Please... follow new blog...

I am no longer posting on this blog.
Please follow www.michnradoest12.blogspot.com

THANKS!

say good bye to this blog....

Well for those of you that don't know ... I got married this weekend!!!!


With this I have started a new & better blog. I hope you all go follow it... as this one I will be deleting in a few days.

Thank you all for following!

MichNrado

I also still have

Around The Hydrant

Around The Hydrant Release!

Well, we hooked up Paul's PC so I'm back to blogging.
Plan on doing a total re-organizing of this blog since Paul & I are gettin hitched in 24 days!!!
I also started a dog blog, since my life revolves around canines. I hope you enjoy, spread the word, share, & follow.
http://aroundthehydrant.blogspot.com

Hope y'all have been doing good!

Sometimes...

... Computers are my worst enemy.

Sorry for the distance lately, my PC has gone nuts. I am unable to start it up. No Internet. No photos. No wedding documents. No music. No bloggin. Ugh!
I'll get a post up soon. I have a four legged Friday, The Color Run, Elk Tour, Engagement party, & new restaurant posts on the back burner.
I hope you have all continued to work out & eat better then I have this past week.
EEK! Only 2 MONTHS until my wedding!
Motivation where are you!?!
If anyone knows where it is, hook a gal up :)

Abs day 2 :p

If you read my blueberry post, my computer was bazerk last night so didn't get much bloggin done.

Tuesday evening I did the 300/30 day Ab workout from the previous blog again. Holy moley my tummy was screaming in the process & today I thought I was going to puke from the soreness overload. It's kind of bitter sweet to me though... when I feel sore it's like my body telling me I actually did something. In addition to the 300 torcher tests, I added 50 side crunches (25 each side) & 20 push-ups. I was pretty proud last night. I also ate pretty well today - for once - woot woot! In workout senses today was my day off.
Stay tuned for this weeks Four Legged Friday... Paul & I have a surprise ;)

Get Fit quote of the day:

Blueberry-Licious!

 This post was supposed to be up yesterday but I was too busy going all 'Office Space' on my computer. Dang technology sometimes!
This weekend I put together my very first home-made pie...AND CRUST!!! Emphasis on crust as I love making pies but I normally buy frozen crusts. So I finally found a recipe to try & it turned out AMAAAZING!
Originally, I planned on a blackberry one but blueberries were on sale. This was also my first lattice & it looks pretty darn good!

 

Had some major issues w/crust sticking to my rolling pin. So I used my brain & rolled it out between two pieces of parchment paper... Who woulda thought, right!? :)

Oh & this is my rolling pin... a tequila bottle. Hoping for a real one for the wedding.

 

yum yum!

Yes, I know this pie with a scoop of ice cream isn't the ideal healthy dessert but .... oh how I LOVE pie!
Here's some blueberry facts:

• Grown on bushes
• 80 calories per cup
• Packed vitamin C 
• Feeling down, they're high in antioxidants
• Improve memory
• Michigan & Maine are top producers
• More blueberry facts here.

Blueberry Pie Filling Recipe - super easy!
1 1/2 cups White Sugar
4 T Corn Starch  next time I'm adding one more to thicken it up a little more
1/4 t Salt
1/2 t Ground Cinnamon
5 cups Fresh Blueberries
Pie crust
1 T Butter
1 Egg

Preheat Oven 375
Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon & sprinkle over blueberries. Line pie dish with pie crust, then I brushed egg over the bottom to prevent sogginess. Pour berry mixture into the curst & dot with butter. Cut remaining pastry into strips & make lattice top. Crimp & flute the edges. I also brushed with butter & egg & sprinkled sugar on top. Bake for about 50 minutes or until crust is golden.

Basic Flaky Pie Crust
 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 t Salt
1/2 cup Chilled Shortening
3 T Ice Water

Whisk flour & salt together in medium bowl.  With pastry blender (I used a fork b/c I don't have a 'pastry blender') cut in cold shortening until mixture is coarse crumbs. Drizzle 2-3 T of ice water over flour. Toss mixture with fork to moisten adding more water a few drops at a time until dough come together. Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic & chill 30 minutes. Roll out dough & put in pie plate, fill, & bake.

Ab - Packed!

No, I'm not talking about the movie Magic Mike releasing this Friday... Although, I can't wait to get a glimpse of all those 6 & 12 packs on the big screen.
I'm actually talking about a pin that I found, the 300/30day ab challenge. I completed day one! annnndd .... OUCH! My core is feeling it. Along with my lower back. Yes, I know I have been slacking lately but I feel like I have some motivation back since my knee & ankle are feeling better. I have been doing my 6 pages of therapy exercises... yay! Haven't done much else besides swimming at the lake! (Blog later). Reason for choosing this pin: I'm a sucker for before & after photos, like on this blog. Plus, the links to the blog, "2012...My last fat year,"which I don't think this program originated here but her blog is cute & I like the exercise pictures. Supposibly, this is the P90X ab program... I wouldn't know, haven't gone that hardcore... yet ;)

This 15 minute challenge consists of:
NOTE: It took me longer than 15 & before looking at the pictures I had NO clue what some of these even were.

