Returned

After a fabulous vacation in Hawaii, I'm starting to finally feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things. It has only been 2 weeks since we got home, so I think it's about time.

 Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial

 Trent & Josh buried at Makapu'u

We had such a great time, and I miss it, but it is nice to come back to a routine. Still...the vacation was nice. We loved going with Trent and Heidi and really had a blast. People keep asking me how my trip was with great excitement in their voices, expecting a report on all of the fabulous things we saw, the things we did, etc. We only ventured out of our little area a couple of times. We stayed on Oahu in Waimanalo (Southeast part of the island). We drove into Waikiki (about 20 minutes away), went to the USS Arizona Memorial (Pearl Harbor) and drove up to the North Shore to see the temple. Unfortunately, the temple has been closed for rennovations, so we weren't able to actually go in. Aside from the few trips, we went to Food Land, Costco, and the beach. I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect vacation! It was fabulous to wake up as I pleased, and meander down to the beach when we were all ready. I have to say - I was dang tired of slathering SPF 50 (and ensuing reapplications) followed later in the day by Aloe Vera/Lidocaine Spray.  One of the first few days we were there, I got pretty sunburned on my feet. I remembered the Aloe Vera spray with Lidocaine that my family had used the first time I went to Hawaii (my parents, my sister, and myself), so I sought after it and found it at Food Land. Not one for wasting time, I quickly shook, and sprayed (heavily) on my feet - which seemed to be burned the most. Later, as I was "letting it dry" I heard some snapping/popping, and wondered why the spray was doing that. Not thinking twice about it, I carried on with my {over}application of the spray through the next couple days. When the bottle of spray was gone in 3 days  Soon, I realized I was using too much, and my feet had blistered and were in serious pain. For the remainder of the trip, I did not slather my feet with anything, but preferred to cover them with my $7.99 Food Land Special sarong. Turns out, I chemical-burned my sunburn. I peeled the last few flakes of overexposed foot skin off Saturday night. The scars are still faintly present.

Happiness ensued anway.

Since I haven't really seen the light of Summer, or had cause to put sunblock on in what seems like forever (but really only been a year and a half?) I had forgotten just how tender sensitive my (shocking) white skin is. Needless to say, the Sun left it's mark on me. It's buring red mark. Nevertheless, it was amazing to be there.

The ocean was powerful, yet calming.

Loud, but soothing.

At times I was entranced by the rythmic pulse of the waves, and yes, even overpowered and eaten by a few.

 Turtle Bay

Makapu'u Beach



We had an amazing trip, and this post represents hardly a blink of an eye in 10 days of beachy bliss.

 Heid, Trent, Joshy, Katie:

Laie Hawaii Temple

Joshy & Katie: Waikiki Beach at Sunset

More to come...

Letting It Go

I know I haven't been great about posting updates on this blog. In fact, I will admit, I've been awful. It is because I have been focused on building up my "Future Mommy Blogger" blog on wordpress.

Please, do me a favor.

Click over to it http://www.futuremommyblogger.wordpress.com/

Read the most recent entry ("Freedom") and comment. I really do want some insight on this one. If you read this and I don't know, it's fine. I really don't care, please share. If you read this, and I know you read this, great. Please click over and share. If I don't know you, and we've never met, and you got here from blog hopping around, please click over and share.

Be warned though. It will probably take some guts to share.

Love you all!

xoxoxo

I'm Baaack!

 School is over (for 2 weeks).

[I wish I would have done a little better]

I wrote, and taught my lesson.

Got the R.S. Weekday Meeting: Dinner Version - done! woo!

At one point, I was pretty much in a ball, on the floor, rocking back and forth channeling the Little Engine that Could.

*I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!*

I did.

But, not without the help of some very mahvelous ladies!

Carrie.

Nicole.

Megan.

Love them!

Now:

Some needs need to be met:

**Haircut (AND color please!)

**Massage - that includes feet...

**Sleep. More Sleep. EVEN more sleep.

**A good, hard, sweatfest of a run. Seriously. No exercise in 2 weeks makes me - *shudder* - let's not go there.


Starting school again in 2 weeks - and then...


