Project 365: Day 21

Now I'm not normally one to complain about gas prices, even though I think they're holding us hostage but WTF?! $4.79 for diesel??? It's way less refined than petrol...

It's Friday and It Feels So Good!

Last night, I ran that 10K.  It was one of those dying kind of runs.  You know, the kind where you really would rather just quit and go hide somewhere because of the shame that goes along with quitting...

Anyway, I had signed up for that She Runs LA race and it had to be completed by 7:00pm, Eastern time.  There was a storm a-brewing off in the distance, so I figured I needed to get moving.  I also figured (incorrectly, I found) that the clouds would cover the blazing sun soon and it would be an awesome, windy run...

So, I ran in the blazing hot sun for 3.5 miles (it was 97 out when I got home from work and was out shortly after that) with humidity that felt like it could drown you.  The clouds finally did their job when I was past the half way point!  Prior to this, clouds were blowing through, but they were skipping right around the sun...how does that happen?!  If it's a cloudy day at the beach, the clouds are right on target.  I was a half mile from finishing when I ran by the house and John had just gotten home so he ran the last bit with me.  According to my Garmin, I finished .15 miles before the Nike+ GPS.  I'm going with the Garmin because it's never steered me wrong in the past.  Nike+ GPS isn't quite strong enough for those of us who live out in the sticks...it loses reception every now and then, so that was frustrating.  Even after it told me I finished, I loaded it online and they said I had completed 9.99K...BS I did!  According to the Garmin, I was at 6.35 miles already at that point.  I will not be using Nike+ anymore for runs...

Now onto...

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?

That's so tough...

A BMW M3.

A 1950's Corvette in candy apple red

 ...and a brand new Z06 Corvette, in canary yellow.

An Aston Martin...

Why hello there, Mr. Bond...

Why not add in a Bentley too??

2. What was your worst first date ever?

My worst date ever...

Well, I went to prom with a friend.  It was his prom, with all of his friends and everything at HIS SCHOOL.  All night he sat at a table playing cards.  Oh, I was mad!  John actually went with a girl that went to school there too, so we have a really cute picture of the two of us from that night when we were just youngin's all dressed up.  We have the picture up in our house now.  At least John danced with me a little bit, my date, never did...
I'm still friends with the guy that was my date, but we learned that we were definitely better off as friends.

A picture from that prom night with some of my friends...kind reminds you of easter eggs, huh?  And please ignore the hair...

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?

17-18.  I wish I'd picked a better guy (not the one above) because that one ended up being mean and not worth it.  But I learned many valuable lessons from our relationship.  I wasn't usually the kind of girl who got serious in relationships when I was younger.  My mom cried when I broke up with a boy when I was 15 that I dated a few months and I was like 'mom, really?  I'm 15, it's not like I'm going to marry the guy'...and that was my attitude through most of high school about boys...

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?

Um...never?  I really don't think I've ever balanced my checkbook.  I know, I know, I should, but when you can go online to check on everything and know how much money should be in there, I figure that's good enough.  Plus, I write like 2 checks a year...

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Wanted: An awesome lady who knows how to have fun.  Must not take self too seriously (like ever), be able to laugh at themselves and see the humor in ridiculous situations that come about in live, must love going to the beach, boating, and other outdoorsy fun, must have a no-drama policy, have a love for life, be understanding, honest and trustworthy, be there in the good times and bad, and love my dog, Lily.  Goody two-shoes need not apply.  I'm good natured and fun, and usually follow most of the rules however, I don't need a judgmental friend, I need a real friend.

If this looks like you're kind of fun, you might be a good candidate :-)

Have a fabulous Friday ladies!!!  Yay for the weekend!!!

Good Quote

"Marathoning. The triumph of desire over reason."

Project 365: Day 20

She (I) Run(s) LA in Florida. Barf. 6.2 miles with blazing hot sun, 80% humidity and 90*F temps. But, I'm finished...

Thoughts on Thursday!

one.

Today, I'm participating in this 10K.  You run it from where ever you are if you don't live close to LA and they mail you your cute top:

(obviously not me, borrowed from facebook's She Runs LA page)

You have until 4pm Pacific time to upload your mileage!!!  You can still sign up here.

two.

