Grand Canyon and Other Nature Things

I feel this is sorta becoming a habit that I am having a really hard time breaking, but once again my blog is late.  I think a lot of it has to do with very little exercise and a lot of family issues to attend too.  Let's get down to brass tacks....

Last week, I ran with the girls at the park, 2.8 miles.  It was so nice to finally run with these ladies and for us to get a chance to run together.  We are always discussing our workouts and current runs, running together we all get to blog about the same run!!  YAY US!

Friday (I am just going to be jumping days, get over it) I had to hop a plane to say a final farewell to a deeply loved family member, so I got to fly over the Grand Canyon...

We chilled and got some sleep for Saturday.  Saturday was full of emotions.  The first pics of the next sequence is of my bedroom window view and some things in the garden (GIANT SIZE veggies).

Sunday....we stopped at an art gallery, stopped at the farmer markets, stopped for cupcakes, then over to some family's for dinner.

Monday...Today we ventured to "Ruby Beach," except we never made it.  Whoops.  But we did make it to Ocean Shores, have a picnic on the beach followed by a stroll down the beach and finding sea creatures, and then we got lost on the way to Ruby Beach.  Here are some pictures from the Ocean today!

I totally thought I had more pictures from adventures of the day, but clearly I am lame...no I just was taking a lot with my big camera!  

OHHH....I did go running this morning, but it was kinda lame.  Went just over a mile, and then had to come home. The roads are super banked here so it was really hurting my ankle to run on the angle, but I was informed to run on almost on the road to prevent that.  Plan on trying again tomorrow, but it is also REALLY cold when I run, like I can see my breathe but then I am sweating..it's totally odd feeling right now!

That is all I got right now, except how terrible this game is being called (pack/seahawk) game.  Will try to blog later this week.

Until then...

50 Wings!

It's been a hot minute since I last blogged.  And because of that, I am just going to skip those days.    I didn't exercise, or eat healthy, so no need to relive my shame.   Instead I would like to only blog about the productiveness of my weekend.   OK until next time...

Alright, it wasn't that unproductive, but pretty damn close.  Friday night I baked cookies at 830.  Saturday we were SUPER lazy, including an hour nap after only being up for like 3 hours.  Followed by some sitting, then sushi for dinner, and then back to sitting.  Sunday is were it finally gets real...

Sunday (9/16):  Got up and went to my parents house to get my bed and some other things from their house.  (For some reason they want me to get all my stuff out of their house, it's weird!)  After we burned some calories moving all that, we went to BWW and consumed almost 50 wings between 3 people...clearly the best option there was!  When we got home I started moving things around getting ready for the bed in the bedroom and doing laundry.  Finally around 430, I decided I should go and run.  So I headed to the park and set out a goal.  I was to go around the whole park, if you will remember this has been a BIG goal of mine to be able to run the whole park.  There was no time limit, and there was no have to run limit, it was simply run as far as you can, walk when needed and then run some more all the way around.  And I accomplished it.  I ran a little over 1.5 miles before walking a little bit, ran off and on for about .75 of a mile, and then ran the last bit.  Finished the 3.02 miles in 34:45 minutes at an average of 11:30 pace!  I was incredible proud of myself and now I have a baseline on what to improve my 3 mile time on!!!

I have a few random pictures (no blog would be complete without them)...

This is why I haven't blogged (my desk at work)...

We all know I LOVE ELLEN, especially when she has Sophie Grace and Rosie on....

This weekend was so deary that on our way back from sushi dinner I happen to catch the setting sun.  I was soo pretty with the broken clouds and it was pinkish/red and when I first noticed it downtown was in the forefront.  Well, I tried to get a picture with downtown in it, but no such luck.  But her is kinda the prettiness in the side mirror of "the car"

And now I am done blogging! Peace easy!

We Remember...

Let's just jump into the activities occurring in my so exciting life.  (I mean that is why you are here, right?)

Monday night...I give up! Oh yes...I finished those stupid abs I didn't do in the morning while watching Bachelor Pad Finale.  Way to go, Nick!

