What do you say to taking chances?

New year, new opportunities...2010 is an open road. Tomorrow I begin my journey down that road. I leave behind a great 2009 and look forward to an even better 2010.

Happy New Year!!!!

Cleo & Catnip

A Very White Christmas

Even though we've experienced a blizzard today, I'm still hoping to make it to Mom and Dad's by tomorrow (it's only 4 miles away, but the 5-8 inches of snow with drifts plus 50 mph winds have made driving treacherous). But tonight I am snuggled in with my kitties listening to the snow blow outside, trying to find something interesting to watch on TV. Last night I stayed up until 4am reading this. I could NOT put it down. Now I wish I had saved it for today!

Have a safe and merry Christmas!!!
xoxo
Jen

Warning! Fattening recipe ahead...

These little devils are da bomb. I'm usually not a big fan of the salty and sweet combination but these are so simple and yummy. They remind me of middle school when I would eat Nutty Bars for lunch (and not gain an ounce--those were the days!)

Jen's Ritz Blitz Cracker Cookies

Ritz crackers
Creamy peanut butter (I am NOT a crunchy fan)
Chocolate candy coating (Chocolate Almond Bark works best in my opinion, although it contains vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter, plus it has many additives)

Make the cracker and peanut butter sandwiches and use more peanut butter than you think you need (can you HAVE too much peanut butter??) Melt the chocolate. Of course you may use a double boiler, but it works so much better in the microwave. The chocolate gets hotter, stays hotter, and melts better. Just be sure to heat it in increments so it doesn't burn.

Drop the cracker and peanut butter sandwiches one at a time into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to stir around and coat each one. Place each coated sandwich on wax paper to cool.

I've heard some people like to freeze them but I think they taste amazing the next day. You could also try adding marshmallow cream to the mix--coat one side of a Ritz with peanut butter and the other one with marshmallow cream.

Note: These are not healthy at all. At all. You've been warned...

The Fartlek

*giggles*

This is an actual word! It's Swedish for "speed play" and has forever changed my world of running.

According to my sources, a fartlek is "simply sprinting and jogging off and on during a run." I completed my first fartlek workout last Saturday as part of my half-marathon training. I thought for sure I could do the advanced workout, since I've been steadily running since May and I am up to a long run of 5 miles. I was wrong.

I used the treadmill since it's easier to keep track of pace, distance, and time. (Thank goodness I lugged that thing in from the garage last week--this freezing weather has dampened my outside running plans!!)

Let me be frank. I am not, nor have I ever been, a fast runner. My happy pace on the treadmill is between 4.0-4.5 mph. That is not fast at all. I am a distance runner and technically consider myself more of a "jogger" than anything. So I figured once-a-week fartlek workouts would be beneficial to my overall progress as a runner.

I ended up doing the beginner level (well, my homemade version of it). I have since worked out a beginner, intermediate, and advanced fartlek schedule to follow throughout the next 6 months. Even though it feels like torture, it's nice to change up my routine once a week.

So, here is my Fartlek--Beginner workout:


I'll be posting later about any my progress...

It's freakin' cold!

Because of this:

I'm seriously considering buying this:

But I don't want to scare off the other running ninjas...

Freezing Santa 5K

I ran a Santa 5K on Saturday in downtown OKC. The temp was 29 when I left the house at 8:00 am. I had bought a new running jacket the night before and was so glad I did. I had on gloves, running pants, the jacket, a tshirt, a dri-wick long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Really the only thing that stayed cold was my nose. And the cold wind in my eyes makes them blurry. But I finished and returned to the comfort of my car as soon as possible! I did set a PR for the race which proves all this training is working for me. I think my next race is in February (a 5-miler here in Edmond).

My heart aches

I've been following this story and was hopeful until I saw this article. I don't know if I am just super emotional today or what, but I could burst into tears at any moment. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so sensitive. It hurts my heart too much...


Tulsa Zoo giraffe dies
From Staff Reports -- Tulsa World
Published: December 4, 2009

The Tulsa Zoo announced Friday that Amali, the five-year-old female giraffe who arrived in Tulsa with a crooked neck, died during a procedure to determine the extent of her recent neck injury.

