Jenni-isms

Two Tons of Steel

2011-01-21T13:40:00.000-06:00

My main squeeze and I are going to see these guys play live Saturday night here. Love their stuff and the fact that they are Texas boys! Enjoy one of my favorites...

SPS

2011-01-20T09:43:00.002-06:00

SPS - "Stupid People Syndrome"

Pejorative term for humans who lack the ability and desire to understand or communicate with non-SP during regular, every day activities; persons usually found working at Wal-Mart, the DMV, or sharing the road with non-SP.

Can you tell it's been a LONG week?!?!

Pity! Party of One! You're table is ready!

2011-01-19T10:36:00.003-06:00

Last night's workout was 1 solid hour of upper body weight training. CANNOT.MOVE.ARMS.ABOVE.HEAD.

Note: Since hitting the age of 30 and gaining upwards of 70 pounds (of which 40 I have lost and kept off), I have no upper body strength.

Sure, I played softball, volleyball, and basketball throughout my youth. Sure, I can still throw a football like no other chick you have ever seen (my big bro is proud of this). Sure, I can help my dad move big, heavy items when he needs help. I am strong woman...hear me roar! *beats chest*

But I'll be damned if those stupid skull crushers don't have my arms shaking every time Mike the Trainer forces them upon me. And when we hit the chest press or incline press, just call me a girlie-man and let me go home. After a few groans and muttering some 'bad' words to Mike, I completed the workout, red-faced and stinky. I barely managed to drive myself home because my arms felt like lead. Tonight I hit the trails for another 3-miler. Welcome back, Super Jenni.

Workout: Upper body, weights
Duration: 1 hour
Calories burned: Approximately 4 Shiner beers

First "jenni-ism" of 2011

2011-01-18T20:27:00.001-06:00

It's embarrassing, but that's what this blog is all about...me being ME. :)

While cooking in Handsome Man's kitchen, I hold up an aluminum bowl and without thinking ask, "Can I use this in the microwave?"

To which my handsome man answers, "Uh, no babe, it's metal."

Thank goodness I'm cute, right?!

Update

2011-01-18T10:00:00.005-06:00

Wow, what happened to Jenni-isms???!!!

I've never gone this long without blogging...and, ironically, there is SO much more to blog about! I've been busy and loving every minute of my life. I truly enjoy having a blog as a journal that reflects my thoughts, goals, ups/downs, and every day life. I'm going to do my best to get back to my most favorite blog ever and ALL of my fans :)

Here is what has been a-happenin' in the land of Jenni-isms:

1) I went for a run last night...first time since OCTOBER, people. It was exhilarating! I sometimes forget about my serious love affair with the pavement. But each time I step back out there I am reminded instantly of why I run. Mike the Trainer and I have worked out a nice new schedule of 1 hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. This leaves the rest of the week to work on cardio. I'm still determined to take up swimming eventually, but for now I plan to run at least 3 times a week, hit up the elliptical at the gym or a spin class a few times a week. Have I mentioned that I've lost 18 pounds since moving to Dallas??!! Yay, me!

2) I am falling hopelessly and happily in love with my handsome man. Since our very first phone conversation (he called me Nov 18) we have been together. It will be 2 months this week but it feels like longer...and that's a good thing. We are definitely in a "relationship" and it's the real deal, folks. We are committed to each other, to being open and honest, to enjoying every moment we're given, and we are hopeful for our future together. It's more than I ever thought it could be...and keeps getting better. He is my sweet boyfriend and I couldn't be more happy and proud.

3) I've been cooking up a storm. I mean a STORM. I hate that I haven't documented my adventures because the recipes I have tried are amazing and turned out great! I suddenly found myself wanting to cook for my handsome man all the time and have turned somewhat DOMESTIC. *shock* What?! Domestic?? Yup. And I'm loving every second of it! I love to cook and see satisfaction on the faces of those who experience my creations. I have a long way to go before I can claim to be a great cook (like Mom and my late Grandma Ruby). But I'm very comfortable in the kitchen (well, Handsome Man's kitchen as he has a great big house). The last month or so I've made Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Spinach and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese, Blue Ribbon Chili, Classic Pot Roast, Cinnamon Chocolate Bread, Shiner Bread, and Cookie Dough Truffles. Handsome Man is very content, indeed (and lucky!)

4) I get to see my besties in a month!! Karen, one of my oldest and dearest friends, is getting married on Feb 5! She is marrying her best friend and the love of her life, Jeff. Now, even though I have yet to meet this man, I have no doubt they will live happily ever after. I've never seen or heard Karen this way before...her relationship with Jeff has transformed her into an even more beautiful, loving, thoughtful person and she literally glows with love. I can't wait to introduce Handsome Man to Karen and Katie. It will be our first road trip as a couple and will be a great time!

5) Last Saturday I started a new volunteer gig. I researched some local animal shelters and decided to apply as a volunteer with the Frisco Humane Society (Handsome Man lives in Frisco and I LOVE, LOVE the town...plus I spend most of my weekends there). I met up with Angie from FHS at the Frisco Petsmart where they have the adoptions every weekend. They need help with the cat side of things and I am more than okay with that. I spent 2 hours there learning how to become an Adoption Counselor. Basically I try to help those looking to adopt a cat by finding out what they are looking for, what their living arrangements are, and let them interact with the kitties. It's actually quite a big responsibility as I decide ultimately who gets to adopt. You can only ask so many questions and use intuition, but you always hope and pray that an animal ends up in a happy, loving home. There are so many success stories and I am bound and determined to do everything I can for those furry felines! :) I've also been asked to help out with one of their computer databases to help keep things organized. I definitely feel this is where I am supposed to be and will dedicate as much time as possible to this cause.

6) Um, did I mention that I finally graduated???? Yup, back in December I became an official graduate of the University of Oklahoma. It was pretty awesome. I drove up to Norman to pick up my cap and gown, walked around campus, and reveled in the feeling of being a Sooner. Mom and Dad attended the small ceremony for my college and we celebrated with lunch afterward. I am considering grad school and have signed up to take the GRE, but we'll see...for now I'm enjoying my well-deserved free time.

8) College football season is over :( But I am starting to get more into the NFL so at least I get to stretch out football for a bit longer. I can't wait until next season because I plan to attend more Sooner games. And it's even more fun because now I am dating a Texas Tech Raider who will go to the games with me (I like to remind him constantly that we kicked their hineys last season 45-7).

7) For the Christmas holiday we drove down to The Woodlands to stay with my brother and his family. They couldn't make it to my graduation but they had a big congrats sign and an awesome cake for me! Plus, the kids all made me special cards and I felt like the most loved Aunt ever. We had a great holiday and I just adore my family. Oh, and I actually won the poker tournament for the first time EVER in the history of family game night. Vegas, here I come...

So that's it in a very condensed nutshell. 2011 has welcomed me with open arms and I am embracing every moment! Here are some pics of the last few months...

Mom and me, graduation day

My cake and homemade cards

Mom, me, Dad at their Christmas party

Me & Handsome Man at my company Christmas party

Me & Handsome Man celebrating his birthday

Aunt Jenni and her Rugrats

3-2-1...Happy New Year!!!

Total awesome-ness

2010-11-27T09:36:00.001-06:00

The last week has been a true success filled with total awesome-ness!

1) Mom and Dad came down to stay with me for the holiday. We had so much fun...we missed the rest of the family but the three of us enjoyed our time together. I think they were very pleased to see their little girl doing so well for herself! :)

2) The weather turned colder and I love it! It was pretty warm there for a few days and I have welcomed the "sweater weather" with open arms!

3) I talked to my nieces and nephew on Thanksgiving...they couldn't make it up here for the holiday and I miss those little goobers!! But we have made plans to visit them for Christmas. I can't wait!

4) The new man in my life is something special...very special. He and I are going strong. It's been a week and we have either talked on the phone or texted every day. We've been on several dates and are enjoying each other's company so much. My heart is aflutter and I feel safe, comfortable, excited, content, and hopeful.

I hope everyone is feeling as lucky, happy, and blessed as I am at this moment in my life.

Gobble, gobble

2010-11-25T17:39:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Family, friends, good food, beer, football, cold weather, love, laughter, and being lazy...I am grateful for so many things!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I think I'll stay in this roller coaster ride after all...

2010-11-20T13:43:00.003-06:00

It's amazing what a difference a few days (and a few prayers) can make. I was definitely feeling blue after the K incident last weekend. And I've been confused and a little frustrated with the whole dating thing since Date #1!! :)

I realize I haven't been in the dating game very long. It just takes some getting used to after being out of it for so long. But I am grateful for this last month because I have learned so much about myself. Once I got over the initial crushed ego and self-doubt of why I never heard from C, and then why it didn't work out with K, I realized it was all for the best. Of course, this was with the help, love, and support of my friends and family. As Mom commented on one of my lastest posts, "The best is yet to come." And I truly believe that. (love you, mommy!)

As last week wore on, I became my happy self again, enjoying work and the people around me (AND some not-so-sappy music!). Then out of the blue a coworker/friend (Steven) came up with the idea that he was going to try and set me up with one of his good friends...there's a story there but that's for another post someday. Needless to say, Steven's friend called me Thursday night--we had a great conversation and he asked if I'd like to get together sometime.

Last night we went out and it was really nice. No pressure, no tension...just easy, comfortable, and relaxing. We talked over dinner and drinks for almost 4 hours and the time flew by. I'm not expecting anything at all...I like him, and would very much like to see him again. I found this morning that I'm not worrying about whether he will call or not...sure, I'd like him to, but I'm simply carrying on with my daily life and enjoying it. I'm okay with ME and my life right now, no matter what boys may come and go. I am more certain than ever that He is looking out for me. Being happy and self-content totally rocks. :)

On another note, there are only a few more weeks of college football left!!! I can't believe this season is almost over. And I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!! Mom and Dad are driving down to stay with me and celebrate the holiday. I can't wait to see them and show them around my new digs. My brother and his family won't make it this year because my sis-in-law's mother had surgery and they will be staying with her. But we're all planning on being together for Christmas. Have I mentioned this is my most favorite time of the year??!! Family, holidays, football, beautiful Fall weather...this girl is smiling!

Arg...I'm at the office working today and hope to get home in time for the OU game. BOOMER!!

Have a fabulous weekend my friends...

Edited to add: The new guy called this afternoon, asked if I had a good time last night, and asked me out again tonight. Once again, the conversation was easy and fun. All I'm going to say is I'm happy he called and I'm looking forward to seeing him again. :)

I'm a cool kid now

2010-11-17T19:58:00.002-06:00

Today I bid farewell to my beloved Crackberry and bought an iPhone. Finally!!

I have to admit this thing is hella cool...I can blog anytime, anywhere!

It has certainly brightened this sullen week...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One last thing...

2010-11-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

...why can't every guy think like Griffin House?? THIS is what I want...too much to ask???

A long week...

2010-11-16T10:17:00.003-06:00

Sigh. Looks like it's going to be a long week filled with sappy love songs...please bear with me and enjoy the tunes.

BOOMER!

2010-11-15T16:56:00.001-06:00

On a much lighter note...can I just give a "Hell Yeah!" to my Sooners???????

I took my friend and coworker, Karlie, to the OU/Texas Tech game on Saturday in Norman. We met Mom and Dad for lunch and it was so good to see them. The game was awesome and as Karlie said when we left, "OU schooled Tech." For sure!!

It was a beautiful day and I was absolutely ecstatic to be there, supporting my team. And they were OUTSTANDING! Final score??? 45-7.

One of the best days I've had in a long time...

Ooooooooooooooo....U!

And yes, Karlie is wearing her Cornell sweatshirt...I allowed it because it was cold and she is my friend. :)

I am soooo not a pro

2010-11-15T16:38:00.001-06:00

This dating thing is just not in the cards for me...I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for it. Is it me? Is it something I said? Is it them? Who knows.

I think what gets me the most annoyed and frustrated is the lack of closure. As a Type A and a "planner" I like things to be put nicely in their place. If you don't like me, let me know. If you do not want to see me again, you should probably tell me. I don't do the dilly-dally thing. It doesn't take me long to realize whether I like something...and I will always be up front with you.

Needless to say, I'm 99.9% sure I will not hear from K again. Disappointing, yes. Sad? Very much so. I was not prepared for this, and am still shocked at how much it hurts. He is a amazing guy...and someone I easily could have gotten serious with. I was picturing so many things in my present and future, and he was part of all of it. I know it may seem strange after only 1 date and some texting/emailing...but for me it was almost love at first sight. And I have no idea what happened in all honesty. Maybe it was something I said. Maybe he had his guard up. Maybe I'm not what he's looking for. I highly doubt that last one...not because I am overly-confident...but I felt it and I know he is interested. So, I will most likely never know if I did something wrong. The truth?? If I did something that upset him, he should tell me about it. We had an very real connection and immediately hit it off...I thought it was the beginning of something phenomenal.

Even if I did say or do something wrong...The One wouldn't let that stop him from pursuing me. The One won't let anything stop him from winning my heart.

Sigh. I'm through with match.com for awhile. I don't have it in me to go on another date right now. I have other things to concentrate on anyway. I was so sure this thing with K had potential...and if I'm that wrong about something then perhaps I have no business putting myself out there!!

I want love...I want the real deal. And I think I deserve it...scratch that, I DO deserve it. And I know I am so willing to give it as well. I sure hope The One is on his way to finding me...I'm finally ready and want to share my life with someone.

Sorry to disappoint the readers in that there won't be any dates or boys to chronicle on the blog. But I'll try to keep you entertained somehow! :)

The constant roller coaster

2010-11-14T22:22:00.002-06:00

When life is good, it's great. When life gets tough, it's lousy. And then there are those times when life is simply in-between the two...and the roller coaster is just cruising along. You don't know whether you will go up or down, but you know a change is coming soon.

