uuughhhh

That is how I'm feeling today.

I mentioned before that eating out was getting to be too much for me when taken in big quantities? Um, in case I had any doubts - this is affirmed.

But let me back track.

On Friday I was having one of those days where everything is annoying (I hate that!!). Sean called me around 2:30 to say that he stopped at cook-off because he was in the area and one of our friends wives dad (got that?) had a tent so Sean got in for free. He wanted me to call him when I got off work and meet him down there, but after a lot of debating I decided to just go home and let Sean hang out with his guy friends.

So I popped into Target on the way home, snagged a bottle of wine and some cleaning things, and then locked myself in my house, cranked up the country music, poured a glass of wine, and cleaned the entire house from top to bottom. Lame way to spend Friday night? Maybe. But I had a good time and was thoroughly relaxed after. Then I snuggled onto the couch and read until Sean got home, and then went to bed.

Ideal Friday night? Maybe not for some, but I definitely needed it.

Saturday my little brother came over around 9am and the three of us loaded up and went to go buy a treadmill for me! (Happy Birthday Luke? It was his birthday Friday. I find it only appropriate that I buy a treadmill for myself to celebrate him? heh.) After picking up the treadmill (which I am so very excited about!!!) the boys went to play paintball and I headed out to grocery shop and pick up a present for my brother.

Once they got home we went and had sushi. It was delicious as always, but I left feeling really full even though I didn't eat a whole lot. We came home and played cards and watched Due Date and then called it a night.

Sunday we were all pretty lazy. I did some intervals on the treadmill and then my brother and I went for a bike ride - lot of fun, perfect weather.

Then we met my parents for Mexican food to celebrate Luke's birthday. My mom and I split fajitas for one, but I was still not feeling great after eating - we all had a margarita and who can really say no to chips and salsa? We had carrot cake at my parents house after and then Sean and I went home. I felt awful. I woke up feeling awful. I still don't feel great.

It took every ounce of me to make it to work today. My head hurts, my stomach hurts, and Sean tried to make me stay home. But I wasn't willing to give up a perfectly good day off just because I'm feeling off. So here I am!

I did dress cute to work today though, because I've found that on the days that I am dreading going in, dressing up makes it a little better.

It's another gorgeous day. I wish I could work outside for living on days like this!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Hopefully I will get my camera fixed soon so that I can start adding pictures back in... :-/ One day!

iiiiiit's FRIDAY! ROUND 2

I say "round 2" because apparently I've already used this as a title before (at least I'm consistent?).

It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Houston, TX. And I am stuck inside *pounds head on desk*. I would really rather be biking outside right now, it's just so gosh darn pretty.

Side note: My new favorite thing to do? Wake up on Sunday mornings, go work out, and then pull Sean out of bed and onto the motorcycle so that we can go get coffee somewhere. Divine. I love that he loves motorcycles. Other cool thing? Both our dad's own Harley's too. :) Other OTHER cool thing? Both our moms love riding with our dads. SCORE.

Anyway, since it's Friday I'm going to show you what is making me smile right now (other than the fact that it's Friday of course):

YAY. Happy Friday!

sprinkles of this and that

I've been feeling all sorts of random lately.

I 100% blame the weather. For those of you that don't know, I 100% despise cold weather. I don't care that Houston is swelteringly hot most of the time, I like it that way. That's why I live here. So when it's in the 70's and sunny outside, I die a little bit being stuck inside an office for 8-9 hours a day. Seriously depressing. I actually look forward to when my coworkers take 'smoke breaks' because I'll slip outside with them occasionally so that I can bask in the sunlight and warm weather. (C'mon Vitamin D! And no, I absolutely do not smoke).

So to keep with any randomness I may be feeling right now (and continue procrastinating my work life), I'll share a few more tidbits with you:

1. I'm obsessed with blogging. And by blogging, I mean blog stalking. If I'm interested in what you have to say, I will religiously read your blog. So keep on posting!

