Under the Stars

[the setting:

overlooking (except it's night):

the cast:

]

Last night we sat out on our back porch and enjoyed the silence.  We had good company, decent wine,

and good music.  We spoke of important, world shattering topics.  Like:
Ron: "If we won the lottery, I don't think we should move.  We'd just make this house amazing."
Me:  "If we won the lottery, I'd quit my day job."
Important stuff.  Definitely.  But, all kidding aside, I feel so blessed to live in a home and neighborhood that we don't want to leave, even if we have all the money in the world.

Long time...

No see!

We are back from Cozumel and finally settling back into our routine.  I'll have our Cozumel post up soon.  I hope. :-)

Because I'm having such a difficult time keeping up with the blog, I'm going to set up the following post schedule. 

• Monday: Training Plan for the upcoming week and recap of the previous week
• Wednesday:  Random thoughts (travel, books, home, etc)
• Friday/Saturday: Menu plan for the upcoming week

Monday is really going to be the most difficult for me to keep up with, and I may need to change that post to Sunday, but we'll see how it goes.  I'm starting on a women's indoor soccer team next week.  I am so excited!  I played on a coed team a few years ago with Ron and really loved it, but I haven't ever played on an all girl team.  I'm eager to play again.  I'll let you know how that goes!


We had our first family get-together on Saturday for my Nana's 78th Birthday. 

(That's her in the middle at my wedding.) I loved having all of the family over at my house and am really looking forward to having them back!
Look what Mom & Dad brought me!

Jars for all of my bulk stuff!  Now I need chalkboard paint to make the labels.  Or I'm going to order some from Etsy.  Haven't decided yet.
The Plan:

OK, here is the workout plan for this week:

Monday: 20 minutes strength training
Tuesday: 3 miles @ 11:45 pace
Wednesday: 20 minutes strength training
Thursday: 3 miles @ 11:45 pace
Friday: 20 minutes strength training
Saturday: off
Sunday: 4 miles @ 11:45 pace

Recap:

Last week was OK.  I really only got one day of strength training in, but I got two of three planned runs in.  Thursday I did 2 miles @ 10:34 pace (a little faster than I was supposed to do).  Sunday I did 3 miles at about 11:00 minutes per mile.

My dinner plan for next week:

This week is from the Allrecipes menus.  I'm not feeling very creative right now, so this seemed good enough.  This one is the 5 No Fuss Summer Dinners.  I also have an eggplant and several summer squash from my CSA box that I'll work in this week.

Just Another Day

You'll never guess where I'm blogging from....my bed!  I. Am. Wiped!  I wasn't going to blog,  but I had so much to say I decided to take advantage of my laptop! 

I got to run last night with my best friend!  I was so happy Ron decided to run with me.  I enjoy the time together, even if we are huffing and puffing up a hill!  So here is my run last night by the numbers:
Distance          Duration        Avg Pace          Calories Burned            Climb
2.25 mi              25:57           11:32                     226                         160 ft

Look at those hills!  The house is at the top of a hill, so either way I run, it ends uphill!  This run was so much easier than Sunday's!  It's amazing what a difference being properly fueled and hydrated makes!  I really should have slowed down, but it's very hard to pace when there are no flat areas.  Everything is either up or down.  I'm not so discouraged about this Sunday's 3 mile run now.  Ron is looking forward to running with me tomorrow night, too. 

Tonight I did 20 minutes of arms with a workout I have stored on my iPhone from the now defunct PodFitness.  I really loved that program, and have yet to find anything like it.  I was so not into it, but I pushed through.  I'm not sure what the cause is for my lack of motivation and interest in strength training right now. I'm just going to keep pushing through, until I find something that works for me.

Dinner tonight was from Menus 4 Moms.  We had Ham and Cheese Stromboli with Clean Eating Country Potatoes.

This meal was super starchy, and I really wish I had just done a salad with the stromboli, but, alas, I have no greens!  I made French Bread dough in the bread machine to make the stromboli, and it turned out so yummy!