This morning, John left really early (5:15) this morning for work.  He was so sweet about being super quiet as he was getting ready and as he left.  Around 6, I hear a banging on our bedroom door which startles me awake (although I should have already been awake).  It was Lily.  I thought that John had taken her to go potty before he left because her little paws were wet and now she wanted to come play with me.  But...when I talked to him this morning, he said he didn't let her out, but she was banging really hard on her kennel door.  The little booger must have broken free of her kennel.  I fear trouble is upon us.

three.

I'm so happy it is Friday-Eve, I can't stand it!

four.

I'm really excited for the fun and relaxing weekend that lies ahead.  I'll be hitting up dinner with my running ladies, ice cream and puppy play date with my 'medium-friend', softball practice, hanging out with friends, and a lot of relaxing...oh, and writing thank you's from our wedding.  Not so excited about writing the thank you's part just because I never have enough to say to fill up the card, but hopefully I'll work through some writers block and get creative!

five.

I'm so, SO excited about the Savannah Marathon!  

There are so many people from our local running organization that are participating!  We have an awesome dinner planned the evening after the race, so if you're running and are interested in meeting up with a bunch of fellow runners, just shoot me an email and I'll get you in on the reservation and all the info!

six.

I need to win the Power Ball stat!

It's one of those weeks where I feel that working is for the birds.

I could become a Boston Qualifier in no time if I didn't have this thing called work that takes up 40+ hours of my week.

seven.

I can't get enough of this song right now:

The One Where I Gripe About Gym Etiquette...

There are lots of rude people in the gym.  And I'm not really sure why.

First of all:

Secondly, aren't we all there for the same reason?  Fitness?  Why be mean to others that are trying to accomplish the same thing you are?  

Yesterday, I was working out and I was on my own little bench.  I was working on legs, shoulders and tris.  I kept going through my little sets, all of my stuff was on or around the bench and I was actively using the bench. I was not taking long breaks in between workouts, I kept going from one to another, only stopping for water or weight changes.  There were a few other benches around me that opened up a few minutes after I started my workout on the bench I was on.  The one I ended up with happened to be in the middle of everything which I hate, but once I set up, I'll just stick it out.  Well...there was this group of late teen-early 20 something guys in there and they're obnoxious.  They're in there some afternoons and they're loud and pushy and get in your little space when it's not necessary.  Annoying.  While I was on my little bench doing my thing, they would walk really close to me when I was using weights almost knocking into them, or when I'd get up to get new weights or a refill on water, they'd sit on my bench all sweaty like (yuck), while all of my stuff was still there.  There were plenty of other benches around, so it's not like I was being unreasonable.  They would cut in when other people were using certain machines and recovering from their workout.  It's fine to work in with someone, but when there's seven of you, that becomes a little much when the other guy is just trying to knock out his workout on the leg press.  I felt bad for the guys they were cutting in on.

Then, there are those people who hog the cardio equipment.  I'm fine with waiting my turn.  By all means, if you are there to work out, go for it!  I don't want you coming up to me after 20 minutes telling me to get off, so I wouldn't do it to you either.  But, why do you feel it is necessary to take up a treadmill next to your friend who is clearly there to work out, just so you can talk to them right then?  You're walking at 2.0mph just so you can be near them?  Why not just stand in front of them?  Your jeans are an indicator that you are not there to workout and when you're there for 10 minutes while people are waiting for a machine, I find you rude!  I feel guilty and a lot of times will cut my workout shorter if there are people waiting for treadmills and I'm trying to fit in a long run.  But don't use the cardio equipment as a place to stand while talking to your friend...please!

What is proper etiquette for the gym?  

What do you see at the gym that annoys you?

Project 365: Day 19

It's April. Ridiculous.

Project 365: Day 18

Yummy dinner...


1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli
2 c. cooked, cubed chicken
2 c. cooked rice
1 c. Velveeta cheese, grated
1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (3 oz.) can French fried onions
1 soup can milk
Cook broccoli according to package directions. Combine chicken, rice, cheese, broccoli, and soup. Add 1 soup can of milk; mix well. Pour in buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole. Top with onions. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until onions are brown and crisp.

So yummy and easy. You should try it...

The One With Where The Bunny Gets it...and other random tidbits

one.