It seems I've had many up's and down's the last month. I'm not complaining...after all, I'm learning more about myself and those around me with every moment that passes. I've experienced a plethora of emotions in just the last 5 days. Such is life I guess. As my mom reminded me tonight, "feelings" are what remind you that you're alive! I was having a tough time today trying to figure out and work through a situation, and Mom was full of supportive words and advice. She sent me a quote from my late Uncle Danny...he had emailed it to her more than 5 years ago when she herself was struggling with her prayers to Him and what the right answers were for her. Here is what he told her:

"You just stay with that notion that God is not against you, but for you. He knows best, that's for sure. Just increase your trust for Him and things will turn out for the best."

My uncle Danny was a wise man. He was also one of the most generous, affectionate, and loving people I've ever known. His faith always amazed me, as he was certain of God's love and will, and he was always content in knowing the Lord would guide him, love him, and live through him.

Sometimes I wonder if He hears me...and I long to be confident and sure of His love for me. I asked Him several times today to help me make the right decisions in my life. I am willing to do what it takes to be a better person and live the best life that I can. So many things in life take a leap of faith...falling in love, trusting in God. We may have to step out of our comfort zone, close our eyes, and put our trust in someone else. It may be scary, and it may even cause pain in the long run...or it could be the most rewarding and wonderful thing we've ever experienced. But we'll never know unless we jump, right?

I'm still a happy girl and the subject of my last post is still alive and well in my mind (and heart). I don't know what the future will bring...but I do know that He is with me and I'm holding on to that faith with everything I have.

Right next to the right one

2010-11-11T23:16:00.007-06:00

That is where I was tonight, sitting right across from (and eventually next to) the right one. Perhaps it is too early to call him The One, but he's pretty darn close.

What a difference a week can make...those close to me know that I have been through somewhat of a tough time, emotionally and spiritually, the last few weeks. Boys in general played a large part in that rough patch. But I'm glad I endured the wreckage since it meant that I would eventually meet K, and my life would be permanently changed...for the better.

It was a simple date. I was not expecting much more than maybe a friendship to come of it. It's not that I wasn't attracted to him...I wouldn't have agreed to meet if I wasn't. But I was getting used to the idea of "casual" dating in that I wasn't going to LOOK for love anymore. The emotional turmoil of the last few weeks threw me for a loop, and I was starting to doubt if the real thing was out there. I thought I would go on a few dates, meet some new people...and continue to be disappointed. But as it turns out He had other plans for me.

Yes, I believe certain people enter and leave our lives for reasons we may not ever understand. I don't know about fate per se, but K...K is my own little serendipity.

Tonight, with K, everything felt good. Everything felt natural. Everything felt exciting. Everything felt...promising. It was all there in one little room upstairs at a pub. It was all there in those eyes when he looked at me, and when he smiled.

That's all for now. But I can't wait to see him again. :)

P.S. Even though he doesn't deserve to be in the same post as K, I just want to say that "C" did call...and pretended like he didn't spill his life story the night we went out or basically attack me the moment we walked into my apartment. That was just a bizarre experience altogether. And I'm glad he never called again.

P.P.S. K texted me within minutes of saying goodbye to me. Be still my heart...

The weekend in one picture

2010-11-08T09:44:00.000-06:00

Girl's Night 11/6/10

(Karen, Melissa, Jenni, Andrea, Michelle, Natalie, Katie, Susan)

No Boys Allowed Weekend!

2010-11-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

It's time to forget about men, the stresses of work and daily life...and focus on some serious girlfriend time. I'm leaving the office around noon to drive to my hometown for a much-deserved and highly-anticipated Girl's Weekend. No need to worry about dating, deadlines, laundry, or the gym...I plan on enjoying every minute of relaxation, laughter, reminiscing, gossiping, watching college football, and all in this beautiful weather.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

P.S. "C" called last night and I will give you an update when I get back...

Date #1: "C"

2010-11-04T10:34:00.004-05:00

Taking a cue from my somewhat virtual mentor, Single Blonde in the City, I will be referring to my dates simply by their first initial (or clever nickname if they deserve one).

Tuesday, Nov. 2
Date #1 (and first blind semi-blind date ever since I only saw a picture)
"C"
Brown hair, brown eyes, 6'3 (A+, A+, A+)

Initial connection:
He winked at me, I winked back, he emailed me. (A+)
We emailed and texted several times, he called me Monday afternoon. We had a great phone conversation and discussed meeting for dinner on Tuesday. We really had a neat connection and I felt totally at ease talking and laughing with him. We talked Monday night for 2 straight hours. He also texted me after the phone conversation that he was really excited about our date. This is a big plus. I don't know about other women, but I love this kind of thing. Let me know you are interested...it's a good thing.

He texted me first thing Tuesday morning just to say hello. Another plus. He called around lunch to discuss our plans. He said he would pick a restaurant and make the arrangements. Plus, plus. He texted me the place, the address, and asked if 6:30 would be ok. I texted back that I would "be there with bells on." He texted back a big smiley face. I start to get *warm fuzzies*

I called him on my way to the restaurant...being new to Dallas, I have no clue where anything is. On top of that, it was pouring rain. He said he was waiting with an umbrella and offered to walk to my car, but luckily I found a spot up front and told him not to worry about it. He was standing outside the restaurant and I was VERY pleasantly surprised at his appearance. He was every bit of 6'3, dressed casually but sharp, and was all smiles. I decided to give him a hug. At this point I realize I am very nervous and shy (NOT like me). I try to keep cool and we make our way into the place. He had made reservations and we were immediately seated. The restaurant was amazing...cozy and warm, not too loud. He was a total gentleman, concerned with what I wanted to eat and drink and whether or not I was comfortable. He compliments me several times. I am feeling good, but overwhelmed at how attracted I am to him and how I am probably coming across as a shaky, goofy-smiling mess. But if I am he doesn't seem to care. The conversation flows naturally and we are laughing and being our sarcastic, witty selves. Throughout the meal he is affectionate...I can feel him looking at me, smiling, and he seems pleased with what he sees overall. I probably blushed the whole time, but luckily the place wasn't bright. At one point he laughs at something I said and reaches for my hand, wrapping a few fingers around mine, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I am touched (literally) and find that I enjoy this confident, straightforward move. More laughs and great conversation ensue and right after he pays the check, he leans in and gives me a kiss. Now, some of you may think this is too fast or inappropriate. But not me. It was just the perfect moment. And it worked...and it was nice. I asked if he would like to come back to my place. It was a chilly, rainy night and we didn't want it to end yet. He said he would love to and off we went. I'll end the date description here, but I will say that we talked even more and shared more kisses, and laughed a lot. He left at a decent time and said we would definitely talk soon. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my first date in who knows how long.

After he leaves I'm hoping for a text that says he is happy to have met me or that he had a great time, but I'm not expecting it. And he doesn't do it. My girlfriends are immediately texting me wanting details. I go to bed feeling pretty good, but honestly wondering why this guy seemed so interested and was texting, emailing before we met but fails to send me the message afterwards that he is excited about this? I wonder if I am expecting too much too soon?

The next morning I am certain he will call or text or something. The entire day goes by and I hear NOTHING from him. I get on the site during lunch and respond to an email from another guy who seems interesting. I'm secretly hoping that "C" is just very busy and wants to contact me but hasn't been able to. Yet I know deep down that if a guy is interested, he will find a way to let you know.

I wake up this morning and am admittedly disappointed and a little peeved. I like "C" and was surprised last night to find myself really looking forward to hearing from him and seeing him again. Am I so clueless that what seemed like such a good date was really nothing special? I mean, I wasn't expecting to get serious or for him to claim me as his girlfriend, but we both seemed smitten. I am confused...am I wrong to be making a decision after a mere 24 hours? Or is it A-OK to have these expectations? And if he does finally contact me, how do I handle the situation? Do I let him know that I am unhappy with the post-date behavior? Stay tuned.

First date with "C" (and first date of the season)
Initial connection: A+
Actual date: A+
Post-date: F

The Crazy Dating World

2010-11-04T09:35:00.007-05:00

So...I finally took the plunge.

Exactly 4 days after my birthday, I joined match.com. I vowed that if I hadn't met a great guy by the time I turned 3- (wait, you don't need to know that), "a certain age" that I would try the online dating world. I went through the obligatory membership rigmarole which entailed answering many questions about myself and my ideal mate, and coming up with an interesting byline. In a way it was nice to stop and think about how to describe myself and exactly what I'm looking for in a mate.

Once my profile was complete and I had loaded recent, honest pictures of myself, I was ready to start searching. Let's see...what should I put in the age range? How far away from my zip code am I willing to search? Do I really care if they have been married or have kids? I decided to be more 'strict' at first and that if I didn't find anything I would gradually lessen my demands (standards?). This was all new to me but I had to start somewhere.

Initial (negative) discoveries:

1. There are many, many of you (i.e. men) who do not know how to take a picture of yourself, nor do you know which photographs best suit your overall look. I don't know any women who want to see a profile picture of you, laying across your bed propped up on one arm...nor do we want to see you flexing your arm muscles in the bathroom mirror while taking a picture with your phone (let me assure you there are plenty of these). I also do not find "model" pictures attractive whatsoever. You know the kind...a man standing or leaning on a bent knee with his jacket 'casually' slung over his shoulder. Gag me.

2. Improper grammar and spelling apparently run rampant in this world. If you cannot even spellcheck your profile description then I am at a loss for how you know how to use a computer, much less carry on an intelligent conversation. Oh, and please understand that no woman is interested in reading a profile in which you ARE SCREAMING IN CAPS THE ENTIRE TIME AND NOT USING ANY PUNCTUATION BUT INSTEAD JUST KEEP TALKING ABOUT THINGS YOU LIKE AND WHAT MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO.

3. If you have kids, you should be honest in the standard "about me" section. Several men had "No" listed next to "Have children" yet mention in their description that they love spending time with their 10-year-old son. ???

4. Men apparently think that WE think it's cute when they refer to themselves in the third person or advertise themselves as "a catch." The reality? No, we don't. Just give me a brief description of yourself, how you like to spend your free time, what interests you, and what you hope to find in an ideal match. I don't need to hear how "Super Dave" is "the one" I've been searching for or how "Mikeluvsu" is "more than a girl could ask for and then some."

Initial (positive) discoveries:

1. There are quite a few men my age who have never been married and have no kids. I'm not saying I am not open to falling in love with someone who has been married and/or has kids. But of course I would prefer to share those things with someone who hasn't already. I also like the fact that so many of them put "definitely" next to "Want children."

2. There are some cute, single guys out there! I realize that a picture is merely a moment in time and does nothing to really tell me about a person. But come on, a nice smile is enough to get me interested! And so many of the profiles have made me laugh and smile. It's a good thing.

3. At first I thought the "wink" feature was cheesy (you can wink at someone if they catch your attention and you are interested, but perhaps not quite ready to send an email). But it really makes sense. I see the wink as an equivalent to "smiling from across the room" when someone catches your eye. And, yes, I have winked at several men on the site!

4. When you pay for a membership, you can see who has viewed you. I totally dig this feature. Call it an ego boost, but I enjoy logging on and seeing who stopped in to peruse my profile. :)

All in all, this experience so far (it's been exactly one week) has been fun, interesting, and eye-opening. I've been emailed several times and even had my very first date on Tuesday night. [see next post]

I will admit that my friend, Karlie, and I have spent a few lunch hours trolling the site and checking out the lame, the cheesy, and the clueless. But for the most part, there are some pretty decent fellows out there. So hop along for the ride because I'm about to become a pro at dating. :)

Things I should do more often #5

2010-11-01T08:22:00.004-05:00

Take heed of the things people in my life say to me.

Last week I took the sentiment and/or advice given by 3 persons dear to me...and it's been one of the best weeks I've had in a long, long time.

An old favorite that always rings true:

"Be who you are, and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter."

College Girl Goes Pro

2010-10-31T19:11:00.005-05:00

I was invited to watch the Dallas Cowboys game today in a company suite. I'm not much of a pro football fan...actually, I'm not a fan at all. BUT any live sports event is worth attending. And football in general just makes me happy.

It was my first time in the new stadium. One word to describe it? AWESOME. The suite was very cool with tons of food, drinks, comfy chairs, and a great view. The Jumbotron?? Everything it is cracked up to be AND THEN SOME. That behemoth alone is worth going to a game! It was a gorgeous day and I was in a fabulous mood.

College football is my passion...but this girl couldn't help but root for Da Boys! We lost (again) but what an amazing day!! I may have to tune in and watch those Cowboys next week. :)

I'm home now waiting for the Rangers game to start. GO TEXAS!!

Pictures from the game:

Heading into the stadium...

Very happy camper goofing off in the suite bathroom (fancier than mine at home!)

We got there pretty early and just enjoyed the food and the view...

JUMB-O-TRON, baby!!

Salad, veggies, shrimpies, sushi (and an adorable football-shaped wasabi!)

Beef tenderloin, macaroni and cheese with truffle oil, teriyaki chicken

The Goof, again...after 4 beers. :)

Oh, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Gigi

2010-10-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

Pronounced "jee-jee"

Here is an interesting tidbit that even my dear mother most likely does not know about her dearest daughter.

Back in middle school (like, ages ago dude) I had 2 of the bestest friends in the world and we sat together at lunch everyday. Those pretty ladies are still my besties and every time we get together, we laugh just as much as we did back then (except this time there are copious amounts of alcohol involved). We cannot remember how it came to be, but the nickname "Gigi" materialized for me. It seemed hilarious at the time, yet it did not stick. Cut to 20 years later...somehow the name comes up in a Facebook conversation. And this time it sticks.