Then I layered the dough with ham, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese and rolled it up.

Brushed the top with melted butter and parmesan cheese, then baked in a 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes, until golden brown.

Delicious!

I probably should have left it at that.  But I couldn't.  3 Minute Oatmeal Raisin Cookies were calling my name.  I substituted the raisins with dark chocolate chips.  I also split this with G and topped both bowls with chocolate chip ice cream.  It was good, but too much.  I'm feeling very bloated and full now.  Ugh.

Well, bed is calling my name.  Sweet dreams!

Training Recap

I made it through last week's training plan.  I ended up taking both Friday and Saturday off, because I had pain in my right foot during Thursday's run.  On Wednesday I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, which has caused me foot pain in the past.  I know from experience that continuing to run on it before it feels better only makes it unbearable.  I did complete Thursday's run, and the pain went away when I focused on landing on the center of my foot.  As slow as I'm going right now, I have a tendency to land on the outside of my foot, which only exacerbates the problem.

So here's the recap:
(You can also see my activities at RunKeeper and my virtual run across America mileage here)

Monday: Jillian Michael's Shred it With Weights
Tuesday: 2 miles @ 11:45 pace on the treadmill
Wednesday:  30 Day Shred
Thursday: 2 miles @ 11:45 pace on the treadmill
Friday & Saturday: off
Sunday: 2 miles @ 11:47 pace outside (with my killer hills!) 

Unfortunately, because the signal is so bad, I guess my splits weren't recorded on RunKeeper from Sunday.  This is very disappointing because I was counting on that to see how my pace was.  I forgot to stop it as soon as I hit two miles, so my pace is a little off.  However, you can see from the elevation, that I do have some pretty major hills to conquer on my loop!  Sunday was very difficult.  I seemed to do fine, until my last big hill.  The top of it is at 3/4 mile, then it levels out a little, then I have another incline at the mile mark.  I also had a little too much to drink the night before (love, love, love Sangria) and didn't properly hydrate and fuel before my morning run.  So this week, I will be watching my Saturday night drinking very closely, and make sure to supplement with lots of water!

Here is this week's plan:
Monday: Runner's World Fully Fit Strength Training
Tuesday: 2 miles @ 11:47 pace (outside because my day is all sorts of crazy!)
Wednesday: Strength (since Ron's out of town, I may have time for P90X core, but I'm not sure)
Thursday: 2 miles @ 11:47 pace (should be on the treadmill)
Friday: rest
Saturday: Boot Camp
Sunday: 3 miles @ 11:47 pace outside (why, hello hills!)

I was not impressed with the Runner's World workout, but I may not have done it correctly.  It didn't seem to challenge me at all, so I'm still looking for a short (30 minute or less) workout that I can do that will totally shred me.  Haven't found it yet, but I am taking suggestions!

Alright, off to cook dinner, then get my run in!  I'm hoping it's cooled off a little by 8:00... it's 102 right now.  Ugh!

Wine!

This weekend we had our wine bottling party.  What is that, you ask?  Well, last October we spent the day in wonderful Grapevine.  We were wine tasting at the various wineries, browsing in the shops, and munching in the restaurants.  After several glasses of a particularly good Zinfandel, we decided to order a 1/2 barrel of it.  Several months later it was ready to bottle, but we had to postpone (and postpone) our wine bottling due to a very busy schedule.  So, finally, Saturday was here.  We gathered with my parents and some of Ron's friends and bottled our wine.

G went with us, and we're so glad she did!  She tutored everyone on the proper bottling procedure.  The girl may have found her calling!  Su Vino Winery was a wonderful place!  Their wines are all wonderful and their cheese and antipasto plates were very good!  We enjoyed several of them.  :-)  Our wine will be ready to drink in about six months; just in time to give some of them as gifts to our nearest and dearest!

