April Goal: Finish the Book of Mormon

I finished my April Goal early this month so I will recap it early :)

I love the Book of Mormon. I've probably read it 15 times. I started when I was a little girl. I've always loved to read, and my parents taught me early that the BOM should consistently be on your reading list. Even though I've read it several times I really didn't start understanding it until probably the last 5 or 6 times I've read it, and even then I finish not always getting everything. But I will never get better or understand it if I give up right? So I just keep reading and each time I do I learn something new.

This time around I started listening to the Book of Mormon on my way to work. I have about 30 minutes in my car because I drop Macs off before heading up to Salt Lake. 30 minutes listening gets you through the BOM pretty fast. I LOVED listening to it! I was able to follow the plot line so much better! It was amazing the difference it made for me. I finally understand who was who's son and why they were fighting this particular war and what books were written by which prophet. It was awesome. I loved everything I learned this time around.

Something that really stood out to me was the relationship between parents and their children. Even thousands and thousands of years ago fathers were teaching their sons the gospel and what was right and wrong. They counseled and taught and reprimanded them. They gave them advice and blessings and words of wisdom. How cool is that? There were families back then just like there are families today. Fathers loved their sons just like fathers love their kids today. I know we don't have a lot of information about what their daily activities were or everything that happened- but I got the impression that it was very similar to today. Families loved each other, supported each other, and defended each other.

Another thing I liked about listening to it this time around was I was able to imagine the actual men and prophets as they were talking. In Alma chapter 60 Captain Moroni writes a letter to King Pahoran complaining that they haven't gotten any help from the King and demanding that the King send them aid. It's a very powerful chapter and Moroni says some very bold things. As I listened to it, it felt like I was the one getting lectured (yelled at) by Captain Moroni for the 10 minutes it took to read that chapter. I was getting a little sweaty! It was kind of funny how much of an impact it made listening to those powerful words. I was just happy those words weren't directed at me.

I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it testifies of Jesus Christ. I love reading 3 Nephi and hearing about Christ visiting the people in the Americas. I might not understand or follow everything that is written every time I read it, but I do feel the spirit testifying that it's true. These men actually lived. The events and wars you read about actually took place and Christ did come visit them. I'm thankful for this book in my life and the opportunity I had to read it again.

A week with no TV

This week I decided I wasn't going to watch any TV except 1 hour on Thursday for Grey's Anatomy. The past several weeks I have been watching HOURS of TV every day. What?? I usually don't do that- but thanks to Netflix and Hulu and regular scheduled programming....I've been exceeding my two hours of recommended screen time- by a lot. The biggest problem is when I get hooked on a series on Netflix and proceed to binge watch for hours and hours (thanks The Good Wife) plus all the regular shows I like to watch have current episodes filling up my Hulu Que. It's a first world problem FOR SURE. but a problem nonetheless

Monday
Pretty easy to avoid TV today because we were out and about as a family. Bart had the day off so he met me at work and we spent the afternoon in SLC. Later that evening I went to dinner with my dad and sisters. Not being home makes it really easy to not watch any TV! When I got home from dinner I had Bart turn off the TV and we sat and talked for an hour. Ca-razy I know. It was actually pretty fabulous. Bart is chatty when given the chance. I did think about the TV a LOT today. I had to consciously avoid turning it on and all of the story plots were fresh on my mind. Straight up addict people!

Tuesday
Much harder than Monday! It was a typical day for me so I was home around 12:30 with no errands to run or anything to really do outside the house. Mckenzie and I played a lot in her room and she seemed to enjoy it better with no TV on in the background. She did really well with some independent play and I watched her from the door way because....no TV. I even took a nap while she was napping. Normally I would have loved to read-but I don't have a book on standby at the moment. If I'm going to make it through the week that will have to be corrected soon.

After her nap we were kind of bored though so I turned on Pandora and she loved it! She just laid there playing with her feet and listening to the music. It was a lot of fun. She hasn't really shown interest in music in the past, but she sure liked it today! I did a few chores and we went running when Bart went home because the TV wasn't on to distract us into relaxation. Before bedtime we all hung out on the floor playing and being obsessed with our baby. I really liked that. The hard part now is when Mckenzie is sleeping and Bart and I are on our own. Bart uses the TV to relax so I feel bad asking him to turn it off because of me.

