Grapes & 1 cup Strawberry. 

Lunch- Meal Replacement Shake and 10 baby carrots. 

Afternoon Snack- Greek Yogurt w/ Granola or Green Apple 

Dinner- Southwestern Chicken on-top of a fully loaded salad & half a baked potato. (week-1) Made!

             Ground Turkey Taco Meat on-top of a fully loaded Salad w/ Avocado. (week-2) 

             Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken (week-3) Already made in single servings in the freeze!

That's it,  no processed foods or extras. It's 15 day's I can do anything for 15 day's. I've been doing really well at watching what I eat and my portion control so this should (wink wink) be a breeze. Fingers crossed. Tuesday we are having a St. Patrick's day party in our class at work. I will NOT eat a Cupcake, I repeat: I will NOT eat a Cupcake. 

I've come this far, there's no turning back. 

It's not a diet, It's a life Style Change. 

On another note: I went on my first run of the season Yesterday at the local Green Way. It felt fabulous. It was only 3 miles, 2 miles ran then walked half a mile then ran the last miles. I would have ran the whole thing straight through but the pups couldn't handle it and I didn't want to push them. I've definitely missed it, I hated that I took some time off over the winter but I just couldn't hang in the cold temps. 

Catch Up and Photo Dump

I've had every intention over the last couple weeks to up date this here blog of mine but some how something also gets in the way or distracts me. So here you have it a typical Instagram photo dump to catch you all up to speed. Hopefully the weeks to come will be better than the last and I'll be more on top of things here on this ol' blog. 

(starting from the top left going over)

* I've been doing so good with my meal planning and working out. Taking it one day at a time, seeing small results and changes has definitely been my motivation to keep me going. It's not a diet, I'm on the road to a New Life Style. 

* The pups and I go walking every day, during the week we stay in the neighborhood but on the weekends we venture out to the side streets and made some friends along the way. I had no clue there were Cows right down the street from our house. 

* 13 year's ago I lost my first Grandparent. My PaPa, it was a hard day for sure. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him or think about him. I wish so badly that he could have met my husband and see the life we've built together. I know he's looking down at us and so proud, I just wish he was here to see it and experience it with us. 

*4 months, HOLLA!!!! 4 months down on deployment numero 3, with many many more to go. To many to count to be exact. Blah. I have my good days and bad days as any one does going through a deployment. Here lately I am happy to say that I have been having more good days vs. bad ones.

*We celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday at work with a movie and homemade Seuss Soup. It was the perfect way to end a crazy week! 

*Sunday Selfie, proud of the progress I've made. Almost to my goal but not quite there, so I'll be pushing and pushing till I reach it. "Slow Progress is better than no progress!"

*A few weeks back I went to a baby Shower / Sunday School Social at my dearest friend S's house. I made these fabulous Pumpkin Bread Muffins. They seemed to be a hit, there one of my favorite fall treats but really you enjoy them any time. Coming in at a whooping 145 calories each, so they must be enjoyed in moderation. 

*Dreaming of our future, Working hard to reach my Goals, Surrounding myself with positive role models and cutting out the negativity. Has done my body, soul and mind so much good. Pushing forward with a positive out look in everything I possibly can. 

*Missing my family and friends in the South. I know I just left there but I'm itching to go back. Oh how we though we had it so bad going through "Life on the Trail". Real Army / Trail Life Army they both have good and bad just has everything. Trying to see the good in Real Army again. 

Go Commando 5k

Checking out the Start line for B's first ever race!!!

I can't believe this was my first race of 2014 and here we are nearing the end of the year. I took a couple months off from running with the move from SC to TN but I definitely have found my groove back and am loving it. A Co-worker of mine (Barbie- pictured above) has recently taken up running and she's doing great. We signed up for the Go Commando 5K Race back in August I think it was and have been training ever since. I struggled through two injury but managed to heel and recover from both before race day. The Owner of the School were we work at was also running the 5K race that morning. We saw him before hand and chatted a bit and then that was that. B and I didn't stay together, we didn't plan to either. We both run and different paces and so we knew that wasn't going to happen and we were ok with that. About 3/4 of the way through I passed Mr. H when he was going the opposite direction towards the turn around. I had quickly glanced down at my watch when he yelled "I'm gonna catch up with you". I looked up to notice it was him and said Yea Yea keep going. Sure enough I was about 1/10th's away from the finish line and I hear someone come up from behind me saying "I caught up with you." I couldn't believe that he did, I was either running slower or he picked up his pace quick. (Let's go with he picked up his pace) When we crossed the finish line I was just a few steps ahead of him, so not to bad. There was also a Half Marathon and a 10K race going on at the same time, so there was runners coming in from all three races. 

I didn't come in were I was hoping to time wise and I am completely ok with that. (I was literally a minute and a half off) I did however place 14th in my age group, 86th out of 309 females and 183rd place over all out of 482 people. So something to be proud of for me for sure.

I love the rush you get from racing I just HATE having to get up so early to be at the start line. The city we live in there's not many races that take place so you have to go to Nashville, which isn't a long drive at all, its just the getting up early part. Oh the feeling you have after you finish though is all worth it. 