Afterwards we took the party to Love & War in Grapevine.  I love their tamales.  They are served on a bed of tortilla chips as one of their appetizers.  They have an extensive menu of wild game and dishes from various parts of the state, but Ron and I almost always order the tamales.  They have Shiner Bock on tap, and they have live music on their outdoor stage during the spring and summer, but we have yet to make it over there for one of their performances! 

This was a completely over-indulgent day, but it was so worth spending the time with friends and family!  And any chance we get to spend time in Grapevine, we take advantage of it.

Starting Over

I have completely fallen off the wagon.  Completely.  The weight is creeping back on, the belly is puffing out over my pants again, and I have no motivation.  At all.  The thought of working out for an hour to P90X is not at all something I have the time or the energy for.  And I miss running.  And I have a lot to get done at the new house.  Including cooking dinner and prepping lunches for G & me.
So here is my plan until November: half marathon training with whatever strength training I can fit in on my off days.  It should lay out something like this: 
Monday:  Strength or Yoga
Tuesday: Run (whatever Smart Coach has in store for me)
Wednesday: Strength
Thursday: Run
Friday: Strength
Saturday: Rest (for the majority of my training plan)
Sunday: Long Run

I'm very excited about this, so hopefully that's what it takes to remotivate me.  We have a family membership at the YMCA, so if I can get a schedule worked out, some of my strength workouts will be there.  It's very difficult, though, when we live so far out of town to justify a trip in just to work out.  We should have a full weight set up in the next couple of weeks, so that will help.  Tonight I did Jillian Michael's Shred It with Weights. Tomorrow Smart Coach is telling me to run two miles at a very slow pace (like, 11:30).  I'd like to wake up at 6:00 and get that out of the way before the heat arrives.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I absolutely love my kitchen so I have been cooking regularly.  Actually, I've done more grilling than I've cooked in the kitchen.
This week's menu looks something like this:
Sunday:  Grilled Chicken Ka-Bobs, Green Salad, Alfredo Risotto (from a box)
Monday: Ocean Flounder & Summer Vegetables; White Cheddar Yogurt Cornbread
Tuesday:  Sirloin & Vegetable Kebabs, Grilled Flatbread, Salad
Wednesday: Chicken Pesto & Pecan Tossed Salad from Menus 4 Moms
Thursday:  Hamburgers w/ grilled onions; whatever vegetables I have left over
Friday: Out?

You'll notice that this week includes mostly grill-meals as well!

A couple of treats I'd like to try this week:  Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies and Chilled Chocolate Banana Pie.  We'll see how that goes.  With the Mavericks in the playoffs, and the Rangers playing really well, I'd rather watch the games when I'm finished with dinner than cook more!  But, it looks like Ron will be working late tomorrow, so I may have time to do the Breakfast Cookies.  Yum!

Well, I'm off now!  I need to research what to do with the impulse buy of buckwheat groats, and really need to hop in bed early tonight!  I have a whole bunch more to write, but my very slow internet is driving me crazy!  I'll have to post more about our very fun weekend (that included bottling a barrel of custom made Zinfandel) and the progress on the house tomorrow.

Where does the time go?

Oh my goodness!  My goal for this evening was to do major work on this blog, especially since I haven't posted in two weeks.  And now it's 10:00 and I'm exhausted!
Here is what's been going on in the last two weeks:
WE MOVED!
It felt like we were holding our breath, just waiting for the other shoe to drop while we waited to find out when we were closing.  Finally, last Wednesday, we closed on both houses and brought our first truck load of boxes to the new house.  By Saturday we were out of the house on Timber Run completely.  There is still so much left to unpack here, but I really feel like we made a dent in the boxes this weekend! 
The last two weeks have also consisted of a lot of eating out, a lot of alcohol, a little working out in the form of unpacking, and no cooking.

I started cooking yesterday after a trip to the grocery store, and I really wanted to work out today, but by the time we got home and had dinner on the table, it was already late.

I'm very disappointed, but I'm going to set my alarm for very early in the morning to try to get a work out in before my day starts.  Ron is out of town, so it will have to be either the treadmill or a weight workout that I remember since the DVD player upstairs isn't plugged in yet.