HAWAII!!! 10 days of beachy bliss.




Oh, and I wouldn't count on having any coherent conversations with me in the next 36 hours. I'll be asleep. Even if I'm awake and walking around. I'm probably sleep walking.

MIA

The [lack of] updates on this blog can only be described as dreadful.

*BUT*

In my defense, I've had a lot going on, including School. For one of my projects, I created this.

Feel free to look around. I haven't updated it either, except of course to refine it and make it a "final draft" of my first project. Also, if you don't want to plan dinner for a week, check out the "Writing Templates" tab. There is a sample week of meals and corresponding shopping list for your use if you'd like.

Don't judge me - I'm busy and not very funny.

Bargain Hunting

I love a good bargain. A couple weeks ago, Josh and I were in Park City and we found a great bargain. Best one yet. It was so good, I couldn't resist getting proof for you. 

Call me if you're in the market for a great deal, I can find one anywhere!

Reflection

"Seduced by our culture, we often hardly recognize our idolatry as our strings are pulled by that which is popular in the Babylonian World."

"Courage is the basis and foundation for all of our other virtues; and the lack of courage diminshes every other virtue that we have. If we are to have Zion in the midst of Babylon, it will take courage."

~Elder David R. Stone, "Zion in the Midst of Babylon" from 176th Annual General Conference

See the full talk here.

And Then...

I hung out with friends, came home and cleaned up my kitchen, had dinner (at midnight) and went to bed around 1:30.

Then, I actually got up this morning and ran that flippin 5K. 

Yes, I feel like a wuss for complaining. 

Yes, I feel great that I finished it. 

I'm glad I didn't yak or die.

I'm not terribly thrilled with my time. It was only a minute faster than the 5K in April. It was right around 36-37 minutes. (I don't think they really timed us...)

As for the run itself...

Started out really well. I walked after I 'bout died from not enough air getting into my asthmatic lungs. There were times when I was walking that I felt like maybe I should have pushed a little harder, but I didn't. It was flippin HOT!!! The run started at 9:00 a.m. and it is a beautiful Summer day today. It wasn't overcast at all, and it was seriously hot!! 

I had a raging case of cotton mouth, and there was no water/hydration station. (I just like to say hydration station, it makes it sound more legit.) That was rough. I was dying because I was overheated and under-hydrated.

BUT...

I finished. 

AND...

I wasn't last :) 

I was worried that I would die from embarrassment if I was the last one to finish. I was preparing myself to accept the fact that I very well could be the last person crossing that line... and when I accepted that it would be okay, I dug a little deeper and finished strong. 

I may not have been "strong" in the middle, but I finished strong, and to me, that is the most important part. I will NEVER walk across a finish line. I got to the point where the thing that kept me going was just trying to get or stay in front of someone else. 

Maybe I'm just a little competitive.

Maybe I'm still a rookie.

Maybe I was (totally) embarrassed when that dirtbag made fun of my temporary tattoos from my gym.

Maybe I wanted water more than life itself.

Maybe I just wanted to finish something.

So I did.

And Now...

I'm feeling dumb.

I was in a good place a week ago and was feeling motivated and working hard (lots of running) so I thought, "Why not? I'll sign up for a 5K". So I did.


The 5K is tomorrow.

I've had a rough week mentally and emotionally.

and now I'm running a 5K tomorrow.

with 11 other women (so far).

I'll probably just be walking most of the 5K.



I'm burned out....

Diet Drink Snob

I bought a 12-pack of Diet Cherry Coke a week or so ago, because I've had some long and very busy days and I needed a little caffeine. The whole package tasted different, so I thought they had just changed the formula. I was not really digging the new formula...

As I was drinking can #11/12 this morning, I happened to notice there were 150 calories in the can. I about lost it. Then I realized, I didn't buy diet.

Yuck. No wonder it tasted gross.

Day One

So let's be honest. I haven't been doing too well about sticking with the diet. Today is "day one" again. It's about the 239,483,458,002,394 millionth time I've been on "day one". Seriously. That's a lot of "day one"'s.