Wednesday
Not as hard as Tuesday. I got home a little later in the afternoon and Mckenzie went right down for a nap so I ended up where? In my bed...I'm sensing a trend. But a 45 minute cat nap is better than watching an hour of TV in my mind, especially when I don't have tons to do anyway. When Bart got home I went to the gym and grocery shopping so avoiding TV wasn't too hard. I have found myself using my phone more often and getting on social media more. It's so hard to find a balance with everything!! But this week I'm focusing on TV so I'm not going to stress too much about my phone use (that's an area for another day!).

 

It's so interesting how my mind goes a little cray cray when I spend too much time binge watching a show. I start thinking about the characters like they really exist and I wonder what's going to happen next. Once I start dreaming about those characters, I know it's time to take a break!

Thursday
I knew I was going to get the chance to watch an hour of TV  (Grey's Anatomy) so it wasn't too bad of a day. Mckenzie and I are still trying to figure out things to do. It's not that we ever just sat and watched TV in the past, but just having it on in the background gives life a different feeling. We have been using music much more, and the beautiful weather makes it nice to go outside. I can tell it's getting easier and easier. My day also doesn't feel like it's going by as fast. I'm not filling random hours with pointless TV and I seem to have more time for things- WEIRD!

But once I did get to sit down and watch my hour of TV I was pretty possessive of that hour. I didn't want to talk to Bart at all. I just wanted to lay down and watch my show and completely check out. It wasn't even a good episode and it almost wasn't worth "wasting" an hour on! Plus it was really hard for me to turn the TV off and not watch Scandal that was up next. Honestly I probably could have just gone the rest of the day without watching anything.

The hardest part of every day has been the evening when Bart wants to watch TV. I go upstairs and we just don't really hang out. It's not like watching TV is really hanging out in my book, but at least we would be in the same room! We have talked a lot more this week and he has been a pretty good sport about it- but he still watches TV and I have to leave the room.

Friday
It was a piece of cake to not watch anything today because it was a pretty busy day and I left to go hang out with my cousins for a quick overnight trip. Nothing really to report because I never had the chance to sit on the couch even if I wanted to! I am pretty proud that I've made it 5 full days!

Saturday
Another easy day to avoid TV because we didn't really get home from our Saturday activities until around 7pm. Bart sat down to relax and I did some chores and folded laundry. I will say this no TV thing means I am more on top of my laundry than I ever have been in the past. What I like about this week is that TV is no longer my "go to" time filler. Just because I COULD watch TV, doesn't mean that's what I choose to do. I'm also not really craving any of the story lines and plots like I was earlier in the week. I'm totally on the downhill of detoxing! Technically my week is up on Monday so I just have to get through tomorrow! I know Sunday is going to be rough...so stand by!

Sunday

Instead of TV my day was filled with LOTS of sleeping. We did watch a movie as a way to compromise between Bart's desires and my experiment. Last Sunday I went to bed ashamed at how much TV I watched that day, that's why this whole thing started. Tonight I went to bed without that feeling.

All in all, I'm really glad I tried this out.. It made me realize I don't HAVE to watch TV, there are other things to do and other ways I can fill my days. I exercised every day and stayed on top of my chores. The week went by pretty quickly and after those first few days, I didn't even really think of TV. Even as I'm writing this on Monday- TV isn't my go-to as soon as I get home. I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person (anther post for another day) and it was a good experiment for me to do. I'm not really in the mood to watch any of my shows. After a week off, I'm kind over it! Hopefully as I add a little TV into my day I won't let it go overboard and I will be able to find that realistic balance!

A Blessing

I stumbled upon "The Thankful Project" and love the idea! I am also totally cool with the fact that there is no way in hell I will be blogging every day for any reason. That said, I want to participate throughout the month (and by month I mean the last 16 days of it because I'm a slow starter).

November 14: A Blessing

Just one?? It's so hard to narrow down! I am overwhelmed every day for all the blessings I get to enjoy in my life.

When I read the word Blessing the first thing that pops into my head is "Bart". As I write this he is making dinner- Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls. Why? Because I can't eat normal Teriyaki sauce. He has fully embraced my health issues and has made everything easier. I am thankful for Bart every.single.day. for the love and service he shows me.
(side note....it smells amazeballs and I'm starving)

Sell Yourself

Day 11,: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

For Sale: A girl who cries sometimes and laughs often.

Strong Wind = Strong Trees

Day 20, : Get real. Share something you're struggling with right now.