I'll be posting about this house in a few days, but let me just say: I LOVE BEING IN THE COUNTRY!  That is all. 

Packing & Yoga

Look at this! 

Count 'em...2 whole boxes are packed!  Woot! 

We had our appraisal today, and our realtor is very hopeful that it went well.  The appraisal on our new house is tomorrow morning.  If everything gets in like it's supposed to, we are still on track to close on Wednesday on both houses, and move on Saturday!! Eek!  It is so surreal, but this time next week I will be a home owner!  And in 9 - really 8 - days, we will be packing all of our belongings on a big truck and moving!   There is so much to do, and I really don't believe it actually is going to happen!  I can't wait to start turning the new place into our home.  We have done so much to this house.  The appraiser was in awe.  By the time we are finished in the new house, it, too, will be a showplace.  But we will have done it ourselves, because that's who we are.

Yoga 

So I completely understand that Yoga is part of P90X.  But why does it have to be so long?!  And why does it have to be every week?!

I did not yoga today.  I ran 2.3 miles in 27 minutes.

My splits looked like this: Mile 1 - 11:43; Mile 2 - 11:44; Mile 3 - 12:11.  It won't break any records, and it is far from a personal best, but it still felt great.  Running does something for me that nothing else I've found does.  It relaxes me, allows me to clear my mind.  All I think are in 4 counts.  In, 2, 3, 4, out, 2, 3, 4.  When I've been going too far, too fast, it goes to a 3 count.  But once I've found that rhythm, I'm good.  I really felt I could have kept going tonight.  And I really wanted to.  But G needed to get in the bath, and it was almost 8:30.  I may make this a regular thing during P90X.  I'll see how it affects my leg workout tomorrow!

Better Late than Never

So it's not Sunday, and it's not Monday.  I know I'm a couple of days later than I said I would be getting this post up, but at least I'm getting it posted!

Workout Goals for this Week:
Monday - Core Synergistics
Tuesday - Cardio X
Wednesday - Shoulders & Arms; Ab Ripper X
Thursday - Yoga X (at least 45 minutes of it)
Friday - Legs & Back; Ab Ripper X
Saturday - Kenpo X
Sunday - Rest

I really need to change my rest day to Saturday.  I am much more likely to work out on Sunday, as it tends to be a more laid back day for our family.  And I am excited to begin seeing definition in my shoulders!  (when the lighting is just right, and the mirror is far away.)

Dining Goals for this Week:
Monday - Pork Stir Fry over Rice; Fruit Salad
Tuesday - Out to eat for Crawfish!
Wednesday - BBQ Chicken; Garlic Skillet New Potatoes; Greens (if they haven't gone bad...)
Thursday - Beef Burgundy; Egg Noodles; Roasted Beets & Feta
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Eat out (it's the norm.  I just don't cook during the weekends because we aren't home!)
*This menu was planned in large part by Menus 4 Moms unless otherwise noted.
I did make a "Red & Green Salad" for lunches this week!

Includes:
Mixed Salad Greens
(2) Roma Tomatoes
Green Onions
(2) Roasted Beets
(2) Radishes

Topped with:
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing


My Weekend

So this weekend was our annual camping trip with G's Girl Scout Troop.  We started with 11 girls and 6 moms.  We lost one early due to an upset stomach on Saturday.  It was hot.  And we didn't find out until we checked out on Sunday that we could have requested the showers.  We just figured they would turn the water on closer to time for summer camps to start.  A cold shower would have felt really good on Saturday, but we survived!  We had so much fun hiking, and crafting, and cooking!  The girls played Marco Polo in all of their spare time.

What a great weekend!  I am so sad that this was our last outing with this troop of girls that Gillian and I have grown so close to.  I am looking forward to seeing what our new troop is involved in, though!

St Louis - April 2011

Thursday

I was so proud of myself for getting parked at the airport and to the correct terminal all by myself!  I have flown alone before, but I always had someone dropping me off.  This time I was completely on my own!  The flight was pretty uneventful. 