Amali, the newest giraffe at the Tulsa Zoo, injured her neck while being transported from Ohio to Oklahoma. The zoo announced Friday that Amali died. Photo provided

The Tulsa Zoo is awaiting results from the initial necropsy to determine the cause of her death. Additionally, tissue samples will be sent for microscopic examination to assist in the final diagnosis.

Amali suffered a neck injury during transport from her home zoo in Ohio October 18. Her injury was immediately noted by zoo staff as she exited the specialized trailer she arrived in.

More: http://newsok.com/tulsa-zoo-giraffe-dies/article/3422514#comments#ixzz0YkFPskJs

IBC Bank Christmas Party

Some pictures from the bank Christmas party last night...it was held in their new corporate office in OKC. We always have fun at this party...good food and spirits, lots of neat people. There were some 'local' celebrities there. It was REALLY cold outside but I'm glad we went!!

Me & my Daddy! Ain't he handsome???I'm sorry, but I look like a giant Shrek next to my little Mommy! :)Cutest couple EVER!

Brrr

I won't be running outside today...but it's on the schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!! I may have to drag the old, beat-up treadmill out of the garage and into the house!!

Thanksgiving '09

*le sigh*

Holidays go by way too fast, especially when I am surrounded by my most favorite peeps on the planet. It seems like the time we spend together just gets better and better. My brother, Susan, and the kids arrived Wednesday evening and we did not hesitate to get the holiday started! There was good food, beer, wine, music, movies, shopping, toasted marshmallows, swimming (yes--Dad heated up the pool), poker, and lots of laughs.

I am one lucky gal.

Backyard fire pit--S'more time!

Brandon likes his marshmallows "well done"

It was a (typical) beautiful Oklahoma evening...

Mom & Dad's pool

It's not a holiday until I lose my money in poker (and drink too much wine)

Grandma in her pretty new outfit

My favorite nieces: Sydney & Samantha

Can't wait until next year!! xoxo

My new ride

So excited and very happy...I am in love!!

Nissan Pathfinder

Gobble, gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who I Am

I am Ruby Maude's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done,
My mom is still my biggest fan.
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand.
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am.

adapted from Who I Am, Jessica Andrews

Guess who's coming to dinner???

Thanksgiving here we come! They will drive up Wednesday for the holiday. My favorite time of year with my favorite people...Mom and Dad's house will be full and we'll all love every minute of it!!

An Oklahoma Landmark

Friday night we had dinner at Cattleman's Steakhouse. It has become an Oklahoma landmark of sorts. Located in the old stockyards (now called Stockyards City), the restaurant doesn't look to have changed much (and it's not a place for vegetarians). It's pretty old (1910) and doesn't look like the inside has changed much since then. BUT we had an awesome time! The food was great and the atmosphere was warm and comforting. Mom and Grandma shared the filet mignon, Dad had a ribeye, and I had the shrimp (I haven't had a steak in probably 10 years--although I had a taste!). It was really neat to get out of Edmond and try something new. We all had a great evening. The whole street was full of the charm of the old country. I'd like to go back again--and maybe even get a steak!!

Desperately Seeking New Blog Template

Jenni-isms will be under construction for quite a while...at least until I can find a new blog template or create my own. HTML still frustrates the heck out of me but I may try to custom build my own blog. We'll see...in the meantime please pardon the mess. Many of the sidebar items will be unavailable until all is said and done. Thanks!!

My Aching Derriere

This new, revamped workout schedule is killing me.

Since May, when I started seriously running, things have been great. I've lost weight and feel a lot better. I also added in a strength training video a few times a week (when I got around to it). But in the last month or so my weight loss has slowed and my running has not improved much. I realized I need to up my cross-training. As you can see in my Training on the side bar, I have a pretty routine schedule planned out for the next 2 months. I'm really happy with the plan, but it's going to take discipline. I haven't ridden a bike in I don't know how long...and I'm currently using my dad's bike. I purchased an indoor bike trainer and it's pretty cool. Loud, but cool. It's actually no louder than a treadmill or indoor bike would be...and I can watch TV while I ride which is nice!