I'm desperate, and it's time for drastic measures. Today, I made an excel spreadsheet of everything I will be eating this week, and what time I will be eating it all. I printed it out and folded it up so I can see it one day at a time. I plan to check off each meal that goes according to plan, and at the end of the day, I switch folds and prepare the food for the next day. Then I realized, I can plan to my little hearts content, but if I don't actually stick to it, I'm nowhere. So, for a little extra motivation, I printed off a picture of a really cute girl who happens to be skinny. Then, I printed off a picture of myself, shrunk it to size, and cut out my head. I then pasted my head onto the skinny body, colored the picture, and taped 2 of them on my computer monitors. I'm hoping that keeps me from reaching for a snack. I'd actually post the picture, but I'm too embarrassed, because who knows? Maybe the girl whose picture I stole reads this blog! You just never know... ;)

In other news, I got new running shoes on Saturday! Woo hoo! This has been a long time coming, and I'm very excited about it. I just have to make sure I don't wear them to the gym on the days we do a lot of heavy lifting - that will wear them out fast. Here is what they look like:

Josh and I went to Strider's in Layton, because they have a machine that analyzes the way you stand, and how you walk and it shows where you have the most pressure, where your balance is, etc. So we each got our feet analyzed and Josh said he was relieved he isn't a "freak". ha ha ha. Anyway, they brought out 7 different pairs of shoes for me to try on. Then, we went over to their treadmills and tried running in different pairs. It was interesting to see such a difference in each shoe. I am really happy with the experience and I would recommend going to Strider's if you are looking for a good running shoe that is right for you. They were helpful, patient, and it was awesome!

It's time for me to go eat my powercrunch bar, so I'm off!

Why I Love HR

When I got to work today, there was a card sitting on my desk. I recognized my supervisor's handwriting and thought, "they're going to reprimand me via greeting card??" (I always expect the worst).

I opened it and a $25 gift card fell out. Whoah! My severance is a $25 gift card to Best Buy?

Then, I read the note. My supervisor was thanking me for my hard work. After a hair toss and twinkly smile at myself in the mirror, I started floating on a cloud. I was suddenly extremely motivated. Not only am I going to get everything done this week, I'm going to get it all done TODAY!

Not wanting to say anything around the others, I checked with her to see if it was a gift that only I was priveleged to receive, or if others in the department had also been recognized for their efforts.

Apparently everyone she supervises received a thank you card and a $25 gift card. Fortunately, I didn't let this deflate my little cloud - too much anyway. She mentioned that there were other gift card options, and I could trade it for something else from Human Resources if I wanted to.

I did want to! I snagged a Target gift card instead, and floated happily back upstairs with my newly motivated self and knocked out a bunch of tasks/assignments lickety split.

I suppose the HR department is responsible in more ways than one. Not only was it their budget, but they hang poster-sized monthly calendars around the office. It turns out today was Administrative Professionals Day, and my supervisor must have seen the calendar.

And that my friends, is why I love HR.

Do you know how many boxes of the best fruit snacks on earth I can buy with a $25 gift card to Target??

Sure I'll have to save them until day 14 of my diet where I get to spike my calories in the evening, but still. That's a lot of yummy fruit snacks.

Or there could be a new set of dishes in my future...so many things to choose from!

What Is Going On?

Last week was terrible. TERRIBLE. That's all I'm going to say about it.

Moving on...

Saturday I ran the Salt Lake 5K. I didn't really train for it, other than just going to the gym and working out - except I only went on Monday and Tuesday last week. I totally beat my time from 2 years ago, so I'm at least happy about that. My time was 37:44. I realize, that's not the greatest time, that's 12-minute miles, so while that may be a little slow, that was pretty good for me. I pushed hard, and just didn't want to give up. I had decided ahead of time that I was going to sprint from the time I rounded the corner on to the main street at Gateway, through to the finish line. I'm pretty sure that was about 0.25 miles.  So, I sprinted, and then I almost puked. I was about 10 feet from the finish line when I realized what I'd gotten myself into. I thought about slowing down, but realized, that would be pretty pathetic. I was almost to the finish line, so I continued pushing and sprinting. About 5 feet from the finish line, my stomach seized up and tried to purge itself. Apparently, Red Iguana the night before a 5K - might not be such a good idea. Actually, I think it was just the sprinting. ha ha. So, there I was, not puking when I crossed the finish - but I was definitely demanding inquiring about the nearest trash cans. Luckily, no puking. My feet are all hurty and cramped, but I think it's because my shoes are a little too worn out...I have had them for 3 years, and I'm pretty sure they are the cause of the bruised feeling up the inside of my left leg. 