Do you see the rainbow?  That was there to greet us as we prepared to land in St. Louis!  So beautiful! 
Ron met me at baggage claim, and I was so happy to see him!  We dropped my things off at the hotel, then decided to walk to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse just down the street.  Dinner was very good, although it cost more than I really wanted to spend. 

Dessert was divine!
After eating, we walked back to the hotel and met up with the guys and the moving company that they were buying drinks for.  They were drinking a St. Louis beer: Schlafly.  Love!  I ended up having just a couple too many, but at least we just had to walk up to our room!

Friday
Started way too early!  We were up at 6:30 and down in the ballroom by 7:00 to get the booth set up.

It looks so awesome!  I'm so proud of what Ron has built!

They were serving breakfast, but none of it looked very appealing.  I stuck with coffee and water to try to get rid of my hangover.  I also promised myself that there would only be two beers that night.  Ha!

During one of the workshops and meet-n-greet's that I didn't need to be at, I hightailed it up to the room with the goal of getting in Legs & Back.  My key wouldn't work!  I was so upset and frustrated.  Because I wasn't on the registration for the room, they wouldn't let me in!  I went back downstairs and read on my phone until Ron was finished with his meetings.  By then, there wasn't any time for a workout or nap because we had to get ready for the mixer!  I did really poorly at eating well, and in a timely manner on Friday.  I snacked on the hors d'oeuvres buffet they had set up, but most of it was fried or pure carbs.  And again, I drank too much and stayed out too late! 

But I ended up having so much fun!  The people Ron works with are such a great group of people!  They really know how to have fun.  I don't know that I've laughed that hard in a very long time!

We did take the time during the day to walk down to the Arch, which was only a couple of blocks away.

From the street, I wasn't very impressed, but once we got up to it, I was amazed!  It is absolutely stunning!  The lines were too long for us to go up in it, and I'm not sure I really would have wanted to!  It's very big!

Saturday
Our last day!  I was not ready to leave!  This city, at least the small parts I saw, are so pretty! 

Ron and I slept in, then he went down to pack up the booth, while I made sure all of our things were packed. 

Then we were off to the airport!

What I experienced of St. Louis, was wonderful.  I would love to go back with time to explore the city.  I was very dissappointed that the one meal we ate out for was at a restaurant we could, and have, eat at in Fort Worth.  But I did really enjoy the local beer!  We are trying to find it here.  I think we could probably ask them to order it for us at World Market.  I may have to try that soon!

My week so far

It has been a real struggle to find time to update!  I am such a perfectionist, that I want pictures and links, the perfect post, before I'll publish!  So here's my recap:

Food I Have Eaten This Week

My Workout Plan

Since I didn't complete all of week 1 of P90X last week, I decided to make this week a part 2 of week 1.  I did not work out at all Sunday or Monday - bad Taryn - but on Tuesday I did Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X.  Wednesday I managed to complete 30 whole minutes of Yoga X!  I was very excited about that!  It was very difficult, and I was doing really well with my focus until Ron decided he just had to talk to me.  I convinced him that wasn't a good idea and tried to get back into it, but developed a sharp pain in my lower abdomen during a plank.  It wouldn't go away, and really hurt, so I decided to call it quits.  Tonight I will do Arms & Shoulders and as much of Ab Ripper X as I can before that pain comes back.  I am camping tomorrow and Saturday, so the goal is to wake up early to do Kenpo on Friday, then take the weekend off and start on Monday with week 2.  I am very proud of the progress I have made over the last two weeks.  I've managed to hang with the dvd's for the most part.  I am sore, but I love it!  It makes me feel like I've accomplished something.  I love feeling the muscles in my legs working as I stand up from my desk or walk across the office!

On Sunday I will post the menu and workout plan for the week following.  I doubt I will post again before that.  Going camping with 11 3rd grade Girl Scouts won't allow for much free time for posting.  I am looking forward to it, though I wish I could split myself into two in order to also spend the weekend at the lake with Ron! 

