Page Tabs

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Changes

It's been an entire week since I've blogged.... YIKES! 
Where have I been??  The gym.  That's right ladies {and Hubby Jack} I've been at the gym.
A. LOT.

I've turned over a new leaf {what does this saying even mean?}.  Now, let me backtrack by saying I have been going to the gym for several years... but I was going two or three times a week and calling that "good enough".  Lately I have been going daily.  I pack my gym back and take it to school with me {being sure to take it inside with me too, because putting on clothes that have been sitting out in the car when it's 19 degrees outside is NOT a good time}.  I have been running, using the stair master, and riding the spin bikes {not brave enough to join a spin class yet}.  I am also throwing in some strength training because I know that's the best way to change the shape of my body.  

I'm not seeing a difference yet, but I am determined to make my Operation Red Bikini goal.  So I'll keep working. 


Happy Tuesday, Rockstars!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Facts of Me

I'm linking up with the hilarious Whitney over at I Wore Yoga Pants for this fun post with facts about me.  After all any time I can talk about myself I'm a happy girl {I kid, I kid....ish}.


Fact- When I was in middle school I went an entire year wearing nothing by kahki's to school.  
No, we did not have uniforms.  I was just that cool.

Fact - I am very protective of my friends.  I consider them to be family.  When they hurt, I hurt.

Fact- My cousin is one of my best friends. 
His wedding day was one of my favorite days together.
And his wife is just as awesome as he is.

Fact - My dream job is to be a professional vacationer.
Beach, mountains, lake, middle of BFE - destination doesn't matter.  I LOVE to travel.


Fact - I have guns.

 See.

Fact - I can make balloon animals.


Fact - Black and white photography is my favorite. 
Color shows clothing, black and white shows the soul.

Fact - I can sleep anytime, anywhere - except in an airplane.

Fact - My sense of smell is extremely strong.  My nose picks up on the slightest change in what it considers to be "normal."

Fact - I'm terrible at returning phone calls.  If you call me, don't bother leaving a voicemail. I probably won't call you back.  Nothing personal.

Fact - I am a very black and white person.  Something either is or it isn't.  
There isn't much in-between with me.

Fact - I love smashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a totally different store.
Those two shouldn't even be in the same food family.  

Fact - I could eat Velveeta Shells and Cheese every. single. day.

Fact - R and I never use our kitchen table.
If it was socially acceptable, we probably wouldn't have one.

Fact - I love eyeshadow.  I own too much of it!!

Fact - Tonight is Taco Tuesday and I cannot wait!



Have a great day, Rockstars!!!








Monday, January 21, 2013

Goals and ORB

I do best with my running when I have goals.  So here we go...  R and I are going on vacation with my family this summer...  The destination where we will be vacationing is 471 miles away.  We are leaving for said destination in 159 days.  So, my goal, over the next 159 days, is to run 471 miles. It comes out to almost exactly 3 miles a day. No, I will not be running every. single. day.  So, there will be {many} times when I run more than 3 miles at a given time.  I have a little calendar I will use to track my miles. Don't worry, I'll do some updates every once in a while.   I have been thinking about places to run, other than around my neighborhood.  My neighborhood is a good area, but it's gets boring seeing the same scenery when I run {the #1 reason I hate the treadmill -- BORING}.  There are sidewalks close to my house that go for miles and miles and miles.  There is also a county park not too far away that I'm sure has some trails I could run on.  If I'm going to go 471 miles, I'm going to have to get creative.



button

I other news.... I bought my #ORB suite the other day!!!



I love the fringe trend going on right now, but I have the chest of a 12 year old boy it's just not me, so I went simpler.  I ended up with this top {from 6pm.com} and a charcoal grey bottom {from Target}.  I'm excited for them to arrive.  I have several tops that will be cute paired with the grey bottoms, so that's an added bonus.

If I'm brave I'll post a picture of myself in them for a "before" shot.  Eek.  Just the thought of that scares the $hit out of me.  

Mama Laughlin posted the quote below on her Facebook page the other day.


 It was one of those 'perfect timing' things.  I had just written about my body image issues {and received awesome support from some of you ladies - THANKS!!!}.  I typed this quote out and now have it stuck to the mirror in my bathroom, the dashboard of my car, and my computer.  It will be my motivation to get to the gym on the days when I don't necessarily feel like it.  

That's all I have today.  I'm off to the gym after school to get my run in - at least 4 miles, and then home to make stuffed peppers for dinner.  It's Bachelor night so of course, I'll be tuning in with my best friend.  

Happy Monday, Rockstars!!


Friday, January 18, 2013

I Want To Be A Runner

Happy Frizziday rockstars!  I'm totally geeked to have made it through another week {and not just because it's payday}.  I'm pumped to witness the keek rap-off between Mel and Kimmy.  These two crack me up!  I love that they bust out the old school rap.  And... you never know when I'll bust out a rap of my own.  

