In accordance with Operation Joyful Life, I hereby give you things getting me through this particularly heinous day (to cap off week from hell, fyi):
1. 'Sweet Treat Friday' a lovely plan implemented by myself and my fab co-worker. Each week, one of us brings in a treat for the office on Friday morning--last week, I did cookies, this week, the boss brought Dunkin' Donuts...And I only had a teeny bite of one (for real! Plus, someone already stole the kind I really like, so, it all worked out cause believe me, I was in a pissy mood and that triggers stress eating...Wow, did you like my little life story there?)
2. Sister in law is here!! We spent last night watching The Office. I love her so. And, even though I was especially bitchy to everyone I came in contact with yesterday, she's still here (major props to you sis in law, major props!).
3. There's a big ol pumpkin scented candle waiting for me at home--yay for a yummy smelling house!
4. Long run tomorrow. I think I'm going to run it by myself. Now, I normally don't recommend running long distances alone (for moral support reasons), but, after today, I think I just need some alone time. And pouding the pavement is my version of therapy. (I reserve the right to wuss out and run with my friends running group tomorrow--but that means I have to leave my house at like 4:50--and I'm not joking).
5. Friday = carb night! Yes, yes, I know, carb loading is a myth--and I don't have a race--but, lemme tell ya, there's nothing like some good ol' bread or pasta to cap off the week and encourage me to run, run, run. (!)
6. Diet Coke. Enough said.
7. These fabulous little Mexican candies I've been stealing from our office mail room.
8. Operation Skinny Jeans: down 1.5 lbs. Which means I'm really only down .5, since I gained last week, but, whatever, I'm still happy.
9. My yoga instructor calls crunches "crunchies"--it makes ab work a wee bit more enjoyable.
10. Silly little puppy dogs who jump on me when I get home from work. Muddy feet and all.
11. Operation Jack. I can't tell you how inspiring it is or how much it helps me. Yesterday, when I was about to jump off the treadmill, I had to remind myself that I'm doing this for Jack. And I can't let him down. That pushed me to pound out 7.55 miles.
12. Family and friends.
One thing I'm not joyful about? The fact that my niece just turned 16 and got a truck (not new!). The thought of her driving frightens me to my core. But I still love her a whole bunch.
Happy Friday y'all!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
How to undo your workout/diet in 10 easy steps
1. Buy a spice cake mix, a 15 oz container of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), and a bag of chocolate chips.
2. Turn your oven to 350 degrees.
3.Mix spice cake mix, pumpkin and 1 generous cup of chocolate chips until well blended and all sorts of delicious smelling (note: you don't need eggs, oil, anything--just the dry cake mix, the pumpkin and the chocolate chips)
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto a cookie sheet.
5. Bake 16-18 minutes.
6. Anxiously wait for them to cool. Seriously, calm down--they'll cool.
7. Grab the biggest cookie, shove in mouth.
8. Smile.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8.
10. And, thus, your diet and or workout have been undone.
You're welcome.
Holy mother of yumminess, these are seriously the easiest and freaking yummiest cookies I have ever made--and I don't even really like pumpkin. They are the perfect fall cookie. And would be very festive at Thanksgiving.
And now I can't stop thinking about them.
2. Turn your oven to 350 degrees.
3.Mix spice cake mix, pumpkin and 1 generous cup of chocolate chips until well blended and all sorts of delicious smelling (note: you don't need eggs, oil, anything--just the dry cake mix, the pumpkin and the chocolate chips)
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto a cookie sheet.
5. Bake 16-18 minutes.
6. Anxiously wait for them to cool. Seriously, calm down--they'll cool.
7. Grab the biggest cookie, shove in mouth.
8. Smile.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8.
10. And, thus, your diet and or workout have been undone.
You're welcome.
Holy mother of yumminess, these are seriously the easiest and freaking yummiest cookies I have ever made--and I don't even really like pumpkin. They are the perfect fall cookie. And would be very festive at Thanksgiving.
And now I can't stop thinking about them.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
And I haven't even touched the Autumn Mix yet
I really, really haven't!
Now, dear readers, as you know, SP is currently embarking on several new improve thyself 'operations'--for lack of a better term. Casa de SP is amok with ramblings of Operation Joyful Life and Operation Skinny Jeans (repeats mantra to the tune of pre teen girls hoping to no longer need to stuff their bras--"I must, I must decrease my butt"--who remembers that? Who actually did that? ::raises hand::).