I think I like it...and I'll take it. Those girls mean everything to me and literally ANY nickname they give me is endearing (be it Pooterhead, Boogernose, or Loser). They love me and would do anything for me. And I don't know what I'd do without them in my life.

Here's to you, Katie and Karen...I luf you!!!

Vincent Remains

2010-10-29T22:24:00.001-05:00

He is still the ultimate man in my honest opinion. I've seen all but 2 of his movies (only because they cannot be found on DVD). I haven't mentioned him in awhile on here...but be still my heart he is alive and well. If you can stand to watch Renee Zellweger, her squint, and her lips, the movie The Whole Wide World illustrates a brilliant actor known as Vincent D'Onofrio. Still one of the best movie kiss scenes of all time. Hands down.

Funky Fresh Friday

2010-10-29T13:52:00.003-05:00

Thank God this is semi-healthy...give me a bag of tortilla chips and this dip and I'm a goner.

Creamy Mexican Dip
maybe 8 servings...if you don't eat it all yourself

1 c fat-free Greek yogurt
1/2 c salsa (Amy's is THE.BEST.)
1 avocado
2-3 T chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 c chopped red onion
1/2 t cumin
kosher salt to taste

I mixed it all up in my trusty blender until smooth. You could also make it the easy peasy way and use pico de gallo in lieu of salsa, onion, and cilantro.

Birthday Girl

2010-10-24T14:24:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday to me!!!

The last year has brought many changes to my life. I feel like I am right where I need to be.

Something tells me this year is going to be the best one yet...

Cheers!

Like mother, like daughter

2010-10-23T23:52:00.003-05:00

I did some baking this afternoon...and obtained this:

A lovely monstrosity, this painful arm burn occurred while reaching inside the oven.

This incident is nothing new. For as long as I can remember, Mom has always had some kind of burn, scrape, or cut on her arms and hands. It is not a form of abuse...unless you can charge the oven with assault and battery. For some reason, Mom has always endured such war wounds while working in the kitchen. And now, I, too, have acquired this trait. I don't believe this is a fault, nor do I believe it stems from some kind of laziness or ineptness in the cooking realm. It's just something the Rush Women do. I like to think of them as badges of honor. We work hard in the kitchen...and have the scars to prove it.

Endless Love

2010-10-23T23:37:00.002-05:00

Happy anniversary to the people I love most in this world...after 41+ years you still shine with a love that few are ever blessed to find in this world!!

Dad & Mom

Love,
Your Little Girl

Fat Talk Free Week 2010

2010-10-20T13:05:00.005-05:00

Check out this website for information on the Fat Talk campaign. Here is the actual pledge:

Today I promise to eliminate Fat Talk from conversations with my friends, my family and myself.

Starting now, I will strive for a healthy ideal, which I know looks different for every woman, and focuses on health, not weight or size.

I will celebrate the things about myself and the women in my life that have nothing to do with how we look.

I decide to end Fat Talk NOW!

The 2008 video had a profound effect on me. I love this movement and the idea behind it. Here is last year's video...

This year, the Tri Delts launched a video contest to get more and more school campuses involved in spreading the word. You go, girls

800

2010-10-20T11:02:00.003-05:00

↑ That's how many calories I burned at the gym last night.

Mike the Trainer was sick and we didn't have our scheduled session. So I decided to kick my own ass instead.

45 minutes on the elliptical
5K on the treadmill
core/abs on the mat

It was glorious to know I had a major calorie deficit for the day! Especially since I decided to buy some candy for my desk. AND it's the good stuff!

Guess what? Aforementioned desk is now in my brand spankin' new office! The view makes me very happy indeed.

Happy Humpday! New recipe coming later...

The last few weeks in sentences (i.e. to explain the pictures)

2010-10-13T11:16:00.004-05:00

I flew to Oklahoma for Grandma's memorial service.

The whole family went out for lunch to celebrate her life.

The Sooners beat the Longhorns in Red Rivalry tradition.

I tried sushi for the first time (and loved it).

I met my cousin Kari and her hubby Rodney for dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant.

I drank too many margaritas.

We ended the night at a pub where I proceeded to drink too many beers.

Other than making myself a homemade "hangover" pizza, I stayed on the couch the next day.

My mom sent me an adorable picture of her baby, Buddy Buddington.

I tried some nifty new recipes.

The End.

The last few weeks in pictures (i.e. a "wordless" post)

2010-10-13T11:05:00.001-05:00

Speaking of...

2010-09-29T09:22:00.006-05:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love getting my hair blow dried? Maybe it's the heat, the droning of the dryer, or the slight tugging at my hair, but I almost always close my eyes and drift off.

Speaking of hair...I found a new salon in the Dallas Galleria and got my hair did last night.

Speaking of getting my hair did...I had 2 people working on it. One person does the cut and and another person does the coloring. This was new to me but very cool.

Speaking of coloring...I had my first ever gay male stylist. He was a hoot and a half and told me he was going to dress up as a "Slutty Eskimo" for Halloween. Don't ask.

Speaking of Halloween...I've been mulling over the idea of going as the BP oil spill. Maybe I'll wear a blue shirt and put brown or black felt patches on it, and make a rig headband.

Speaking of oil...I'm still rocking my new gig. I love it here and this company is the BEST.

Speaking of the company...our CFO "dabbles" in investing and owns a huge liquor store chain here in Tejas. This means that all employees here at corporate get a "preferred member" discount card on all purchases. Jackpot!

Speaking of liquor...one of my favorite beverages of all time is Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante. Regardless of the alcohol content, I could/can drink an entire bottle in one sitting.

Speaking of Asti...I think my love for this glorious nectar stems from the holidays growing up when my parents would let us have a little glass at dinner (during which I usually got silly and was once even asked by Mom to leave the table because I mentioned the word "poop"--Mom does NOT like bathroom humor at any time).

Speaking of holidays...this year marks the first time I will ever host Thanksgiving dinner for the family.

Speaking of Thanksgiving...it will also be the first one without Grandma.

Speaking of Grandma...she called me "Dollbaby" from about the first week I was born until the last time I saw her. And she was the only one in the family to call me that.

Speaking of family...I'm flying out to OKC on Thursday to attend Grandma's memorial service and celebrate her long, beautiful life.

Speaking of flying...I'm headed to the library today to pick out a good book for the airport/plane.

Speaking of good books...I started The Time Traveler's Wife on Saturday afternoon and didn't put it down until I finished it at 2:30 am. [Review coming soon but let's just say it was EPIC]

Speaking of Saturday...I was so engrossed in the book that I missed most of the football games on TV. That means the book had to be THAT good.

Speaking of football...this weekend brings the ever-so-crucial game between Texas and Oklahoma. The Sooners need to pull out a win this year.

On that note, BOOMER SOONER and have a nice day!

Yours Truly

Grandma Ruby's Tribute

2010-09-23T10:44:00.001-05:00

Ruby Lawhorn Hopkins died on September 19, 2010, at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 98. Burial will be Wednesday, September 22, at 10:00 a.m., at Bixby Cemetery in Bixby, Oklahoma, with a memorial service scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2010, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

Ruby was born in Pryor, Oklahoma on July 31, 1912 to Sam and Lula Mae Mitchell. Following her mother’s death when Ruby was a baby, she was raised by her Aunt Elzada and Uncle Dan Mitchell on a farm in Hartville, Missouri. Upon graduation from Hartville High School, she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. On a trip to Oklahoma she met the love of her life, Everet Lawhorn, whom she married in 1935.

Ruby and Everet raised two sons and one daughter in Bixby, Oklahoma, and they were active in Bixby United Methodist Church. In her role as president of Women’s Society of Christian Service (now United Methodist Women) she took part in ground-breaking ceremonies for the new sanctuary in 1955. She loved to visit “shut-ins” and the elderly and often baked cakes and cookies to give them when she visited.

When Everet died, she moved to Texas to be near family, and a few years later Ruby married her childhood sweetheart Woodrow “Woody” Hopkins. With Woody, Ruby enjoyed a new life and family in California and was active in a United Methodist Church there before going to live with her daughter following the death of Woody. Until illness forced her to slow down, Ruby remained active and enjoyed life with her beloved family. Ruby was a lady of great faith, compassion, and humor who cared deeply about others and touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Ruby was preceded in death by her two husbands, her two sons, Danny Lawhorn and Jerry Lawhorn, and is survived by her daughter, Linda Rush, son-in-law, Randy Rush, daughters-in-law, Jo Lawhorn of Sand Springs and Judy Lawhorn of Denton, TX; five grandchildren – Gary Lawhorn and wife Shelli of Sand Springs, Debbie Lawhorn of Klamath Falls, OR, Tommy Lawhorn and wife Wendy of Bixby, Jeff Rush and wife Susan of The Woodlands, TX, and Jenni Rush of Dallas; and 10 great-grandchildren – Kari Smith of Anna, TX, Tyler Lawhorn of Bixby, Cory Lawhorn and Hannah Lawhorn of Sand Springs, Brandon Lawhorn of AZ, Emily Lawhorn and Hunter Lawhorn of Bixby, and Brandon Rush, Sydney Rush, and Samantha Rush of The Woodlands and her niece, Judy Moore of Southaven, MS.

Arrangements are with Corbett Funeral Service in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruby’s name to Lifecare Foundation, c/o Lifecare Oklahoma Hospice, 226 W Gray, Suite 200, Norman, OK 73069.

Fly away home...

2010-09-20T11:07:00.001-05:00

Ruby Maude Mitchell Lawhorn Hopkins

7.31.1912 ~ 9.19.2010

Running Humor

2010-09-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

I'll be hitting up a new trail tonight for an easy 3-miler. Actually, it's not a NEW trail but I'll be running a different leg. I've mostly stayed within the Valley View/Park Central area but tonight I'm driving to a spot further south for some new scenery. I think the entire trail is about 7 miles. That would be a great distance but it's basically impossible to run the whole thing (if I park my car up north then run to White Rock Lake, how will I get back????). Maybe someday I'll be able to run 14 miles :)

I had a 5:30 training session this morning...it's only 9:00 now and I am already tired! But I'm enjoying a cup of Tazo Awake tea and it's yummy.

Tomorrow will bring another 5:30 am session...it's certainly tough for me to get up early but the gym is practically deserted and quiet so it's nice. Plus, I've found that I eat more mindfully on days I work out early. AND it leaves plenty of room for evening runs, especially as Fall weather heads this way!

More Tuesday tunes

2010-09-14T14:22:00.007-05:00

One of my favorite Elton John songs...great for late-night drives and singing out loud in the car.

Tunes & Trails

2010-09-14T10:11:00.004-05:00

Best. Running. Playlist. Ever.

I went for my Monday run last night after being so sick last week...it was tough to say the least. I was glad to get out and enjoy the local trails, but it is still too dang hot to enjoy a nice evening run. Plus I was constantly clearing my throat of crud! I only managed 2 miles but at least I'm back out there. Sometimes a good playlist is all it takes to get me through a tiring run. Since moving to Dallas I've started listening to Top 40 songs...and this is not usually my bag. But I'll admit I'm liking a lot of today's new pop music. It's what I like to refer to as "feel good" music and what's not to like about that??!!

Tonight is my first workout with Mike in 10 days! I'm actually looking forward to it...it's the first time I've ever really felt comfortable and welcome in a gym.

Happy Tuesday! ♥

19 years ago...

2010-09-13T10:55:00.002-05:00

I looked like this:

For the record, my Sweet Mother actually paid someone a lot of money to make my hair look like that. Why we thought I needed a perm...I'm not suggesting I'm not totally adorable, but the hair is a bit much!

What I wouldn't give to have that youthful skin again...

A holiday weekend, football, The Crud, and Texas tornadoes

2010-09-13T10:30:00.011-05:00

I am back to the land of the living. But let's start at the beginning...my last post was 9/3. Here are some highlights since then...

Labor Day weekend: I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful holiday weekend with family in Oklahoma, complete with excellent food, wine, beer, football, pooltime, and a painful sunburn. The drive up there was hellish as the entire world seemed to be on the highway. And no one seemed to want to go faster than 60 mph. What normally takes 2.5-3 hours took FOUR hours. Lucky for me, Mom had a home-cooked meal just waiting for me when I pulled up. It was awesome!! Mom and I did some shopping on Saturday before the football games and it was a blast. She is really getting into crafts and sewing and is making me a quilt and all kinds of neat stuff (more on that later). We went to a fabric store and I had no idea it could be so much fun! So many fabulous fabrics, so little time, and so little talent with which to utilize them...(that would be me, not Mom).