• In-N-Outs - 25 reps Did good with these
• Bicycles - 25 reps  tough but do-able
• Reverse Bicycles - 25 reps
• Crunchy Frogs - 25 reps one I have never done but was kinda fun
• Cross leg/Wide leg Sit-ups - 25 reps scheesh! haven't done a FULL sit-up in ages
• Scissors (hold 3 sec) - 25 reps ouch! these were hard as my flexibility is awful (can't keep legs straight)
• Hip Butt Ups - 25 reps haha! felt a little dirty doing these
• Heels to Heavens - 25 reps started to really feel 'em after 15
• Roll-up V-ups - 25 reps ha! could only do the first part... I have no balance to do the 'V' part
• Leg Climbers - 12 reps each side did but needs more work due to my legs not straightening
• Kayakers - 50 fast or as many as you can... I got in 30, these are also one of my favorite, like to add the medicine ball or any weight.

 

the pin I followed

Oh Joy

This last week was my worst since starting my Get Fit Program. However, my knee & ankle were killing me. As I mentioned last post I did an ab & arm work out on Monday. After that it was down hill, all that the schedule held was icing my ankle & dosing on ibuprofen. Thursday, I weighed in at 202 :( not too happy with that again! I have got to stop slacking. I hate being injured too! Friday, I had my doctor appointment... Ha! Weighed in there at 210. I made sure to inform them their scale is busted. Doc says he doesn't think its too bad of a weight gain with the meds I've been on & the lifestyle changes I've made in the past 5 months. Anywho, turns out I had a sprained ankle the whole week. Then my left knee I have a patella issue. Good news exercising will fix it. I actually left the Doctor feeling good. I mentioned the 5K to him & he told me to go for it. It was nice having that professional push.
Today, I did my first round of therapy exercises. 6 pages worth. Oh yay!

On another seriously joyful note, is my awesome fiancé was able to fix my Betty's stereo. Now I get to cruise with the top down WITH tunes! I'm pretty excited about it!!!

Lower Postponed. Upper Crunch.

UGH!!!
 
I am extremely bummed! Notice the picture. Right ankle. Yep, that would be my Achilles tendinitis flaring up. AHH!

Not only that, but my left knee is killing me too! When it's bent. When I'm sitting. When weight is on it.
Here I have done everything by the book: stretching constantly, taking it slow, drinking more water, & spreading it out. Yet, I still have leg issues! My head is telling me that my body & joints aren't meant for jogging, but my heart just wants to go for that damn 5K... JOG SOMETHING! Well, I have a doctor's appointment Friday (luckily I was already going for a med check - I like to save multiple issues for one trip = one co-pay :). Plus, I've kept off my legs today (had too! It was killing me!) & most of yesterday with ice soaking & stretching. Because if I don't, I walk like a toy soldier... Knee feels like a noodle & ankle doesn't bend = ouch. The sooner this bull heals, the sooner I can get back to C25K'n it & then roller derby!

However, this is no excuse for me to not get in any work outs. Today, I did a Pinterest workout; The Love Handle Blaster pin which originates from flatmytummyworkouts.com site. It didn't include any leg stuff so I was golden.

It consisted of:

• Side Crunches (15 each side)
• Oblique Crunches (10 each side) It says to hold these 20 seconds, at first I thought, 'Ya like that does anything!' but after a few you can really tell.
• Abdominal Bicycles (30 elbow/knee touches)
• Trunk Twists (10 each way)
• I added:
• 20 push ups
• 20 Triceps dips
• 30 second abdominal leg hold (don't know the real name but where you hold your legs off the ground while laying on your back)

All-in-all it took me about 25 minutes (not including stretching). I tried to do them one after another to get my heart rate up. Hopefully I'll feel it tomorrow, because I felt it during... felt exactly where my scar is & the connective tissue (owie!) (note: the scar goes from my sternum to belly button).

Get fit quote of the day:

I'm in pain & I just have to keep this in mind.

Triceps, Biceps, & Deltoids. Oh My!

While hosing at work today, I looked at my arms & decided it's an arm day! Pinterest arm search brought me to this:

It's originally from a Women's Health Magazine article, "Arm Exercises for Women: Get Sleek, Sexy Arms." I especially enjoy workouts with pictures, because who knows what all those laterals, burpees, extensions, kickbacks, & climbers are. This routine called to do each exercise 15 times then start over & do each one 3 times (ie. 3 sets - 15 reps). Do without stopping in between. I also added 10 push ups into the routine (30 total). Then ended with 7 tricep dip things (hold a chair, w/knees bent, & dip your butt & feel the burn in your tri's).
It took me about 15 minutes to complete.
During my arm search, I found a new motivation/tip site, Skinny Ms. It has daily workouts, monthly challenges, slow cooker recipes, nutrition information, tips, and FAQs. I am now following them on FB & bookmarked the site to return to for tips, recipes, & different routines.