Howevs, OSJ (Operation Skinny Jeans, obvs) will be put on hold for a day/24hours as we prepare for the arrival of my fabulously lovely sister in law! She's moving in with us for an unspecified amount of time and I am personally tickled pink about the whole thing. She's positively one of my favorite people in the entire world (even though she doesn't like chocolate--I know, there's something wrong with her head) and I cannot wait.
This of course, means cleaning the very messy Casa de SP--or really, this involves picking up pieces of my shoes that the dogs have eaten (bastards--they have figured out how to get the toys off the tables and yet cannot understand that they do not chew on Mom's shoes), and my favorite work out towel (there are little shreds of blue terrycloth all over the upstairs). Sheesh.
Alas, my mind will be racing of how to prep her new living quarters and how to recover from a food coma that I ate myself into after class last night--because apparently, getting home at 10:30 (not 11) is just an invitation for me to eat myself silly. Even though they fed us dinner. Awesome.
But, the goodness of all this, and that which directly relates to decreasing the size of my bum is that I have not even looked at a bag of Autumn Mix, nor have I purchased any other types of lovely Halloween goodies (for serious!).
Which is fabulous, because one year ago, I was literally knee deep in those damn little pumpkins.
Now, dear readers, as you know, SP is currently embarking on several new improve thyself 'operations'--for lack of a better term. Casa de SP is amok with ramblings of Operation Joyful Life and Operation Skinny Jeans (repeats mantra to the tune of pre teen girls hoping to no longer need to stuff their bras--"I must, I must decrease my butt"--who remembers that? Who actually did that? ::raises hand::).
Howevs, OSJ (Operation Skinny Jeans, obvs) will be put on hold for a day/24hours as we prepare for the arrival of my fabulously lovely sister in law! She's moving in with us for an unspecified amount of time and I am personally tickled pink about the whole thing. She's positively one of my favorite people in the entire world (even though she doesn't like chocolate--I know, there's something wrong with her head) and I cannot wait.
This of course, means cleaning the very messy Casa de SP--or really, this involves picking up pieces of my shoes that the dogs have eaten (bastards--they have figured out how to get the toys off the tables and yet cannot understand that they do not chew on Mom's shoes), and my favorite work out towel (there are little shreds of blue terrycloth all over the upstairs). Sheesh.
Alas, my mind will be racing of how to prep her new living quarters and how to recover from a food coma that I ate myself into after class last night--because apparently, getting home at 10:30 (not 11) is just an invitation for me to eat myself silly. Even though they fed us dinner. Awesome.
But, the goodness of all this, and that which directly relates to decreasing the size of my bum is that I have not even looked at a bag of Autumn Mix, nor have I purchased any other types of lovely Halloween goodies (for serious!).
Which is fabulous, because one year ago, I was literally knee deep in those damn little pumpkins.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Musings & Monday
Holy Monday!
How is it Monday again? Despite doing absolutely nothing (that is of course, if you count watching season five of The Office as 'nothing'--which I don't, by the way--huge success in my book), the weekend flew by. Gr.
1. Went to bed early Friday night with notions of an early early rise to get in my extra miles before meeting up with my training group. Funny. At 2:45 I woke up to move the dog off my feet and changed my alarm clock settings. We do not enjoy getting up at 4:40 on Saturdays. I did enough of that in college (stupid being an athlete) and I'm done.
2. Plus, it was raining.
3. I don't like to run in the rain (said in the voice of Phoebe Buffay a la 'I don't like to fly in the rain').
4. But guess what? When you're part of a damn marathon training group of 20+ people, you don't really get a vote. So, a rainy run it was.
5. And actually, not that bad. I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. I think I "hated" it because I've seriously lost my speed thanks to my illness and my several week running hiatus, so it was like pulling teeth to stay at the middle front of the pack (where I like to be). (don't get me wrong, this won't be a regular occurance if I can avoid it. I need a treadmill)
6. I did manage to almost hit my miles for the weekend, but, by 13.7 I was sick of being wet, it was raining harder and my damn iPod was only playing music into one earbud. So, I stopped .3 miles short of my goal. WHATEVER. I don't care. I'm over being obsessed with that stuff. I finished strong and that is all that matters (oh, and pain free, of course!).