Tuesday (9/11):  Decided I was going to do my abs in the evening, which I did while watching some "new" episodes of The Big Bang Theory!  But more importantly, today wasn't about if I did my abs; today was about reflecting on the events that happened 11 years ago that rocked our Nation.  I find it truly amazing how I have a really hard time remembering what I did this weekend, but I remember EXACTLY what happened 11 years ago, and the same goes for the OKC bombing.  It is incredible sad that so many people, who just showed up for work or just got on an airplane, lost their lives for no reason.  My heart goes out to all those families who lost someone that day.  I sincerely hope that I never have to see that kind of hate again in my lifetime, and for generations to comes.  Also, I am very grateful for all the men and women who joined the military, because of the event, to fight for my freedom.  Thank you!

Wednesday (9/12):  The alarm was set for 6:20, snooze once, then the alarm off!  I really had to talk myself into getting out of bed, just in general.  So when my husbands alarm went off, I got up and decided what I was going to do.  I was to run to the tracks and back, REALLY close to a mile and half, maintaining a 10 minute pace.  I told myself, "self" (LOL Lash!) you can run or walk as long as you maintain a 10 minute pace.  I ran the first mile in just under 10 minutes and then decided to walk.  Once I got up to a 10:15 pace, I started running again, and got back to a 9:57 pace, and then walked up the hill, before sprinting home.  My final time was 14:45 for 1.45 miles at a 10:11 avg. pace.  In my honest opinion, I think I did pretty good.  I think right now I am going to try to focus on getting my miles faster and throwing in a long run on the weekends.  About those abs...I will do them tonight!

Last night, I was playing around on my phone and wanting to change my background picture.  This was a contender, but with all my apps it didn't look good, but I thought I would share with the world...

Don't worry that I was double fist-ing it on our wedding day!!

Until next time.

Ducks Fly Together

Well, we all know my lazy ass didn't get up to run Friday morning, nor did it get off the couch Friday night to make a run either.  I knew I would pay for this, but totally thought I could get a good run in on Saturday.  Friday night, dear hubby and I, rented "The Lorax" from OnDemand (at least I am 94% sure that is what we did) and just chilled for the evening.  I knew I had to get up early Saturday, so I trotted off to bed early.

Saturday (9/8):  Got up WAY to early for a Saturday, showered and left the house all before 8.  I find this a little amazing because during the week I am doing good to be out the house by 8.  But whatever.  Off to the gym I go...not to workout (secretly wish I was) but to ref 7th grade volleyball games.  WOW.  That is all I can say, I am sure I was at the same level at some point in my career, but WOW.  Good news, I only had to stand for 6 hours straight and climb up and down a ladder.  BUT...I didn't get to eat lunch that day, so my calories in vs. calories out, at this point in the day, are in favor of out, which means I am doing good.  I get home to find dear hubby and his best friends washing cars.  Remember our trip to Tulsa for a wedding, ya, we took my car and it was COVERED in dead bugs, and when I asked for them to wash it, mind you their cars weren't really dirty, they rolled their eyes at me.  So I washed my own car, they finally jumped in to help.  Now, I have been on my feet ALLLLLL day, and these two monsters want dinner now.  Thankfully, dear hubby helped me out, but I was pooped.  After consuming pan fried pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, and some corn, I found myself a spot on the couch and turned on D2: The Mighty Ducks, "Ducks fly together!"  I fell asleep on the couch at 830, missing ducks flying together, and walked my happy little butt to bed, where I proceed to sleep for 12 GLORIOUS hours! No running happening here.

Sunday (9/9):  My florist, from our wedding, who I am trying really hard to be her BFF, called and asked if I would help her out at a Bridal Show.  Of course I said yes, that's what a BFF would do!  She failed to mentioned how "fun" it was going to be, but I was on my feet again for another 5 hours.  But it was kinda interesting being on the other side of the wedding planning idea.  I have a couple of pictures from the Bridal Show, it was at the Oklahoma History Center, way cool place.  The florist had made some sample bouquets for the show, and she told me she was going to throw them away unless I saved them, and of course I did.  So there a picture of that.  And then, there was this vendor named "Apple Envy," they make what I thought was just covered apples, like a new take on carmel covered apples.  WRONG...they make carmel covered apples with extra frosting on them.  The one I got was orange cream...SO DELISH!!