When I think about my life, and where I'm struggling, I send a little prayer to the Man upstairs and say thank you. My problems and struggles are so small compared to others! I am truly blessed in my life and I believe all struggles make us stronger. A part of my very favorite poem says:

"Good timber does not grow at ease,

The stronger wind, the stronger trees"

So what is the wind in my life? What am I struggling with? Well I'll tell you...but only because the blogger challenge says so :)

I have blogged about these things before so I apologize if this seems like a repeat! My blog, my rules :)

When I hear "struggle" my mind automatically goes to my Hashimotos and the life changes I have had to implement. But my mind only goes there for a second. I don't live every day with a heavy heart "struggling" with my disease. Do I think about it every day? Yes. Has it changed my life? Yes. But am I learning to live with it? YES!! Some days are harder than others. Yesterday I really really really wanted a Dr. Pepper and Kit-Kat. Instead I drank my water and munched on almonds. It seems such a silly thing to struggle with and sometimes I feel like struggle is too strong of an adjective for my experience. In my mind struggling indicates an inner hardship and pain...something deeper than my carnal cravings for sugar and chocolate. I look at my diagnosis as such a blessing that I have a hard time calling it a struggle in the same breath. I do struggle to find a balance. I am supposed to weigh myself regularly but not become obsessed about weight. I'm supposed to start exercising, but not too hard. I can start branching out with foods, but not too far.

I can honestly say I understand what the term "life changing" means. I have never experienced anything life changing before.  Moving out was not life changing. Getting married was not life changing. Starting my career was not life changing. Not when I compare it to Hashimotos. Nothing has ever consumed so much of my time and thought process. I guess you could say I'm "struggling" to find a new normal for my life. Is cooking 3248 cups of brown rice every few days my new normal? Will I always get a little frustrated/teary eyed when ordering at restaurants? Will I spend time every morning and night taking supplements? The things that weren't in my life 11 weeks ago are now regulars...and that takes time to adjust. 

List 'o Links

Day 21, : A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives

M: Marriage 

S$%& Bart Says (#1)

Party Like a Rockstar

Friday Night Lights with Rudy, Rocky and the Titans

Hey, it's OK

There is Beauty All Around

My Logan Memories

6 Cups of Flour

Bowen's Christmas Card

My moment

Day 9, : A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)



I started running 15 months ago. It was hard, my body seemed to hate it, but I figured I would just get stronger and better and eventually my body would catch up. 

I ran races every month with Bart and went running multiple times a week. Last July I ran my first 10K and it kind of scarred me. It was miserable and I clearly wasn't ready to run that distance. I was frustrated because I had trained just as hard, if not harder than Bart was, and he was dominating every race we went to. He was excelling while I stayed the same. It was discouraging but I didn't give up. 

In January I committed to the goal of being able to run a 10K without crying, and running a half marathon. I met a few great friends who were willing to help me get there. I was fired up and ready to go. Despite the fact that running 3 miles was STILL hard I figured I just needed to work harder and train more. 

Then 2 months ago my life changed. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and was told that because my adrenal glands weren't functioning properly I couldn't exercise.  I was so disappointed. I thought all of my hard work was going to go down the drain because I had to stop running completely. Little did I know that the changes I have been making the past 2 months would make it so I could run better than I ever had before. 

I got the green light last week to start exercising a few times a week and on Tuesday I went running for the first time in 8 weeks. I figured it would be worse than when I started running a year ago since I had been completely dormant and losing my hard earned muscle. I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to run a mile on the treadmill with no problems. I stopped at a mile since my Dr told me not to push myself....but that mile was enough, I wanted to start running again.

This morning I woke up alone since Bart is gone coaching and decided to go for a run. I knew a 3ish mile route I could try and went for it. The first mile was straight up a hill but I was feeling good! In the past when I run my legs are tired and in pain, my ankles are sore and my feet hurt. I felt none of that today. I was elated! At 1.5 miles it turned into a downhill and around 2 miles it tapered off onto a flat surface. I had to pause a few times to get rid of the stitch in my side but other than that I felt great. For the first time in my short running life it was my CARDIO that kept me from going further, not the aches and pains of my body and muscles! I wanted to cry I was so happy. I was finally experiencing my body in the way it was meant to function. I realize now that all those months spent running in pain wasn't because I wasn't working hard enough, it was because there was something else going on inside my body that was out of my control. I can honestly say I enjoyed my run today. I've only been able to say that maybe  a handful of times the past 15 months, but I have a feeling it won't be the last time I get to say it.