7. Took the hottest shower possible (I was freezing) and went to Target with the husband where we purchased my new love, the Bissel Pet Hair Remover Vacuum. It's changed my life. It took me 5 minutes to vacuum our huge living room rug last night--previously, that task took 20 minutes--not joking! Love it. Love. it. LOVE. it!
8. Spent Sunday sick (of course I did).
9. Am still sick today--which meant, yep, I slept it and didn't run this morning (even though my legs want to move!), nor did I run at lunch because I have class tonight and never feel quite fully put back together after a lunchtime run--and because honestly, I just wasn't feelin' it. I'm not thrilled about having to get up early to run tomorrow (plus I won't be home until after 11PM--awesome), but, that's OK--I can hammer out 3 days of running in a row. I think.
10. Yes, did I mention I have class tonight? From 6-10PM? For the next 21 weeks of my life.
11. I'm taking a graduate marketing course. That lasts until 10PM. Yikes. (because I want to pretend I'm smart)
12. This also brings up the lovely discussion of when to take my sleep inducing pills (and yes, I am--and have been, only taking half a dose--what a full dose must do is beyond me!). I've got to get up early tomorrow, but, have to stay awake during class. This is just annoying!
13. This will be a weird schedule for me for the next 21 weeks of my life, but, it will be worth it in the end!
14. My leggies feel great today and I felt pretty good on my run on Saturday--this week will be the true telling point of if I can do the half marathon I signed up for in October and also be a gauge for my training. In June, when I did my first (and only) 16 miler, it was the following week that I was full on hit with an injury stick. I'm hoping that by controlling my speed (i.e., running a long, slow distance like I'm supposed to) and not worrying about my overall time, that I'll be able to be injury free. I think 16 is the mile that is the often hardest for people to cross. I know I can do it, I've done it before, I'm just petrified of going through all this injury stuff again. That's my gameplan. Wish me luck.
15. Cause really, I want to run that half marathon. Half marathon finishes mean shiny medals, and big pizza dinners. This is really all I want in life.
16. And maybe a good nights sleep--because my meds? Yeah, cause me to have some funky dreams.
17. I want to buy Ella Mae a hot dog costume for Halloween. Since she is the hot dog eater in the family. Or a monkey, but, I haven't seen a monkey costume for a dog. Anyone?
18. We've begun putting the dogs toys on the dining tables when they aren't playing with them (otherwise, Ella will shred them just because they exist) and last night we caught her up on the table (again!) throwing toys down to her brother. These damn dogs just continue to outsmart me!
18. But they are super fun.
Alright, I'm off! Off to panic about class tonight, off to search from some additional Diet Coke (yes, I've already gone through my rations!) and possibly a bag of gummi bears because hell, when I'm sick, it's physically impossible to lose weight, I might as well enjoy being a pudge.
Happy Monday!
How is it Monday again? Despite doing absolutely nothing (that is of course, if you count watching season five of The Office as 'nothing'--which I don't, by the way--huge success in my book), the weekend flew by. Gr.
1. Went to bed early Friday night with notions of an early early rise to get in my extra miles before meeting up with my training group. Funny. At 2:45 I woke up to move the dog off my feet and changed my alarm clock settings. We do not enjoy getting up at 4:40 on Saturdays. I did enough of that in college (stupid being an athlete) and I'm done.
2. Plus, it was raining.
3. I don't like to run in the rain (said in the voice of Phoebe Buffay a la 'I don't like to fly in the rain').
4. But guess what? When you're part of a damn marathon training group of 20+ people, you don't really get a vote. So, a rainy run it was.
5. And actually, not that bad. I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. I think I "hated" it because I've seriously lost my speed thanks to my illness and my several week running hiatus, so it was like pulling teeth to stay at the middle front of the pack (where I like to be). (don't get me wrong, this won't be a regular occurance if I can avoid it. I need a treadmill)
6. I did manage to almost hit my miles for the weekend, but, by 13.7 I was sick of being wet, it was raining harder and my damn iPod was only playing music into one earbud. So, I stopped .3 miles short of my goal. WHATEVER. I don't care. I'm over being obsessed with that stuff. I finished strong and that is all that matters (oh, and pain free, of course!).
7. Took the hottest shower possible (I was freezing) and went to Target with the husband where we purchased my new love, the Bissel Pet Hair Remover Vacuum. It's changed my life. It took me 5 minutes to vacuum our huge living room rug last night--previously, that task took 20 minutes--not joking! Love it. Love. it. LOVE. it!