Misadventures

I am thinking about renaming this blog "Taryn's Misadventures in the Kitchen".  It seems like every time I try to cook, I manage to burn or destroy something.  Tonight I am trying Baked Banana Oatmeal for my breakfast for the next couple of days.  I am currently out of spinach, so I can't do my Green Monster.  (I'll post that recipe later, but it's loosely adapted from here.  I'll let you know how the oatmeal is after I've finished it!
But back to the misadventure: I turned on the oven without checking inside. A couple of minutes later Ron asked what I was burning; it's a common occurrence. When I opened the oven door a few minutes later, smoke billowed out! Sitting on the rack was the pizza box from dinner earlier! Fortunately nothing burned but the cardboard was a little blackened. Oops! Maybe next time I'll check!

Home again!

So I am back home.  I'm working on my St Louis post, but it might be a day or two before I have it ready.  I wasn't able to see much beyond our hotel, but we were a block from the Arch. 
I did not get any workouts in.  I actually had time for legs on Saturday, but my key wouldn't work!  Ron was in meetings, so by the time he was finished, I barely had time to get ready for the mixer!  This weekend I did not set the best example for healthy eating/living.  There was too much alcohol involved, not enough good, real food, and little to no exercise.  So today, I am getting back on the wagon. 
I had a grilled chicken salad at lunch from Logan's Roadhouse in Waxahachie and lots of water.  Tonight we are having Ron's Mom's Pot Roast.  I'll post the recipe if it turns out.  It usually does!  And I am doing Kenpo X.  Ron is running a 5k with Chris next week while G and I are camping, so he is planning to run tonight.
We are also currently stressing over the status of our house purchase.  I won't go into much detail, but we're afraid our buyer may have walked on the contract.  It's outside of her option period, so legally she can't do that.  But we are back to not packing. I am so ready for this part to be over!  Who knew it would be so stressful!  I'll keep you updated.

We have lift off!

So morning yoga and I do not agree!  The plan this morning, since the day was going to be so hectic, was to wake up at the crack of midnight and do Yoga X. Ambitious, I know. My alarm was a set for 5:15. It went off at 5:15. Then 5:25. 5:35. You get the picture. At 6:10 I finally rolled out of bed, put on yoga pants and a sports bra and headed into the living room. I figured I could at least do 35-40 minutes. Then I realized the workout was 1:35:42 long. Keep in mind that yoga is my least favorite workout. Within minutes I am bored and looking for something else to do. My mind cannot stay blank. I forget to breathe. The list is longer, but I won't bore you. So the time tracker at the bottom was very discouraging. 12 minutes in, I quit and went back to bed. Slacker. I have the dvd's packed, so hopefully I can squeeze in legs and abs tomorrow.
I worked for a couple of hours this morning then rushed back to the house to meet the inspector. The buyer arrived shortly after he finished. It was so nice to meet the woman who plans to raise her children in this house that Ron and I have worked so hard to turn into a home. She is a single mom expecting her first child. I hope they are able to make many happy memories here!  And the good news is that it looks like there is nothing major wrong with the house!  I didn't think there would be, but it's still worrisome that there will be something that makes her change her mind.  I guess we can start packing when we get back from St Louis!
As soon as they left I was off to the airport. Then, I got to wait in lines!  One at security, one at Starbucks, one to get to my seat on the plane.
Snack from Starbucks: 

tall caramel light frappucino made with soy milk. I also got a slice of banana nut loaf, but I ate it before I could take a picture. It was yummy. The fruit probably would have been a better choice, though. I also have some granola stashed in my bag.