2. My engagement/wedding bands are my most prized possessions. For those of you engaged/married couples out there - you know how when you first get engaged you can't stop staring at your hand and the diamond now sitting your left hand ring finger? Well I still do that. A lot. And no, I don't have a ridiculously huge diamond, I just really like my ring.

3. I eat an apple a day, and what do you know - I never have to go to the doctor.

4. I LOVE not having kids right now (and this is no knock to those of you that do, I ADORE reading about your kiddos and looking at their precious pictures, I fantasize about when we do have kids, and all yalls cute blogs about your kids are the source of any baby twinges I may have... but it is always fleeting for me because I just love that I get to keep my husband all to my selfish little self right now)

5. I'm (whoa, I was about to say 'obsessed' but that leads people to believe you have a problem, and I don't) a workout-lover. And no, I don't have insane weight ideals, nor do I crash diet, go on crazy workout binges, or anything of the sort. I just really enjoy being healthy and feeling good in my own body.

6. I used to hate running. Now, I love it!

7. Cooking is one of my favorite past times. I seriously love food. You can check out Britt's post about being a foodie and just scratch out her name and put mine in. I think about food 99% of the time. It really throws my coworkers for a loop. I eat all.day.long. but its mainly fruits and vegetables. Which brings me to...

8. I lovelovelove fruits and vegetables. Oh man. Fruit is easily one of my favorite things to munch on. And I really don't discriminate. But...

9. As much as I love fruits and vegetables, I hate olives of any kind. Eck. They make me want to gag. I also do not like cooked carrots.

10. Sean thinks I have an issue with food texture. I vehemently deny this on a regular basis and then totally judge food by its texture. I hate when he's right

11. I am a habitual procrastinator with everything except getting out of bed in the morning and working out. I will pop out of bed at 5:05 and workout, and then begin my long day of procrastinating.

:)

What are some random things about YOU? I just love not feeling awkward after posts like these, so please, share away!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Right now, here are some things I'm currently obsessed with:

1. kiwi - I bought some on Saturday and I can't stop slicing them and eating them at my desk at work. Even though it gets green juice everywhere, they are just delicious.

2. pomegranate green tea - everytime I hit that afternoon (who am I kidding - or morning!) slump, I drink one of these babies. Works like a charm every time.

3. my new shoes - I seriously have been basing outfits around them everyday since I got them. I just love them.

4. my husband - eeek! I just adore him. How freaking cute is he??

5.yoga - such a stress reliever. and always a good way to wind down.

(oh yeah, and I'm really good at tree pose now, which is why I had to post this one. go me!... even though thats not me.)


What are some of your favorite things right now?

I also am currently loving flowy, flowery tops, skinny cargo pants, flats of any kind, wedges, the yellow flowers I just bought and put in my kitchen, dark chocolate hershey kisses, and Sean (oh, did I mention him already??) ;-)

bloggers, i need your help!

So I am in desperate (yes, that's right, desperate) need of some new, fun Spring clothes. ;)

Where do you lovely ladies find your cute clothes at? I have a tendency to get hung up on picking up things from Target, and I'm wanting to branch out and get some different clothes! So ladies, I need your opinions!

THANKS!

Race Recap & everything else

This past Saturday I ran the Chik Fil A 5k with my sweet mom.

I was really excited because:

1. My mom and I have never run a 5k together
2. This was my mom's first 5k ever
3. It was really close, and local races are the best

I'll be honest though, I didn't have a good run. Well, I did and I didn't. The run itself was awful for me and I'm not entirely sure why. I guess maybe I was just having an off day. Maybe I started out too fast, though I didn't really feel like I did. Maybe I shouldn't have had coffee before. I don't know. But around Mile 2 I started getting the dreaded side cramp, which I haven't gotten from running 3 miles in a long time.