Football: My Sooners looked shakey during their first game, allowing too many penalties and barely scraping by for a win. This had me VERY nervous all week for last Saturday's game against FSU. OU's season opener-performance was less than stellar and FSU was obviously expecting a win. Thankfully, the Sooners pulled out a can of whoop-ass and laid it down...the smack down that is. Final score? 47-17. Wahoo!!!! We've moved up a few notches in the rankings and are a team to be reckoned with this season, baby! This Saturday we're up against Air Force which should be an easy win. I will be flying back to Oklahoma to go to an Oklahoma State game with an old coworker, Jane. It's the one time of year I turn into a Cowboy fan! :)

The Crud: Aptly named for how it makes me feel. It seems I come down with this ailment at least 2-3 times a year, usually when I travel, and almost always in September. The Crud consists of a sore throat, ear infection, sinus infection, fever, aches, chills, coughing, drowsiness, grouchiness, and basically me feeling sorry for myself and missing my Mommy and Daddy. God forbid I have to take care of myself, right??!! :)

I started feeling bad on Sunday before the drive back to Dallas from OKC. By Monday (an office holiday thankfully) I was miserable. Thinking it was just a sinus infection that would go away, I prepared to go into the office Tuesday. No dice. Tuesday was probably the worst, with a fever that just made me feel rotten. My whole body hurt, and the sunburn from the weekend was making me even more miserable. [It was a BAD sunburn because I fell asleep outside and then proceeded to wake up and chat with Mom while in the sun. At one point Dad was like, "Little Girl, you really need to get out of the sun because your back is getting red." Cut to my face, arms, shoulders, back, and legs being burned and almost purple. The ONE time I forget sunscreen, people!!] Okay, back to being sick...I was so cold from the fever/chills and tried to take a warm shower, but the hot water was literally stinging the sunburn. Poor, pathetic little me. Wednesday morning I get up and head to work, determined to show the boss my dedication. I don't even sound like myself, and my cough is causing heads to turn it's so full of the crud. Colleagues are shielding themselves from me, telling me to go home. The boss himself says I should go to a doctor. "But I don't have one yet since I moved here..." to which he responds, "There is a clinic near here and you need to go." (Note: Dear Mother had already urged me numerous times to go to the clinic but I didn't listen to her...big mistake). Turns out the clinic is right across from where I live, AND you can make an appointment online, AND they call you when it's time to come in. I leave work and head to the clinic during a virtual downpour. Sure, we needed rain, but 5-8 inches in one day was overkill. I was soaked by the time I got there. So it turns out I have an upper respiratory infection that could be viral or bacterial ("50/50 chance" the doctor tells me, which was of absolutey no help at all). I pay my $50 (yes, even with insurance it was $50--damn emergency clinics), take my Rx for antibiotics and head to Walgreen's when all I really want to do is shower and go to bed. I get further soaked running into the store and have to wait 10 minutes for it to be filled. So I did what any young, sick, single person does and stocked up on Ramen (at $0.39 a pop), as well as juice, cough syrup, and a decongestant. Thursday I get up and head into work again, only to practically fall asleep at my desk and continually wipe my sore, runny nose. I make it through an early afternoon meeting, coughing into my kleenex, trying to avert the paranoid glares of coworkers, and then head back home. I finally worked a full day on Friday and started to feel back to normal. I continued to hack and cough all weekend, barely getting any of the long list of chores done. I did however get my sense of taste and smell back somewhat. I think The Crud is finally going away. I had to cancel all 3 personal training sessions last week and Mike even called to make sure I was doing okay. This week's sessions will be tough for sure.

Texas tornadoes: When I moved here from Oklahoma, I figured I was leaving most of the bad weather behind me. But not only did we receive buku amounts of rain last week (up to 10 inches in some areas), apparently 3 tornadoes touched down. One of those was too close to my neck of the woods.

To say the very least, it was a strange week indeed. But it's Monday, time to start fresh and hit the ground running!!

I ♥ 3-day weekends

2010-09-03T09:10:00.006-05:00

I'm headed up to the Okie State this afternoon...can't wait to see the family!! This will be my first trip back since I moved to Dallas a month ago.

Things are going...fantastic, actually! Work has been nuts with more meetings and seminars then I've ever had but I love the people and the atmosphere. I've been running and working out with Mike (I had a 5:30 AM appointment this morning and as of 9:00 AM I cannot lift my arms above my head). The weather has finally cooled off a bit and we've gotten some much-needed rain. I filled out my application for graduation and will receive my diploma on December 18!! Life is good...and I can't help but find myself glancing around for that Mack truck to come careening around the corner... :)

On another note:

♪ "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." ♫

The college football season officially kicked off last night--finally! I'm sporting a new OU shirt today at the office with pride and have already talked smack with some Aggie and Cowboy colleagues. I can't wait to watch the games tomorrow with some of my favorite peeps!!

For now I'm just waiting for the big boss to blow the horn early and let us outta here...

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Can you smell what the BCS is cooking?!

2010-08-30T16:05:00.006-05:00

Fall is the best time of year. Not only does the weather get better, but there are lots of great holidays (my birthday included)...and FOOTBALL!

The 2010 college football season begins this Thursday and I can't wait! I'm driving up to Oklahoma on Friday and will watch the weekend games at Mom and Dad's house.

A few thoughts for this season:

1. OU. Sam Bradford is long gone and will be missed. But Landry Jones had an outstanding rookie season after stepping in for an injured Sam last year. Let's hope Jones will help lead the Sooners to victory. Player to watch: Ryan Broyles. Set a record last year with 1120 receiving yards.

2. Texas. Colt McCoy is also long gone...and won't be missed by this gal. :) I'm not sure what to think of the new Texas QB. Gilbert needs to boost the running game if Texas wants a shot. What to watch: Mack Brown will play Gilbert under center; strong offensive line.

3. Alabama. Ranked #1 (preseason) after a 14-0 season last year and a championship. Strong team, stout defensive line. But they have a tough schedule this year. Game to watch: Alabama v. Florida on 10/2.

4. Speaking of Florida...thank GOD Tebow is out of the picture. We'll see how the Gators do this season without him. Brantley might put up some good numbers.

5. Nebraska?! Actually breaking the preseason top 10?!

6. Ohio State. Playing 2 quarterbacks for their first game. Given the team's last few seasons and the talented roster his season, I predict the Buckeyes may be the team to beat.

7. Texas A&M. If the Aggies can just keep the other team from scoring, I think they have a shot at making their presence known in the top 10. Player to watch: Jerrod Johnson.

8. USC. New president, new athletic director, and a two-year bowl ban. Even if they are good this year, they can't go to the Rose Bowl. (tee-hee)

9. LSU. Critical season for coach Les Miles. The last two seasons have been crappy, especially following a 2007 national championship.

10. Heisman prediction: Terrell Pryor, Ohio State

Damn Oprah and her "a-ha" moments

2010-08-26T20:54:00.007-05:00

I'm only damning her because when I had my "moment" today, the first thing that popped into my head to describe it (for later blogging) was the "a-ha moment." I avoid Oprah because she annoys me. Maybe it's because she makes too much money. Maybe it's because she interrupts every guest on her show. Maybe it's because her uber fans are nutso. Maybe it's because I wish I had too much money, a show on which to interrupt guests, and nutso fans. :) I refuse to buy into Oprah-mania, yet here we are.

Onto the point of this post...Mike The Personal Trainer will now only be referred to as "Mike" with no reference to Satan. I intended it as a joke because my muscles are mean and hurt when Mike is finished working me out. But today shed new light on the subject. I was still hurting like Hell, and actually cursed a few times during the session, but I found out why I need and thus have a personal trainer. Mike was gentle and encouraging even though the weights were killing me (upper body--my weakest area). I was really getting down on myself (must stop doing this) and feeling like such a wimp for running out of steam. But Mike kept telling me all about how we're building my strength, I will get stronger, I'm doing great, keep my head up, yada, yada, yada...normally this type of positive reinforcement goes in one ear and out the other (Mom can attest to this). As the workout came to an end, I realized I could barely move my arms. I still cannot raise them above my head. It may not have seemed at the time like I could do it--I was barely able to push through that last set--but the fact that my muscles were fatigued meant I did SOMETHING. And THAT is more than I would have done sitting on the couch! Bottom line: This is hard work and takes dedication. There is more mental strength involved than I once thought.

The real story here (hence the "a-ha" moment) is about Mike The Person. He kept making little comments like "I was just like you after chemo..." or "I had to build up my muscle once I got off the medications..." and, of course, at first these comments didn't land. When we were finished, we sat down on the mat and Mike again told me to hang in there and not get down. I finally broke free of my everything-hurts-and-I'm-a-sweaty-weak-blob reverie and really looked at him. "You had cancer?" I asked him, finally focusing on someone OTHER than myself. Turns out Mike was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005 at 30 years old (we are the exact same age). I realized he was right about being just like me at one point...after the treatments and chemo he was underweight and very weak. He told me that before he got sick he didn't work out regularly. But as he got well, he really wanted to gain strength (and weight) and take care of his body. He started working out and now he's a personal trainer and in great shape...he's been in remission for 4.5 years!

When Mike started working out after chemo, he was trying to put on weight. I am working out to lose weight (and of course tone up). My a-ha moment was after our workout, when I was dripping sweat on the elliptical, doing some pondering (fyi--most of my life-pondering is done in the shower, while running, on the elliptical, or driving). I learned some valuable lessons today. First, I learned that I lucked out with my personal trainer--Mike is a great guy and I think he's in my life for a reason. Second, I'm not as physically strong as I thought. Going to a gym and working out makes you face what you can and cannot do, physically and mentally. This is quite the eye-opener. Third, and most important, when I start to feel sorry for myself or beat myself up about how much work I have ahead of me, I'll think of Mike--and how lucky I am to be trying to lose weight rather than trying to gain it because cancer almost took my life.

There is a God...and He createth Tilapia.

2010-08-21T12:57:00.002-05:00

Oh, my Lands.

This is officially Day 1 of Operation Health & Body Makeover--I refuse to call it a 'diet' because the food is delicious and healthy! When my trainer first suggested this particular meal plan, I was skeptical because it doesn't allow for a lot of sugar (i.e. fruit) and I love me some grapes, oranges, and nanners. They are not completely off the menu, but I have to limit my intake. The plan includes lean meats, egg whites, green veggies, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

This morning began with a Green Monster and an omelet (2 egg whites, 1 egg, fresh pico de gallo). And I just scarfed down THIS baby for lunch:

Oh, me, oh, my...it was fantastic! I've never dabbled with cooking fish at home other than my shrimp pasta. But last night I stocked up on fresh turkey, tilapia, and chicken like it was nobody's business. The next few weeks will entail lean meat 3 times a day. I'm more of a meatless-meal fan but this "makeover" calls for protein. With meals like today's lunch, I'm all in. The entire meal took less than 7 minutes. The broccoli was steamed and tossed with some teriyaki and Tuscan Sunset, and the sweet potato was nuked in the microwave...all while the fish broiled in the oven.

Broiled Tilapia

4 3-5 oz tilapia fillets
kosher salt
fresh black pepper
juice of a lemon

Salt and pepper the fish on both sides, place on a baking sheet with cooking spray, and drizzle lemon juice over fillets. Broil for about 5 minutes or until fish is tender and flaky. Perfection.

Side note: ~~Satan~~ Mike worked out my lower body on Thursday...as of this morning, I can barely walk. The squats and calf-raises have left me hobbling around and in need of The Stick. But I.will.survive!

Go with the flow [chart]

2010-08-20T21:48:00.003-05:00

Life really is this simple. What's YOUR answer??

It's no secret...I'm a nerd.

2010-08-20T15:54:00.005-05:00

Remember this Rolling Stone Magazine cover?

This issue debuted in 1995 when X-Files was the hottest show on Fox. The whole world was watching as Mulder and Scully investigated unexplained and paranormal cases.

I was not one of those viewers. I guess during that time I was partying too much...after all, I was 20 years old! I just never got into it and didn't watch the show...I don't remember even seeing it on TV at the time.

Yet, today I am considered an X-Files fanatic. It all began the summer of 2006. I was having trouble sleeping and would be up late during all hours of the night. Apparently, the Syfy network was running old episodes of the X-Files back-to-back from about 1:00 am to 3:00 am. The episodes weren't in sequence, which had me confused but I was totally hooked. I was intrigued...and became fully aware of just how sexy David Duchovny was (is). And I won't lie...I also developed a little lady crush on Gillian Anderson. Hello?!! The woman is gorgeous! Okay, back to the story of how I became an X-Files addict. I decided I needed to see this show from the beginning to fully understand the plot and characters. I joined Netflix and ordered the first few episodes. My mission in life then became to possess every.single.episode. While Netflix'ing my way through the series, I started collecting the DVD sets for each season. Within six months I had purchased all 9 seasons (a total of 202 episodes), a bloopers DVD, the first X-Files movie, and various X-Files memorabilia. I even went through a phase where I had to watch any and every movie that DD or GA were ever in (I highly recommend Duchovny's Return to Me and Anderson's The House of Mirth).

As of last year, I have gone through the entire series twice. Most of the time I would pop in the DVDs when I was sick or the cable was out. I would also randomly catch an epi on TV.

When I made the move to Dallas 3 weeks ago, I had no cable at my new place for 4 days. For me, that was killer. I love TV and like to have it playing in the background to keep me sane either while cleaning, cooking, or exercising. The first night in my place I was unpacking all of my DVDs and lo and behold there were all of the X-Files. It had been at least 2 years since I watched them and it was the perfect solution. So, VERY long story short, I'm back on the bandwagon for the third time around. I'm currently up to Season 3 and loving it. David Duchovny is still a hottie and I'm still fascinated by Gillian Anderson. Their characters are too cool and the show was brilliant. As with Seinfeld and Family Guy, I find myself quoting the show without even realizing it. I have reached "Specialist" status in X-Files trivia on Facebook. I have 2 fanatical tshirts: one that says "The Truth is Out There" and another that says "Scully's Morgue." I counted down the days until the second movie came out in 2008. I have the X-Files ringtone on my phone.

Like I said, it's no secret...I'm a nerd. And proud of it.

FFF Version 2.0

2010-08-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

Due to some unforeseen circumstances (elaboration shortly) today's post will NOT feature a new recipe for Funky Fresh Friday. Yes, I, too, am sad.

My new trainer, ~~Satan~~ Mike, has me on a new "diet" for a few weeks that is fairly strict. Now, I don't DO diets but this is just to experiment more with my body and it's response to the strength training. He didn't force it--I opted to try it. Oh, and Mike is my NEW trainer--I was working Jonathan, but it wasn't a good fit after all--and I heart Mike. He is my age (exactly!) and we get along like Paris Hilton and excessive eye makeup.

So...instead of Funky Fresh Friday, how about a dose of Feline Furball Friday?? ^..^

Before I hopped in the shower last night, I noticed this:

Cleo rarely comes into the bathroom, much less the tub! I have a separate shower so this tub doesn't really get used. She seems pretty comfortable, no? Silly girl.