I think I might be in the minority. I love to fly. Love it. Even in the cramped, tiny seats where I can never really get comfortable. I think it's the adventure. Knowing that at the end of this journey, there will be new places to experience, new pictures to take. And the return flight home is just as enjoyable. Heading back home to loved ones. It's also a little bit of a rush. Sitting on the runway, as they start to rev the engines, I can't help but smile. The speed, the bump as the wheels leave the ground. Love it!  I have a big goofy grin on my face just thinking about it!  I look out the window and watch DFW get smaller and smaller. Trying to find landmarks I know, determine which lake we're flying over. Today I had to close the window, though, because the sun was reflecting off the wing right into my eyes. Pooh.
I will post pictures as I can, though I won't get to see much of St Louis during my short time there. Can't wait to get there!

CardioX!

So yesterday was day 2 of P90X.  Cardio X. 

I worked out in the garage again.  I actually really like it out there.  I do think I'll work out inside tomorrow since the workout is Arms & Abs.

I was a little worried about the Cardio portion, though.  While I've been running, I haven't been running for more than 25 minutes at a time without a walk somewhere in the middle, so I wasn't real sure what to expect with a 45 minute concentrated cardio routine.  I didn't find it that difficult, though.  Sure I got a little winded at times, but not nearly as badly as after really pushing myself up a hill, or at a faster pace.  In fact, when I was done, I really felt like I needed to go for a run.  I didn't. I did, however, sweat:

My nemesis is the Superman/Banana.  That was at the very end, and I couldn't do it.  Superman is no issue.  Banana is TOUGH.  I will get it though!

Afterwards, I went in, showered off, and started dinner.  Last night's menu was Shrimp Penne with Garlic Cream Sauce and a large vege-ful salad.  A little too much cilantro, but very good.  And one of the best salads I've made!  All of the items were from Garden Harvest, except the carrots.  Yum.  There's a little left over for dinner tonight.  Yay!

After cleaning up the very big mess in the kitchen from dinner, I made granola from HERE.

The last time I tried to make this, it burned.  45 minutes was entirely too long.  So this time, I just kept a really close eye on it and stirred it every 5-10 minutes.  It turned out beautifully, and I am so excited about taking it with me to St Louis!  This will be one of my snacks on the plane.  I'm not sure what else I will take, but I'm sure I'll need something.  I really don't want to undo all of the good I've done in the last few weeks in two days in another city!

I took Ron to the airport this afternoon, so tonight, G and I will be on our own!  On the menu is Mexican Meatball Soup with cornbread and salad.

I also need to pack! But laundry and dishes will have to come first!

Day 1 of P90X

Wow! This is definitely going to be a challenge! My first workout was Core Synergistics. The cardio portions were no problem (thank you running!) but the rest.... Oh. My. Gah. Even though i took it easy, today my butt and hamstrings are sore and I love it! Tonight is Cardio X.

What will be difficult is getting an hour in 6 days a week. Especially with the move and the trip. But Cozumel is only 56 days away and I need a six pack!

And we're running

We are snowed in yet again! However, it should be clear by tomorrow.
So far this week I have run 4.5 miles.  Yesterday I did 2.7.  It feels so good to actually start to see serious mileage on my 30 minute runs!  I should get 9 miles in this week, since there are two more runs in the plans.  That is very exciting!
Yesterday I also ran with my new HRM for the first time.  I loved it!  I can't wait to see how many calories my kettlebell workout uses today!
Also, I'm sticking around the 121 lbs. mark.  I have tried to eat healthy, but haven't really been too strict. 
I feel really good about where I am, and where I'll be if I do get pg after this round of treatment.  I intend to still run the St Patrick's Day 5K in Fort Worth regardless of the outcoem of this month.  I may just have to take it a little slower.  But at least I'll still be working out. 

Snow Day!

I did end up completing 8 miles last week! On Saturday, I woke up early enough to run 2 miles before I had to get ready for our table top sale at Tractor Supply. And I need to make a correction on my last entry... I was on w2d2 of C25K.
I'm not sure if I'll run today or not. I was sick yesterday, so did not do my planned workout. I'm feeling better so we'll just have to see how it goes. I may just do my Jillian Michaels tape. If I do run, I know it won't be outside as there is this strange white stuff on the ground. It looks really pretty, but I'm not sure I have the right clothes to run outside in temperatures that feel below 0. My goal for this week is 7 miles. So really I do need to run today. Better start planning for that!