8. Spent Sunday sick (of course I did).
9. Am still sick today--which meant, yep, I slept it and didn't run this morning (even though my legs want to move!), nor did I run at lunch because I have class tonight and never feel quite fully put back together after a lunchtime run--and because honestly, I just wasn't feelin' it. I'm not thrilled about having to get up early to run tomorrow (plus I won't be home until after 11PM--awesome), but, that's OK--I can hammer out 3 days of running in a row. I think.
10. Yes, did I mention I have class tonight? From 6-10PM? For the next 21 weeks of my life.
11. I'm taking a graduate marketing course. That lasts until 10PM. Yikes. (because I want to pretend I'm smart)
12. This also brings up the lovely discussion of when to take my sleep inducing pills (and yes, I am--and have been, only taking half a dose--what a full dose must do is beyond me!). I've got to get up early tomorrow, but, have to stay awake during class. This is just annoying!
13. This will be a weird schedule for me for the next 21 weeks of my life, but, it will be worth it in the end!
14. My leggies feel great today and I felt pretty good on my run on Saturday--this week will be the true telling point of if I can do the half marathon I signed up for in October and also be a gauge for my training. In June, when I did my first (and only) 16 miler, it was the following week that I was full on hit with an injury stick. I'm hoping that by controlling my speed (i.e., running a long, slow distance like I'm supposed to) and not worrying about my overall time, that I'll be able to be injury free. I think 16 is the mile that is the often hardest for people to cross. I know I can do it, I've done it before, I'm just petrified of going through all this injury stuff again. That's my gameplan. Wish me luck.
15. Cause really, I want to run that half marathon. Half marathon finishes mean shiny medals, and big pizza dinners. This is really all I want in life.
16. And maybe a good nights sleep--because my meds? Yeah, cause me to have some funky dreams.
17. I want to buy Ella Mae a hot dog costume for Halloween. Since she is the hot dog eater in the family. Or a monkey, but, I haven't seen a monkey costume for a dog. Anyone?
18. We've begun putting the dogs toys on the dining tables when they aren't playing with them (otherwise, Ella will shred them just because they exist) and last night we caught her up on the table (again!) throwing toys down to her brother. These damn dogs just continue to outsmart me!
18. But they are super fun.
Alright, I'm off! Off to panic about class tonight, off to search from some additional Diet Coke (yes, I've already gone through my rations!) and possibly a bag of gummi bears because hell, when I'm sick, it's physically impossible to lose weight, I might as well enjoy being a pudge.
Happy Monday!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Warning: Drowisness May Occur
Really? Really.
This is the warning on my new meds (because when all else fails, just prescribe more medication--if nothing else, I'll be so loopy that my stomach woes won't bother me).
So, the lovely doctor (who I adore--waaay better than my last specialist) tells me to take it at bedtime.
Fine, I can do that.
First night, took it at 9:30ish. Was toast by 10:15.
And had a bear of a time waking up the next morning (we're talking sugar and caffeine to get me out of the house).
So, last night, I figured I'd take it a bit earlier, so that I could actually pull myself out of bed and to work on time.
I took my med at 8:30. Sounds reasonable, right? I'd go to bed early, thus being able to wake up and get to work without double stuft Oreos and Diet Coke. Ahhh, bliss.
Apparently, taking my meds before 9 o'clock is just an invitation for the sleep Gods to play tricks on me.
I fell asleep on the sofa at 9:00--while watching The Office (and y'all know how much I love The Office).
Ended up in bed--with jewelry and glasses on, by 9:15. The husband came in to check on me and had to wake me up so I could take off my jewelry (but was in my pajamas? weird).
And I'm still exhausted this morning. FAIL.
I mean, could there please be a scale on the prescription labels? Like a 1-10 thing? 1 being I don't know, you need some caffeine or a nap and 10 being hello you're asleep in 15 minutes (and apparently this crap doesn't wear off until you know 10:30 the next morning...ish). How on earth do people take this crap during the day? I'd become a narcoleptic!
I may just take up writing to prescription drug makers that they need to figure out a more deliberate warning than "drowsiness may occur".
After all, a princess needs her beauty sleep, but, would like to stay awake past 9:30.
Thanks.
