Reunited With a Friend

So I am sitting here in my bedroom after a LONG day of work and staring at one of my two closets, thinking about what I want to wear this weekend. Yes, I know it is only Tuesday, but I am super excited for a girls trip this weekend to Kansas City!! Closet 1 being mostly fall/winter
Closet 2 consists of tanks and summer gear..
I will not go into the HUGE Tupperware bins shoved underneath my bed full of workout clothes or the 3 closet I own in this small apartment consisting of coats, workout coats/sweatshirts and my glorious collection of shoes...and a dresser full of t-shirts and sweats to top it off. Yes, folks I have a shopping addiction.


I had a hankering today for Peanut Butter when I went to the store after work...stopped and picked up PB2 and Peanut Butter. I thought the PB2 might be good to try in my protein shakes at night for a sweet treat.

Munchies for today.... My usual dinner consisting of baked salmon with sesame seeds and garlic, roasted veggies, and pita bread. I top my salad with the salmon and veggies, add some cottage cheese sprinkled with Cinnamon to my pita bread and finish off my LARGE meal with a bowl of green veggies.

Lunch was miracle noodles (I love these), zucchini, green beans, turkey mixed with Dijon mustard

Served along side some pita bread with cottage cheese. I don't know what it is about these cottage cheese cups but they are AWESOME!! Plus only 90calories per cup.

Now on to what really made today a day. On my way home from work I had a phone call from my long lost friend Danny. Danny and I went to High school together and became really close during our college years. We completed our grad program together, moved into the same apartment complex, and got our first teaching job at the same school. She took 5th grade, I took 3rd. We were pretty much two peas in a pod, did everything and anything together.

2 years ago, slowly our lives began to change. I had met Craig and more of my time was spent with him. Not meaning too, Danny and I began to move in our own ways. She became busy with girls who were still single and I started making more time for Craig. We still hung out of course, but not as much. Soon enough Danny met Brain and Craig and I became more serious...meaning I moved out of Omaha and found a new job in Bennington and moved to Blair.

Out of all my friends, I have never had a friend like Danny. Lately, being in a smaller town and Craig having to work loads of hours has left me feel a little lonely. I have thought numerous times over the several days of how much fun Danny and I used to have. Sure enough, my phone rings today. We spent over an hour hashing out every detail in our lives and how excited we are for things to come. Her wedding in October, my hopefully soon proposal. It was a refreshing feeling to know that sometimes how busy our lives get, Danny and I will never forget each other. We might not be able to spend every waking minute with each other, but the phone calls and the times we do see each other mean that much more. Immediately after hanging up the phone, I felt happy, just real happy that I have been blessed with wonderful people in my life.

Workout Updates: Monday: 1 mile run (tried for 3 but legs were stiff and not feeling it) 20 minute elliptical with 15 minute bike...Upper body weights for 20 minutes (chest and tris)

Tuesday: Much better 3 mile run, 12 minute cycle

Lower body weights 20 minutes (calf raises, dead lifts, squat machine)

Questions: Do you have a ton of friends, or just a few really close friends?

I have a very few friends, but we are all really close

Do you consider yourself having a shopping problem??

Um yes, someone needs to ban me from shopping malls of any..but yet I can find a deal anywhere, even Walmart.

To Be Young Again

Yesterday was our annual Field Day at school. This consisted of all students outside the entire game competing against one another in games such as tug of war, three legged race, relay races, soccer, and various obstacle courses. This day every year always brings backs memories to when I was a kid. We always had a Field Day every year, and I loved getting outside of the classroom and competing against my fellow classmates.

One thing I took away from this day is how much MORE energy these little 3rd graders have then I do. I would consider I am in pretty good shape, workout 4-5 times per week for around an hour a day, take my dog on a walk several times a week, and lift weights. Well...I was challenged by my 3rd graders to take on a 45 minute game of Soccer with them. Now, I used to play soccer all through out Elementary School and for fun during High School. I thought this would be an easy task....WRONG! Those little 3rd graders can run! By the end of my 45 minute game, my legs were shaky and I was completely out of breath...and I did not score! The sad part of it was I was actually trying too!! Sometimes I wish i could jump back into those little shoes and be young again, no worries, no deadlines, no bills...the biggest concern in life is weather I can stay up past my bedtime.
I guess this is one of the joys of being an Elementary Teacher, you get to live through your kids. Some things you miss so much about your childhood, you get to experience all over again. It might just be making an art project, eating Popsicles on the black top, or even playing a game of Soccer. So even though yesterday me and my 16 3rd graders stood out in the blistering 40 degree weather with wind for 7 hours...we made the day worth while and it brought back wonderful memories of just being a kid again :)

Workout Update:

Friday: 30 minutes Elliptical/10 minute Cycle-Ab Circuit

Saturday: 5 Miler!!! Woot Woot!! Plus light shoulder upper body circuit...NO ABS SORE!!

Well I am off to enjoy the weekend with Craig, he got off work this weekend and I am so pumped!

Questions: Were you competitive when you were a little kid?