So there you have it. FFF Version 2.0, Cleo-Lady-Marmalade-style.

Too much wine...too little time

2010-08-19T10:40:00.005-05:00

DRINK UP! Here is a very interesting article from the local Dallas CBS affiliate:

Study Says Wine Can Make Women Smarter Than Men

Aug 19, 2010 8:00 am
Carol Cavazos GRAPEVINE (CBS 11 / TXA 21)

Women looking for more 'mental muscle' may only need to lift a glass of wine. According to a recent study out of Norway, wine can give women a bit of an intellectual edge over men.

The so-called 'Tromso Study' tested more than 5,000 middle-aged men and women over seven years, and found that women who drank four or more times over a two week period scored better on cognitive tests than those who only drank once during the same time frame.

Julia Sizemore, who was sizing up the rental hall at Grapevine's Delaney Vineyards for a company event, said that she drinks a glass of wine almost every night. "I guess if I had not experienced it firsthand, I'd say I don't know about that," Sizemore said. "But wine just gives you a little bit of a nice edge."

One reason for the added benefit could be polyphenols, or antioxidants, found in the wine. Another reason could be the alcohol itself, which can improve blood circulation. "It's a lot of things synergistically working together," said TCU nutrition professor Anne Vanbeber.

The TCU professor also emphasized that moderation is key. For women, that amounts to one glass of wine each day. But she knows that everyone cannot do that. "If you can not drink, maybe try some grape juice, Vanbeber said. "Eat grapes."

Delaney Vineyards already sees a lot of traffic from women. But French studies have also shown that wine is good for heart health. All of these medical benefits give women multiple reasons to visit the Grapevine vineyard. "To me, obviously as a vintner, it makes sense," said Delaney Vineyards manager Leslie Hill. "I see it as a help to our industry."

Men who participated in the Norwegian study did not fare quite as well as women, but any complaints from them would just be sour grapes.

The blushing runner

2010-08-18T19:02:00.005-05:00

Not really...it's just HOT!

Technically, it "cooled" off to a mere 93 degrees this afternoon. I thought I would take advantage of the weather and run outside. I love my new neighborhood and there are some very pretty trails. But they were hot. And humid.

Check out my face...it matches my shirt!! :)

Nothing a Green Monster can't fix! YUM

Fall OUT of the Gap

2010-08-16T14:26:00.003-05:00

Question: Does this ad make you want to buy pants from the Gap?

Answer: No.

Whether I look good in shorts or not, it's not up to The Gap to decide!

Oh, I felt "The Burn"

2010-08-13T14:43:00.005-05:00

Remember how I joined a new gym with the corporate membership, and learned that a free orientation and personal training session were in store?

Well, I met Edward The Trainer at 5:30. He told me we were first going to discuss some general nutrition information, work out, then discuss their "program options." I immediately knew this meant personal training sessions and $$$. I say to him "Oh, I can tell you right now I'm not going to want any of that stuff." He says, "Ok, no problem, let's just talk about your general health right now, where you want to be, and what you want to get out of this gym." Fair enough.

His discussion was actually interesting and I learned a lot...specifically, I learned that I need to lose exactly 36 pounds to be in excellent health. Yes, I had my body fat analyzed and it wasn't pretty. But the more I talked to this guy and listened, the more I felt excited and really into it. He puts me on the elliptical to warm up for only about 7 minutes. Now, I am a runner, and the elliptical is something I've never really used. I thought it felt awkward at first, but it was definitely getting my heart rate up there.

Then we start the workout. Edward wants to concentrate on core-strengthening exercises. He teaches a ONE-hour core class...I didn't even know there were that many core exercises out there. I was wrong. It's not just abs, but literally your core. And what an eye-opener it was for me. I.WAS.DYING. We begin with some ab exercises on the mat which include 1 minute planks. No problem, right? I mean, my own strength training workout at home includes 3 30-second planks. But these were 1-minute planks...believe me when I say 30 seconds makes a huge difference! I was sweating profusely at this point, my forearms literally sliding on the mat.

Let me interject an important side note here: My total fuel prior to this gym session was one small bowl of oatmeal, a banana, some grapes, an orange, another banana, and loads of water. Work was busy and I had no time to eat anything substantial. But, hey, at least it was healthy. However, this is not nearly enough food to sustain a good workout. Needless to say it was a dumb thing to do, and I was dizzy, lightheaded, and got a headache as soon as we started.

BUT, I kept pushing myself. The moves were difficult, but to be honest, I LIKED IT! I was having a great time. I was dripping with sweat and probably pretty stinky, and I couldn't speak in complete sentences because I was gasping for air, but this personal training thing was pretty nifty. All I had to concentrate on was holding the correct position and my breathing. We worked muscles that I haven't moved in a long time. He actually had to cut the workout short because he was afraid I was going to faint (insert an embarrassed me here--it was obvious I was pretty light-headed and shaky). But I appreciated his concern. He had worked me enough to feel more than satisfied that I had burned some serious calories.

I loved the machines, I loved the moves, and I loved having someone train me. It's a whole new concept for me and I just felt invigorated (albeit starving and wobbly). It was like another door had opened up in my life and I felt guided to step through. Granted, I lost 40 pounds on my own last year by running and eating right. But the next 36 are only going to get tougher...I need all the help I can get. And it's not just about losing weight. Changing your lifestyle is a difficult and tedious challenge, and it doesn't happen overnight. BUT I'M READY.

So, this formerly-skeptical chick signed up for an entire year of personal training sessions, 3 days a week. Crazy, huh? I'm so excited and although I know it's going to be hard, and that I'll have good days and bad, I know this is going to help me achieve my goals. Tomorrow I have an appointment for a full physical assessment, including all of my measurements (yikes). I received a book that my trainer will use to enter all of my workout information each session, and each month we will track my progress. My sessions will include 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. I am free to keep up with my running throughout the week. My trainer is Jonathan, and although he is 10+ years younger than me and disgustingly fit, I really like him and feel comfortable with him. When Edward had to get me a towel during my workout (have I mentioned how sweaty I get?), Jonathan happened to be near and promptly had me get into another balanced plank (Bosu ball anyone??) for 15 seconds...he was so supportive even in just those 15 seconds. I knew he was the one. :)

The gym was filled with all shapes and sizes, and I saw a lot of women working out with a trainer. I had a completely different attitude when I walked out compared to when I had walked in. I drove away feeling more confident in myself than I had in a long time.Then I drove to Subway and scarfed down a healthy sandwich. When I got home I took some Advil and got in a hot shower. Getting up this morning wasn't so bad...but by the time lunch rolled around, my coworker (Karlie--more about her later) made me laugh and my abs nearly screamed at me. It was wonderful and painful at the same time.

So join me on this new journey to a healthy mind and body. I'm thinking I'll post about some of the sessions--what moves I do and things I learn along the way. It's going to be a long road and I've already started towards a new life...no looking back now!

Funky Fresh Friday

2010-08-13T09:14:00.005-05:00

Holla...this is a new segment of Jenni-isms, as if this blog could GET any more exciting.

Funky Fresh Friday's will entail a new recipe (or a twist on an older one) using a seasonal, fresh ingredient. Yum to the tum. I know all of my followers (read: Mom) are enthralled. :)

Without further achoo, the inaugural FFF recipe:

Simple Summer Squash

2 c yellow squash, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t Penzey's Tuscan Sunset seasoning
sprinkle of kosher salt
1/2 - 1 c water
cooking spray

Coat a pan with cooking spray over medium to medium-high heat (you could use butter, but I was trying to cut the calories and fat). Chop the squash and and throw it in the pan with the garlic. Sprinkle on the seasoning and salt and let them just sit for a while, maybe 5 minutes. Stir them gently around and add a little water whenever the pan gets too dry. After another 2 minutes (or when you can see the squash are getting a nice brown color) put in enough water to get them really steaming and cover the pan. Let them simmer for a few minutes...at this point, it's just a matter of how done you like them. I like them just barely soft so I take them off of the burner.

This recipe allows the true flavor of the squash to come out...this time of year they are so delicious. I try to buy the smallest squash I can find because I think they have a richer flavor.

Things I should do more often #4

2010-08-12T13:08:00.006-05:00

Stop my own FAT TALK.

I still have a good 30-40 pounds to lose to be in my healthy BMI range (whatever that really means). I find myself talking and/or thinking negatively when it comes to eating something bad (hello, Chik-fil-A) or looking "fat" in the mirror (but those pants fit last week!).

This is not acceptable. This is not positive. This is not productive.

So, right here and now, you bear witness to my personal end to FAT TALK. I promise to always look for the light inside that makes me the smart, funny, smokin' hot woman that I am. :)

Feel the burn

2010-08-11T18:56:00.013-05:00

Tomorrow after work I have a session with a personal trainer at my new gym. I don't normally "do" gyms. I've gotten by just fine with my bike, the road, and the treadmill. I also strength train, although I have admittedly slacked off this summer (in more ways than one...).

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my new company offers a free corporate membership to 1 of 2 gym chains. I found one that is literally equidistant from home and work--i.e., no excuse not to stop as I drive by 5 days a week! I figured I would give it a try...I'm mostly interested in using some new machines for weight training, using the pool, trying out a class or two, and generally being accountable (if we don't use the membership at least 12 times a month, they charge us). Good motivation, no? :)

So, the corporate membership comes with a free personal training session. I've done this once before and don't really like it. I may be able to run 3 miles no problemo at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am all-that when it comes to cardiovascular health. I have NO idea what they have in store for me. But at least I'll be there, get in a workout, and see what it's all about. I want to feel comfortable there and make sure that all shapes and sizes utilize that gym. The last thing I need is some blond bombshell in size 2 spandex working out next to me...

Lace 'em up

2010-08-11T09:19:00.009-05:00

The passion, the bug, the need, the craving...it's back!! The temps may be sweltering, but I've got the treadmill and the shade of the trails. I'm always amazed at how good it feels to run and how my body just falls back into the groove. I just need to figure out a way to post my Garmin training center information in my "Training" tab (mainly so I can be accountable for my progress!). Time to update the iPod and get moving!

"I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs. "

Jesse Owens

Track & Field Gold Medalist, 1936

Happy (belated) Blogiversary Year 2!

2010-08-10T15:06:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it's been so busy that I forgot my 2-year blogiversary on 8/4/10!!

The last 2 years of blogging have been so much fun! Regardless of whether I have 1 or 100 readers, I enjoy blogging and will continue to virtually scrapbook my life.

Welcome Home!

2010-08-10T13:20:00.009-05:00

I'm finally settled in and loving life in Dallas. My job is awesome and I've met some amazing people. The weather?? Um, not so much! We've had triple digits the last week and a half that I've been here and no rain.

Last night I hopped on the treadmill for the first time in almost a month. There is no way I am getting outside in this heat! I am joining a gym this week (company-paid membership...just one of the MANY perks at my new job!) and hope to expand my workouts and try some new classes/machines. It's been very hard to stay on track food-wise as vendors bring in breakfast every.single.morning. We are talking doughnuts, kolaches, tacos, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc. Yes, I have tried to stick with the fruit but gave in to a breakfast taco today!

All in all, I am really happy with this move. The town home, the job, the people, and the atmosphere...it's all good. But I miss Mom, Dad, and Grandma so much!!!I'm just glad to be back in blogland and happy to get back to regular posting...new recipes, crafts with Mom (she is making me a quilt and some new pillows), decorating the new place, exercise/running, new friends, old friends, college football...you know, the usual. :)

The Big Move to the Big D

2010-07-19T11:30:00.006-05:00

Wow, I've been away too long...my poor blog has suffered! But things are so intense and hectic these days that I've no time to blog about daily life! Five weeks ago I accepted a fantastic new job in Dallas. Yes, I'll be moving BACK to Tejas but at least it's not Houston Humidtown. I am very excited (and a little nervous) to begin a new chapter of my life. Things seem to have just fallen into place in so many ways and I know this is the right move for me. I'll miss my folks like crazy and will go from being 5 miles away to about 250! But we are already planning many visits. I LOVE, LOVE my new townhome and my new office. The company is a lot bigger than where I am now (going from 8 employees to about 300). It will be an amazing opportunity and new experience for me. I do have some old friends and some family in and near Dallas so I am looking forward to getting out and having some fun!

After putting in my notice at my current job, scheduling the movers, organizing my stuff, having my first ever garage sale, buying furniture, training someone in my old position, finding a place to live, AND finishing this summer school session, I have to say that I am BEAT! My day-to-day has been insane and it's going by very fast. I'm just trying to enjoy each moment and look forward to each new day. Whew! It's been a whirlwind and won't stop for another few weeks until I am finally settled in...

Needless to say, with this heat and my busy schedule, running has taken a backseat in my routine. But there are some awesome places to run in Dallas and I can't wait to explore!

More updates soon! Can't wait to get back into running, cooking and sharing new recipes, and blogging about my ever-so-exciting life :)

Sunday Spinach, take 2

2010-06-27T18:51:00.011-05:00

Yes, the Green Monster strikes again!!

After dinner I was craving chocolate. So I whipped up another version of the GM. It fully satisfied my sweet tooth--and it was super duper healthy!

Chocolate Green Monster

2 c fresh spinach
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
(I use Slim Fast only because it has the best flavor of the store-bought brands I've tried)
1 c skim milk
ice cubes

Blend until smooth. Creamy and yummy...I'm hooked!

Sneaky spinach

2010-06-26T13:21:00.002-05:00

I tried my first Green Monster back in March, and although it was tasty, I wasn't super impressed. But I still like the idea of adding more greens to my diet. I eat salads all the time, add spinach to pasta, wraps, eggs, and sammies, but still want to add more! I've heard greens are good for the skin and help with the glow, plus they give you energy.