Also, even in my drugged stupor, the always fabulous LegallyBlondeMel of I Pick Pretty has featured me on her blog today (imagine me jumping up and down like a child on Christmas Day--cause, really, I am)! Hop over there and let me know what you think (pretty please?).
PS. This brings a whole new level of drama to this evening. I've got to get up extra early to run with my group tomorrow, so, do I take my damn meds at 6 PM so that I'm ready to go at 5:00 AM? (thus falling asleep at the dinner table) This is all so weird.
This is the warning on my new meds (because when all else fails, just prescribe more medication--if nothing else, I'll be so loopy that my stomach woes won't bother me).
So, the lovely doctor (who I adore--waaay better than my last specialist) tells me to take it at bedtime.
Fine, I can do that.
First night, took it at 9:30ish. Was toast by 10:15.
And had a bear of a time waking up the next morning (we're talking sugar and caffeine to get me out of the house).
So, last night, I figured I'd take it a bit earlier, so that I could actually pull myself out of bed and to work on time.
I took my med at 8:30. Sounds reasonable, right? I'd go to bed early, thus being able to wake up and get to work without double stuft Oreos and Diet Coke. Ahhh, bliss.
Apparently, taking my meds before 9 o'clock is just an invitation for the sleep Gods to play tricks on me.
I fell asleep on the sofa at 9:00--while watching The Office (and y'all know how much I love The Office).
Ended up in bed--with jewelry and glasses on, by 9:15. The husband came in to check on me and had to wake me up so I could take off my jewelry (but was in my pajamas? weird).
And I'm still exhausted this morning. FAIL.
I mean, could there please be a scale on the prescription labels? Like a 1-10 thing? 1 being I don't know, you need some caffeine or a nap and 10 being hello you're asleep in 15 minutes (and apparently this crap doesn't wear off until you know 10:30 the next morning...ish). How on earth do people take this crap during the day? I'd become a narcoleptic!
I may just take up writing to prescription drug makers that they need to figure out a more deliberate warning than "drowsiness may occur".
After all, a princess needs her beauty sleep, but, would like to stay awake past 9:30.
Thanks.
Also, even in my drugged stupor, the always fabulous LegallyBlondeMel of I Pick Pretty has featured me on her blog today (imagine me jumping up and down like a child on Christmas Day--cause, really, I am)! Hop over there and let me know what you think (pretty please?).
PS. This brings a whole new level of drama to this evening. I've got to get up extra early to run with my group tomorrow, so, do I take my damn meds at 6 PM so that I'm ready to go at 5:00 AM? (thus falling asleep at the dinner table) This is all so weird.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The spy who loved me
Well, not exactly.
More like, the spies I love.
Le sigh...
I spent most (ahem, all) of the 3 day weekend hunkered down with the puppies watching DVDs.
More like, the spies I love.
Le sigh...
I spent most (ahem, all) of the 3 day weekend hunkered down with the puppies watching DVDs.
No, I didn't lay by the pool or do anything I had sworn I would do. But, it was a perfectly fabulous way to spend the weekend (post run and house cleaning, I might add).
We watched a lot of this, just so we could stare at him....
We watched a lot of this, just so we could stare at him....
source
Then we channeled our inner Bond Girl and had pleasant dreams thanks to these lovely flicks.
source
sourceAnd no, I have no shame (and the husband is fully aware that if he dies, I'm packing up and moving to England to stalk Daniel Craig. If that fails, I'm setting up shop in South Beach to stalk Jeffery Donovan).
I'm sucker for a man with an accent. Or the ability to rock a pair of aviators.
I want to be a spy. I'm just sayin'.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Chunky Monkey
No, that is not in fact my favorite ice cream flavor (mint chocolate chip is, fyi).
It is one of the many nicknames for our Ella Mae pup, because, generally speaking, we're certain she's part monkey.
It's also quite possibly, my new moniker.
"Hey, SP, how's the whole back on the weight loss bandwagon thing going?"
"Oh, it's going just fabulously dahhhling, in fact, I managed to gain 1.6 pounds this week. Isn't that fantastic?"
Shoot.Me.Now.
I have no idea. No idea whatsoever. I ran on Saturday, and Monday(which is big for me cause y'all know I've been gimptastic since July), plus 30 minutes of weights. I watched what I ate obsessively--this was the most controlled I've been in weeks. And I gained weight.
I got nothing. No answers. Nothin'.