Now, down to business.... why do I write this blog.  Truthfully, I have NO idea.  All that was highlighted the other day when I wrote this post.  I had ONE person comment {Thanks, Kimmy, you totally made my day, seriously.}  So why do I bother. I guess it's still what it was when I started.  My outlet for writing how I felt when R was gone.  Sometimes though, I am afraid to write what I truly want to.  I know, I know, this is my corner of the internet.  However, I don't want to offend anyone with what I write.  Yes, if people don't like it, they don't have to read it.  That's just easier said than done - for me at least.

It's like standing in the bathroom in my birthday suit, looking in the mirror, and liking what I see.  It ain't happenin'.  I'm working on liking what I see, but for me, it's not easy.  I have never loved the way my body looks.  I've been hitting the gym more regularly and incorporating more weights into my routine to "firm things up."  I'm sticking with it, even though I find lifting to be incredibly boring.   I know it takes time - I just wish my body would change faster.  Truthfully, I'm not sure I will ever look in the mirror and be able to think, "Dang, I look good."   I have never been an overly large person.  Yes, I hit a point of chubbiness that lead me to Weight Watchers for a while, but I am not one of those girls with a 30, 40, 50 or more pound weight loss story.  I am just an average person who works out because I would love more than anything to stand in front of a mirror and think, "Hey, not too bad." 

I would LOVE to meet so many of the ladies whose blogs I stalk daily.  I have fears about that though. My biggest fear is meeting one of them, having them look at me and think, "YOU run?  You certainly don't look like a runner."  Do I consider myself a runner... No, I don't. I have been running for about two years and don't consider myself a runner.  Maybe because my normal run is about three and a half miles and {in my mind} I don't feel like that is long enough to be a true runner.  Maybe it's because I have only done one 5K race.  Maybe it's because I get to 4 or 4.5 miles and my body {read: brain} tells me I "can't" go any farther.  I don't know, but I don't consider myself to be a runner.  

I want to be a runner. 

I just went this past Tuesday and got fitted for the proper running shoes for my running style and feet.  Talk about intimidating.  The entire time I was in there, I felt like the store employees looked at me with thoughts that I've probably never ran a mile in my life.  All of the employees had long, super skinny legs -- and there I was with my short tree trunks.   Yes, I know, God made me the way I am - and don't get me wrong, I am VERY grateful for the ability to run.  I just wish I was one of those people who could look in the mirror and like what they see.  

I'm going to adopt Mama Laughlin's motto of "Progress, Not Perfection."  Maybe someday I'll get to the point of liking my birthday suit.  I'm just hoping that day comes sooner than later -- age isn't on my side anymore.  Darn you, Father Time.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pay It Forward

I'm jumping on another train {apparently 2013 is not my year to be original}...  the Pay It Forward train. Wooooot Wooooot!!

Here's the deal...

The first five people to comment with their email and blog address will receive a gift, from me, sometime this calendar year.   It might be a book, a backed good, music, a gift card, or some other surprise.  There will likely be no warning.  It will happen when the mood strikes me.  Here's the catch.... those five people must make the same offer on their Blog.

Happy Humpday, beauties!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Opinions Are Like Butt Holes

We all have opinions about things.  Some are right {mine} and some are wrong.  Take them for what they are worth, but here are some of mine...

-Pumping gas is over rated.

-Movie theaters should have couches.

-Everyone should own a dog.

-It is not weird to talk to you dog.

-Political opinions should be kept between you and  yourself.

-Yoga pants are just glorified sweats.

-Doing laundry is a tedious chore.

-Folding laundry is an even more tedious chore.

-Sweeper lines are like rays of sunshine inside.

-Tennis shoes are for working out.

-High heels are for sass.

-History is in the past, live in the now.

-People should be more patient with crying babies in public places.  You'd cry too if you had to sit in your own poo and eat mushy veggies.

-Everyone should learn how to swim.

-You're never too old to watch Saturday morning cartoons.

-Nor are you ever too old to celebrate your birthday like it's the last one you'll ever have.

-A glass of wine and a talk with a good friend can solve all of life's problems.

-Touching raw meat is one of the grossest things EVER.

-I watch too much Big Bang Theory.

-There is no such thing as watching too much Big Bang Theory.

-Inappropriate things are sometimes the funniest things.

-Peyton Manning is the all time greatest quarterback.

-A list should end with a good number.  25 is much better than 24, 40 is better than 39 {unless we're talking about age}.

-Instagram is addictive. 

-Men should never wear speedo's.

-Girl Scout cookies should be sold year around.

-Everyone should work in the food industry at some point in their life.

-Burning your bum on a hot leather seat is less fun than sweating while wearing a skirt.

-Sweating while wearing a skirt is not fun.

-No child under the age of 12 needs a cell phone.  Period.

-Everything tastes better with cheese on it.

-There is no such thing as too many pairs of shoes.

-Nutella is its own food group.

-Life is best when you have something to believe in.






Sunday, January 13, 2013

A to Z -- All About Me


Alright floks... here's everything  you always wanted to know about me.  You're welcome.  :)



A. Age: Officially 30 and a half today. -- Gifts welcome.

B. Bed size: Queen.  It's perfect unless our fur child is trying to sleep between us.  Then it's like cramming three people in a twin bed.