There's a 5K coming up in January at the Nashville Zoo that I'm thinking of doing, looks like it should be pretty fun and best part is, it doesn't start till later in the afternoon. 

Just a little bit of Life Lately!

* When we lived in the South I went home every day for lunch just about. Here in Music City State its not exactly convenient for me to go home for my lunch. I found a great lunch spot down the street from were I work. Its called Dunbar Cave Park. 

There's picnic tables surrounding the lake, a couple different walking / running trails, and some old Caves with lots of wild life full of nature. Makes for some relaxing lunch breaks. 

I've managed to take a couple run's through the trails on my lunch which is the perfect way to clear my head. 

     

*Hubbs and I went for a random date night drive a couple weeks ago. We kept driving North towards Kentucky and eventually crossed the boarder. Hey who am I kidding we live like 15 minutes away from the state line. Hubbs said he figured we'd head this way and check out the area to see what we could find. Let me tell you we found a pretty darn fabulous Mexican joint. We left stuffed to pieces!! So Bueno!!!! 

*We found a local German Bakery / Deli near down town and decided to stop and check it out one afternoon. We picked up a couple different loafs of bread and made a few delicious bites with them. One of our favorites was Bruschetta. This was a first for me, making homemade bruschetta but it turned out fabulous and we finished the whole loaf off in one night. Not to worry we turned it in to our dinner and I ended up not cooking that night. 

*I made a pit stop on my way home the other evening when I got a FaceTime call from these two beauties!!! I was so excited to see them and talk to them both. Sweet Little Lu is getting so big and really starting to talk so well. Its crazy that she was so tiny when she started in my class almost two years ago now. There may be miles upon miles between us now but I'll always love them to pieces!!! 

*I start most my mornings here before heading to work. I generally get up, get ready, make some toast or a bowl of cereal and enjoy it out on our back deck with the pups. Watching the sun coming up, the birds chirping and the pups running around the yard. Its my "ME" time before my day really gets started away from everything just out our back door. I can't wait to add more flowers, outdoor decor and seating to spice up the deck. Its one of my favorite parts about our new home. 

Busy Busy Week & Weekend...

(sorry for the over due, long update)

I don't mind when I'm really busy on the weekend when the hubby has to work, it helps the time go by. This past week has been so busy for both of us and we've hardly seen each other at all. Next week is gonna be just the same because he'll be out in the field for Vic. Forge with his BCT Company. 10 days till Graduation HELLO!!!!!!! I know this has been a draining cycle for both of us, I don't know what is so different then past cycles but I'm ready for a break....he's ready for a break...WE NEED A BREAK. No big plans for cycle break yet but I'm sure we'll do something fun over the weekends. He'll have about 27 days of down time so that won't be to bad.
Sunday I went to Spin class at JSF (Jamie Scott Fitness), it was my first time back in a Spin class in a good long while. After class I was so glad I went, I love Spin its such a great work out. Not to mention Kelly was teaching the class to night so that made it all the more fun.

I came home and fixed us a yummy, simple yet healthy dinner. Grilled Chicken Salad with all fresh veggies. I'm a huge salad fan, I could probably be fine with having salad at least once a day. 

This past week the hubbs had so stay over night in the field, thanks to the Army Furlough. (the army's broke, haven't you heard)Transportation and Motor Movement has been restricted. So that left me and the pups home alone for the evening. I was able to get in a good run after work with Kelly and came home to watch the Bachelorette before calling it a night.

After I got home I from my run and taking the hubbs dinner out to the field I still have some baking to do. Some fellow co-workers and I were putting together a dinner for a co-worker who recently lost a loved one. I signed up to make dessert and of course I decided to try something new. Cheese Cake it was, but not just any cheese cake. I made Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheese Cake. The mix made enough to make two cakes so we had one to eat on through out the week. It turned out so good!!! Two worlds collided in to One. 

Wednesday I had a FRG meeting so I came home from work quickly ate a bite to eat with the hubbs and was back out the door again. Sidenote: I found out at the meeting that the hubbs will be on Cycle break during my Full Marathon in Savannah, GA which means he will be able to COME. I was so relieved and happy when I found that out. I mean not only is it a really big deal to me that he's there but its our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary as well. Def. some good news for me!!! 

Thursday night I agreed to keep sweet Lucy over night (Kelly's daughter) because both her momma and daddy were gonna be outta town for work. So I took her home from school we did dinner, bath and bed and she was asleep by 7pm. (that's her bedtime, she's on a really good schedule.) So of course I didn't see the hubbs that night. 

Friday during lunch me and my beautiful bestie had a lunch date at one of my local favorites. (did I mention she's working with me now, HOLLA!!!!!) The Other Store it was Chicken Bog Friday, which we both LOVE. From there we went to Ally & Eloise Bakery to pick up a little sweet treat to hold us over till quitin time. 

Friday after work I went by and switched out cars with the hubbs at his work. I tried sneaking in a visit but he was busy teaching a class. We switched cars on Wednesday so he could go get my registration done on mine and I needed the truck since I was gonna have Lucy. It's just easier to get her car seat in and out of the truck vs. my car. After getting my car a ran home, checked on the dogs and headed out to babysit one of my sweet kiddos from class. Her parents were going out to celebrate their Anniversary and asked if I could hang out with little E. I couldn't say no, I'm all about celebrations. I didn't get home till 11:45 Friday night so the hubbs was already asleep. 