My smoothie staple is frozen strawberries, a ripe banana, and freshly squeezed orange juice. From experience, I know that spinach doesn't add that much flavor (it basically has no taste in a smoothie concoction) so I thought, why not add it to my regular smoothie??

The result?

It's ugly, but IT IS SO GOOD. All I can taste are the sweet strawberries, oranges, and banana.

Verdict: SUCCESS! I will be making this again. Very soon. I highly recommend it!

Green Monster Remix

1-2 c fresh spinach
1 frozen ripe banana
1 c frozen strawberries
6-8 small navel oranges, freshly squeezed, pulp and all
(enough juice to almost cover the fruit and spinach)

Blend until smooth.This actually made a good 20 oz (the glass shown above plus another small glass). I just finished drinking it all and I feel great! Ready to conquer this day...

Things I should do more often #3

2010-06-25T08:30:00.003-05:00

Belt out a rockin' tune in my car at the top of my lungs. I did it last night on the way back from my parent's house. I admit I won't often do this in the light of day, but it was dark at the time and I didn't care if anyone saw me or not! It was freeing...no holds barred and most likely a little off-tune with the the occasional wrong word. But I felt happy and at peace when I got home.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

2010-06-24T12:12:00.003-05:00

My hero...xoxoxo

Purple Tators!

2010-06-23T09:36:00.005-05:00

Well, I think they look more like indigo...but they are neato nonetheless! I found these at the local Wallyworld. The brand, Wada Farms, often comes out with special types of potatoes. I particularly like their fingerlings. I saw these and thought they were too cool to pass up.

After rinsing the potatoes (the bag contained about 1.25 lbs), I placed them in my Dutch oven with about 2 T of unsalted butter, kosher salt, and black pepper. I covered it and cooked them on low heat for about 30 minutes. Then I wanted that great roasted flavor so I cut them each in half and placed them in a roasting pan on 400 for another 20 minutes or so. Delicious and pretty!!

Jack in my head

2010-06-22T16:16:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you just need a little Jack Johnson to get you through the day...one of my favorites!

Everything changes...

2010-06-22T11:40:00.003-05:00

...if you want it to! Some exciting things are going on in my life right now. Stay tuned for some news maybe later this week...

In the meantime, I've been chugging along this summer with work, school, and trying to keep up with running. It's been tough...I am NOT a morning person and miss my evening runs so much. But the heat is sweltering as usual and it's not safe to run later in the day. I have not been successful at getting up at the crack of dawn to run, and I LONG for it! And, after about a month of eating more than I should with less activity, I have gained a good 5 pounds. But I am back to eating several smaller meals a day with lots of yummy fresh fruit and veggies. I feel SO much better when I eat this way! I've discovered a new love in the snack department--Atheno's Roasted Red Pepper hummus. Excellent with pita chips!!!!!!

All in all, things are going well. Just been pondering some possible life changes...

I came up with a new quote to match what I'm feeling lately:

"Sometimes God doesn't necessarily close a door before he opens a window and you're left with 2 choices...it's up to YOU to find the strength and make the right decision."

Things I should do more often #2

2010-06-09T13:00:00.004-05:00

Yoga.

Plain and simple. I long to be more flexible and lean, but have shied away from yoga in the past. I have downloaded 3 sessions from yogadownload.com, a 20-minute session, a 30-minute session, and a 45-minute session. So far I've done the 20-minute session. I enjoyed it, and even though I love Warrior pose, it had my thighs burning! It's a good thing, though.

Because I've been feeling down lately about my running (more on that later), I've realized I need to incorporate new, fun, and challenging things into my fitness routine. More cycling, yoga, and weight training are in order for sure. Swimming is also on that list (and has been for years) but I really need to join a gym and learn the proper form. I can swim, sure...but when it comes to hard-core freestyle, I cannot do it. I have TONS of long, thick hair and have never successfully gotten it all into a swim cap. I tend to swim crooked and have never invested in swim goggles. Plus, I may be fit as a runner, but when it comes to the cardiovascular aspect of swimming, I come up gasping for air after very little effort!

So, my ultimate yoga goal is to be able to execute a beautiful Natarajasana.

Review: Hodgson Mill Pancake Mix

2010-06-07T08:11:00.003-05:00

I've been in the mood for some healthier pancakes. I like to make a batch of pancakes to take to work and eat in the morning for fuel. So I tried out a Hodgson Mill pancake mix. I've used their Buckwheat Pancake mix before and loved it. This time I bought the Multi Grain Buttermilk Pancake with Milled Flax Seed and Soy.

From the website:
"A mix of delicious, 100% whole grains with the unsurpassed nutrition of added flax seed and soy makes this unique pancake mix a healthful and tasty new way to enjoy a pancake breakfast! Each serving provides over 6 grams of Soy Protein plus 450 mg of Omega-3 Oils per serving. High in fiber and cholesterol free, Hodgson Mill's MultiGrain Buttermilk Pancake Mix is a perfect combination of healthy nutrition and hearty whole grain flavor."

Verdict: Yummy! And very nutritious. I love the chewy texture and they were delicious dipped in real maple syrup. I made about 8 little pancakes last night for the rest of the week.

Things I should do more often #1

2010-06-04T15:19:00.002-05:00

Cuddle with these furballs...

Bailey.

2010-06-02T15:07:00.002-05:00

This is Bailey. He is the newest member of my brother's family. They adopted him from a shelter in The Woodlands (yay for shelter dogs!) and gave him a new home. He might be one of the best dogs I have ever met. He is sweet and VERY well-behaved. Plus, he loves my nieces and nephew!! I can't wait to visit him again.

Bailey & Samantha

(photo courtesy of my brother and his kick-ass new camera)

Fav new snackie

2010-06-02T14:57:00.003-05:00

I've taken to eating a serving of Grape Nuts when I am feeling hungry. That is, when I don't have any fruit lying around the office. Not only are Grape Nuts healthy and filling, but you forget your hunger while lost on the mission of chomping and chewing those little boogers. There is nothing like the loud crunch of Grape Nuts to wake you up and give you a little pep in the late afternoon hours!

Ingredient Lists

2010-05-26T16:58:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to eat more "clean" the last week or so and that means inspecting food labels a lot more. Usually I just scan the calories, fat, fiber, protein, and sodium counts, but now I'm scouring over the ingredient lists. Most everyone knows that the shorter the list, the more healthy or natural the product is. Ever noticed how small the ingredient list is and how you practically need a magnifying glass to read it????

For the last year I've been buying reduced-fat peanut butter. I use it mainly for toast or on bananas as a pre-run snack. This afternoon around 4:30 I cut up a banana at work and grabbed my peanut butter from my desk drawer. It's Peter Pan reduced-fat creamy...I read the ingredient list and was really grossed out.

First of all, the second (yes, #2 after peanuts) ingredient says "corn syrup solids." After all the talk of trans fat, I know this is not a positive, healthy, NATURAL ingredient. Further, several ingredients have an asterisk next to them. At the end of the list, the asterisk items are described as "ingredients not in regular peanut butter." Ergo, it's not natural!!

I've decided that "reduced-fat" isn't as important as organic or natural. After all, healthy eating involves moderation, not necessarily skimping on the true good stuff from nature. So, next on the grocery list is a healthier peanut butter!

FAT TALK ends now.

2010-05-25T15:50:00.003-05:00

This is from 2008, but I had not seen it until today. It brought tears to my eyes...powerful stuff!!

A pretty good Sunday

2010-05-23T18:02:00.004-05:00

Today there was some of this:

(splashed around Mom and Dad's pool late morning until early afternoon--managed to get too much sun regardless of the applied sun block)

some of this:

(ran 4 miles on the treadmill; post-run protein shake to refuel)

and finally, some of this:

(a HUGE salad with spinach, romaine, 1/2 avocado, 1 mini cucumber, cherub tomatoes, and turkey bacon)

Now I am relaxing on the couch and trying to catch up on roughly 15 episodes of House...last semester's studying kept my DVR very full of my favorite shows. Happy Sunday!!

Some things I could do without...

2010-05-22T11:46:00.006-05:00

...that still find their way into my life:

Velveeta cheese
This stuff is just gross. And it's actually called "stuff." Food stuff to be exact. It's not really cheese. No nutritional value whatsoever. Yet if someone mixes it with rotel and sausage, I'm all over it.

Dr. Pepper
I don't drink coffee so DP is my caffeine vice. But I don't need it. I've gone weeks without it before.

Cat puke
Am I the only one who has yacking feline furballs?? What's the deal? Not a week goes by that I don't find a little kitty barf on the floor somewhere. I just hope one of my cats is not bulimic...(ha-ah, not quite as they both have bellies that swing when they walk).

Dropping my cell phone
This happens too frequently. Thankfully, other than a lot of scratches, my Blackberry is still ticking. (I also drop keys and forks)

Leg cramps in the middle of the night
Is this a runner thing? Am I not stretching enough? There is nothing worse than when your leg and toes contort in pain just from switching positions and/or stretching out in bed.

Sock tan and watch-band tan
I guess there is no avoiding this if I am going to be a runner. It's very unattractive, yet I almost wear it like a badge of honor??

Gnats in my kitchen
They must love my produce. I like to keep my tomatoes, avocados, nanners, and oranges on the counter. But the gnats are everywhere.

Exercise DVD music and instructors
I like to try out new DVDs from our local library every now and then. I just got one for pilates and one for 10-min abs. The background music sucks and the instructors are way too high on life. That's why I like the Biggest Loser workout videos. They use real people (overweight contestants from the show) and even though Bob gets on my nerves, it's fun and a great workout.

Okay, enough ranting for this Saturday morning...it's a gorgeous (and hot) weekend!!

Happy Birthday, Big Brother!

2010-05-21T11:13:00.003-05:00

My brother turns 40 today!! He doesn't look a day over 30...

THE smoothie

2010-05-21T10:04:00.004-05:00

I make this smoothie for breakfast at least 3-4 times a week. I used to make it with store-bought OJ, but I've found it only takes a little bit longer to use fresh oranges and it's SO WORTH IT. It's got a gazillion servings of fruit in it and starts off the day right. Okay, so it only has about 4-5 servings of fruit but that is a lot for one glass! My mom used to make these when we lived in Kingwood (TX) for a post-run snack or dinner. I usually have it on the way to work (during my 7-minute drive) and then at work I have a protein bar or cereal. Running and training means I have to eat a lot in the morning!

Mom's Post-Run Smoothie
(makes 1 huge glass)
1-1 1/2 c frozen strawberries (I usually buy 4-5 bags at a time!)
1 very ripe banana (the more ripe, the sweeter the smoothie)
4-5 small navel oranges (I buy navel because they are sweet and easy to juice--usually come in a bag at the store)

Place strawberries and banana in the blender. For the juice, I just use a cheap little hand juicer with a built-in strainer (probably bought it at Wally for $3). I not only dump the juice in the blender but any and all pulp that gets in the strainer part. I usually use enough juice to almost cover the fruit in the blender. Then just blend on high until it is all smooth! I don't like any chunks in my smoothies so I make sure it's smooth. Other than getting strawberry seeds stuck in your teeth, this is easy, delicious, and healthy!! Thanks, Mom!!

(please disregard the ugly water spots on my glass!!)

Holy Broccoli, Batman!

2010-05-21T09:54:00.004-05:00

I was in the mood for some broccoli last night. I bought a bunch of frozen broccoli because it's easy and good for you. I decided I wanted it roasted but didn't want to fool with chopping garlic or anything. So I just popped the frozen broc in the oven for a minute or two, then sprinkled kosher salt and pepper on it, back in the oven for maybe 7 minutes or so. I pulled it out and sprinkled some balsamic vinegar on it for flavor. It needed maybe another minute or so just to brown a bit. The result was tasty! I don't like too much going on with my broccoli that takes away from it's natural flavor. This was perfect! The black pepper added a nice kick too.

Roasted Balsamic Broccoli

1 pkg frozen broccoli florets
salt and pepper to taste
balsamic vinegar to taste (maybe 1 T)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread out frozen broccoli on a sheet pan and let thaw for a few minutes in the oven. Add some salt and pepper and put the broccoli back in the oven for about 6-7 minutes. Lightly pour balsamic vinegar on the broccoli and roast for another minute or so.

Edited later to add: Lunch today in my office was leftover broccoli from above, a veggie patty with mustard, and a plain nuked sweet potato. It was delicious...veggie power!! :)

My Grill

2010-05-11T10:59:00.005-05:00

Back when I was a wee youngin' and my permanent two front teeth came in, they didn't look like all the other teeth. There were white marks on the front and even though I had a nice smile, it was noticeable. I went through many a school year (mostly elementary when kids have no class) of kids asking, "What is that white stuff on your teeth??" My mom always suggested I answer with, "What is that yellow stuff hanging out of your nose?"

I never really cared much about it and as I got older most of it started to go away. But on one tooth it actually got worse. I finally found out the "white spots" were areas of demineralization. This was not a result of acid eating away at the enamel--after all, the permanent teeth had it as soon as they grew in. Some dentists have told me the demineralization is due to inflammation or infection, such as I had a fever when the teeth were developing. Others have told me it has to do with the fact that I have had strep throat so much throughout my life. Who knows??!!