Paul & I also completed Week 2 Day 2 of Couch-to-5K.
        Results:  2.16 miles at 14.21 per mile.
The path we took was a slightly different one in our neighborhood. Still has hills - every path around our house has them - & lots of shade. We totally thought we were faster but oh well. Overall, this one I felt great afterwards... my breathing is becoming better during the jogging part & I don't get as exhausted. After Wk 2 Day1 my knee was killing me, hence not doing anything yesterday to give it a rest. So, I was a little hesitant to start today, but after the first jog/walk rotation the pain went away. Although, I can feel it coming back so I'm gonna go drink water & chill with a bag of ice & my book (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson). 

Today's Get Fit Quote:

"My Fat is Crying!"

I like to say that when I'm working out. Only then because I sweat all the time regardless of physical activity, humidity, or temperature. The reason for the stinky talk is because Saturday & today's workouts were some wet ones.  Saturday, I went out around 4pm (minus Paul) for Week 1 Day 3 Couch 2 5K work out & it was hot!!! I learned a few things:
#1. DRINK MORE H20
#2. Listen to my program.
#3. Turn around regardless.
Explanation: I was severely dried out not even half way in. On top of that, I didn't even hear when I was half way in. I knew we had covered at least a mile & a half, ignored it & kept on truckin until I heard her say "alright, cool down." Then Dallas & I headed back towards the house. My feet hurt. My lips were dry. The dirty pond to the North look appealing. Dallas' tongue was almost to the ground. My stomach was starting to hurt - & not the sore sit-up kind, like the 'I need a john ASAP kind.' We just wanted to cut through my work, unfortunately I didn't know who was working & they'd make me go around anyway. So, there we were, like a couple stranded in the Sahara... left. right. left. right...
Results 2.14 miles at 14 minutes a mile then on top of that was 1.62 miles in 29.49 minutes

Today's workout went better. Paul accompanied me for our Week 2 Day 1 Couch 2 5K. I like it a lot more when he's there. There's this hill that he rocks & I lag on, but he gives me the umph to finish it... along with a tiny, little 'I think I can, I think I can,' voice. Pretty proud I haven't walked that darn thing yet!
Results 2.16 miles at 14.19 minutes per mile. So, as a team we have improved our time 22 seconds!
Not only that but our shirts were soaked which brought me to Google how much water a human is supposed to intake a day. We have all heard the 8-8 ounce glasses. Paul told me to take your weight & divide it in half & that's how many ounces (mine would be 100!!!). According to an article by Mayo clinic the Institution of Medicine states men should have around 3 liters & women 2.2 liters. Basically if I drink 3 of my Tervis cups at the very least... well, I've done that & with the way I sweat, I think it should be 5 Tervis.'
While reading I also found out that if you're doing a lot of exercising &/or sweating you should drink something with a little extra, like Gatorade or Propel.
Gatorade (or any sports drink) will give you 3 needed items:
1. Hydration.
2. Fuel (carbohydrates which will also delay the fatigue- 14g per 8ounce recommendation).
3. Electrolytes/minerals - since sodium, potassium & chloride are all lost in your sweat.

As I raise my glass of Gatorade.... CHEERS to Week 2!

4 Legged Friday: Breed Bans

I stumbled across an article through a friends Facebook page today, The 3 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds Revealed! - Pit Bulls? Rottweilers? You'll Be Surprised.... After reading this, I checked out their source,  according to the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviouir Science, the top breeds for showing aggression towards humans are dachshunds, chihuahuas, & jack russel terriers. There was also a Pennsylvania study that showed the dachshund to be the most aggressive. I have to say the meanest dog I have ever stumbled across is a chihuahua. I had to chuckle at hearing about the little wiener dogs topping the bite charts, as my parents are owners of 3 mini dachshunds. They've never bitten a human or gone all hackles up, teeth bearing to a human either, however, they do have 'little man syndrome.' Dodger, the male thinks he's 150 pounds & bullet proof, he would take on a monster if he could (especially through a fence). I would have to say doxins are mouthy little bastards, a real ankle biter, but I'm not going to say they're ALL like that. Mom's female, Roxy, was a lover to the core.
Breed banning is something I am very passionate about. I am disgusted with people that look at a dog & label that breed as dangerous. Just because one dog does something bad does not mean that entire breed is defective. A dogs' behavior, I believe is based upon how it's raised & what it is & isn't exposed to.
Topeka, KS was to be at the top of my shit list when they had a city ordinance prohibiting anyone from owning a pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or an American Staffordshire terrier. Luckily, in September 2010 they replaced it with a broader 'dangerous dogs' ordinance stating that it would target animals with a 'known propensity, tendency or disposition' to attack or cause injury & these dogs would be declared dangerous through a court process then would have to be spayed or neutered. I haven't heard any problems lately with this, but I haven't been searching either. Today, there are still plenty of cities in the US that have breed bans (including rottweilers, pitt bulls, mastiffs, dobermans, presa canarios, chows, etc) & I hope & believe that there are more people out there sticking up for our fury friends & preventing these stereotypes. So, if you have one of these oh so called viscous dogs, show someone that they're not & if you are one that is afraid get out there & meet a good one!