Monday (9/10):  Welp, I figured I better get my ass up and run this morning since I hadn't in almost a week.  Knowing that today was going to suck, I just decided to run as much as I could.  So I ran about a mile and a half, walking probably the half part.  My ankles and feet were really hurting while running, in order to prevent injury I walked.  But I did something, better then sleeping in.  I also did most of my abs this morning, I will finish what I have left tonight.  Today is a struggle for me, I believe my body is finally reacting to the allergens that got brought in from the storms the other night.

Hopefully I don't fall asleep at my desk today...

Cookie Cake Sounds Delish!

Welp, another week in the bag, and another start to a too short weekend.

Wednesday night was epically uneventful, and I am going to chalk it up the season opener of the NFL.  We ate Taco Bell, because it is so healthy, followed by 3-4 hours of nothing but sitting on our asses.  I wasn't expending any extra calories!

Thursday (9/6):  The day starts like any other, now a day, with some abs.  Why do these abs suck so much?  Is it because they are the most ridiculous ab exercise that is out there? No.  Is it because it is 6:45 in the morning? Possibly, but hopefully after 10 weeks of morning exercising my body is used to it.  Is it because I am so out of shape?  I guess so.   There aren't that many, in quantity, that need to be done, but they sure do kick my ass.  And my friend, Amy, who is doing them with me, also agrees that they kick her butt too.  At least I am not the only one suffering!

This evening we cooked steaks (YUMMY) and vegetables (look at us being healthy).  And let me tell you, those suckers were DELISH!  Then we proceeded to do what we do best...sit!  Overall good evening.

Friday (9/7):  Not totally sure why I am so excited for it to be Friday, it's not like we had such a long week, but needless to say, I was pumped it was Friday.  That all might have to do with the potential of leaving work early today!

Oh ya, I am supposed to tell you about my workout...well, that the 30 minute run, just didn't happen.  I didn't sleep well, and didn't feel like doing it today.  There is nothing much to it besides that.  I did do my dreaded abs...and thought I was going to die during the burpees, and I guess so did Reese.  Every time I went to the ground, she got up and ran away, but then ran back.  She is special, sometimes!

So I am out of things to blog about, expect that I really want a cookie.  Like from City Bites.  My friend, Lash, was talking about how they were getting City Bites at work, and all I thought about were the Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies!  And then it really got my wheels turning and really this is what I want...

A double layer cookie cake!

And that is what I am leaving you on!

Hills are a bitch!

Good Morning y'all!  Let's get a few things out in the open...first, and clearly THE MOST IMPORTANT thing, Ellen is back on next week!!  It has been since May that I have seen a new episode, and I am pumped.  I felt she left me hanging and didn't tell me she was taking a summer break, so I have been pissed at her for a few months, but next week changes it all!  Next, Jillian Michaels is making her return back to fat people (The Biggest Loser).  I have missed her, and hopefully she won't leave us again.

Tuesday (9/4):  Rest day from running, but the abs are still going strong.  Unlike me, Amy went ahead and pinned the challenge, so I was able to go back and get it.  Here is what we are doing.  

Join us (ANNA!) and get some "rock hard abs!" PS...they are kinda a bitch, but we will have great abs in the end (at least that is the goal).

We have finally started getting back into the swing of making dinner.  We got really thrown off when we went on vacation, but now we are back!  Naturally it was yummy, but even better was after we ate we were full, but not uncomfortable.  Last night on AGT,  the acts weren't as good as last weeks, but these cute dogs get me every time!!  They are so stinkin' cute!  The best part is that they are mostly rescued doggies!