Don't leave a chocolate bunny in the car in Florida.  Even for an hour or two...or else...the bunny gets it.  I was sad.  I wasn't really planning on eating the bunny, as I don't like plain chocolate very much, but they're cute and I usually let the bunnies hang around for a while until I give them to my mom because she's a hardcore chocoholic!

two.

It is stormy weather outside...and I love it!  I love afternoon thunderstorms.  It's one thing that makes Florida summers totally worth it...well, that and the unlimited beach and boat time and tans...

three.

Easter was a good day.  We went to church, ate with both families, and then I relaxed and read...the hubby mowed the grass, and then he relaxed.

four.

Our weekend was exhausting!  We spent 13+ hours Friday working on the house.  A lot of was accomplished, but it was tough stuff.  Then the rest of the weekend was more fun and relaxing, but when you're that tired and still a little busy the rest of the weekend...it makes for tired Monday.

five.

The race course is being announced tomorrow...FINALLY!  I'm so ready to see where the race will take us. I just hope it's not over the bridge to Tybee Island.

That is all.

six.

I joined Twitter to follow the Boston Marathon race coverage ONLY because I could not, for the life of me, get the streaming to pull up when I wanted it to.  No offense to those of you who use Twitter, but I just. don't. get. it.  I don't really understand why it's so popular.  I mean, the cute little bird draws me in a little, but not even close enough to 'tweet'. 

Am I missing something?

seven.

My good friend is bringing this guy over this week to have a play date with Lily.

Assuming all goes well, we'll have a little house guest next weekend :)  Doesn't he have the sweetest face?  

eight.

Speaking of Lily...

I accidentally punched her (really hard) in the face this morning.  We were in the car and she was wet from the grass, so I was trying to open an Easter Bunny bone for her to eat so she'd stay in the passenger seat, like so...

Well, she was wriggling around got a little too close to my hand so I was pulling off the plastic wrapper and the wrapper ripped and I punched her little nose.  I feel so guilty.  She was so taken aback and looked at me like 'what just happened?'.  She seems fine, but I keep waking her up to make sure she doesn't have a concussion or anything...

nine.

I bought my first iBook on my phone.  I really like it.  I might have to get a Kindle next.  I'm reading Something Borrowed since the movie's coming out soon.  I read it a long time ago, but I wanted a refresher before I went to see it.

ten.

I'm ready to be home for the day.  I'm heading to the gym for legs, shoulders, tris, abs and maybe little bit of running...

I've found that if I stay at the gym long enough, I can get away with doing weights just two nights a week and the rest is left for running.  I also don't waste time during my weight workouts anymore.  I'll do a leg set, move onto shoulders, tris, and repeat until I'm done.  Keeps the heart rate up and I'm  not wasting valuable time moseying around the gym.  Me likey :)

Happy Monday...

Happy Easter + Project 365: Day 17

Matthew 28:1-10
Jesus Has Risen

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Project 365: Day 16

Beautiful day!

Project 365: Day 15 + Good Friday!

This is going to be the first room in my decorating process. I have a lot more to do, including painting, adding shelves and art work and finding a few more items to bring the room together, but this is the start of it. We've spent all day slaving away around the house, but I'm loving the results!

More Importantly: Happy Good Friday!

Mark 9:31 (NIV) because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

Remember the loving sacrifice Jesus gave for us all so many years ago.

Project 365: Day 14

This was the first time, in a long, long time, I did not enjoy my sushi lunch.I bought it from Publix.  I probably won't be doing that again.
Have you purchased sushi from a grocery store before?If so, was it tasty? 

The One With the Goal

I've  decided that it will be my life's goal (workout wise anyway) to qualify for Boston.  I've been talking to John about this for a while, but I figure if I throw it out there in public, then people will really expect this of me too...and it never hurts to have an extra push, especially when you really don't feel like doing the workout!   I'm not super-fast right now, but I really think I can push myself really hard, and maybe do it in the next few years? Yes.  I can...  I've found a couple plans, and talked to a couple super-fast runners who have taken a lot of time off of their marathon time, and now I'm off to start conquering the world races.  Apparently, it's all about speed training...oh, and that whole endurance thing.  

Last night, I did 400's.  I did my warm up mile a little too fast (being that I was all pumped up about this new, faster me) and that's never good when it's 4:30pm in Florida with 90*F++++ temperatures and 90% humidity.  Didn't you hear?  Summer decided to kick spring's ass and come early this year...yay us!  