One breed that I am in love with is the pit bull, & it really tugs at my heart strings when people judge them &/or treat them badly. Yes, you will always have those folks who own them to increase the size of their testicles, which is fine with me as long as they are not training them to fight, cropping their ears too short (or w/out the use of a veterinarian), chaining them out for hours, & using huge chain link as their collar. My dad had a pit before I was born, he was a fawn & white boy named Boss. Then I came along. Whew! I put that guy through the ringer. Attaching my baby carriage to him, riding him, sticking my hand in his mouth when he'd yawn, & who knows what else. I do remember painting Boss' nails when dad was at work. Dad sure loved that ;) haha. Boss was a huge part of our family. He camped, 4-wheeled, traveled, & boated with us (even though he hated water!). Once he got older he would even curl up with our old man cat, Spike. Boss lived out to the old age of 18.

Boss, My dad, Me, & Abby

Mom & Boss. This is how we'd take him to shore to go to the bathroom when we were at the lake.

Boss & Spike. RIP guys :)

Someday I hope to own a pit bull that could live up to him & show others that they are great dogs.

C25K With A Side Of Corny Rice

This post was written late Thursday night only didn't get posted till now.


No bike or Jeep today thanks to the rain last night. However, by the time 7pm rolled around Paul & I were off to do our Couch to 5K, Week 1 Day 2 routine. We took a different route today, turns out there's hills no matter which way you head out of our driveway. Our stats were: 2.04 miles at 14.41 per mile. So, about the same as last time. I had one if those 'little engine that could' moments on this jaunt. It took all the emotional coaxing to not walk up this hill, but I did it!
Oh, and thanks to all the lunges I've done this week I almost was stuck on a toilet this morning. You know those really low sitting ones, & my muscles couldn't' take a squat that early in the morning.

For dinner we tried a new Pinterest recipe: chicken rice bake. It was really easy to make only it was slightly bland. Here's the recipe, maybe y'all have any suggestions into what to add.
2 chicken breasts
4 cups brown rice (I used that pre made stuff in the bags-uncle bens).
3/4 cups frozen corn
15 ounces (1can) black beans (drained & Rinsed)
1 cup Greek plain yogurt (or sour cream)
4 ounce can fluid chilies
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup low fat cheddar plus a little extra for topping.
Cilantro

Preheat oven: 350. Cook chicken. Add all except cilantro. Season with salt & pepper. Transfer to oven safe dish. Top with some cheddar. Bake 20-25 minutes until heated all the way through. Garnish with cilantro.

P.S. weighed in this morning at 200lbs. NOT happy with that at all. I REALLY need to work on my eating habits! I just love food ... Any tips???

Pinterest Workout #1

This afternoon, since I didn't have my C25K buddy here (he doesn't get off work till 6 & we're meeting up for dinner) I opted to try out my first Pinterest work out.

Here it is:

Looks short & sweet huh!?!
NOT! I could only do one repetition (my legs were burning & could not pick me back up!), then I added 40 side leg lifts (20 each leg - works your saddle bags & love handles). I also have to do 'girl push ups' (on your knees-I don't think I have ever done a regular one in my entire life- they still work my arms though!)

 

  Make sure when doing the side lifts to tilt your hip bone in just slightly & bring you leg back a little. I like to be against a wall, that way I lean forward slightly then when my leg is as far up as I can take it I touch the wall - hope that makes sense, I guess just try till you feel the difference & trust me you'll feel it in your love handle area (obliques I believe they're formally called). Overall, it was a great workout. Took me 15 minutes to do the one rep. I will try this one again soon & see if I can get another 2 cycles in & maybe add a walk in the end.
Note: lock up or kick out your animals. I had a cat playing with my laces for the sit-ups & an Aussie thinking I was going to pet her belly for the push ups (she tries to put her belly over you when you're laying on the floor).

GO get 'em! I sure did... let's hope my legs are able to cycle to work tomorrow. Oh, by the way my damn alarm got the best of me this morning so I had to take Betty. The missed 3 mile ride was totally worth today's Jeep cruising weather.

Gotta Love...

... that soreness, jiggle, tight feelings.

Today, I was successful in riding my bike to & from work!
         TO: 1.55 miles in 11:01, it was a little chilly out & I was sore from Monday night
         FROM:  1:58 miles in 10:39, a little warm but that doozie of a hill wasn't as bad.
I also got Paul to join me in doing Couch to 5K... I started over
         WEEK 1 DAY 1: 2.04 miles at 14.40 per mile. Not as good as Monday's but it was a tougher road.

Soreness: I'm talking about that little triangle in your crotch & butt crack from the bicycle seat when you haven't ridden in a while.

Jiggle: I'm talking about while you're jogging, that's all I'm thinking about is my butt & thighs going up & down. Then when someone drives by I'm thinking that they're thinking 'gee look at that jiggle.' BUT then I'm like, 'well, at least I'm out here working on this jiggle!'

Tight feelings:  I'm talking about after you've been going for a while & you go to squeeze you're hand & you realize water didn't play a big enough role in my day. I think it's my hands swelling but I'm not sure.