But I had forgotten how much a bicycle seat can hurt. Last night after my 3 mile run, I managed 20 minutes of pretty fast and steady pedaling. My booty really hurts today. I've been researching bikes online today (nothing fancy--just a bike I can use for training and leisure rides). I found one I really like and hope to buy (let's hope the Christmas bonus is nice this year). BUT, I doubt even a new bike will solve the hiney-to-seat ratio. Am I just supposed to get used to it? Will it eventually stop hurting?? Anyhoo, I hope to start seeing and feeling results from these workouts within the next month (just in time for Christmas candy and goodies). In the meantime I am sore and tired, but staying positive nonetheless! I start my official training for the half-marathon at the end of the year...and I'd also like to train for a triathlon. So the new bike will come in handy!

Santa, the first item on my list this year:Ladie's Schwinn 700C Trailway Hybrid Bike
$229.99

Crockpot Taco Soup

To. Die. For.
This stuff is so good...and perfect for the 40-degree weather we had yesterday! I modified this Taco Soup recipe found in Fix It and Forget It. I decided to buy actual BEEF. I can't even remember the last time I bought ground beef! But it was worth it and fit the cold weather. This soup would even work with shredded chicken. Great to freeze in batches or serve to a crowd.

1 lb lean ground beef, cooked & drained
1 can black beans, undrained
1 can corn, undrained
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 envelope ranch seasoning
2/3 c onions (I used frozen)
1 c water

Add everything to the crockpot, stir, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheese (although it is perfect with just chips). How easy is that??!!

Next time I may use less tomatoes, and maybe add in some rotel for heat. But the recipe served a purpose for a cold night and plenty of leftovers for the week!

End-of-year goals

I'm sitting at my desk at work, eating some awful canned soup I found in my desk, and thought I would jot down some goals for the last 1 1/2 months of 2009. It's currently 41 degrees outside and I have no desire to venture out there for anything (like a decent lunch). I am finally feeling better after being sick for 4-5 days. I always get this same sinus/throat/chest infection this time of year...this time it took a Z-pak, Mucinex D, cough syrup and plenty of sleep to make it go away! I woke up yesterday feeling human again, although this cough may stick around for a few more days. I am feeling very productive and thoughtful today...what this really means is that I am in my typical "list-making" mood. Making lists makes me happy. Crossing things off the lists makes me even more happy. Yes, this is a little OCD.

So, here are a few small goals for the next 30-45 days:

1) Create a tangible, reasonable budget that allows for bill payment + small savings.

2) Totally clean the house. This includes carpet cleaning, baseboard wiping, wood floor polishing, all bedding and blankets washed, kitty box biohazzard'ed disinfected, and kitchen and utility floor mopped.

3) Summer clothes boxed; winter clothes pressed and ready.

4) Boxes of old clothes to Goodwill (there are about 3 large boxes since I lost weight).

5) Christmas gift budget/ideas for gifts

6) Garage sale?? I've been needing to have one--so much "stuff" and I know I could make a few bucks. Schedule a Saturday.

7) Clean out garage for said garage sale--it's a pit.

8) Mow last time and bag all leaves (my entire backyard is blanketed with so many leaves--it's what I get for having 3 large oak trees).

9) Organize the study (which has been clean for 3 straight months!). What can be boxed, stored, sold, given away...clothes, electronics, linens, purses, bags.

10) Make room in the study to add Grandma's dresser and to do yoga.

Whew! I feel better having gotten those things down and in print. Now, all I have to do is get started...

Honoring All

Spaghetti Squash & Simple Tomato Sauce

This was my first experience with spaghetti squash. Mom picked some up at the coop a few weeks ago. I decided to go the 'pasta' route since I've heard how the cooked squash has the consistency of noodles. AND IT DOES! I couldn't believe how easy and tasty (not to mention healthy) it was.

By the way...you don't want spaghetti sauce from a jar. This is a simple, healthy, yummy sauce that beats the store-bought stuff any day. You may tweak it to your own tastes by adding meat and/or different veggies.