By the end of the workout, I was dying, holding back puke, and wanted to just lay down.  That didn't exactly happen, because I had to leave for a softball game right afterwards.  And then some unforeseen events caused us to get home really late.  (It's tough to want to workout when you're exhausted.)  I still haven't gotten a chance to look at the trusty ole Garmin to see what my times were.  I do remember looking down a couple times and seeing my pace was at 7:00/mile when I was doing the sprints though.  Hopefully this is the start of something beautiful!

Project 365: Day 12 and 13

That black blob-ish looking thing is a love bug.  They suck.  We Floridians HATE THEM!  They squish everywhere, swarm together in May and September (ugh they're early!) and their guts eats the paint off your car like nobody's business!  Gross.

I'm screwed.  There's a fro yo place close to work and I found it today.  Here's to bumping my running up to 60 miles per week prior to marathon training to burn off that delicious goodness.  

Just kidding...

...kind of...

But in all honesty, who could say no to this delicious piece of heaven?  I sure can't...

The people in life you pick...

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”

The theme of the Q&A this week is Friendship:

{1} Do you make friends easily?

Yes and no.  I can find someone to talk and banter with pretty easily, but that's not what a real friendship is to me.  So surface friends, yes, but real friends who you tell real things to...good or bad...not so easily.  It takes me a while to really trust you and open up.  I guess that comes with the being burned too much by previous friends.  

{2} What 3 qualities are a must in a friend?

Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously.  Humor goes a long way with me :)

Someone who is dependable.  It's ok if things come up and we can't meet for dinner sometimes, but I just want to know that if I really needed you, I could count on you.

Someone who is honest.  Yes, sometimes being honest sucks because you are forced into an uncomfortable situation, but if I'm acting like a B- or dressing like a hoe, I want you to tell me.  I might be a little taken a back at the time, but friends need to tell you when you're acting-a-fool.

{3} What makes you a good friend?

I'm try my best to be those things above to my real friends.  Plus, you can count on me to do something stupid or humorous every now and then.  I definitely don't take myself too seriously.  

I wear my sunglasses at night.

{4} Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?

Yes? tell us about your meet up. No? who would you love to meet?

I once met Michelle for a second.  She makes these amazing cupcakes and I order some for my SIL's birthday.  When I say amazing, I mean, you should order some right now and hide them so you can eat them all yourself!!  We're planning a dinner soon, so I'm excited :)

{5} Who is your best friend? Tell us about them.

John's my best friend...I guess obviously since I married the guy ;)

He's a hard worker, funny, honest, so very smart, considerate, generous, stubborn, direct, and silly.  Of course, that doesn't incorporate all of him, but it hits some of the major points.

I also have these amazing ladies in my life that are some of my other favorites

Hello Ladies!

Plus the boys on each end that have had my back since we were just young little preschoolers :)

Project 365: Day 11

My daily drive...

This one goes out to all the runners!

Congratulations to Caroline Kilel for finishing the Boston Marathon in 2:22:36.  Yes, yes, I know...Geoffrey Mutai rocked it with a 2:03:02 finish, beating the old world record by 58 seconds.  Amazing athletes!  Both runners are from Kenya and they've represented their country well!  I've been watching the race results come in, and I just can't stop.  Today is the first day that Twitter has entered my life...sort of.  I mean, there was a live stream of tweets that I was reading. Not a bad little network for stuff like this.  

How amazing is the Boston Marathon?!  If you're not a runner, you probably just think those people are crazy, but if you are a runner, then you understand how amazing these elite athletes are.  I would love to qualify for Boston.  I'm not sure how to even do that because for some reason, my legs just don't want to move that fast...for that long anyway, so if anyone has pointers, please pass them along.  Yes, this is a serious request :-)


This gets me soooo excited about the Savannah marathon!  I'm getting pumped about training again...and having a goal at the end of it.  I'm working on strength right now...I want diesel legs this time around so I can propel myself a bit harder and faster!  The race course comes out next week!!!  4/26, oh yea!  No hills, fast course???  Puh-lease!!! 

At this point, I can't wait to get off work and run!  Less than 2 hours :) :) :)


Congratulations to all of you that ran Boston today!  What an accomplishment!

Project 365: Day 10

W=Winning!