I got home from the run, and thought, hmmm, I think I'll head out for another run...so I ran another 2(ish) miles. I came home, cleaned up, and headed out to a baby shower. Then...there was much sleeping. 3 hours actually. 

The shirt is pretty ironic huh? ha ha

I didn't get pictures @ the race, so I had to "re-enact" when I got home. 

This is my "almost puking 5 feet from the finish line" photo op. ha ha.  

Sunday was great. Relaxing, and rejuvenating. I made Orange Dreamsicle cupcakes for the 3rd Sunday FHE at my parents house, and they were pretty tasty if I do say so myself...

I went back to the gym tonight, and I'm very frustrated. I realize I haven't been in almost a week, but I really felt crappy and discouraged about how much I feel like I'm not improving. I totally didn't finish the workout today - I had a headache, I was dizzy, I was tired, it was hot, and I was probably a little lazy. Plus, there is always the shooting pain in my leg. Oh, and the foot cramps. I feel great most of the time, because I can really tell that there are so many ways in which I've improved, but I still get frustrated when I am not as fast or as strong as other people in the classes. I was so frustrated today! I'm still a little bugged about it, because I want to be so much better already. Ugh, I'm hoping tomorrow is so much better at the gym. It's a reason I'm planning on trying to kick the caffeine. 

Catching up on a few things:

*Still planning to run a 10K in July - but with better running shoes. 

*Still trying to do too much as usual

*Josh graduates in about 2 weeks

*I'm trying to kick caffeine for good.

*I'm starting day #1 of my diet - Again. For like the 897,349,873 time. Seriously - it's hard to plan so much and all of it ahead of time. 

*Josh got a good start on our garden on Saturday - he planted some herbs - woo hoo!

*New running shoes for me AND Josh this weekend

*I still LOVE Celebrity Apprentice - and Curtis Stone is still my FAVORITE on the show. :)

*This is my week - I'm going to be better, I'm going to do better, and I'm going to succeed finally. 

Here's to a new week - a better week. Who's with me??

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

It's been getting messy around here, so this site is officially under construction.

I'm changing things around here, hopefully for the better.

I'm thinking about "going private" because there are people I would prefer not to find me, and not to read this. I haven't totally decided yet.

Any input is welcome.

Have a nice day!

Rug Burns and a Refill

I don't know what happened with yesterday. This physical breakdown just sort of snuck up on me, and took me by surprise. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better. I went home and slept for nearly 4 hours! It was fabulous. So, I've had a little refill, but I think I'm due for some more extra hours of sleep. We'll see how that goes tonight.

Josh has an overnight camp with the Young Men tonight, so I'll actually have to go to bed tonight, instead of falling asleep on the couch to 'wait up' for him. I'm actually supposed to head out to a baby shower tonight if I don't have to work. I haven't gone to work at The Roof at all this week, because they haven't been busy enough. There was a question as to whether or not I would even have to go in last night, so when I called in and talked to my manager yesterday, she offered to get it covered for me. Thank heaven! Last week I worked on the desk on Saturday, so that was great. I got to read a book and answer phone calls. I actually really liked it. It was quiet and I was all by myself in the offices.

I'm feeling like I'm back on top of things, and can handle what is coming next. I never realized just how much I need good, restful sleep. Lesson learned.