But, I promised to hold myself accountable, and tell y'all the truth, and there it is. As embarrassing as it is...
So, Week 1: Not so good. Bleh.
Here's hoping Week 2 is better!
It is one of the many nicknames for our Ella Mae pup, because, generally speaking, we're certain she's part monkey.
It's also quite possibly, my new moniker.
"Hey, SP, how's the whole back on the weight loss bandwagon thing going?"
"Oh, it's going just fabulously dahhhling, in fact, I managed to gain 1.6 pounds this week. Isn't that fantastic?"
Shoot.Me.Now.
I have no idea. No idea whatsoever. I ran on Saturday, and Monday(which is big for me cause y'all know I've been gimptastic since July), plus 30 minutes of weights. I watched what I ate obsessively--this was the most controlled I've been in weeks. And I gained weight.
I got nothing. No answers. Nothin'.
But, I promised to hold myself accountable, and tell y'all the truth, and there it is. As embarrassing as it is...
So, Week 1: Not so good. Bleh.
Here's hoping Week 2 is better!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Divine Ms. M
Today is a hard day.
Today is my mom's birthday.
And I thought I was handling it better than usual.
(I'm not)
The strangest thing, is that time goes on, it often gets harder--not easier, harder. Maybe because as more time passes, the more real it is; or that fact that more things happen in my life that I can't share with her. I don't exactly know.
And because I'm working on living a Joyful Life (even when my eyes are puffy and I freaking want to wail that I miss my Mommy!), today shall be a focus on my fabulous mother, or, the Divine Ms. M as she was known in her circle of uber cool friends.
I'm joyful because...
She was an amazing woman. At the end of the day, I miss her terribly. There aren't words to describe how much I miss her, and nothing will ever replace her.
I was leaving the store yesterday and saw a mom and daughter walking out together--the daughter was probably mid 30s and it was just so sweet. You could tell they were mother and daughter. I got a little teary because I'll never have that--sure, I have fabulous in laws and a great step mom, but, it's just a connection that can't be replaced.
As much as I miss her, I know how lucky I was. Many people aren't blessed to have fabulous parents, some don't even know their mothers. The 19 short but wonderful years I had with her was better than many people will have over a lifetime--f0r that, I am joyful.
Thanks for indulging me in a walk down memory lane....
Today is my mom's birthday.
And I thought I was handling it better than usual.
(I'm not)
The strangest thing, is that time goes on, it often gets harder--not easier, harder. Maybe because as more time passes, the more real it is; or that fact that more things happen in my life that I can't share with her. I don't exactly know.
And because I'm working on living a Joyful Life (even when my eyes are puffy and I freaking want to wail that I miss my Mommy!), today shall be a focus on my fabulous mother, or, the Divine Ms. M as she was known in her circle of uber cool friends.
I'm joyful because...
- My mother was an amazing cook
- Her laugh was infectious
- She wasn't afraid to be bold
- She taught me that accessories make the outfit
- That red nail polish and red lipstick will never go out of style (and in her honor, my toesies are painted red--first time in months that they haven't been naked!)
- She knew that family was the most important thing
- Her talent for photography was amazing and I am lucky enough to have a majority of her prints in my home
- She never met a stranger
- She taught me that you can and will shove your foot into a too small shoe if necessary (which she did repeatedly with my shoes--she big ol clodhoppers ruined many a shoe of mine)
- Her caring nature was unsurpassed
- Best.spritz.cookies.ever (my dad still has one single cookie in the freezer from the batch she and I made the day before she died)
- I inherited her toes (weird, I know)
- She could kill a container of Chinese takeout and mint chocolate chip ice cream with me any day of the week
- Best.Hot.Chocolate.Maker.Ever
- She always bought me a new mug for holidays--a big fancy soup mug--which often got used for hot chocolate or ice cream
- Her talent for writing was something she passed to me
- She taught me that the best cure for anything was a musical (sidenote: The Sound of Music was on ABC Family all weekend!)
- Playing dress up was always encouraged
- She taught me to appreciate different foods at an early age (um, how many kids do you know who eat shrimp? My babysitters always thought my mom was joking when she left them with a note regarding shrimp, beets and a dinner salad for me...complete with gummi worms, obvs)
- Her love of travel
She was an amazing woman. At the end of the day, I miss her terribly. There aren't words to describe how much I miss her, and nothing will ever replace her.