OH! Last night after my post, Paul & I signed up for The Color Run!!! I am extremely excited, I'm going to pop my 5K cherry & be a virgin no more! Not only that but get messy doing it too. ;) hehe.  July 1st, KC, here we come, whether or not I'm able to run the whole thing it'll be a blast. If you'd like to join us, just ask but get signed up before it closes!

Happy Memorial Day!

First & foremost. Thank you to all those that have served & are serving our country. I come from a family with one grandparent flying B52s in WWII & another grandparent running telecommunications in the Korean war. I am very proud to be from the Red, White, & Blue!

Second, I hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend. Smores, fire, & Bud Light summed up my weekend. Ha! got some working to do on those calories for sure! Paul & I had some good bonding conversations Saturday & Sunday night out by the fire till 3am...everyone was either busy or went home early.

Third, today was such a nice evening & all those home-made cookies I decided I better do something. Leashed up Dallas, stretched & started my Couch-to-5K program. Probably should have turned around at the 'you're half way done' voice but I was just thinking 'eh, what's a little extra walking. Made it through the Day 1 of Week 1 of C25K = 2.14miles at 13.58 a mile. Well, after that we were no where near home. Dallas was wearing out & we had at least 3 good hills in 2.54 miles to go (I didn't know that starting out). 1 hill down & I'm movin pretty good, Dallas is lagging a bit. Then, all the sudden she picks up pace (I have my ear phones in = not hear quiet things), I look to my right & there's this young, sweaty, ripped guy. Smiles & jogs on by. I don't even care to act tough & pick up my pace but apparently my little hussy of a dog wants to show off & gets all perky & jogging... ha! As soon as he's out of sight she's back to the end of the leash. 2 hills later & a third mile to go, I was half tempted to call Paul... Dallas was fighting me on the speed, so I added 30 lunges so she could walk slow. We made it in one piece, her giving me the 'F you' look. So, now I know I can handle the 5 mile jaunt, Dallas on the other hand, at 85 degrees can only go 3 miles.

I would have to say good day for sure! I think Paul & I are even going to sign up for the Color Run in KC on July 1st! I know it's not much time but I have always wanted to do one & it says they're up for ALL types of people. If you would like to join us, please let me know we could be a team... like The Sweaty Balls or ... 5K Virgins or.... ????

First Bike Ride

Well, tested the route to work this early afternoon. Tucked my phone into my bra (as I don't have one of those fancy arm band thingys) after I started the MapMyRun application. It can gps track your walks/runs/biking/etc. It's other features include sharing online, all your plugged in workouts, a nutrition area (yuck! How sad is it that I even feel bad plugging in what I ate - that's probably the point though), & your profile.
My route was 2.61 miles to my 'campus' front gate, to my door I would make it a full 3. There are also some hills, they way home is rougher then on the way there for sure! It took me 16 minutes. I don't think that's too bad for someone in my condition & that hasn't ridden a bike since 2009. Oh, and I did NOT get off & walk up the hill - as much as I wanted to though.
I also learned a few things about my bike.... I need a new one.
 - Breaks... front = weak, rear = ummm all I see is rust & a spring
- Tires ... front = good, rear = are you flat or am I just a lard butt looking downward?
- Gears ... turn with my hands = click. click. no change. click. click.
Oh well, it works for the time being I suppose. I am actually kind of excited to roll in every day.

Get Fit Quote of the Day:

If you're tired of starting over, Stop giving up.

4 Legged Friday: Jello

Well hello there my name's Jello.

 I came from Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, KS

On May 12th, Paul & Alicia stopped by & I won over there hearts...

& am now causing ruckus in their house! ;)

 As soon as I saw the dogs I new this place was going to be okay. I have even tried curling up & making friends with them... soon they will be.

 I LOVE to follow everyone, chill on the front porch, & follow Alicia into the bathroom, that way when she's sitting there - & for some reason doesn't move - she has to pet me. Then when she gets up I look in the giant bowl & find the spinning water fascinating!!! The thing with the hanging curtains & strings in the drain is also quite entertaining. Those rubber shoes with holes they slip on are interesting toys too, kind of ugly but I'm not wearing them.

 All - in - all I think this place is great!

Bearing It All!

If you noticed the blog is & will be changing a bit. I am going to be taking you through my own little 'get fit challenge.' I will share with you the ups & downs of my process. Including the parts I would usually keep to myself. All doing with out paying a gym membership or trainer - after all I have a wedding to pay for & after that, an amazing pre-baby making trip. See I actually like working out, it's the motivation, & food habits that I struggle with. This way if I am documenting it for others to see, I should be motivated...
I have learned a lot from life this past year. I'm weak (compared to what I used to be). I'm lacking confidence in my strength. I'm weighing in at 195 pounds. I want & am going to finish something big for once in my life. I am ready to change! No, this is not a pity, I wanna be skinny trek. It's a 'I want an ass kicking booty back - well, I had a flabby one before but it was stronger. Just want it to look it  & no not body building look.' :)