Educate.

Day 2, : Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at.

I may or may not be the best shopper you've ever met. I can drop a few hundred dollars in one trip if I have that chance ( which I usually don't....). Ever since my first job at 16 I've been able to shop. When I was single I would pay all my bills and then spend the rest on clothes, shoes, random stuff...you name it and I would buy it.  I wasn't big into savings at that point in my life. I would leave hair school for lunch and come back with three bags full of clothes. I'm not a good bargain shopper, I'm just a good shopper.

Now that I'm married and care about someone's happiness other than my own I don't shop as much. The only way for me to NOT shop is to just not go into stores/malls with my wallet. If I have to go to the mall for work I just don't take my purse with me, then I don't even have to make a decision! I'm an addict hanging out at a bar whenever I go to a store. I've come a long way and am pretty proud of how my spending habits have turned out. If I still had my way, or an unlimited budget I would go shopping most days of the week. When i need some cheering up Bart hands me some cash and tells me to go to the mall. Everyone has their thing, and this one is mine.

Judging Skinny

Day 22,  Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. 

For those of you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you know that I rant about something pretty often. For some reason, since I moved down to SLC and got married I haven't really had the need. Here are a few of my past rants to get you fired up for this one.


Michael Jackson
Swear Words
F-U


Today I'm ranting about judgmental people.  I don't want to get too specific about the situations that have led to this post, but basically I'm ranting about this not because it's happening to me, but because it's happening to people around me and I'm there to witness it. 

What makes you think you know people you have never met? Do you think that by seeing them every day on TV you know their personalities, their habits and their faults? You don't. You don't know if they're bitchy or the world's sweetest person. You don't know why they have the opinions they do, or their life experiences that have gotten them to where they are today. YOU DON'T KNOW THEM. And since you dont know them, why do you think you can judge them? What in that little brain of yours turns on and says, "I think it's okay to totally judge someone I have never truly met". It's not okay. JUDGING SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY ARE SKINNY IS JUST AS BAD AS JUDGING SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY ARE FAT. Just because someone is skinny doesn't make them bitchy. It doesn't make them selfish or snobby or rude. It doesn't mean they don't want to be your friend. What is so wrong with taking care of your body? What is so wrong with making fitness a priority in your life? What is so wrong with being a size 2? NOTHING. Just like there is nothing wrong with naturally being a size 14. You shouldn't judge someone just because they are skinny. Don't assume they don't have any problems in their lives. Don't assume they are selfish and must care about themselves more than others. Don't assume that just because they are skinny they look down on everyone else who isn't. You sit there and say I don't like them because they are clique and skinny. WTF?!? Screw you. No one would even listen to someone who said, I don't like you because you're fat and annoying. NO ONE SAYS THAT. So why is it okay to say something like that about a skinny person? It's not.

All growing up people judged me because I was small, confident and had spiky hair. I must not like you because my hair is bad ass. Makes sense right??? No. It doesn't. Just because I had colorful spiky hair doesn't mean I wasn't a "good girl" or didn't have a testimony at church...but that is what people assumed. I spent most of my life not caring about those people because if you judge me before you get to know me than I don't want you in my life anyway. At this point in my life I have moved past all that (mostly because I'm not in very many social situations where I meet new people) so luckily I don't have to deal with that anymore. But that's why this bothers me so much, because I've been there...and I thought women grew out of it...but apparently they don't.

Bottom line? GET OVER YOURSELF. If you feel the need to sit around and talk about people you don't even know I feel sorry for you. I"m sorry your life is so devoid of anything that matters that you have to fill it with shit that doesn't. 

Pieces of Advice

Day 8, : A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.



Be kind. It's a happy way to live.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Accepting apologies doesn't mean letting people continue to hurt you. It's okay to say, "I forgive you, but I don't want you in my life".

Sometimes you just need to let him sleep on the couch

Make working hard a standard in your life, it's easier to succeed that way.

LOVE someone more than yourself

Oranges and Pearly Whites

Day 17, : A favorite photo of yourself and why

Nothing like a huge giant picture of yourself to feed the ego this Thursday morning...amirght??