In other news, I've tried to hit the gym hard again this week, and I've been pretty successful. I skipped Monday, but I made it to Tuesdays class and I hoisted 100 lbs off of the ground and up over my head. :) I felt really awesome about that, so it was easier to go the rest of the week. I feel like I really gave it everything I had every day this week at the gym, and that is encouraging. Yes, I'm a wimp and I am not as fit as others in the gym, but I'm feeling pretty good about my accomplishments and my progress. Really though, isn't that what is important? It doesn't really matter what anyone else does, it's what I do, and how I change. Yesterday was an absolutely 100% perfect diet day, which I'm also proud of. It hasn't been easy, and I've been a little to relaxed about it, but I'm back to serious business and I plan to keep it that way. While it's often hard to excel at both my diet and my exercise, after I push through the hard points, they actually serve as motivation for each other. When I do my best in my workouts, I am more motivated to work harder with my diet. When I refuse the cookies, chips, whatever else might tempt me with my diet, it's easier to push through the exercises with everything I have.

I have picked myself up off the floor, dusted myself off, and I'm back in the game.

Now, to get my house back in order...

Drained

It's only Thursday. I have to keep reminding myself, because I keep thinking it's Friday today. That means tomorrow is going to be rough too. I feel like I have pretty much given everything I've got to everything, and now, I'm running on empty. I'm so tired, because I choose not to go to bed when I'm so tired. It gets to the point that I'm too tired to go to bed - and that's a bad sign. I have sort of gotten used to having Josh around a little more, which makes it so hard to want to go to bed instead of just falling asleep on the couch and waiting for him to get home. We both had work off (at night) 2 nights in a row 2 weeks ago, and then Josh had his root canal stuff, so he's been home more, and Tuesdays, he goes in early and gets off early. I've just gotten used to having him around at night, which is dangerous for my sleep habits. Last night I was laying down feeling so much more lonely than usual. I have sort of accepted/gotten over the fact that he is gone so much at night, but last night was particularly hard. So, instead of going to bed, I fell asleep on the couch to "wait up" for him. Then we went to bed at 2:00 a.m., and I was back up at 5:00 to go to the gym. Obviously, I got more than 3 hours of sleep, but it wasn't restful, and I'm soooooo drained. I got home from the gym today and just laid down on the floor and stayed there for about 15 minutes.

I felt like I was possibly getting sick yesterday, but I'm feeling a little better today. I just don't want to take any more time off work.

I'm just feeling overwhelmed. Probably just because I'm so dang tired, and I can't process or deal with things properly when I'm this run down.

I'm so tired, I don't even want to deal with the things I have to do today.

Some Pictures

Last week was our 4th Anniversary. Is it dumb that Anniversary #4 seems like such a big anniversary? Speaking of anniversaries, Happy Anniversary to Josh's parents: Cliff and Lee. 39 Years! I mean, 4 and 39 are very different numbers, but 4 makes me feel so...seasoned??

Anyway, my family has the tradition of taking family pictures every year (anniversary year, not necessarily calendar year) and Josh and I are continuing the tradition. Well, we barely made it this year, since we had them done ON our actual anniversary. Last year, they were done the day before our anniversary. ha ha ha. I guess that goes to show how busy life can be - or that I'm a schmuck and a procrastinator. Either one... :) Anyway, I was looking for a photographer and asked opinions from people on facebook. Since everyone these days seems to be a photographer, EVERYBODY knows a photographer. ;) Last summer, Josh's cousins Tisha, Jessica, and Tiffany, all had their family pictures taken by Liz Bowles. I thought they were fabulous pictures. I was thrilled when I found out she is a Utah Resident! Woo hoo!! Better yet, I thought she was very reasonably priced. The zinger? She could fit me in just in time for our anniversary!! I couldn't have been happier with the experience. She brought her assistant Andrea Allred with her, and they were such a fun team. They had us relaxed and laughing in no time. We drove down to Provo for the pictures, since Liz and Andrea are down in Mona, UT. The light and weather was perfect! We started our Anniversary celebrations with a bang! Without much more babbling, I'm sharing just a few of the pictures she took:

This was my Mom's favorite

The train conductor was not too thrilled that we were hanging out on his tracks...

This is one of my favorites!

Please check out more of Liz's photos here.