Although the marks weren't something I dwelled on or even really cared about, I always hoped that someday I could get them whitened or something. Well, it turns out that one of the front teeth was getting weak due to the demineralization and needed to be fixed, i.e. bonded. They basically just dug out the weak spot (aka, the white spot) and filled it in. So, that is what I had done this morning! Here are the before and after shots:

BEFORE: Demineralization on #8 and #10 (central incisor and lateral incisor, respectively)

AFTER

You'll notice there is not a HUGE difference...and there is a little bit of demineralization on the canine, but I told him I wasn't concerned about it if it's not causing any damage to the actual tooth. But this is the look we were going for...I didn't want new white teeth or anything fancy done. I like my smile and wanted to keep MY smile! My dentist was happy with the results and now I'm going to be on their website...yikes! But at least you can't see my face :)

I'm still numb up to my nose and can't wait for it to go away so I feel normal again. All in all, it was a successful morning in the chair!

Love you, Mommy!

2010-05-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

Thank you for being so loving, encouraging, and supportive. Thanks for being my best friend. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!!

You know you're a runner when...

2010-05-07T16:23:00.008-05:00

* You're first thought when you look at the weekly weather forecast is, "When can I fit in my runs?"
(In Oklahoma--when will it NOT be 98 degrees or 50-mph winds??)

* Your watch face is bigger than your iPod.
(But I could not LIVE without my Garmin 305!)

* You have more running clothes than regular clothes in the laundry pile.
(And it's stinkier...ew)

* You no longer make fun of fanny packers because your running belt looks similar to one.
(All the cool kids wear running belts)

* The salespeople at your local running shop know you by name.

(Hi, Brooke and James at Elite Feet in Edmond!!)

* You know how to take a cup of water from a race water stop without choking or spilling it.

(I learned this the hard way)

* At least one of your website usernames or email addresses has the word "run" or "runner" in it.

(Does "ezjogger" count??)

* You own more pairs of running socks than dress socks.

(And I lose more running socks in the "Dryer Abyss" than any other form of clothing)

* Your Facebook updates frequently involve running.

(Frequently? Daily. I know all of my friends are sick of hearing about it!!)

* When you hear PR you automatically think "personal record" and not "public relations."

(What the heck is public relations??)

* You have running clothes and an extra pair of running shoes in your car, "just in case."

(You never know when you'll want to just GO.)

* Your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store.

(Santa? This one is for you...)

* You get excited when the new Runner's World comes in the mail.

(Honestly. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting)

* You always have your next race on the calendar.

(And on my blog)

* Your runs are sometimes longer than your commute to work or school.

(Longest run so far: 6 miles. Commute to work round trip: <5 miles)

* Your body aches but you're thinking about that next run.

(We runners are gluttons for punishment)

* You've lost a toenail and you tell people, "It's not that bad."

(And I've stopped getting pedicures. I'm not into running for the glamour)

* You apply medical tape or lube to various parts of your body and it seems perfectly normal.
(I've become an expert at strategically applying tape, moleskin, and body glide)

* You are confident you could escape from Houdini's straight jacket because it is probably easier than getting out of a sweaty running bra.
(This one speaks for itself...)

I may not run a 7-minute mile or even a 10-minute mile...but I am A RUNNER. I may not run marathons or average 30 miles a week...but I am A RUNNER.

I am A RUNNER because I say I am.

And no one can tell me I'm not.

The Heat Cometh

2010-05-06T14:39:00.004-05:00

The weather is beautiful here but the heat...the heat is not beautiful. Yesterday I couldn't believe how pretty it was and how great I felt for the first 10 minutes of my run after work. I went through a different neighborhood this time, trying to avoid hills (conclusion: this is impossible in my town) After those first fun 10 minutes, the heat and blazing sun started to get to me. I was planning on a nice 4 mile run but ONE mile in I started to get worried. Digestive issues decided they wanted to join the party as usual so that was not far from my mind. Then I realized my new Amphipod bottle was not sufficient enough as far as water capacity. I am a runner who is thirsty throughout the entire run--anything over 2 miles. I drink water all day and I still need it when I run. I bought a 12-oz bottle because it is small and convenient but it wasn't enough. I was so hot and tired that I actually had to stop and walk up some of the hills. I am not a fan of stopping, only because it makes it harder to get going again, PLUS it means I will not reach my destination any faster. As I walked I desperately looked around at houses for a hose in order to steal some much-needed water. But I didn't see any that were easily accessible. And I couldn't believe no one had their sprinklers on!!! I hate when I get so hot that I feel a little nervous about heat stroke and stomach issues and feeling faint. It's only May!! I know I should run in the morning but I just love running in the evening.

So, around mile 3 I was on the last stretch towards home and it was, of course, uphill and facing the sun. Wait, what is that I see up ahead? Alas, it is a sprinkler!! I literally sprinted up the hill. I uncapped my Amphipod and filled it up, not caring if the homeowners saw me or not. Surely they would understand that a red-faced, sweaty chick is justified in taking some of their water. Then I stood in the sprinkler's path and I cannot tell you how refreshing that water felt on my body. I started off again to finish the run, happy and feeling a little cooled off. But this only lasted for about 3 minutes...the damn sun is just too bright!! I managed 3.75 but it felt like so much more than that. This heat just makes running no fun and that is disappointing to me. I love running outside and not in the dark! But as summer heads our way I am going to have to change up my schedule. Boo.

Hello, Monday!

2010-05-03T12:28:00.007-05:00

Guess what? It's Be Kind to Animals Week!!! Yup, it's a week for us to celebrate all creatures great and small and give them an extra dose of love and respect. According to the American Humane Association:

"May 2 - May 8: Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same."

More information can be found here.

So, hang a bird feeder, plant flowers to attract butterflies, adopt a shelter pet, or volunteer your time to celebrate this wonderful cause!

168 Reasons to Run

2010-04-30T19:39:00.008-05:00

Last Sunday I ran the Oklahoma City Memorial 5K race. It was a beautiful morning and although I did not set a PR (I blame it on being sick the week before) I had a really good time. I got a sweet medal and enjoyed watching the sun rise over my favorite city. The race celebrated its 10th anniversary and just keeps getting bigger and better! I can't wait until next year--I'm pretty sure I'll be running that half-marathon!

The Friday before the race, I took the afternoon off to pick up my race packet at the OKC Memorial Expo downtown. Then Mom, Dad, Grandma, and I explored the Oklahoma City National Memorial. We were truly blessed to experience the occasion on such a glorious afternoon. None of us had visited before and we were so impressed. The grounds are beautiful and simple and touching...a real tribute. We read through the information packet as we walked and were amazed to learn so many things we didn't know. Of course, I forgot to put new batteries in my camera (duh) and had to take a few pics with my Blackberry. But I am planning on going back very soon to take some great photos.

The thought and care that went into such a memorial blew my mind. And the fact that the memorial is maintained by the National Park Service makes me smile. This means that all funds generated are through the Museum admission fees, private fundraising campaigns, and the Memorial Marathon race. We didn't have time to visit the Museum but plan on doing so in a few months.

One of the first questions I asked my dad was the meaning of the two walls...they each stand on opposite sides of the reflecting pool. One reads "9:01" and the other "9:03." When Mom finally read aloud what it meant we both got goosebumps. Here is what the brochure says:

"These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction--9:02 a.m.--and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing."

Dad and I wandered over to the Field of Empty Chairs and I almost broke down when I realized there were tiny chairs--for the 19 children who died that day. I noticed how the chairs were placed in a particular order and Dad read that there are 9 rows of chairs that represent the 9 floors of the Murrah building. Each chair, engraved with the names of those lost, represents the area of the building where that particular person was that day. We plan to return at night when the bases of each chair light up as "beacons of hope." The field is surrounded by a perimeter of granite sidewalks--the granite was actually salvaged from the Murrah Plaza.

Another simple yet powerful symbol of the Memorial is the Survivor Tree.

It is a huge American Elm tree. The message near the tree says:

"The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us."

The inscription encircling the tree reads:

"To the courageous and caring who responded from near and far, we offer our eternal gratitude."

Again, I am getting goosebumps just typing this! I am an Okie, born and bred...to visit the Memorial as an American is heartbreaking; to visit as a native Oklahoman is overwhelming.

There are pieces of the original Murrah building all around the Memorial. You can see where the concrete has been broken, with steel rebar sticking out. It makes it all so incredibly real.

When I finished the race on Sunday morning, I had to walk back to my car parked in a lot a few blocks away. I was thinking about the race and how unhappy I was with my time, when I realized I was walking right by the Memorial. There weren't any visitors and all was quiet. I was reminded why I ran that race...168 people lost their lives 15 years ago. And even though my heart hurt, I held my head a little higher.

WE COME HERE TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO WERE KILLED, THOSE WHO SURVIVED AND THOSE CHANGED FOREVER. MAY ALL WHO LEAVE HERE KNOW THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE. MAY THIS MEMORIAL OFFER COMFORT, STRENGTH, PEACE, HOPE, AND SERENITY.

Sigh.

2010-04-30T09:22:00.003-05:00

Who's been sick for basically the last 2 weeks?? Moi.

Last week was 2 ear infections and a throat infection. This weekend I hurt my back. And by Tuesday of this week I came down with the mother of all stomach bugs. Seriously, folks, you do not want to contract this horrid illness. It's not a 24-hour bug. It's not even a 48-hour bug. It's an at least 4-day, praying to the porcelain gods, sleeping 16 hours a day, and feeling sorry for yourself because nothing is on daytime TV kind of bug. I tried to come in the office on Wednesday but the Bossman literally told me to go home. He was nice about it (after all, he had it last week) but everyone steered clear of me for sure!

Anyhoozlebees, I am finally back and work and have never been so happy to sit in my office and chat with coworkers. Despite being behind at work and feeling nervous about catching up on school stuff, I am so glad it's over.

I'm planning on posting a much less gross post for tonight about the race last weekend and other stuff. It's time to get back on the blog roll!!

A change in plans

2010-04-21T16:24:00.004-05:00

The last few weeks have been quiet around here! My poor blog has been neglected and thrown on the back burner. Why you ask? Sleep, study, eat, work, run, repeat. That's where you'll find me!

An announcement: I will not be running the OKC Memorial Half Marathon as originally planned. I didn't technically start my training early enough and honestly I just wasn't feeling it. A few weeks ago (Good Friday to be exact) I made the tough decision to push back my 1/2 marathon goal. It really was a tough decision...the 2 weeks before I started to get so nervous, doubting myself during every run. I found that I wasn't enjoying it anymore and was merely training. On some training runs I would hit 4 miles and think "There is no way I can finish 13.1 miles in a month." A lot of self-doubt and self-sabotage talk going on inside this head of mine. But once I made the decision to wait a few more months, I began to ENJOY my running again!! It was like a weight had lifted off of my shoulders. I guess part of me thought I would be letting everyone down or that some might say "Well, I didn't even think you COULD run 13.1 anyway..." (not that anyone in my life would say that to me). I made a decision for myself and it was a smart one. I immediately signed up for a 1/2 in September and notified the OKC Memorial staff that I would be running the 5K instead of the 1/2 on 4/25. So, I'm not giving up on my 1/2 marathon goal...just giving it a few more months!

Whew! I feel better now...I have been running purely for hobby and fun lately and I love it. I'm excited about running the 5K on Sunday because it's such a great cause. This past Monday marked the 15th anniversary of the OKC bombing...on Sunday, I'll be running for those who cannot.

3 Things

2010-04-06T19:51:00.005-05:00

I'm addicted to lately:
Bodycology vanilla body mist, Monk reruns, and avocados.

Just thought you should know...

Have a Blessed Easter!

2010-04-04T10:04:00.003-05:00

Christ has died. No longer will we be burdened with sin. In the mystery of God’s design, Christ’s death won our salvation. Because he died, we are forgiven.

Christ is risen. No longer will we be separated from God. In Christ God has reconciled us unto God. Because Christ is risen, Christ is a constant presence in the lives of those who believe in him and trust in him for their salvation.

Christ will come again. No longer will we live without hope. Because Christ is coming again, we know that the forces of wickedness will be vanquished once and for all time. Because Christ is coming again, all the faithful will one day be gathered with him in the heavenly kingdom.

The Zany Life

2010-04-02T09:16:00.008-05:00

I haven't posted in a while...but here is the scoop:

I must have been insane to think that working full-time, taking a full load of classes at OU, and training for my first 1/2 marathon were all a good idea...AT THE SAME TIME. My days have been hectic to say the least. But I am doing my best to stay ahead of the game.

Training has been so-so this week...I took off EIGHT days of running and finally hit the pavement last night (a few days of feeling ill + an overwhelming amount of homework nearly knocked me out of kilter). I was tired and those days off really hurt my progress. I could barely manage 2.5 miles. Plus the Oklahoma winds were up to 35-40 mph and it was crazy! Spring is definitely here and the temps have been a lot warmer. So, I'm still trudging along...hoping for at least a 6-miler this weekend.

The big race is in 23 days!!!!!!

I &hearts The Stick

2010-03-24T19:43:00.009-05:00

Forget Anne Bancroft...The Stick is a miracle worker. Who knew that a 17-inch piece of segmented, space-age plastic could solve all the world's problems??!! :)

This week my calves have been tighter than Tyra's weave. Seriously, it's been hard to walk and it's causing my hammies to tighten as well! I may or may not have gone a little crazy with my calf raises on Monday during my strength training workout. Whatever the cause, no amount of stretching has eased the pain.

Then I became an expert at using this:

Lo and behold it loosened my calves, quads, and hammies for some much needed relief. I'm carrying it with me everywhere now--I used it 3 times in my office today (and of course had to explain to my boss and a coworker what the heck I was doing). :)

I am bound and determined not to let ANYTHING interfere with my training!

Guns 'n Ammo

2010-03-19T22:31:00.006-05:00

Dad took me to the new gun range here in town today (I took the day off work). It was a gorgeous day and beforehand I did some much needed weeding in the yard. So, I haven't shot a gun in about 6 years, since Mom and Dad lived on some land in Cleveland, Texas. I was a little fumbled at first, trying to remember my grip and get comfortable. Dad had about 4 guns he wanted me to try (he is a licensed dealer and jack-of-all-trades). Even though my arm still hurts (can you say, flinch?) it was SO. MUCH. FUN. I am totally addicted to it and plan to keep practicing and take a few classes. Expect many more posts about this subject!