...or, just our last name :-) this is one of the many fantastic decorations we hung this weekend. Organization and making our house homey was this weekend's goal!

Project 365: Day 9

Yay spring!

Yay Friday!

Last night, John was such a sweet husband.  I got home later than usual because of the golf tournament, so he picked up stuff for dinner.  He made us a delicious dinner of steak, scalloped potatoes and salad.  It was really yummy.  He also picked up: 

and we had ourselves a little date night.  It was such a good night.  We haven't had time to really just spend time together lately, especially with us both feeling well, so his planning made my night.  It was such a sweet surprise :)

As for the movie, I thought it was slow.  I was really looking forward to seeing it, we even almost spent $12 on the cruise to rent it and I'm glad we didn't because it would not have justified spending that much.  There were some funny parts, don't get me wrong, but it was slow off and on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today, is Lily's birthday!  I can't believe she's 5!  Last year, I made her a cake...a recipe with dogs in mind.  It smelled so good, but didn't taste good at all to me, but she LOVED IT.  This year, I'm going to try the doggie ice cream since she can eat them in her little courtyard and go nuts!  We'll see how she likes it :)

I'm so ready for the weekend.  I'm glad it's finally here.  It should be a fun little weekend full of friends, fun and a little bit of relaxation in there!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  Yay Friday!!

Project 365: Day 8

Today, Lily is 5.  Happy Birthday fur-child.  Tonight, your dad and I will give you (doggie) ice cream, so you can enjoy one of my greatest joys in life!

Project 365: Days 6 & 7

Beautiful day on the golf course...



And I'm getting paid for it :-)



AND, I got this as one of my awesome giveaways for playing!!!

Go Gators!!

What's on Wednesday?!

Random...that's what.  I don't think I've been able to sit a write a real post in a while.  I feel random right now...so random is what you're getting :)


Hi to my new followers!  I love connecting with other ladies!


-Go send Ashley @ Life After the Aisle some love today.  It's her birthday!!!

She's one of my favorites and I'm sure would enjoy some birthday love!  Happy Birthday MF :)

-I was tagged:

10 Things I love

The rules are as follows:
1.- State who tagged you.

Jules @ Pink Champagne, Gatorade & MRE's

2.- State 10 things you love.

1. John, my HUSBAND :) 

2. My wonderful family and friends

3. Lily!

4. Running
5. Relaxing days on the boat or at the beach

6.Baking, especially for holidays

7. My new love: Frozen Yogurt Bars!!!  Oh, life changing :)

8. Girl time!

9. Florida Gator Football!

10. Jesus!

3.- Tag ten friends at the end of the post and notify them through a comment.

Carolyn @ Life Love & Puppy Prints

Elizabeth @ The Life of David, Elizabeth & Peyton

Kit @ A Step Into My Life

Ty @ Rants, Raves, Ridiculous

Amber @ The Daily Dose

Janae @ The Hungry Runner Girl

Kristin @ Busy Bee

Megan @ Fried Green Pickles

Sara @ Apartment 14

Melissa Jo @ Lady of the Flowers

-Last night I went to dinner and then saw:

with the ladies!

It was sad for a lot of the movie.  They did a great job portraying the pain a family would go through during something like this.  I also realized I seem slightly heartless.  I'm in a row with a group of my girlfriends and I think I was the only one not tearing up.  I was crying on the inside, I swear.  Carrie Underwood was in the movie...as much as I like her as a singer/person, her acting...well, not so much.  It didn't have the best acting overall, but it was a great story.  I would recommend it, just bring your tissues.

-I started playing softball on a co-ed team!  Tonight is our second game as a team.  I was sick last week, so didn't have anything to offer, but I hope to be on my game tonight.  We had practice Sunday and it went pretty well.  I think if we can learn to play together, we could have a solid season!

Back to work I go, duty calls :)  Happy Wednesday ladies!!!  We're 1/2 way to the weekend!!!

Project 365: Day 5

Today on the way to lunch to meet the hubby (yay!) and I was stuck in THREE construction zones. Then on the way back I had more slowish traffic, and then I got stuck behind:





this guy {$#!?}...out for a leisurely drive on his Moped going 30mph in a 50mph zone. And he really did seem to be enjoying his ride.

I think God is trying to teach me about patience today...