Spaghetti Squash

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the squash in half lengthwise (be careful--mine was huge and it was difficult to cut). Scoop out the membranes and seeds. I lightly sprinkled salt and some extra virgin olive oil on both halves. Bake for 1 hour, cut side up. Let the squash cool for about 10 minutes, then use a fork to "rake" out the inside. You'll be amazed at how the strands look just like spaghetti!Simple Tomato Sauce

1 tsp butter
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped finely
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 celery stalk, chopped
1/4 c white wine
1 bay leaf
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
kosher salt and fresh black pepper

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil on medium-low. Add the onions, carrot, and celery and saute for about 2 minutes, until soft. Add tomatoes and the wine and cook for another minute or so. Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. I also sometimes add some Penzey's Pizza Seasoning and garlic powder. Cover, reduce to low and simmer for AT LEAST an hour. Trust me, this makes a huge difference, plus your house smells heavenly! Don't forget to remove the bay leaf when the sauce is done cooking.

Girl's Weekend

I flew in to Kingwood again for the weekend! It was last minute, but one my besties was throwing a Girl's Night and I just had to be there. I stayed with Katie (her hubby was hunting all weekend--we had the house to ourselves!). Friday night Karen came over and we watched Eddie Murphy Raw...it's tradition for the 3 of us and it never fails to make us pee our pants a little. The whole weekend was a blast and I really enjoyed some one-on-one time with Katie and Karen. On Saturday night I saw some of my oldest friends...we busted out the yearbooks and told some hilarious old stories.

Love you, girls!

2 of my favorite people
Katie & Karen

Mandy, Susan, Cathy, Andrea

ichatting with Mike O. in California!
Me & KarenKatie & Karen ichatting

STILL talking with Mike...

Karen & Missy

The Gang (minus me!)
Bottom: Katie, Mandy, Missy
Top: Colleen, Ashley, Karen, Andrea, Susan, Cathy

See you again soon!!
xoxoxoxoxo

No socks, no service

When I think back now I don't know why I didn't take 10 seconds to find my socks. But in the end, those 10 seconds ended up landing me in a world of hurt.

I have to run with socks. Thin, barely-there footies, but socks nonetheless. Maybe it's the chemistry and/or shape of my feet, but I cannot run without socks. So tonight my run started out GREAT. Weather, music, breathing, pace...all working together in perfect harmony. I was feeling like a 5 mile run for sure. But 1.5 miles out, I started to feel the prickly burn of blisters. They always occur in the same spot, like mirror images of each other on either foot. I turned around to head back home, hoping to keep up my pace and not rip my feet to shreds in the process. I stopped once to tighten my laces as much as I could, but I just kept on running. I knew if I really stopped, the pain would keep me from starting again. I tried to focus on my other "zoned out" thoughts that keep me busy during a run. But all I could do was wince and try to keep my form. About a mile from home, the right foot blister popped and the REAL pain set in.
Lordy, me, when my Garmin beeped at 3.00 miles I stopped and walked the last 5 minutes home.

What really sucks about blisters is not just the initial pain, but the fact that any immediate plans to run again are majorly hindered. Strategically placed moleskin and bandaids may help, but I know for sure I'm not going to risk heading out until they are healed.

I don't know if you've ever walked 10 feet with blisters...but I ran 3 miles. I'll never forget my socks again, even if the only clean ones are thick black knee highs.


Edited to add: The real pain was not from running with blisters...it was when the shower hit them. I whined like a baby in there for a good minute or 2.

100 pushups...you game?

I am starting a new program today called 100 push ups. You can check out the sight here. With all the running I've been doing, my legs and most of my body have started to tone up. But my arms, oh, my arms. They're...flabby. I don't like them at all. I know push ups are a great (and free!) way to tone up my arms/shoulders/chest. Plus, what girl doesn't want to be able to bust out some good-form push ups??!! I found this program maybe a year ago and I think I tried it but gave up after 2 days. Well, things are different now! I've accomplished so many goals the last 6 months and now I'm taking this one on again. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

November welcome

Some trees shots on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon...

Birthday Dinner

We ended up celebrating my birthday a week late (I wasn't feeling well last weekend). So Friday night we went to a great restaurant on Lake Hefner. It was one of the best nights we've had in a long time! The food was amazing and, even though it was quite chilly, the weather was beautiful. We snapped some pics outside the restaurant near the lake. It was a perfect evening in my book.

Me & Dad

Mom & Dad

3 Generations
Jenni, Ruby, Linda

Edited to add: I forgot...Mom and Dad got me the stemless wine glasses I've been wanting! Here is a pic (and that's just water in there tonight).