Saturday the hubbs had CQ so he wasn't going to be home till Sunday morning. It was a crazy busy day for me. From the moment I woke up at 7:20am, (and I woke up late) I was running around all day. I gathered all my baking supplies put my running clothes on and headed to Kelly's house. We had plans to go for a long run this morning at the River Front Park downtown. We decided to go for something different and it worked out great. It wasn't to hot yet, every so often a good breeze came through and it allowed us to change up the scenery. 

 We are starting to add in some long runs and starting to build the miles getting ready for Savannah Rock 'n Roll. I'm super excited about it but I still have a lot of training & work to do to get ready for it.

After our run we headed back to Kelly's house to start some baking. I was baking cookies for a birthday party I was helping out with later that afternoon and Kelly offered to help me. See she's not a big cooker or baker that's why I call her Betty and she call's me Martha. So I took over my whole kitchen. Ok well not really but close enough, all the baking supplies, my cookie sheets and KitchenAid.  The party was a basketball theme, the birthday boy was turning 5 years old and is a huge Gamecock fan. I was just going to make Chocolate Chip Cookies (homemade mind you) and Kelly insisted they needed to be iced and made to look like Basketballs. And so she offered to do the icing, works for me. It ended up being really fun baking with her and icing the cookies. It def. made for a more enjoyable afternoon than doing it all at home by myself. They turned out super cute and were a big hit at the party. 

We made some flowers for Lucy and Ellie (the b-day boys sister) to enjoy a special treat. They loved them and sat there and ate them so well. I love these two little ones, I'm going to be heart broken when they move up to the next class in a couple weeks. #NOTREADYTOLETGO

Birthday Boy (front right) and his "Basketball Team" along with 3 new USC basketball players and a Clemson Basketball Player that all came to his party!!!! 

 Birthday boy's gift, he already had the PC (the Patrol Cap) I just had his First Name vs. his last name (because he can read his name) added to the back and picked him out a set of PT's for some good exercising. He loved it and though it was the coolest ever. 

After the birthday party Kelly, her dad, Lucy and I headed down to the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival that was going on. It was super hot outside but that didn't stop us from having a little fun. I tried my first Bloody Mary which I quickly found out I wasn't a fan of. We listened to a local band play and let Lucy do a little dancing around. After about a hour & a half it started to get really crowed so we decided to head out and call it a day. Which was good because I still had a long night ahead of me. 

Sippin my first Bloody Mary, can't say I'll take any one up on a offer of another one. 

I finally headed home for at 5:15pm for the first time all day since I left this morning at 8:00am. I had about a hour to spare before I had to be out again. Since the hubbs had CQ I agreed to babysit for another one of my favorite families from school tonight. It seemed like the weekend for everyone to go out, so why not make a little extra cash in the mean time. #savingforNYC 

I took the Hubbs dinner, didn't even get to see him though because of course he was teaching a class. :( bummer. Life's been busy here lately.

Sunday morning the hubbs came home from work and we were lazy for the first part of the morning. He snoozed up stairs for a while and I watched some TV, I may or may not have fallen asleep on the couch myself. I woke him up to yummy a quesadilla lunch made by yours truly. They were so good, if only I had one right now that would be perfect. Can't wait to make them again soon!!!
Later that afternoon we decided to head out for a little bit of window shopping and dinner. We ended up at the local mall across town were I stopped off to get my wedding ring clean, only to leave ring-less. The Jeweler pointed out that I should probably have it Rhodium Platted soon, which will bring it back to its original color and beauty. Well since we were there I figured I might as well go ahead and leave it. I feel so weird with out it, I keep running my thumb over my ring finger like I always do to make sure its there and its not. I've had a few freak out moments since not having it but then quickly remember that I don't have it.

We headed up to Dillard's to check out there Fiesta Ware Collection. I wanted to see if they had anything new or that I wanted to add to my Collection. I'm a big Fiesta Ware fan, I've got quite the collection built up. (One day I need to do a "show case" blog on my collection) We found a SOAP Dispenser which I'd never seen before. I went with the Flamingo Pink since I didn't have anything that color on my counter top yet. The hubbs picked out a new dish cloth to go on the stove and we found another skillet with a lid (that we didn't have) that matches out cookware that we purchased this past Christmas. It was the same color as the set I had purchased and double bonus was that is was 30% off.

We ended our weekend with Dinner at a local Restaurant that we hadn't been to before, California Dreaming. I was given a gift certificate over the weekend and we decided to make a dinner date night out of it this weekend. The food was really good. Its built in a old Train Union Station and the train tracks are still operating that run behind it. We were actually able to watch a train come through in the pouring rain while we enjoyed our dinner. It was a nice night out before another busy week ahead for the both of us.

Sorry for the long over due update but I want to make sure I document every moment as much as possible during our journey called life. Thanks for those of you who stick around and read through my rambles.