Regardless, I forced myself to keep going, and surprisingly enough, had a GREAT 5k time for me. My official race results were 25:08, which is my best to date. I also was fourth in my age group, so that was pretty exciting for me. My mom finished in 29:25 - go Mom!!

Another cool thing about the 5k? I got to run into the lovely Britt, whose blog everyone should check out - she's a phenomenal fitness inspiration and runner - she was first in our age group! Way to go Britt!!

After the 5k my mom and I did what anyone would do... we went home and walked their dogs. Oh wait, do most people not do that? ;) And then we celebrated by going shopping, yayyy!

I was really hoping for a good haul from shopping, but clothes just weren't in the agenda. I did, however, score some new workout clothes from the Target clearance section and then these awesome finds at Kohls:

via

I have been needing a new vacuum and this one is awesome! I was really excited to vacuum Sunday, which is kind of sad.

via

After that Sean and I went to Nuclear Cowboyz, which was AWESOME. Oh man, we had a great time.

via

And all in all, Sunday was pretty relaxed. Woke up insanely early and went for a run. Did some cleaning, grocery shopping, and got a (much needed) pedicure. 

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and are getting to enjoy this awesome weather!

big sigh

This is NOT a negative post. I realize "big sigh" could be taken as being disappointed in something. I am, in fact, not disappointed about anything! On the contrary, I feel GREAT today.

After battling not wanting to to go yoga last night (seriously, right up until I walked through the doors of 24 hour and keyed in my check in stuff) I sucked it up and went. It was, of course, exactly what I needed, go figure. And I left feeling like Rachael No-Limbs again, but that's what we love about yoga, right? RIGHT?? Thought so...

SIDE NOTE: on my way to yoga I was on the phone with my momma for the billionth time yesterday - yes, we talk A LOT - wait.

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE: My mom is probably the fittest person I know. Seriously. She's in ridiculously good shape. It's a little on the "are you kidding me?!?" side. But she's also one of the main reasons I'm as motivated as I am to stay in shape. Heck, after having two kids and being in my 50's I BETTER look like her! Otherwise that's just sad for me! Who looks this good at their daughter's wedding?!? MY MOM. :)

How cute and tiny is she?!

ANYHOW BACK TO FIRST SIDE NOTE: So I was on the phone with my mom and she was telling me about this class she took at the gym last night where everyone gets one of the big exercise balls and drumsticks and for an hour you drum on your ball, your neighbors, the person behind you, etc. How fun does that sound?! She said she was sweating bullets by the end of it.

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Anyway, when I got home the hubs and I made some delicious turkey chili and settled in for the Mentalist. We love Patrick Jane.

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And then I went to bed. Big, exciting day huh?!

For the majority of Thursday I debated working out today. I've been trying really hard to listen to my body and what it feels like. This morning when my alarm went off at 5 I still wasn't sure. But by 5:30 I realized I really needed to take a day off. So I did! And it was glorious! I still got up, but I slipped on my slippers, stripped the bed and washed the sheets, poured a cup of coffee, put up the dishes, loaded and started the dishwasher, did my daily devotional, and then settled in to read a couple chapters of the book I'm reading now.

here
Just what I needed. A good rest day before tomorrow when my momma and I run this:

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On that note, I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend!

LOVE.

I just want everyone to know how fabulous the lovely Jennifer over at Love, Live and Laughter with Jenn is!

I am blessed enough to be able to call this fantastic lady one of my best friends, and she continually shows me time and again how wonderful a friend she continues to be! We met through mutual friends while we were both in college (though at different colleges)

Here's a little picture recap of how beautiful she is:

Celebrating her perfect engagement

Cook off



The week of my wedding, out to dinner

At my rehearsal dinner

At my wedding

You get the picture, she's phenomenal.

ANYWAY, when I went to check my mail before work this morning I was surprised to find a wonderful little package waiting for me. Seeing as I never get a n y t h i n g other than credit card offers, I was excited. More so when I saw it was from her, because she never disappoints.