GOALS:
1. Lose 10% of my body weight (get to 175)
2. Tone my legs & arms
3. Sorry love handles you need to go!
4. Decrease my Cowgirl Tuff jeans one size (in every fit!)
5. Run - yes I said run - a 5K
6. 25:5 or LESS (for non-roller peeps, that's skate 25 laps in less than 5 minutes.)
                                    1 lap on the inside = 148.5 feet
                                    25 laps = 3712.5 feet
7. Skate around Lake Shawnee (a little stepping stone since I'm coming from ZERO)
8. Ride my bike to work for 1 week (at least)
9. Become strong again
10. Get Paul to work out with me for a whole month!
11. To become more flexible, starting with touching my toes.
12. Lose inches (yeah, it ties in with most of the others)

CURRENT MEASUREMENTS:
- Morning weight: 195lbs
- Wrist (Left right behind the bone): 6.5 in
- Bicep flexed: 12.25 in
- Ankle (above the bone): 9.5in
- Calf flexed (at the largest point): 16.75 in .... that's right 16 INCH calves baby!!!
- Knee: 16.25 in
- Quadriceps (5in from the top of my kneecap): 23.75 in
- Thigh (I like to call it my butt crease): 28 in
- Chest (across the nipples-bra less): 41.5 in
- Ribcage: 36 in
- Waist (at the skinniest, NOT sucking it in): 34.5 in
- Love handles/bottom of my paunch: 41.5 in
- Butt (I measured at the widest part from the side view): 45.6 in
- Widest part of me from the front: 47 in

Whewwee... well, there I bared it all! I even have pictures that will later be the 'Before Pictures' after I'm done.

Tomorrow's Work Out Quote of the Day:

Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.

Through this I will be 'testing' out videos, Pinterest work outs, healthy recipes & any other physical activities... So, if you have any that you recommend or need a partner in doing let me know!

4 Legged Friday: Cooper

 This Friday's post is dedicated to Cooper, 

soon to be 3 year old Great Dane.

When I was back at my parents last week I was fortunate enough to get to spend some quality time with Coop.
Cooper youst to live with me but he & Bruiser decided they no longer liked each other. Sooo, my mom always wanted a Dane... He ended up back out at the farm in Boulder county.

This turned out to be great! He is one of the best farm dogs Spring Tree has ever had. He sticks around, even if you go into the barn, there he is waiting for you when you return. 

Cooper also made other four legged friends, Dodger & the piglets.  Dodger is my sisters' 12 year old, blue merle doxin. Looks like a mini Cooper! At first Dodger hated him, but now they are inseparable. He attempts to keep up, but usually ends up riding in the Polaris with mom. I say piglets, but they're actually around 80 pounders. It's amazing & hilarious watching him with the pigs. A couple females have taken to Coop. They will actually 'talk' to & try & play with him. He'll play bow & bark & they'll chase each other. We've tried to get it on film, but he gets distracted by the camera & lays there watching you instead.

Cooper also loves walks. Spring Tree Farms (the parents' official place name) is luckily enough to be located down the road from a llama/alpaca farm. Ah yes! Well, Coop has made some playmates there too... only through the fence & he's the only one 'playing'

The engagement party rolled around, along with the decorating! Cooper loves balloons too: chasing them, pawing at them, & eventually popping them. Well, dad had a helium tank so we of coarse we had to do what anyone would do... attach one to his collar. Ah, the entertainment!

I love that big dope SO much! He's an excellent dog &

I miss him but the farm life was truly meant for him.

First Time Baby Bump Shoot

 Introducing Jayden Hope Messer baby bump

The soon to be daughter of Jessica & Phillip Messer. 

This was my first preggo shoot working with my little camera (until I save up to get my new pet ;). I love the first shot & of coarse we had to get the Power Cat booties in there as mommy is a K-State Alumni (woot-woot!). I'm learning a lot with photoshop & people posing, & I still have a ton I want to learn & can't wait!!!

 I wish the family the very best in their new little adventure! 

Thank you Messer family!

A Skinny Sip

I know I've been slacking on my blogging lately... promise I'll pick it up. I just have to get used to work this week, which is taking one of these (above) once in a while ;)

This sangria made by Skinnygirl & is pretty excellent. I'm normally a Moscato, Marco Negri, Pink Zin, sweet wine drinker, but a glass of this with some fresh strawberries is a nice evening chiller.
Plus, it's 0 grams fat and only 132 calories. In comparison to a regular Sangria which is usually around 175 calories. Another bonus is, it's only about a $9 bottle!

Niwot Tavern

New Restaurant #4:

Niwot Tavern

7960 Niwot Rd.

Niwot, CO

Sunday, May 6th, Paul & I headed into the little town I grew up by for lunch. We wanted something different & hadn't tried yet. The Tavern has been in this shopping area for a while, I had been drivin by it all this time.

Tuesday night my brother was raving about their pickles.... and, well, that was it. I'm sold on fried pickles.

Paul & I started the meal with the fried pickles, which were spears. They were AMAZING!!! Almost as good as So Long Saloon's in Manhattan, KS. Paul also had me try them with peanut butter. Something he had tried a few years back & every time he wants me to try 'em nobody has PB until now. It was alright, but I LOVE ranch!