After our pictures, we got some donuts from the Creamery on 9th (yummm!!!!) You'll have to hear about the rest in another post! If you don't tell anyone that I took pictures of the room we stayed in, maybe I'll show them to you...

4 Years

4 years ago today I was:

Taking a gazillion midterms as a Music Major

Eating Gandolfo's Deli sandwiches with my brothers Kevan and Jeff, and my saster Kristen in my parents' kitchen

Trying on my Grandma Ridings' (and Great Grandma Catharine Michel's) Diamond Ring

Modeling my new red shoes (in honor of Grandma Lewis)

Eating dinner with my family at Chuck-a-Rama

Painting my toenails red to match my shoes

Praying for clear skin and clear skies

and of course:

Looking forward with anticipation (and some slightly chilly feet) for the events of the next day, and consequently forever after.

The Weekend Docket

That title up there is actually quite deceptive. From the sound of it, you would think I have exciting plans for the weekend. Actually, I don't.

From the looks of it so far, I won't be working tonight. Not unless we get at least 100 more reservations in the next 3 hours. Since the clouds are dumping snow everywhere, it's more likely that we will have cancellations, than bookings. So, here is my first exciting piece of weekend fun: I don't have to work -- well -- sorta... I don't have to go to The Roof tonight, but I do get to teach 2 violin lessons instead. 1 is a brand new student. Today will be the first lesson.

A night off of work so I can work a different job. Fabulous.

Then, I think I should mention I have a Staff Meeting tomorrow. You know, that blessed free day Saturday? And, it's conveniently in the MIDDLE of my day. 2:30. Perfect. I love taking from the middle, especially if it's pie. Or pizza. Or even Watermelon.

Other than that, I have no plans. Except for preparing a Relief Society lesson for Sunday. I had some thoughts together on my lesson, and had things a little bit planned out, and then last Sunday (as in 5 days ago) I was in Welfare Committee Meeting and I was told I was supposed to teach a different lesson. From Preach My Gospel. About Stake and Ward Leaders.

***GULP***

So, tonight after I have a night off of one job, I'll be teaching violin lessons, and then studying and preparing a new lesson for Sunday. As in 2 days away Sunday.

Have I ever mentioned how terrible I am about speaking in front of people? Lessons, speaking in church, testimonies in church - whatever it may be - I sort of freak out about it. I get super nervous, and end up crying my way through with a bright red face and a leaky nose.

So, that's my weekend. What are your plans (plans, plans)**??


**echo

Student Recital

Last Saturday, one of my students had a recital. This is Cosette. She is the very first student I've had, and I'm happy to say she's doing quite well. What you don't see in this, is the hours and energy that not only Cosette put into preparing for this recital, but LOTS of energy and time that her Mother put into helping Cosette prepare. If you've ever wonder what on earth I do with my time, this is one of the many things I'm involved in. I teach on Mondays and Wednesdays. Since Blogger took so dang long to load videos, you only get this one. :) I hope you'll take a minute to watch these videos. They aren't that long. :)

Way to go Cosette!!

Things I Learned from Running

After an emotional Thursday-Saturday, I decided to hit the road for a little run Saturday evening. Here are some things I learned while running - in no particular order.

1. Physical pain is not more or less than emotional pain. If you push so hard that you cough up a long, then you are just in physical pain - AND emotional pain. Both are still painful, equally painful.

2. If you don't want the car full of teenagers to laugh at you as they drive by you 4 times, then you should probably wear some spankies (or some kind of tight running shorts) underneath your regular running shorts - even if it does give you a muffin top. Muffin tops are easily disguised with loose t-shirts.

3. You have to work harder when you are running and pulling your shorts down every 5 seconds. Refer to #2 for a tip on avoiding this problem.

4. If your legs are already sore, running outside when it's really cold makes it feel better - until you stop and thaw out. To sum: Shorts when it's 40 degrees = good now, bad later.

5. If you don't want to take a cell phone with you when you run, it's best to stay on the streets of people you know. That way, if you lose a lung on the road, you can ask one of  your friends to help you find it.