C. Chore you hate:  Folding laundry.  I don't mind washing it, but I loathe folding.


D. Dogs: LOVE them!  Fenway is our fur-baby.  

My snuggle buddy.

I could probably count on one hand the number of times
Fenway has snuggled with R.


No, he's not at all spoiled.  :) 

These are my brother and SIL's pets, Henry and Cat.  Yes, Henry is sitting on Cat.  :) 


E. Essential start to your day: Drinking a Spark.  

F. Favorite color: Grey and pink -- I'm really digging teal right now, too.

G. Gold or Silver: Depends.  I used to be a gold fan, but now I'm a silver {read: white gold} girl. I still have my moments when I prefer gold.

H. Height: 5'5' -- On a good day.

I. Instruments you play: I used to play the flute, but haven't played anything in years.

J. Job Title: teacher -- changing the future of America, one child at a time.

K. Kids: None, yet.  

L. Live: everyday to the fullest -- in the great state of Indiana.

M. Married:  Absolutely.  I have a lifelong sidekick.  He's so lucky.

N. Nicknames: Friends call me Ash, R calls me 'babe'.

O. Overnight hospital stays: None that I recall.  {thank goodness!!}

P. Pet peeve: People chewing with their mouth open.  GROSS.

Q. Quote: "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." 1 Corinthians 15:10

R. Righty or Lefty: Right.... always.

S. Siblings:  One brother, his beautiful wife, and R's two younger brothers.

T. Time you wake up: Depends... During the school year: 6:30.  
On weekends and in the summer: whenever my eyes open.

U. University attended:  Ball State

V. Vegetables you dislike:  Asparagus.  

W. What makes you run late: Thinking I can get ready, let the dog out, and walk out of the house must quicker than I actually can.

X. X-rays you've had: My right shoulder in 2007.  Major dislocation.

Y. Yummy food: I am a pasta lover.  Anything pasta.  

Z. Zoo animal favorite: Pigs and elephants.

Friday, January 11, 2013

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

Not being a mother, I have never had the joy of teaching my child how to tie his/her shoes.  However... being a teacher of children ranging from 5-11 years old, I know that usually around the age of 7 a child is able to master the art of shoe tying - as long as said child has had a parent work with him/her teaching the skill step by step.  Yes, I realize there are exceptions to this - I teach, remember?  Some children do not develop the fine motor skills needed for tying until later - and that's okay. 

What is not okay is a fully capable, able bodied, nine year old who is unable to tie his/her shoes and {here's the kicker} is unwilling to learn.

Yes, I said nine years old.  Where I live, that is a third grader.

This student of mine does not know how to tie, nor does he/she {trying to protect privacy here - incase my corner of the interwebz is discovered} have the desire to learn.

I told him/her that he/she needs to learn how to tie and the response was, "Nah."  Shock bolted through my body.  In all my years of teaching, I have never had a student who could not tie and had less than zero desire to learn!!  I'm sure if someone had a camera and took a picture of my face, you'd see pure shock.  I asked this student what he/she was going to do when he/she was 30 years old and unable to tie his/her shoes.  The reply - his/her mom would do it for him/her.

Yeah, I'm sure his/her mother will not only love tying her child's shoes when said child is 30, but also I'm sure she'll love having her child living with her when said child is 30, because I don't know many members of society with "unable to tie their own shoes" on their list of Qualities Of A Dream Spouse.

Being the awesomesauce teacher that I am, who truly cares about the future endeavors of my students, I informed unable-to-tie-nine-year-old that he/she needs to learn how to tie his/her shoes and if needed we can spend time during PE practicing.  Don't tell me I don't care about the future of America's youth.

You're welcome, society.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Whooot! Whoooot!

button

Alright... it's official.  I'm jumping on the Operation Red Bikini train.  

I usually spend some amount of time at the beach each summer and countless days at the Lake, with friends, and have NEVER been happy with my body.  This will be the summer I am determined to change that.  I have an app on my phone that counts down days to a specific date.... I have that date set for May 31, 2013.  143 days from now.

My goal for these next 143 days is to lose 10 pounds and tone up.  

That should be a piece of cake, right?  10 pounds in 143 days equates to roughly a half a pound a week.  EASY.  The hard part for me will be incorporating in some strength training.  I am not good about lifting.  I tend to get board.  

It would help if R was better about going to the gym, but I'm not holding my breath on that happening.  He is naturally fit and muscular, damn him.  So, what I'm asking is this.... who wants to be my accountability buddy?  I'm serious.  I am not brave enough to post my "stats" on here, but I think I am brave enough to text someone with those stats.  I need that person to push me, to make me post pictures of myself hitting the gym or out running {when it's not -1,000 degrees out - homegirl does NOT do well running in the cold}.  So, any takers?

If you follow me on keek you know I did a 4 mile run last night that was H.A.R.D.  My form must have been horrendous - my back is killing me today.  No running tonight, but R did say he would go to the gym with me today, so I'm thinking tonight is the perfect opportunity for some weights.  

If you're still reading, thanks.  Seriously, thanks.  Stick with me. 

 I'm a work in progress.