Maine course I ordered an Adult Grill Cheese: American, Swiss, Bacon, Tomato. It was amazing! The fries were also really good, crispy just like I like them. Paul ordered the Sunday special all-you-can-eat fish & chips with a side of cole slaw. I had to taste the fish, agreement on the taste, fabulous! He also enjoyed the fries. However, the slaw was not creamy enough for him or me.

I enjoyed the atmosphere. A lot of oak furniture, booths, & bar with mirrors. The service was prompt & very nice.

Prices were average. Pickles were $6.50ish & sandwiches were a little more. I also noticed they have happy hour daily from 4-6. Not only on drinks but with appetizers, pickles at $4.50.

They have a room for hosting parties or meetings. Holidays they offer certain specials, for instance on Mother's Day they're having complimentary flowers & food specials of Brioche French Toast with Bacon & Fresh Fruit for $8.50 and Apricot Glazed Chicken with Pommes Annna & Tender Asparagus for $12.95.

If you're ever in the little, loaded town of Niwot, Colorado, stop by cottonwood square for a drink & snack at Niwot Tavern. If you're not into bar food there's also a really good Chinese place, among other restaurants.

~ Cheers ~

Latest HSUS Garbage

Ugh! For those of you who don't know The Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS - NOT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER), released a new "undercover video" today from a Wyoming swine farm. Yes, I watched it & am enraged with them & the workers of that farm. They take one bad farm & slap it as the cover for all hog confinement units. Being a small time hog farmer, I am extremely appalled of those workers & believe they should be fired & never be allowed to work with animals again.  In that camera's position, why did they sit there & let it happen? If they were an employee, they should've gone to their boss with complaints.... oh wait, they were undercover for an organization that is trying to bring an end to animal agriculture!
99% of hog farmers are compassionate about their animals & want them to live their life to its full extent (after all that's how they make money). Farmers are required to adhere to the National Pork Producers Councils guidelines to make sure the animals are being treated fairly. There is also a certification program, Pork Quality Assurance (PQA), which goes over the ethical treatment of our animals through every stage of life & there after. I have been certified in this ever since I was a kid. Then there's the issue of animal cruelty in gestation crates. Well, there are pros & cons to those, as in every situation. It's all going to boil down to pig population, people safety & how much you want to pay for your chops.
If you know anyone that watches that video & gets upset & says, "I'm never eating pork again" remind them that those types of people are very few & usually don't have a job for very long. Please do your research & ask questions before believe an activists 'undercover video' of an isolated incident.

The Rambling Post: May

May. Most people think: May flowers, Cinco De Mayo, Kentucky Derby, & Mother's Day;
Or Taurus, the Lily of the Valley, & Emerald.

However, did you know it is also:
- Foster Care Month
- National Barbecue Month
- National Bike Month
- National Blood Pressure Month
- National Egg Month
- National Family Month
- National Hamburger Month
- National Photograph Month
- National Recommitment Month
- National Salad Month
- Older Americans Month

A few of my favorite days this month are:
1st - Save the Rhino Day
6th - Beverage Day & No Diet Day
8th - No Socks Day
9th - Lost Socks Memorial Day (must have been from not wearing them the day before)
11th - Eat What You Want Day
14th - Dance Like a Chicken Day
To find others click here.

I enjoy looking up to see what 'National Day/Month' it is, even if it's just for fun or serious. I hope you enjoy hearing about them and pay tribute to at least one....
... On Tuesday, the 8th, I plan on running around like a sockless hooligan :)

Reporting From Colorado

Currently, I'm sitting in Johnson & Wales' business hall in Denver, CO. Thought I'd get a blog in while waiting for my sister to finish her cost class, then we're off to go shopping!

This week I am living it up in Colorado at my parents place. This picture was taken Saturday evening after my sister picked me up from the airport on our way to my brothers Demo Cross (blog later). I figured since I am unable to work still I might as well spend the time in Colorado with my family. I am even continuing my therapy here... who knows maybe the altitude will cure me :)

Paul will be joining me tomorrow evening (he's driving out), then Friday night my parents are throwing us an engagement party. Which they aren't telling me any of the details besides there's karaoke, cupcakes, & Christmas lights. From the sounds of things this should be one of the best Gettel Shindigs we've ever produced!
Saturday evening, is the real reason Cinco De Mayo was the weekend we were Colorado bound. One of my high school best friends is tying the knot. It should be a grand ole time & seeing people that I haven't seen in years.
I'm sure I'll have more to say about this trip in later posts. Until then happy day late May Day!!!