I don't know why I love this picture so much, but I do! This was taken last year on our way to San Fransisco. The orange peeled perfectly and was absolutely delicious. I think I like this because it shows me all natural. Pure happiness. Old hoodie, day old hair and my pearly whites. It reminds me that it's the simple things that make us the most happy. Riding alongside Bart for our 10+ hour car ride with tasty treats and feeling 100 % comfortable with being myself. If we aren't comfortable in our own skin, can we be comfortable in our lives? I don't think so. 

Take Time

Day 4, : Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it


This one is so hard for me because I have so many quotes that I love for different reasons! I couldn't narrow it down. Many of them come from church lessons or my own personal study.

Take time for work-it is the price of success

Take time to think- it is the source of power

Take time to play- it is the secret of youth

Take time to read- it is the foundation of wisdom

Take time to be friendly- it is the road to happiness

Take time to love- it is the highest joy in your life

Take time to laugh- it is the music of the soul

Take time to pray- it is the pathway to eternity

I read this is a church book, but I don't remember the author. I love it!!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"

This is my #1 favorite quote. Whenever I am having a hard time understanding what we are doing here on Earth, and why it matters, I read this and remember my life isn't supposed to be filled with fear. I also read this whenever tragedy strikes. You can't have faith if you have fear!

What is your favorite quote? I'm a quote junkie so I would love to hear them!

p.s. I also love the advice my mom gave me when I moved out: "Bloom Where You Are Planted"

Being Uncomfortable

Day 3, : Things that make you uncomfortable


public speaking
HEAT
tight pants...(the kind you have to unbutton by 8 a.m....don't judge)
other people's PDA 
high heels
the chick in Yoga class who wears WAY too short of shorts and her crotch shows through (gross)
sitting for too long
talking about my problems to people ( blogging about it though...i'm all for that!)
weird smelling people
super soft beds and too fluffy pillows
defending myself in work meetings
crying in public
super hot/good looking people/celebrities
ordering at restaurants (it's a process...and kind of embarrassing)
listening to gossip
our couches 

250 Words

If you read my blog you know I fail at any and all blogging challenges. so instead of posting all the rules and topics I'm supposed to blog about EVERY DAY (ya...not happening) I am just going to begin and if I miss a day it won't really be like I missed a day because I never actually POSTED the challenge. (see what I did there?) Anywho....here is today's

Day 1: The story of your life in 250 words or less

It all started on the 13th day of November in 1989. Yes I'm an 80's baby, narrowly missing the deadline by 47ish days. My mom says I was funny looking at first, but eventually grew into my face. Toddler years were my "mommy killer" phase. I spent my childhood creating 4 page stories and causing mischief with my big bro. I was a teaser and spent most of my young people days bugging my siblings and being my dad's favorite (shh don't tell). I competed with 2 boys in elementary school to be the smartest kid ( i got stuck on my 4's multiplication table and lost that challenge.) Jr. High was spent thinking I was cool with my Bff. We dressed the same, talked the same, and thought we were BAMF. I cut my hair in 9th grade and never looked back. Skip high school (nothing to see here). Did cool stuff with my hair in cosmetology school, 80's dancing, lots of kissing boys moments, more 80's dancing. Moved to Logan and had to grow up a little. Met this guy named Bart (but seriously, who has a name like Bart? This guy did). Fell in love with said guy. Dominated school (B's get degrees). Wrote for a school paper, made some good memories..got married..moved to SLC. Still in this marriage thing and currently working at a TV station. Healthy eater by force...wishing for cookies and Kit Kat bars. Living happy and healthy. Dreams are coming true..

 (249 words. BAM)

Haunted 5K

 We ran the "Haunted Half" ( and by half, we mean 5K) this morning. We got up nice and early because I thought the race was at 8:30 and we had to do our Halloween makeup...turns out the race didn't start until 9:30 so we had plenty of time to get ready! I had an amazing makeup artist on the show yesterday so it inspired me to try it out. It's not as great as the professionals out there, but it's a good place to start!

A bloody eye and spider web...SKILLS

 The race was a lot of fun. The weather was beautiful! There were gloves and long sleeved shirts included in the race packet, but we really didn't need the gloves at all. Bart ran with me for about 5 minutes and then sprinted off into Hard Core Runner Land while I kept my pace. Once I hit the mile 2 mark though I was feeling amazing! I honestly have never felt that good during a race before, it was awesome! I sprinted the rest of the way and was loving it.