Inside was the sweetest card, a fun little Valentine's day goody bag and this gem:

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I was practically squealing in my car with delight. She knows me and all my obsessions SO well :)

So Jennifer Marie, I ADORE YOU! Thank you for letting me be one of your best friends!

Oh and P.S. this post totally does not do her justice. She is amazing and everyone should be friends with her JUST SAYIN!

ice cream? no scream.

Wednesday nights are one of my favorite weeknights simply because Sean goes to softball and I can do whatever I want to do. It's nice to have a day in the middle of the week where I can watch a girly movie, meet up with girlfriends, go shopping, clean - whatever, just take a break!

Last night I was on a mission when I got off work to buy some new running clothes. I was chatting with my best friend and browsing through Academy and then later the outlets before I finally decided that I wasn't really in a shopping mood so I just went home. A glass of wine and a girly movie later I was set for the night. Unfortunately, the movie was not so great (I have a really bad habit of just recording movies from HBO on Sundays and then watching them sporadically... this was one of those downloaded ones. Granted, it only had 2 stars so I should have been prepared, but I LOVE Christina Applegate, so I was a little bummed).

here

Eh. So-so. Anyway, on to the whole point/title of this post. While watching this movie I decided I should have some ice cream and a cookie. (Cookie was fantastic, but then again I made them). Ice cream... sigh.

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My stomach hurt SO BAD afterward. So I don't think I'll be having ice cream again anytime soon. Which is a shame, because I love ice cream, but I felt so sick last night. So NO MAS.

This morning I got up and ran W1D2 of 10k training (yes, that's "Week 1 Day 2" hehe). And tonight I'll be hitting up yoga again :)

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OK, maybe not like that. ;)

To work out tomorrow or not to work out tomorrow - that's the big question plaguing me right now. I'm running a 5k on Saturday and I'm not sure if I should go ahead and do a circuit training session Friday, a bike session, or no session. My body just won't be decisive on this!

Let's hope I get a clear decision made soon. Suggestions welcome.

eating out is not all its cracked up to be

EDIT:

New favorite snack: Clif C. You really need to try this. DELICIOUS and NUTRITIOUS and only a handful of real ingredients. New fave.

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When I was a little kid I used to love going out to eat. I liked going out so much more than eating at home - it was always such a treat. As I've gotten older I still enjoy a good meal out, but I've also come to appreciate more and more homemade meals. I say this because my coworkers eat out for every.single.lunch. And I just can't do it. Even if they don't leave the office for lunch, someone will go pick up fast food.

Not to bash that lifestyle, because if that is what works for you, more power to ya! But it does not work for me. The owner of our company (I work at a very small company - there are only 10 of us total) is out of the country this week. As I'm sure you can imagine, things are a little more lax since she's gone - everyone is in jeans and sneakers for the most part, etc. because there are no clients coming in, no meetings, and so on.

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This also means that everyone wants to go out for lunch. Monday we went to Chuy's for lunch (yes, I had dinner there Sunday night... sigh). And while I was as 'good' as you can be at a Mexican restaurant, I left feeling sluggish and out of sorts. As mentioned previously, Sean and I spent Monday night getting new furniture, which means we got home later than usual and ate later than usual. Double ugh.

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Yesterday, everyone decided to go to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. sigh. This is a big weakness of mine, I adore Sweet Tomatoes. So I went. And immediately regretted it. Think you can't be overwhelmingly full from salads and soup? Well you can.

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That's how I felt afterwards ^^^^^^.

I did have a good Pilate's session last night though, and when I got home from Pilate's Sean was kind enough to let me skip making dinner and he had leftover hot wings (which have made it to my no eating list, do you know how bad those things are for you?!?! YUCK.) and I cooked some brown rice and sauteed zucchini, squash, onions, spinach and garlic and then threw in some pasta sauce.

Let me tell you - exactly what I needed. My body was craving vegetables and a light meal. Done aaaaaand DONE.