The Blue Moose

 NEW RESTAURANT #3:

The Blue Moose

3030 Wanamaker

Topeka, KS

Friday, April 27th, Paul & I were craving a new restaurant. Something in Topeka that we haven't tried yet...which these days that list is getting narrow. After a post on Facebook for any recommendations, we went with The Blue Moose. Even the name is catchy! However, as soon as we were ready to head out the tornado sirens went off. After 20 minutes of watching the news & waiting for the big red blob on the radar to pass over us we were out, no rain will stop us.
After arriving, the atmosphere was nice, very large place with lots of seating. I even noticed a room for private parties. They also have a bar area.
Price was reasonable for a nice sit-down place. Not cheap by any means. Prices ranged from a small salad for $3.99 to a pasta dish at $12.99 to Filet Mignon at $26.99.
Service was great! Very timely, checked on us but didn't hover & answered our questions.
The menu was large & had something for everybody. They have an after 10pm menu & nightly drink specials (10 bottles of wine for $10 each, $1.50 beer/draft & last nights: $3.50 Moose-ritas). I taste tested the Moose-rita -YUM!!! It looked like a blue margarita. Two things I always have to get when trying a new place: 1. Fried pickles 2. Spinach artichoke dip. This time I went with the pickles (above picture). They were horizontal slices (a first for Paul & I), the breading stuck nicely to the pickle, & the ranch dip was fabulous! Thick & a hint of garlic. Then onto our entrees. Paul & I had a hard time deciding (guess we'll have to return). Paul ended up going with a Chicken Madeira Pasta: "Sauteed chicken & mushrooms in a rich Madeira wine cream sauce. Tossed with tender Campanella pasta & Parmesan cheese." It was amazing! I, being the cheese lover I am, went with the build your own Mac & Cheese (picture below): "Cavatappi pasta tossed in our rich six-cheese sauce. Topped with garlic buttered bread crumbs." I added Pit-Smoked Ham. The sauce was delicious! The ham on the other hand, there was nothing special to it. I will add Sauteed Mushrooms & another meat next time.

For dessert, Paul went with a cheesecake & I did a trio sampler (creme brulee, peach cobbler, chocolate peanut butter parfait). The cheesecake was the more cream cheesy type, not the rich, small kind. The peach cobbler Paul liked, too many oats for my taste. The parfait was rich, but good. The creme brulee, awww-mazing!

We left with full bellies, empty pockets, leftovers, & as couple satisfied critics ;) 

If you're in the mood to try something different I would highly recommend The Blue Moose, because their menu changes up those 'regular' dishes.

Red Dirt & Racing

Last weekend I got out of the house for the first time in a long time!

Southeast, Kansas & Oklahoma City

Saturday, we met up with the others in OKC for lunch at a little Mexican restaurant in Brick town. We found the place in a round about way, between the guys' "I know my way" directions & girls' "well the map says here" left it  for a good sight seeing trip around Brick town. Food was pretty good, loved the sopapillas! On our way back to the truck we caught the end of a flash mop.... later on we busted our on flash mob moves! Waaaaay better!
Next stop, drive by rustic furniture stores where we got our dreams on. Second stops: Tener's & Langston's western stores, which didn't leave us empty handed ;) Last stop prior to the hotel, was a very classy, stalkerish liquor store, in an area where white was rare. Nice people just a little to "can I help you?" for my liking.

 That evening we got our glitz on for the races!

Watched & betted on some quarter horses. Good thing there isn't a track near Topeka, this could be my addiction. After all thanks to my skills we went home about $22,000 richer.....

 HA! I wish! I'm still learning the lingo.

After the last horse crossed the finish line we were off to Brick town to see what all the hype is about.

Ended up havin a couple brews at Coyote Ugly. Not a bad bar; cold beers, good tunes, would be better if there were more people & if you're just passing through (the coyote's repeat their sayings quite often). When Eric Church's 'Smoke a Little Smoke' played out we of coarse had to get on the bar. A pretty big deal for me! I'm not one to get on bars... or tables... heck I have a hard time walkin as it is :)

 Sunday, we were back at the track for some people watching. Oh I mean horses and....

 Ostriches and.....

 Camels!

 

 The winner: G.R, a pretty good jockey. He was reining first not only on a camel, but an ostrich & multiple horse races that weekend.

 Relaxation on a Monday evening

Yep, Classy I know. However,  it was a little too early for me to meet Bert.

A little store in Burlington, KS where we stopped on our way back to Topeka. 

I scored my first Tervis cup here... aka: adult sippy cup. Stay tuned for the Tervis travels ;)

All-in-All a great first weekend out.

Everyone's Talkin Enchiladas

Everyday when I log-on to Pinterest someone has pinned...

 Including me.

Every week I try a new Pinterest recipe & last week it was this one.

Originally, this recipe came from Budget Savvy Diva's Blog (click for recipe). In it she calls for 2 cups shredded chicken only she doesn't mention how she got to the shredded stage. Luckily, I new how or I would've had to Google that too. For those of you who don't know, just throw some chicken (breasts, thighs, etc) into the crock pot with seasoning of your choice. I used a bullion cube, pepper, chili powder, garlic & onion seasoning. Then I put it on low & left it for the day. When you get home from work the chicken will fall apart with a fork & be ready to be cheesed & rolled.

I grew up with canned red sauce (which I love), so I wasn't used to this home made white stuff.

After stirring it up on the stove-top it wasn't hard to make at all!

25 minutes later.....

OH. MY. WORD.

Delicious, white sauce & all! I will definitely be watching & trying those popular pins. These enchiladas will make our 'regular dinner menu' for sure.

And, kudos to Budget Savvy Diva for spreading this excellent & easy recipe for all of us to enjoy!