We didn't have a lot of time to hang out after since we had to get to the Aggie game!! We love going to Logan and the games are so much fun. It's a different kind of fun than when we lost all the time, it's a nice change!

We are now enjoying our couch (as much as we can since our couch SUCKS SO BAD). It's been a long day, but totally worth it!

On The Sidelines

As some of you already know, Bart ran his 1/2 Marathon yesterday LIKE A BOSS. We had to wake up at 4 a.m. ( but seriously, will I EVER be able to sleep in on Saturday???) and trek on over to Big Cottonwood Canyon. I got home from dropping him off around 6ish and knowing I had to be back at 7:30 I thought "hey, why don't you go to the gym and get it over with and wash your freakin hair because it's been a solid week since that has happened..."

I don't know why I feel so ambitious in the mornings, but I most certainly did NOT get to the gym, or wash my hair. I ended up going right back to bed and hating my hubby when my alarm went off an hour later (and by hate I mean love....).

so with 5-day-old hair I went and cheered him on with his family and mine!

It was awesome to see him sprint to the finish line with his friend and accomplish his goal! I think we are both equally happy about training for this race to be over. 

How sexy is he? All I have to say is I don't mind walking behind him....just sayin.

Also, there is the dog that lives downstairs and all I have to say is SHUT THE HELL UP. I freaking hate dogs, and by dogs I mean dog owners....if your dog is locked up in a cage while you're gone and cries the.entire.time. then maybe you shouldn't have a dog! Seriously, why are people so selfish? As much as I hate dogs and want to punch a baby every time I have to sit here and listen to it whine, I still feel bad for it. If you don't have the space, the time, or the desire to take care of your animal, then you shouldn't have one!!!

on a happier note ( I know. me? happy? on my blog? when!?!?) I got a 9 out of 10 on my stupid Mass Comm Law quiz! Boosh. Take that stupid 4 credit class from hell. I must admit I actually learned something on Wednesday so maybe things are looking up? i will most certainly keep you posted. 

oh, and NBD but I am making Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner tonight. That's right, a meal with a fancy name. Go Me!

UofU Homecoming 5K

It's Homecoming Week at the University of Utah and since I'm a pretty crappy Ute, I figured I could show my support by running their Homecoming 5K. We got their nice and early and found parking next to the hard core tailgaters!

When I got my packet Bart realized how nice the race shirts were and all of a sudden wanted to join me! He said he would run next to me to support me and keep me company. Keep in mind he runs at least 2 minutes per mile faster than me so we have never ran together before. I'm usually flying solo on races, but it was nice to have him next to me. since it wasn't really an effort for him he was pretty funny and entertaining through the whole thing. Having him run next to me made the race go by really fast. 

The University of Utah's campus is in love with hills and this race captured that perfectly! It was probably the hardest 5K I've done because of the hills. I was really proud of myself at the finish line because I ran the whole thing, AND I wasn't last!

I think this is my favorite 5K  I have done so far (Thanks to Bart for running with me). 

We are doing Utah State's Homecoming 5K on the 29th and I'm sure that one is going to be a blast too!

Pre-race game face

Look at those inclines! That downhill portion was pretty awesome...but the last straight-up leg of the race was kicked my butt, but I didn't walk it so...go me!

goals, deliciousness and running

This is why I don't make specific goals -like blogging 5 days a week for the summer. I mean lets be honest, no one is going to be upset if I don't blog 5 days a week so i'm kind of failing at the whole blog 5 days a week thing. Also, when I have free time I don't want to spend it on the computer. I want to spend it on my couch in the horizontal position napping. Or i have been spending it running because our 10K is next Wednesday. or my cute funny husband is always home so i'm not spending my time blogging, and i'm sorry? but not really.

that being said, I must admit we are dominating my summer list so that's happy. I still need to watch Star Wars and go camping, but we are only 30 days into my 80 days so I'm not too concerned.