I was leaving the store yesterday and saw a mom and daughter walking out together--the daughter was probably mid 30s and it was just so sweet. You could tell they were mother and daughter. I got a little teary because I'll never have that--sure, I have fabulous in laws and a great step mom, but, it's just a connection that can't be replaced.
As much as I miss her, I know how lucky I was. Many people aren't blessed to have fabulous parents, some don't even know their mothers. The 19 short but wonderful years I had with her was better than many people will have over a lifetime--f0r that, I am joyful.
Thanks for indulging me in a walk down memory lane....
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Operation Joyful Life
It's well noted that I've been in a bit of a funk lately. And I am 100% over it (sadly, not necessarily the funk itself, but, the attitude that comes with it). It's time to make a change.
There is a fabulous blogger, Bobbie at N Her Shoes, and she just exudes joy. I absolutely love reading her blog because her smile and her attitude is positively infectious.
Taking a note from her, I want to exude joy in my life. I want to inspire. I want to be joyful. Of course, life isn't always roses and buttercups, but that's the whole point isn't it? Just because life isn't all rosy all the time, doesn't mean we can't put on a happy face.
So, it's day 1 of Operation Joyful Life--my journey to remember the joy in everyday life.
Today, I'm joyful because...
I know that we all have things that should bring us joy, but, sometimes, we forget. Let's all remember to smile.
What are you joyful for? Your pets? A fabulous new outfit? Long weekends? A great book?
Let's spread the joy, y'all!
There is a fabulous blogger, Bobbie at N Her Shoes, and she just exudes joy. I absolutely love reading her blog because her smile and her attitude is positively infectious.
Taking a note from her, I want to exude joy in my life. I want to inspire. I want to be joyful. Of course, life isn't always roses and buttercups, but that's the whole point isn't it? Just because life isn't all rosy all the time, doesn't mean we can't put on a happy face.
So, it's day 1 of Operation Joyful Life--my journey to remember the joy in everyday life.
Today, I'm joyful because...
- I woke up extra early to run with a work colleague
- I managed 9.4 relatively pain free miles
- I had that fabulous 'free' feeling that running gives me
- Two smiley puppies and one lazy kitty
- I have sparkling clean house (that um, I cleaned of course)
- I'm wearing a fabulous new shirt
- My TV has On Demand--which means, it's all Burn Notice, all day
I know that we all have things that should bring us joy, but, sometimes, we forget. Let's all remember to smile.
What are you joyful for? Your pets? A fabulous new outfit? Long weekends? A great book?
Let's spread the joy, y'all!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
On the wagon...ish
Y'all. Y'all.
It's been a rough couple of weeks (months?) around here. Between a bum leg (damnit!) and spending literally all of August sick (and no, I'm not pregnant--I swear, if I get asked that again, it's on), it's been a rough go for SP. The weight gain doesn't help matters.
I know that I need to take care of me, and focus on getting healthy again (bum leg not excluded). I've had to scale back my running (um, we're looking at two weeks of no running--bite me), and the biggest problem with my "illness" or whatever the heck it is is that I have the most random and awful cravings--i.e., a fabulous spinach salad makes me want to hurl. Ummm, the other day, if I didn't have french fries (when was the last time I have eaten these?), I was going to eat my arm instead. So, I eat crap because that's really all I can keep down.
That said, the lbs are packin' back on my hips. Awesome.
Thanks to the inspiration of the lovely Erin at BlueEyedBride, I'm hoppin' back on the wagon. I realize this might be tough because my tummy is actin' up, and I'm not logging my 30+ miles/week, but, after seeing my tum tum in the mirror this AM, I'm all sorts of motivated.
I'll weigh in once a week a share my loss or gains with y'all. Holy yikes.
OK, that was a lot of rambling, but, point is, let's keep SP accountable.
Word to my skinny jeans: It's on.
It's been a rough couple of weeks (months?) around here. Between a bum leg (damnit!) and spending literally all of August sick (and no, I'm not pregnant--I swear, if I get asked that again, it's on), it's been a rough go for SP. The weight gain doesn't help matters.
I know that I need to take care of me, and focus on getting healthy again (bum leg not excluded). I've had to scale back my running (um, we're looking at two weeks of no running--bite me), and the biggest problem with my "illness" or whatever the heck it is is that I have the most random and awful cravings--i.e., a fabulous spinach salad makes me want to hurl. Ummm, the other day, if I didn't have french fries (when was the last time I have eaten these?), I was going to eat my arm instead. So, I eat crap because that's really all I can keep down.