We had a great afternoon (as usual). Now, about this weather...

The last few days have been clear, sunny, and between 60-70 degrees. Tomorrow is supposed to be the first day of Spring, glorious Spring. But here is our forecast:

Do you understand what that graphic represents?? SNOW. IS ON THE WAY. AGAIN. Life smack dab in the middle of the USA is wacky for sure!

Later, tators

St. Paddy's Great Race of the Great Plains

2010-03-15T08:52:00.010-05:00

Date: 3/13/2010
Time: 10:15 am
Location: Lake Hefner
Temp: 53 degrees, sunny and windyRoute: 8K, flat course along the lake

The weather was beautiful and it was a fun Saturday morning. The above picture was my view the entire time. For some reason this race started later than most but I certainly didn't mind since I was able to sleep in a bit! I had never run along Lake Hefner before and it was so pretty. There are trails all along the lake and I always see people running, walking the dog, biking, etc. Well, I am already planning to run there more often, especially as the weather warms up. Okay, on to the race. Because it was a St. Paddy's race, everyone was encouraged to wear green and there was even a contest for those dressed as a leprechaun (the sponsors gave away iPods to the top 3 costumes). I wore a fun shirt with lots of Irish-saying buttons, some green beads, and a big green ribbon in my hair. I had gotten there early and had plenty of time to warm up. I walked and jogged a good 10 minutes before start time. Finally we all gathered behind the start line...there were maybe 250 people there? It wasn't a lot and thankfully we were not clustered. I was able to start running and not worry about weaving my way through anyone. Although, maybe I didn't have to weave through anyone because they were way ahead of me. :)
I felt a little like I was starting too fast, but found another gal about my size and we stayed together, pacing each other for about the first 2 miles. I had my music on, kept in touch with my breathing, and just enjoyed the view. Unfortunately, we looped around and could see the front of the pack (i.e. all the fast people) coming back our way as they looped around. I just don't like those kinds of routes because it makes me feel even slower. But I kept smiling and kept running. By mile 2 I was a little tired...I'm not a morning runner and don't have all that much energy in the AM. This was one of those runs were a lot of mental "talking" got me through. I had my play list going in my ears, but honestly, I don't remember much of the music. I thought a lot about the upcoming half-marathon and tried not to psych myself out. I was constantly surprised at my pace and kept thinking "slow down, or you'll never push through the end." But I really never slowed down.

Here's where I start to dislike this particular race. Though it was a gorgeous route, the organization of the race was poor. There were water stops up to about mile 2-2 1/2. THEN I NEVER SAW ANOTHER ONE. Come on, I don't even start to get thirsty until about mile 3 or 4. But nothing. I was really tired and thirsty. I struggled during the last mile and had NO energy. I was having to THINK about running and concentrate on my form. Normally I don't have to think about this as I am just out there enjoying the run. But I'm pretty sure not eating enough beforehand and not eating a very good dinner the night before (pop tarts, anyone?) certainly hindered my performance. I crossed the finish line and was so happy to PR this race. BUT I wanted some water ASAP. Some guy was hounding me for my chip (which I didn't have for this race) and I asked him where the water was. Normally, someone hands you a bottle of water after you finish a race. Not only did no one offer me water at the finish line, but there was NO water left anywhere. I asked THREE "official race people" and they acted like it was no big deal but there wasn't any water.

Granted, I was not a fast finisher and most of the 'elite' runners were already eating pizza and drinking green beer. They were all waiting on the trophy ceremony when I crossed the finish line, dying of thirst. I was so angry and tired at that point that I cursed under my breath, shook my head in disgust, and promptly walked to my car to leave. Not having water for EVERY race finisher is a no-no. I paid my $20 for the race and that should include water...at least a Dixie cup! All in all, it was a neat race location and a personal best for me. But other than that I was not impressed.

Here is a ~~frightening~~ post-race picture...

Official Garmin data:
5.02 miles
59: 48

Splits:
Mile 1 - 11:42
Mile 2 - 11:29
Mile 3 - 11:45
Mile 4 - 12:21
Mile 5 - 12:09

3.14159265358979323846264338327950288

2010-03-14T19:13:00.003-05:00

Happy Pi Day!

Math rules...

Boogie Shoes

2010-03-12T13:16:00.001-06:00

For your listening pleasure on this gorgeous Friday!!

Kickin' A and taking names

2010-03-11T09:10:00.008-06:00

After 5 days off, I am back to the world of running. THANK GOD.

I enjoyed a beautiful 5-mile run last night. I discovered a new trail and despite one long hill, it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Other than a side stitch I felt NO pain in my right leg whatsoever. I was stoked!! I was only going to do about 3 miles, but I just kept going because I felt great. Here is the playlist I ~~listened to~~ jammed out during my run. Yes, my tastes are...eclectic. And no, you didn't misread...that says "Xanadu" :)

(you may have to click on the image to see it--not sure why it's so small)

Sidelined

2010-03-09T09:08:00.004-06:00

Alas, I did not run the 10k last Saturday. For 4 straight days I followed the R.I.C.E. method for healing my shin splint. I kept an Ace bandage on it and iced it several times a day. Friday night I picked up my race packet just in case I was able to run...I got on the treadmill and walked cautiously for about 15 minutes. Unfortunately the pain was still very real. I was pretty grumpy for most of the weekend and may have indulged in a bit too much of chocolate and pizza.

But this is a new week! Last night I followed my regular weekly workout schedule and did 5 miles of indoor cycling plus my weights/abs workout. And it felt great!!!! So far so good with my right leg. Tonight is supposed to be a 4-miler on the trails but I'm just going to take it slow and steady. I'm hoping for no pain at all but we shall see. My next race is the Run the Boulevard 5k which will be an easy, fun run later in the month. But the 1/2 marathon looms, closer and closer...eek!

In other news...despite the massive downpour we received yesterday, the weather has been beautiful. Spring is definitely making her way to our fine state. I even have some pretty yellow daffodils blooming in the yard. Hello, sunshine, and welcome back!!

A trip to the Mojo Store

2010-03-03T10:39:00.009-06:00

Lately I've been feeling a little down about my running progress...I've been getting really nervous about the 1/2 marathon. Running has been tougher the last few weeks, maybe from the cold weather and the damn hills in this town. I realized last week that I was running too fast...this 1/2 marathon training is more about slowly increasing my distance and NOT improving my pace just yet (good advice from one of my online running buddies, Jason). I've also been feeling more aches and pains than usual. My stride has begun to feel awkward and I know my form is in need of improvement. All of these things have affected me mentally. I started feeling defeated, worn out, and a little lost.

Last night I hit the trail for a 4-miler. I tried out a new area and ran through some pretty neighborhoods. The weather was in the 40's and clear. I was wearing my new running tights and they are awesome! The run went really well and seemed to fly by...I'm guessing because I was paying attention to my route and not how tired I was. I did notice a pain in my right leg, between my shin bone and my calf muscle. I have also noticed lately that I seem to be curling my toes inside my running shoes. So after my run I decided to stop by a specialty running store in my neighborhood. It's called Elite Feet and they are THE BEST. I can remember not wanting to go inside when I needed new shoes a year ago...I was overweight and felt so embarrassed. Ridiculous, I know. But I finally went in last night just to ask if perhaps I needed a smaller size shoe (since I've lost a lot of weight I figured my feet may have gotten smaller). Well, I ended up getting a full foot analysis! It was really cool--they know what they are doing. The gal messed around with my feet/toes, assessed my old shoes and the tread wear patterns, and she watched me walk. Turns out my shoes totally sucked!! She put on a few different pairs of shoes and had me run outside of the store to see how they felt. It was so nice to have someone wait on me like that, using a shoe horn and everything! :) And the shoes were so comfortable. I ended up buying a pair that I would have never picked out for myself!! You may remember when I boasted of some new running shoes not long ago...well, those will now be walking/everyday shoes. But these babies will be on my feet every time I run...Mizuno Wave Creation.

I discovered I have not been stretching correctly either. I told her I suffer from shin splints. And she proceeded to explain things to me. The pain in my right leg is what she called a "true shin splint." Most people confuse the pain in the front part of the leg as being a shin splint. But a true shin splint causes pain on the front inside of the shin bone, which is what I've been feeling lately. So when I feel pain on the front part of my leg, it means I am simply not stretching my calf muscle enough. But the new pain between the calf and shin bone is a shin splint. She showed me how to properly tape up my right foot. As soon as I stood up I couldn't believe what a difference 2 little pieces of tape could make! Here is the lovely picture...oh, and the lack of a pedicure is just part of being a runner! And if you're curious about my peculiar pinky toe, read this.

I can't wait for a my run tonight even though it's only 2 miles. I'm excited again about running and my training. I seem to have gotten my mojo back!

My first Green Monster

2010-03-01T09:39:00.006-06:00

If you don't know what a Green Monster is, check out this site. I've seen them on some of the blogs I follow and how food bloggers rave about them. They sound kind of gross (and don't look all that appetizing either) but I must say they aren't bad. I chose the Virgin Green Monster recipe and next time will definitely be adding more fruit for sweetness.

Virgin Green Monster

1 c organic baby spinach
1 c 1% milk
1 t Flax oil
ice

It wasn't so bad...mostly it tasted like a banana milkshake which to some would be great but I need more flavor. I also wanted it more icy so I'll be using a frozen banana next time. I'm currently on a major red grape kick right now so I'm thinking of adding those...they will for sure add some sweetness to it! I may also add some greek yogurt for more calcium. All in all I'm impressed with the Green Monster craze and am happy to be onboard.

Just say no to Sea World

2010-02-25T09:20:00.004-06:00

Here is the headline from this article: "Do 'Killer Whales' belong in theme parks?"

Duh.

The answer is no. And the sooner people realize this, the better. Leave these animals in their natural habitat. The only time we need to intervene is when we can offer positive care (i.e. if one washes up onshore and we may help it back to the water).

I am sorry for the trainer's family for their loss. But it's about time Sea World was shut down and learned that there is NO NEED to train whales (or dolphins for that matter) to act like dogs.

Just my opinion.

Ice Bath (Attempt 1)

2010-02-24T08:44:00.003-06:00

FAIL.

After my 5 mile run Sunday and 3.5 mile run last night, my legs were feeling pretty sore. I know that icing after a run is a good idea to help with recovery...I often use frozen veggies to help with my shin splints. And I know that cool water (versus hot) is better for soothing muscles. According to Runnersworld.com,

"cold water constricts blood vessels and decreases metabolic activity, which reduces swelling and tissue breakdown. Once the skin is no longer in contact with the cold source, the underlying tissues warm up, causing a return of faster blood flow, which helps return the byproducts of cellular breakdown to the lymph system for efficient recycling by the body."

Many moons ago (when I still lived with my parents in my hometown), I would go for a long run and, due to the Texas heat and humidity, I would literally walk right into the pool after my run. Of course, I took off my shoes and headphones first :). I noticed even then how cool water made my legs feel soothed and less achy. But that was then. And that was in Houston weather.

The temp yesterday during my run was 38 degrees with a cold, dry headwind. My nose was running like crazy (per usual) and I've been sneezing ever since. Needless to say, I was NOT in the mood for an ice bath last night. But after reading up on it, I learned that a hot shower or bath is really not the best for thing for my muscles (hot water increases blood flow, muscles become even more inflamed). So I prepared for my first ice bath. I put on a comfy sweatshirt and some bike shorts, made a hot cup of tea, and headed to the bathroom. I began to fill up the tub with cold tap only (this time of year I don't NEED ice with how cold our water is). I set one foot in there and said, "No way!" I gulped down my tea, stripped out of my clothes, and jumped into a steaming shower. Elite athletes would call me a wimp. But it took a 10 minute hot shower PLUS sitting in a hot bath for 5 minutes just to get warm again. I popped some Advil and slept like a baby for 8 hours straight...but my legs don't feel all that great today.

Check back with me after the first hot run of the spring/summer season...I'll be more ready to take the plunge then.

Spay Day 2010

2010-02-23T08:21:00.003-06:00

Four million cats and dogs--about one every eight seconds--are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet population, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.

Humane Society of the United States

A Runner in Training: Breakfast

2010-02-19T10:14:00.006-06:00

I call it my mega-breakfast. It's very filling and healthy. I don't eat this every morning, but at least 3 times a week. I sometimes have it for dinner!

1 egg
1 egg white
I whisk these 2 together with a pinch of kosher salt and a splash of milk (I think the milk really makes them fluffier). I scramble them over medium to medium-high heat but don't really mess with them much. Near the end of cooking, I toss in some cheese and fresh salsa.1 Oroweat sandwich thin
1/4 c reduced-fat cheese
1/2 c fresh salsa
1 banana, cut into bite-sized pieces
1-2 T reduced-fat peanut butter

Notice the brown spots on my eggs?? Jenbob likes her eggs very well done ("George likes his chicken spicy!"--name that sitcom--). They are done on the outside but fluffy, creamy, and cheesy on the inside. While the eggs cook I toast a sandwich thin and either slice up a banana with pb OR I make a protein shake (1 scoop chocolate protein + 1 c low-fat milk). I top the toasted bread with the egg/cheese/salsa mixture and fold it over to make a massive sandwich. Delish. Keeps me full for at least 4 hours.

Total meal ~ 400 cal, 12 g fat, 10 g fiber, 26 g protein
(This may seem like a lot of fat to most of you...but remember, I am training hard and exercising 6-7 days a week. Most of the fat comes from the cheese and the peanut butter, but they also have the protein that I need to sustain my workouts)