6. If you want to run on streets where people you know live - wear longer shorts, and don't go out when people will most likely at home getting ready for Ward Conference giving them the best opportunity to see your legs eat your shorts and your muffin top hang.

7. The harder you run, the harder you have to think about breathing and the less you can think about whatever is stressing you out.

8. You can go longer if you just jog. Sprinting results in longer recovery times, and much more walking. Then you're angry and dying.

9. When you can see your bright pink socks where your baby toe hits in your shoes - it's probably time for new shoes.

10. It's best to run toward the cars so you can see them - especially if you have noise-cancelling headphones in.

11. Some cars actually aim for you, and swerve at the last possible moment. This will in turn, increase your heart rate. That could be good, or bad.

12. You don't have to be super skinny to run outside - as long as you're wearing a shirt.

13. Running outside is much harder than running on a treadmill - even if the treadmill is at an incline.

14. Running doesn't solve your problems, but it can help you blow off some steam so you can deal with your problems with less emotional involvement.

15. The hardest part of running (or exercising period) is putting on your workout clothes.

16. The second hardest part of running (or exercising) is walking past the t.v. remote and Costco-sized bag of Pirate's Booty, and stepping out the door.

17. Running is more psychological than it is physical for me. I have more psychological boundaries than physical boundaries. Removing the psychological boundaires and pushing the physical boundaries, helps eliminate emotional boundaries. Funny how it's all connected isn't it?

18. The right song on your playlist can make all the difference. It can make or break your pace and motivation!

19. Passing out on the street is not an option. You will be roadkill. Coughing up a lung on the road, would be the better option here.

20. There is almost nothing as beautiful, or inspiring as a fiery pink and orange sunset as you smash your personal barriers.

21. Running doesn't make you skinny. Running and dieting (without cheating) makes you skinny.

22. Running is hard if you are dieting and not cheating.

23. Just because it's hard, doesn't mean you get to stop. I tell my violin students that [we] practice to make things easier, not to make things perfect. If it's hard, you have to practice it. Practicing will make it easier, until you push through those boundaries and it becomes hard again. Keep running (or exercising) to keep making hard things easy.

24. Everybody runs for different reasons. I hated running, but I started to run because I wanted to lose weight. Now I exercise and try to eat healthier foods to lose weight. I run because it helps me deal with stress. I also run because I sort of enjoy it, shhhh, don't tell. 

RTG

Random Thought Generator:

So I haven't been very good about posting, and I've been hearing about it. I just haven't had anything to say really. Well, I take that back. I always have a lot to say, I would just never broadcast all of it to whomever might stumble on to my little corner of the internet. Anyway, I don't have enough to say about anything to actually write a blog about it, so today you get the Random Thought Generator. A scrambled mix of the things rolling around in my brain.

First, I had a very annoying experience at work today. Not only did a co-worker step in my cubicle to have a conversation OVER me with someone on the other side of my cubicle, she stepped a little closer and was leaning against the back of my chair. I about lost it. I'm extremely annoyed with people who encroach on my personal space - especially if it's at work. Obviously, my personal space bubble is a little wider with co-workers and others I'm not very close with. Then, she saw something in my purse, and had her hand in my purse asking me questions about a book in my purse. THEN, here's the kicker, she asked me if I was pregnant. Ummm, really? Who hasn't learned the lesson that you never, ever, EVER, NEVER, ever ask someone if they are pregnant?? Really, who hasn't learned that lesson??

This makes the 2nd time this week, and the 3rd time in 5 months. Yes, I've put on a few pounds, and it bothers me, but this was the last straw for me. I had to get up and take a walk because I was fuming. That was only one of the issues that really upset me at work today. I just had a rough day at work. I guess what bothers me the most is, what if I was pregnant, and I hadn't told my family, does she expect that I would tell her? I guess I don't understand how people are presumptuous enough to assume that you should tell them personal details about your life on their terms. How annoying.

and for the record, the answer is no this time. Not pregnant. thankyouverymuch. I'll tell people my business when I'm ready to tell people my business.