That said, the lbs are packin' back on my hips. Awesome.
Thanks to the inspiration of the lovely Erin at BlueEyedBride, I'm hoppin' back on the wagon. I realize this might be tough because my tummy is actin' up, and I'm not logging my 30+ miles/week, but, after seeing my tum tum in the mirror this AM, I'm all sorts of motivated.
I'll weigh in once a week a share my loss or gains with y'all. Holy yikes.
OK, that was a lot of rambling, but, point is, let's keep SP accountable.
Word to my skinny jeans: It's on.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Who says blueberry muffin batter isn't a meal?
Not me, considering that was a bulk of my dinner last night.
Let's just break this down, shall we? Blueberries + banana = serving of fruit. 1 Cup of milk = protein and dairy. Muffin base = grains. Obviously, it was a well rounded meal.
Thankfully, I seem to be able to stomach muffins, but not much else (including peanut butter!). Soup, saltines and Jell-O. Freaking awesome.
Things are getting dicey around Casa de SP.
And last night I managed to drop almost $200 on race entry fees. Even though currently, I can't run.
Yes, I see the irony. Not a fan.
Thanks for all your well wishes --you have no idea how much I appreciate your kind words--it really makes my day and it really means so much. :)
xoxox
Let's just break this down, shall we? Blueberries + banana = serving of fruit. 1 Cup of milk = protein and dairy. Muffin base = grains. Obviously, it was a well rounded meal.
Thankfully, I seem to be able to stomach muffins, but not much else (including peanut butter!). Soup, saltines and Jell-O. Freaking awesome.
Things are getting dicey around Casa de SP.
And last night I managed to drop almost $200 on race entry fees. Even though currently, I can't run.
Yes, I see the irony. Not a fan.
Thanks for all your well wishes --you have no idea how much I appreciate your kind words--it really makes my day and it really means so much. :)
xoxox
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Daytime TV really is boring
And I know this because I spent all Monday curled up like a lump on my sofa watching daytime television. Not exciting at all.
And why exactly did I spend Monday at home with the remote?
Because I spent the wee hours of Monday morning at the ER.
Good times.
I got sick on Friday, which meant, no bike race for the husband, or trail run for me (boo!), only to get sicker as the weekend wore on, finally breaking down in a early morning trip to the ER.
Where I got a morphine drip. It was fabulous.
I have no idea what's wrong with me, and the doctor's don't seem to have a clue either. I am on a pharmacy worth of meds and nothing is helping.
It's the most frustrating and annoying thing ever.
But, y'all would be proud, I'm not even trying to run while sick (which is an improvement from my normal stubborn ass self). I have a race this weekend. I'm worried.
Mostly, I just want my life back. No calf injuries, no stomach issues (which, also, by the way, cause me to gain a good 5-6 lbs), just, happy.
We'll see.
Sorry for the debbie downer post.
I'm off to go munch on saltines and soup (I am so over soup).
PS. You'll be happy to know that I survived 24 hours without soda (never.again) and it may have helped as I was able to kind of pound out 14 miles on Saturday. Taking the week off really did screw me, I won't lie.
And why exactly did I spend Monday at home with the remote?
Because I spent the wee hours of Monday morning at the ER.
Good times.
I got sick on Friday, which meant, no bike race for the husband, or trail run for me (boo!), only to get sicker as the weekend wore on, finally breaking down in a early morning trip to the ER.
Where I got a morphine drip. It was fabulous.
I have no idea what's wrong with me, and the doctor's don't seem to have a clue either. I am on a pharmacy worth of meds and nothing is helping.
It's the most frustrating and annoying thing ever.
But, y'all would be proud, I'm not even trying to run while sick (which is an improvement from my normal stubborn ass self). I have a race this weekend. I'm worried.
Mostly, I just want my life back. No calf injuries, no stomach issues (which, also, by the way, cause me to gain a good 5-6 lbs), just, happy.
We'll see.
Sorry for the debbie downer post.
I'm off to go munch on saltines and soup (I am so over soup).
PS. You'll be happy to know that I survived 24 hours without soda (never.again) and it may have helped as I was able to kind of pound out 14 miles on Saturday. Taking the week off really did screw me, I won't lie.
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