This morning I got up and did a 35 minute speed circuit workout on the bike and then did a 15 minute upper body circuit. I finished off with a smoothie that was deeelicious. I tend to get caught up with staple breakfasts and this week is no exception (last week I had hot oat bran cereal just about everyday...). This week I've had a smoothie (though each day with different fruits/veggies) for breakfast. I was feeling a little adventurous today (ok, let's be honest, I have carrots that I do NOT want to go bad) so I added some chopped up carrots into my smoothie. And let me tell you, I couldn't taste them at all. I already put spinach in my smoothies (because even though it turns your smoothie green, you really can't taste it), and now I think I made add baby carrots into the mix.

You should try it. :)

new dining room!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day and were able to spend time with those you love!

Sean and I spent our Valentine's evening buying new dining room furniture! I am so so so excited! We got it off of Craig's List and it needs a little TLC (which I am looking forward to giving it!)... It totally changes the feel of our dining room and makes it look so much more put together! (Obviously). Plus it came with a little bar area/wine rack, which we both thought was really neat. I'm going to recover the seats and Sean is going to fix some of the small scratches in it and it should be good as new after! We love Craig's List!!

I biked and did abs yesterday and now my abs are so sore, in the best way possible. I just switched up my ab routine and they are thanking me (by hurting - lol) today. And this morning I started 10k training - yayyyy! I also did a lower body circuit, which was killer.

I'm so pumped about 10k training its unbelievable. I've been talking nonstop about it to Sean (who I'm sure could not care less about what I'm doing during my morning runs :) He's a good husband, he just listens, smiles and nods haha).

As promised, here is the link for the green chile chicken casserole recipe (it is also the link for the photo above). The only thing I changed was I added a can of rotel with habanero peppers and I threw in extra cayenne pepper (we like our Mexican dishes spicy!)... It was D I V I N E. Seriously, we fought over leftovers. Make it. :)

In other news, I have a ton of work to do right now, so enjoy your day!

weekend recap

Good morning fellow bloggers!

Let me just go ahead and get it out of the way - Happy Valentine's Day.

And let me just go ahead and get this out of the way too - we don't really celebrate or care about Valentine's Day (gasp! i know! what kind of girl am i?) As the years have progressed I have come to enjoy getting flowers from my sweetheart and random date nights and such. But I just am not a "go all out and have a night out on the town and an extravagant dinner and there better be diamonds in that box" kind of girl. I'm a "let's order pizza and watch a movie" kind of girl (which, in case you're wondering, is EXACTLY how we spent out first Valentine's Day together).

On to this weekend. We did nothing Friday night. We watched four or five episodes of 24 and went to bed. We are PARTY ANIMALS, I know. But there is a very good reason. I am dead on serious about getting back into great shape (I am in good shape, but I am trying to get in the best shape I possibly can because I have a few goals tucked away that I have not - and will not - tell anyone about yet. Except Sean, he knows).

Saturday morning I was going to go to spin class, but Sean and I ended up talking for too long and before I knew it, it was too late to go. I was really really disappointed, but life goes on. I did the 15 minute total body circuit and then cleaned the house and started laundry. Then I hopped onto my bike and rode around for 30 or so minutes. It was glorious - the weather was so nice! It actually ended up being a better bike ride then spin would have been because I got to enjoy the outdoors. Then there was grocery shopping, sushi, supercross and back home.

I'm going to glean over those for now because in all honesty, Sean and I were having a seriously off weekend. I love my husband indescribably, but we are a real-life couple and sometimes we just don't get along. This was one of those weekends. But it happens, I think I'd be a little concerned if it didn't ever happen! And, as I've said before, it makes me SO appreciative of everyday that is pure bliss.