Speaking of chubby, I bought some underwear for the gym today. I guess I never realized how massive my bum is. I handed over the underwear to the sales associate, and I was totally embarrassed. I'm pretty sure I've been on a cruise ship that was smaller than that underwear. Boy did I feel like a big loser.

Biggest Loser was on last night, and I was so excited to come home from work and watch it while texting my sister. It's not as much fun to watch it all alone - the drama is way more fun when you're sharing it with your sister. Even if they are a few states away. Back to the story: I got home and turned on the t.v. to watch Biggest Loser, and it hadn't recorded. Then, I checked hulu to see if I could watch it - no such luck. It won't post until 7 days after the episode has aired. I checked NBC.com today to see if it was up, and again, no such luck. I don't think that will be up until next week either. A little bummed out. Or, a big bummed out - if you want to get technical.

One of my students cancelled today because his Dad was sick and there was no one to bring him to lesson tonight. This gave me the time to get my watch battery replaced. My watch died at least 8 1/2 months ago, and it was $8 1/2 to get it replaced. I stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods to look at weight lifting gloves because I have these awesome blisters on my fingers that look like little warts. My workouts have been heavy on the barbells. I wasn't ready to pay $12-15 for ugly pink gloves. If they were awesome hot pink gloves, I would have gotten them, but they weren't.

My next student didn't show up, and I had 3 bananas that were on their way out, so I made some banana bread. I have some frozen blueberries, so I tossed a cup of them into the batter of one of the loaves I made. They actually worked well in the bread, and they were warm and juicy and oh-so-delicious. I felt very "Holly Homemaker" and I loved it. It was all made sweeter by the fact that I wore my favorite apron. :)

Speaking of cooking/baking, I made some chili/soup on Sunday, and I didn't realize it made such a big batch. Ground turkey, corn, beans, beans, more beans, tomatoes - you get the point. I shared with friends and family, and had a bowl tonight for dinner. It was pretty good. I did have one bite of weird turkey, and that freaked me out a little, but the rest was good.

Last night at the Roof, there was a pasta dish for dinner, and it was pretty good - except that the meat tasted about 2 weeks old. Oh, the glamour of dinner at the Roof.

Trent and Heidi came with us to dinner at The Roof last week. Or, maybe it was already 2 weeks ago. We had a good time, and I will put up a picture or two when I find my camera.

So, with a full belly, a load of laundry to fold, and an early morning at the gym, I better get on my way to bed.

I have been dying this week at the gym, because I skipped out for a week (see post below). I'm very sore, and happy to tell you that I have gone every day this week so far. :) This gym kicks my trash and I love every minute of it. Well, that is a bit of a stretch, but I do love my gym. I am a firm believer in the "optimal health" they promote/offer.

If you're still reading this, you are probably extremely bored. Or at least bored enough to make a comment. So go ahead and leave one if you've made it this far. :)

Have a great night/day/whatever, and may you make it through the day without anyone asking you if you're pregnant.

xoxo!!

To A Missing Gym Buddy:

Dear Chantelle,

I haven't been sore since Saturday.

Translation: I haven't been to the gym since last Thursday.

I've slept through every gym class I've attempted - es no bueno. I've also been dreaming about binging on desserts. I think I ate 30 different pieces of cake one night in my dreams. I think my subconscious is paranoid because I haven't been to the gym.

I blame you.

Love,

Katie

P.S. You better not be doing the workouts in Hawaii. ;)

P.P.S. This is evidence I need the gym:

7 on the 7th

7 Things I Love Today:

1.  The Glee Soundtracks, Volumes 1 & 2

2. The absence of caffeine in my system. Occasionally tired, and have headaches, but glad to be off of it. I quit cold turkey on Monday.

3. Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries cereal.

4. My new gym. Even if I pay to be ridiculously sore. I mean, seriously, ridiculously sore.

Go to http://www.fitzonenation.com/ to see the workout I did this morning. Called 3 bars of death.

5. Advil. Items #2 and #4 on my list make me particularly in love with advil today.

6. My newly-hung curtains in my bedroom. One window down, one to go!

7. Joshy, of course!

P.S. Shocked that I'm posting?? Me too.