My new favorite workout buddy...

Weight: 123.4!!!
Workout: yesterday: W3D1 of C25K; today: kettlebells!

And my new favorite workout buddy is...

I bought her...or him?...this afternoon, and was so excited to use it this evening! My arms are still shaky! I love it. I can't wait to see how sore I'll be tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be W3D2 of C25K. I feel stronger and better after every workout. This has been my sanity in the craziness of work!

And now, I'm off to iron a whole pile of these:

Should be fun!

What a day for a run!

Weight: 123.8
Workout: C25K W1D3

I got to take R on my run with me today.  That always adds such a competitive edge for both of us!  It was pretty cold, so I may have to go buy some arm warmers. 
I have set up a reward for us.  When we complete W5D3, which is the 20 minute run, I will purchase these.
They will be so cute to wear for the 5K on St Patrick's Day!  I am so excited! 
My plan for the week is to run again on Tuesday and Thursday with kettlebells on Monday, Wednesday and either Friday or Saturday.

Workout-us Interuptus

Weight: 125 gah!
Workout: yesterday: w1d1 of C25K; today: Jillian Michaels Shred It DVD

And halfway through the dvd, the neighbors show up to help us finish the plumbing in our bathroom!  Since I workout in the middle of the living room, I had to pause.  But eventually the boys left to go to the Depot, and the wife left to take care of dinner (Jack In The Box for them...blech!), so I got to finish.  I did Level 1 today, and totally kicked its a$$.  I'd like to think it's because I'm a bada$$, but it's probably because there was a 30 minute break in the middle of it.  Meh.  At least I finished!
Last night I ran in the dark. I haven't mapped it yet, to get my mileage, but Runkeeper said I did 30 miles.  I really don't think that's the case, so I'll update this post when I know what I actually did.  It was great!  I have new music that I've been listening to on my commute home to get me pumped up.  It really worked! I was so excited to go, that I didn't even care that it was dark, and R didn't want to go with me! 
Plan for tomorrow: w1d2 of C25K. 

Day 2

Weight: didn't do it...(see post from Sunday re: bathroom)
Workout: Jillian Michaels Kettlebell workout

I was in my pjs.  I wasn't going to do it.  But then, I sucked it up, changed, and did Level 2 of the aforementioned workout video.  Oh.em.gee!  It totally kicked my ass.  And I loved it! 
For dinner I made pork soft tacos out of the South Beach Diet Cookbook.  They were wonderful!  I have leftovers for R & I to eat for lunch after my surgery.  I also made breakfast for 3 days, again, from the cookbook.
This afternoon I go in for my hysteroscopy, so there will be no working out for 3 days.  I will just really have to watch my diet.  I have a plan for each day, so I will just have to stick with it. Wish me luck!

Day 1

Weight: ? I couldn't do it this morning.  Sorry!
Workout: W1D1 of C25K = 2.1 miles on the treadmill! (and I cleaned house all day, that counts, right?)

Today I decided to begin the blog of my travels.  From not happy about the way I look or feel to.... not sure where I'll end up.  Looking forward to seeing where I go.  For now, my goal is to run a 25 minute 5k in March.  I will also be participating in the South Beach Cooking School Challenge.  I'll keep you updated on both.
My spark: Packing up R's parent's home, J & I came across pictures of R's mother from when the boys were small.  She was beautiful.  One picture in particular still stands out.  She was in her late 20's in a shirt that showed her stomach.  She had already had two children, but was stunning.  In no picture since G was born, do I look, or feel, like she did in that one.  That will change. 
So today I wanted to run.  The weather outside:

And my treadmill looked like this:

because my bathroom looks like this:

But I cleaned it up, sucked it up, and ran.  Week 1, day 1 of C25K done, again.  Looking forward to tomorrow.