Sunday I did Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown and then went for a brisk 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. Sean and I spent a good part of the day looking for a new dining room table (fingers crossed, we're going to *hopefully* buy one tonight!) and then hopped on his motorcycle and met his parents for dinner at Chuys (DELICIOUS!)... Sean and I split chicken fajitas for one, which was PERFECT. I can't imagine how anyone would finish fajitas for one on their own - they give you such massive portions! I love splitting meals with Sean because I don't feel that uncomfortable full that I feel when I eat a meal on my own. Restaurant portions are HUGE - at least double what you should be eating!

Lecture over.

I am excited for the warmer weather and excited to start biking more. Oh and I have convinced Sean I need my own treadmill and my gym membership! It's a good thing my husband has expensive hobbies, it makes my less expensive ones seem reasonable! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday! My mom and I are running our 5k this weekend! :)

yoga = good for the body and the soul

OK I did it! Sometimes I can be a big wuss when it comes to branching out in group classes. But I did it! I went to yoga last night!

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When I got off work I drove straight to the gym and ran a mile before yoga class. It hurt. I mentioned being really sore and I am. But I made it through it and then walked into yoga.

THANK GOODNESS FOR YOGA.

My muscles have been thanking me ever since. It was exactly what I needed. An hour of stretching out all of my muscles was just what my body ordered. Even though I felt a little like jelly after :)

And mentally? Whew, did I need that! We took a vote before class and did the class in the dark, which was AWESOME. I left feeling so relaxed it was unbelievable.

:) I'll stop going on and on about how wonderful it was now, but just know, you should do it.

This morning I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill. I hate running distances on the treadmill, usually I do intervals or just skip it all together and do the bike or stair stepper. But with all this freakishly cold weather I haven't really ran in about a week so I decided to tough it out and go for it.

It was rough. It wasn't pretty at all. But I did it. When I got to 2.5 miles I was pretty sure I was going to quit. In fact, mentally, I told myself I could stop at 2.5. When I reached 2.5 I told myself I could quit at 3, it was only 5 more minutes. And (I'm sure you get the picture) when I got to 3 I forced myself to do "5 more minutes". Ultimately, I'm glad I did because I ran the 3.5 miles that I wanted. But really, I miss running distances farther than 2 miles outside. I'm ready for the warm weather and the relaxing, sunny runs. I'm ready to push myself through trails and neighborhoods. But I'm not ready to do that in 25 degree weather. SO COME ON SPRING! Some of us have to start 10k training and we can't do that on a treadmill or in sub-freezing temperatures!

I haven't forgotten that I was going to share the casserole, but my fingers are frozen so I have to take a break for now.

no money days

I don't know who all listens to 94.5 but I am addicted to the Rod Ryan show on my way to work every morning. And last week they were talking about having "no money days" where you designated a day each week to not spending a cent. I thought that was a really neat concept, because how often do we mindlessly buy things when we really don't need to?

So I had a no money day yesterday and I'm having another no money day today. I contemplated having one Friday too, but I have to pay one of our bills Friday so I have to spend money, haha.

It worked fairly well. I was a little nervous yesterday, because I often go browse Target or Marshall's on my lunch breaks, but instead I tagged along with a coworker to Old Navy to shop for her little boy. And as cute as the things were at Old Navy, I resisted the urge by hanging out in the toddler section with her the whole time :) Success!

Today was easy too because pretty much every month we have a designated day that we do "birthday lunch" for someone in our office's birthday. As it happened, there are two birthdays to celebrate this month (but just one lunch) so we went to Red Lobster.

Now, I'm not the biggest fan of going to lunch with the whole office because I usually get shamed into getting dessert, etc. And I try not to eat out a lot as it is during the week. But since it was unavoidable I made it through and took the majority of my dessert to go (which will probably go to my husband... or just in the trash, depending).

Unfortunately, even though I didn't have a big lunch, or even really a rich lunch, I am still suffering that afternoon slump right now (thus the blogging and the cranberry pomegranate green tea - delicious!).