Wednesday (9/5): 27 minute run!  As I heard the storms last night, I was secretly hoping that I would get to skip today's run because of the rain.  Not so much the case!  It wasn't raining when I got up, so I couldn't justify not running this morning.  I have determined, or realized, this morning that when I run on the main streets (there is a side walk, Mom), that is it nothing but hills.  And not just little baby hills, these hills I can't see what is on the other side, until I am on the other side.  They really kick my ass, and there is barely any breaks of flat land.  So I somewhat powered through.  I walked 3 times today. Once for 45 seconds, another for 1.5 minutes, and the last time was on the way back home climbing the hill, I was running so slow I just started power walking, but once I turned the corner to go home, I started running again.  Today Stats: 30 minutes (it took longer then I thought), 2.52 miles at a pace of 12:12.  Not to terrible, but not the best.  But I did it! I also reached another goal of mine.  I made it, not only to, but all the way around my new park!  This has been a goal for a few weeks to make it here.

Once I got back home, I went straight to the abs for the day.  WOW!  Killer today!  I am glad that I get all my workouts done in the morning though, that way I have the rest of the day to make good healthy choices and then I don't have to worry about getting sweaty and taking another shower (the real reason for morning workouts).

Not sure what else is going to happen today.  I could really use a nap now and it is only 10am, so I think it is going to be a long day. Poo.

Finish What You Start

This was my theme while running this morning, but I will get to that run on the "Monday" section.  I realized that today is Monday, and even though I am not at work I need to blog.  It has been some time.

Friday (8/31): Got home from work early, decided to get some laundry done, just in case I needed to leave, and then started in on my old lady project.  I made some pretty good head way, but nothing close to being done!  Damn!  Nothing to eventful.

Saturday (9/1): Ran to target in the AM to get a wedding card...nothing like buying last minute cards for a wedding in the evening.   Also, today started a new workout challenge for me.  As I am nearing the end of the couch to 5K program, I figured I would add something new.  So this is a month long ab challenge.  I am sure you have seen them on pinterest, as that's where I found it, but I forgot to pin it.  Amy is also doing this program with me, so it is nice having a partner in this madness.  As the previously stated, we went to a wedding in Tulsa.  It was a grand time, just wish the drive wasn't so boring.  Had a friend come up and tell me she reads my blog, Hey Mrs. Lux, it was great to know that more then just the JH's at work read it!  While we were driving to pick up one of dear hubby's friend, we had a free loader riding with us.  We named it Pat...

Sunday (9/2):  What a lazy day.  Since we drove back from Tulsa last night, and didn't get home until about 2, we just slept in!  It was really nice.  Went to the grocery store and then sat on our asses.  Later that night we decided to go and get a puzzle and eat junk food for dinner...sounded good at the time!  We got a Super Mario Brother's puzzle, golden oreo's, and fudge shop cookies, along with Anchorman and A Bee movie (we watched both).

ended up a great night!!

Monday (9/3):  Labor Day = sitting on our ass at home instead of the office.  Actually, we have been really productive today, so much that we aren't doing anything else today.  I got up at 8, thank goodness I didn't sleep until the alarm of 930, checked the weather, only 84, and got my ass out the door.  I was supposed to run on Sunday, and it just wasn't going to happen!  So I went to the park, which was FULL of walkers.  I get that walking is a great form of exercise and even more so these people were out and not at home...good for them, but DAMN learn how to share with a runner.  It is not ok to weave on the path as a walker, you make it hard for us runner's to pass you.  OR when you walk 2 across and see a running approaching someone who is walking to stay 2 across...share damnit!  Don't even get me started on the bikers....the path isn't big enough for bikers.  But now back to the actual workout.  Something I have never done, Ran from Reno to 15th.  It was kind of a big accomplishment as we used to run at the park but never ran all the way to 15th.   While finishing the run, I kept repeating to myself "finish what you started" I thought I was going to go over my "time" today and just wanted to finish the run of reno to 15th and back.  It is also my goal to run the whole park, 4 miles, and today I proved I can accomplish half of it now!  Got home, whipped my abs out, and then went outside.  At this point it is only 90 at 915, so we mowed, weed eated, and edged the yards.  It was really nice and cool and we wished we could have spent more time out there!  LIES!

Now we are sitting on our asses, going to go to an early dinner at Red Lobster, YUM, and then relax this evening.  Back to work tomorrow..boo!