I have been cooking though. In fact, I have cooked all this week! Go me. I made delicious beef enchiladas that were delicious and really good and did I mention they were delicious? because they were. and they were gone by the end of the day. that's one thing I don't love about cooking. you cook and spend all that time and then BAM it's all gone. oh well, they were tasty.

i have also finally been losing some weight. I haven't exactly had a specific goal in mind because I have a health teacher for a husband who is constantly reminding me that the number on the scale doesn't matter (which it doesn't). however, I have lost 14 pounds which is pretty cool, despite not caring about the number on the scale. I say it's cool that I have lost 14 pounds but when I really think about it I should probably be annoyed a little bit since it has taken me 8ish months. and I'm even stretching it because technically I didn't start at my highest weight 8ish months ago, so if I'm only counting the past 8 months than I have lost 10 pounds...in 8 months. not exactly the numbers most people are wanting. I'll admit it has been frustrating at times but all in all it's been awesome. I haven't altered my lifestyle in an unrealistic way, I still eat sugar and I don't count my calories. Obviously I don't eat a ton of food but those habits have just happened the more active I have become. I can also run more than 5 miles, which is pretty bad ass if I do say so myself. I never thought I would be a runner, or would be able to run but I am and I can. I'm more proud of my running progress than I am the number on the scale. As for my pant size? (it's on my summer list) I am in-between sizes which I guess is cool but it would be cooler if the in-between became just in so I could fit properly in my clothes.

speaking of running, June sucks for running. it's 80 degrees at 7 am which kind of puts a damper on the running outside thing. and running on a treadmill is boring so I have ran about half as much as I ran the last 2 months. Bad news. I'm hoping I can come up with a better system because it's not like July is going to cool down any. I just need to wake up early and go running but it's really hard to get out of bed when there is a warm sleeping body next to you right? because if i'm getting out of bed it makes me want to punch that warm sleeping body in the face because he gets to stay in bed...

well that's about all i had to say today, i hope you feel smarter and happier after reading. july is going to be a really fun month so i will be sharing all that happiness with the cyber world. you're welcome?

Dirty Dash

The Dirty Dash was today...finally! We signed up for this race months ago and it's what got us training and running in the first place.

It was a lot harder than I thought it would be but in different ways. I was full prepared to run 5.5 miles no problem....except that's not all there was. It was pretty much uphill most of the way which was just bad news. We have been training on mostly flat ground so those hills kicked my butt. Luckily there were enough obstacles that we had to stop and wait to do so it wasn't straight running the whole time. We went over walls and waste deep muddy water. We also had to crawl through big tubes and go through even more mud puddles.

 I lost my pants about half a mile in...they were so heavy and falling off so I just took them off and wore my spandex the rest of the way.  I was feeling okay until we got to the swamp. It's this big stretch of deep muddy muddy ground that weighs your shoes down and makes your legs feel like jello. I was pretty much hating life at this point. From the swamp to the finish line it was the hardest part of the race. It was mainly up a steep hill and then you had to get through tires and monkey bars (which I skipped...don't judge me) and then up another steep hill until we got to a big water slide that took us down to the end of the race.

I was thinking that I was going to have to do this race all by myself since Bart and his friend are so much faster than I am. Luckily for me that wasn't the case. They would get ahead of me but I would catch up to them at every obstacle. It would not have been very much fun if I was doing it on my own so I'm glad it worked out. Finishing the race was the best part being covered in mud...that is until we had to go take a freezing cold shower. This water was straight up freshly melted snow. It was so cold. I had to rinse my hair off and I started crying because it hurt so bad.

Once we got home and took a hot-hot shower I felt much better. My legs got pretty banged up from climbing over all those walls and bales of hay and crawling on the ground but it's all good. Battle scars right? We eventually passed out for a few hours and even when we woke up we were stretching and then kinda just got stuck on the floor. My body is pretty much shot to hell but I guess that's the point right?

It was a lot of fun and very different than I expected. I am definitely up to doing it again next year but we are wanting to get a bigger group and go all together...we'll see what happens!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

well kids, I did it. I ran my first 5K. I even got a shirt and medal to prove it. I was the tortoise in this race just slow and steady watching people sprint past me and then having me past them as they ended up walking part of the way. This happened a bunch of times. I'm kind of jealous that they got to walk because I SURE DIDN'T! I ran the whole way and beat my personal time by 4 minutes. I came home and passed out on my bed after because races are a whole different playing field and it took a lot out of me. Bart did excellent too coming in 7 seconds slower than his friend. Go team! I'm happy about the progress we have both made and am excited about our Mud Run in a month!

To be honest, this is the first time in a really long time that I have set a goal and have accomplished and kept with it! I usually fail when it comes to goals but as far as running goes I just keep getting better which makes me happy. My love handles are also gone which makes me even happier.