However, I am looking forward to tonight because I'm going to go run a very easy mile (I'm very sore right now, new leg workout, eek) and then I'm going to the yoga class. I've done quite a bit of yoga through at home DVDs, but I've never been to the class at my gym, so I'm going to go tonight.

This morning I did the 15 minute total body circuit again, so I figure an hours worth of yoga and a 10ish minute run will be good. It's nice doing a short workout in the morning followed by yoga or Pilate's at night because it gives me time in the mornings to my devotional and then do some things around the house - dishes, etc - plus get in a little reading before work. Then doing Pilate's or yoga after is a nice wind-down to my day. And it helps me appreciate hard running days.

I'll post later about my awesome Mexican casserole dish I made last night - I highly recommend it!! :) For now though, I hope you all enjoy the beautiful - albeit cold - day today!

from CNN to me and from me to YOU

From CNN to YOU.

I thought I would share this article from the CNN web page - I picked it up from my Pilate's instructor after class last night and do think its useful for anyone struggling with fitness resolutions.

Speaking of, I am so so glad I went to Pilate's last night - it was definitely what I needed. It kind of makes me wonder why I stopped going in the first place. I ran an easy mile before the class and the core work that Pilate's focuses on was a perfect compliment to that.

And as for my 15 minute circuit session that I did yesterday? I am unbelievably sore today... but I biked through it for 45 minutes this morning. I used to hate the stationary bike, but I'm growing to love it more and more. For a while I was going to spin classes, which are INTENSE workouts, but I stopped when I moved because the classes are at all the wrong times. But I think I'm going to try to find a way to start going again, at least once a week. 

I'm slightly debating doing a triathlon (not without some serious training first though!). Every now and then on active.com (which I highly recommend everyone check out!!) one of the gyms - I can't remember if its Lifetime or LA Fitness - will host an indoor triathlon. It is much shorter than an outdoor one, but I think it'd be a good jumping off point. So we'll see :)

In non-fitness related news (geeze my last two posts have been filled with it - can you tell what I've been focused on??) I made some wonderful clam chowder last night! I've never made clam chowder before, but I think I will be making it more often - it was delicious! And it really didn't take a whole lot of time or effort. You can find the recipe here. The only thing I didn't add in was the bacon because I didn't realize when I was grocery shopping this weekend that I didn't have any at the house... And let's be honest I probably would have omitted it anyway :)

I also dumped a ton of spinach and artichoke and chocolate candy on my office today - enjoy coworkers, so I don't have to!! Easy fix :) It made for quite the spectacle when I was leaving for work this morning though, trying to balance dip, a box of chocolates, chips, my lunch, my purse, my breakfast, my water bottle, and my coffee cup out to the car - all while simultaneously locking the front door/unlocking my truck. Hehe. But I made it alive!! Rain and all!!

And sorry for the massive over-blogging of late, but this rainy, miserably cold weather makes me feel like writing!

STAY WARM!

delicious!

I thought I would share that I just ate a deeelicious tomato-basil-mozzarella cheese sandwich on those WONDERFUL wheat flat breads that are everywhere now. Seriously, I'm in love with them.

When I woke up this morning I didn't know what kind of workout I wanted to do.

No, wait. That's not true.

When I woke up this morning, I wanted to do Jillian Michael's 30 day shred DVD. I don't know why, but I just wasn't feeling going to the gym. Unfortunately, I have no clue where my DVD went. For whatever awful reason my two favorite fitness DVDs are MIA (the J.M. one and a 50 minute yoga DVD... annoying!). I wandered aimlessly around the house for way too long trying to figure out what I was going to do instead. By the time I thought about bundling up and going for a run I didn't have enough time, so, for the first time ever, I popped in this DVD and did the 15 minute total body circuit:

here

I've had the DVD for months but for some reason wasn't willing to use it. But I will say, it wasn't too bad for a 15 minute sweat session. I did, however, use my lunch break to go and buy a new copy of J.M. so I can do that one too. And I'm DEFINITELY hitting up Pilate's after work - 15 minutes isn't enough for me.

here

I've been so consumed with 5k training lately that I think my workouts have gotten a tad boring. And this weekend I majorly fell off the band wagon. Which brings me to another point - I really want my own treadmill. I have to figure out how to convince Sean that I need that and my gym membership... :)

Anyway - I'm back on track now. And I realized something (well, I've realized this before, but that's unimportant) - I eat A LOT of food. *shrugs* I get hungry!

In other cool news - now my dad AND my brother are doing Warrior Dash with me - SO COOL! I was really excited when Luke called me asking me to sign him up too, I think it's going to be so fun!

And also - I'm so OVER the cold weather. I can't wait for it to warm up again, this is ridiculous. It's time to ditch the jackets. Though I did make hot oat bran cereal with bananas, cinnamon, ground flax seed (wonderful nutty flavor!!) and vanilla extract this morning that was divine and just the hot breakfast that I needed to warm me up! YUM. If you've never had hot oat bran cereal - get it!

delicious!

Work calls.

game on.

I am REALLY pumped right now for a few reasons...

1. My mom and I are running a 5k together on February 19... As you probably already know, my momma is my best friend. So I think its really neat that we get to do this together!

2. My dad and I are doing WARRIOR DASH March 20... As you also probably know, my dad is one of three of my boy best friends... coupled with my little brother and my husband... I am extremely nervous about this, but I think its going to be a lot of fun to do this with my dad. I'm so proud of him for deciding to do this (and I'm sure Sean is too because now I don't have to try to force Sean to do it with me lol).

I've been debating doing Warrior Dash for a while now, but my dad saying he wanted to do it gave me the push to sign us both up today - so there's no turning back now!

So far I'm doing great on my 5k/month resolution! I did my January and am signed up for February and March! I also haven't had a soda, which has been exceptionally hard lately. I've really been craving a sprite.

Well, actually I kind of cheated because I did have a glass of Blood Orange Italian soda (thanks, Target) but when I made my no soda resolution I was thinking more of sprites, cokes, etc. Even if its wrong, I don't really count fruity fizzy drinks. And I so rarely have those that I think its OK.

Anyhow, hows that for two posts in one day? Wasn't expecting that one, huh?

Oh and for anyone wondering - my in-laws really know how to put on a good party! We had a blast at their Super Bowl party yesterday, and I'm really sad that I have no pictures to show for it (I still haven't fixed my camera, sigh). I made a mass amount of spinach artichoke dip, which I think turned out pretty well. But now we have so much its crazy... oops! I shouldn't have doubled the recipe... haha.

I am really craving being outside today. Stupid office job!!! :) I hope that you all are able to enjoy this beautiful weather!!

I've started this post and closed it out at least five times already. And if you actually get to read this, then I finally decided to post, lucky you!

I am having serious issues today. Largely due in part to the fact that the last four days were hectic and that it's beautiful outside and that I want nothing more than to be at home with the windows open wide, blaring some music and cleaning up our house, followed by a nice long run. Is it even really possible that our office was closed on Friday for a slightly non-existent 'ice day' when it's so gorgeous out today? Guess so, thanks Texas, for being so random and weird.

I was reading up on another blog and it just hit me like a ton of bricks how much I want to get more involved with fitness. And I am an avid gym goer, for sure, and I love to run, and I can probably blame the weather outside right now but I just want to be working out right NOW.

This is a good post, eh?

It reminds me of San Marcos right now, which always brings a wistful feeling of wanting to be back in school, enjoying walking through the quad and up the steps to Old Main, sitting outside eating lunch and waiting to go to class. Man, I sure do miss it. And why wouldn't I, I suppose? San Marcos holds a whole lot of memory for me.

This post is too much for me, I don't have a clear idea of what I want to be saying. Or, I guess I'm not saying it very well. Hm. Something to think about.