What were some of your favorite memories about your childhood?

Taco Bake Thursday

Since Craig has been working 15+ hours I have taken the role of making dinner for him...awww. I have actually had a fun time finding yummy recipes that he will enjoy. Yesterday I made him a Taco Bake.
Ingrediants: 1 Box of Mac and Cheese
1 8 oz container of Sour Cream
1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
4 Cups Shredded Cheese
1 Package of Taco Seasoning

Step 1: Make Mac and Cheese as Directed on the box Step 2: While Mac and Cheese is cooking add mix Toca Seasoning into Lean Ground Beef Step 3: Once Mac and Cheese is done according to the box, add in the entire container of Sour Cream (1 Cup) Step 4: Layer the bottom of the pan with half of the Mac and Cheese and Sour Cream mixture, then place the cooked meat on top of the Mac and Cheese

Step 5: Place 2 cups shredded cheese on top of the meat then place the rest of the Mac and Cheese on top of the cheese and the finish up the top layer with the other 2 cups of cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 350!In other news, our air conditioner is still not fixed! Yes, I am very upset about this. Luckily the weather has cooled down below 90 so I was able to get a decent amount of sleep last night. The night before was MISERABLE so I high tailed it to the parents house 40 minutes away and crashed on their couch in the basement. Craig, sweated it out with Cooper in the apartment.
Pretty excited when I came home last night and found my new hoodie had arrived in the mail. I found this at a great steal on the Under Armour website for 26 bucks with free shipping! Yes, I know summer is coming....but when do you not use a hoodie.

Today's Workout: 2 mile run at pace of 5.6-5.7
10 minutes on Elliptical followed by a 10 minute cool down on the bike

Lifts: Lat Pull Down 2x12 45 pounds

Butterfly Back Press 2x12 20 pounds

Bicep Curls 2x12 25 pounds

One Arm Dumbbell row 2x12 each arm 12 pounds

T Bar Row 2812 30 pounds

1 Set of 12 side switches with 10 pound weight

1 Set of 12 sit ups on exercise ball

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

My legs are still pretty sore from the light leg lifting that I did on Tuesday so my run was a little harder than expected. Tomorrow I am looking to stick to 40 minutes of cardio with some abs and Saturday hoping to hit my 5 mile run.

This is what Chelsea's hair resorts in when the humidity is high and she has no air conditioner....curls curls curls!!

Questions: Where do you search for recipes?

What is your favorite apparal of clothing (hoodies, tank tops, shorts, etc.) ?

5 Miler on Memorial Day-Don't Mind if I Do

This week has been a rough start. Sunday temperatures soared to about 90 degrees, Craig and I discovered that our air conditioner at our apartment did not work. We called and they said they could not come out until today to fix it! So for the past two nights, I have been sleeping in 90 degree heat which has lead to about 3 hours total of complete sleep. I feel as if I am a walking zombie. Yesterday was doable, but the no sleep has hit me hard!!.

Workout Recap

Saturday: 4 1/2 mile run (this was hard, legs tired and lacked energy)

Upper body lift

Sunday: 45 minute walk with Cooper

Monday: 3 mile run (awesome run, legs on fire...think I had the adrenaline from the lack of sleep)

Upper Body Lift-chest and triceps

Today: 3o minutes elliptical, 10 minute cycle

Lower Body Lift

Deadlifts- 3x12 with 40 pounds

Squat Machine 2x12 60-80 pounds

Calf Raises-3x12 15 pounds

Lunges 2x10 (1 set with 10 pounds, other set with 8 pounds)

Quad Curl Machine 2x12 30 pounds

A note on today's workout, one I was lacking energy and I should have skipped it all together, but I figured since I was already laying wide awake I might as well hit the gym, two my workout called for more intense weight...but this is really my first leg workout in over several months...clue you in on sore my bum might be tomorrow :)

In other news, as noted above I will be participating in the 5 Mile Boy's Town Run. This will be my 3rd year participating in it. Last year I was unable because I had plans down at the cabin with Craig for a Memorial Day Party. This year we opted not to plan one for he has a bachelor party to attend over the weekend for his best friend. I know the course pretty well, and it is not an easy one (lots of hills) but it is doable. I am not racing to set any PR...I am just going to get out there and run!

My lunch break is over, back to the kids. I am going to pray for a good night's sleep and a working air conditioner.

Questions: What is your next race you will participate in?

Do you train for every race you run, or do you sometimes just like to have fun and run it with family and friends?

How Popcorn Is Made

I love the end of the school year, field trips!! Yesterday our class visited a local popcorn factory called Vics. We learned how popcorn was made and then the kids got to enjoy some handmade popcorn balls. I was amazed at all the different flavors they have: green apple, blueberry, confetti, banana, strawberry, chocolate covered Carmel, blue raz, etc. It defiantly made me hungry for popcorn!!

The making of banana popcorn ballStrawberry Popcorn

I have been so bummed recently. Craig is working 70 hours plus so I see him for about 5 minutes each night before I go to bed. It has been kind of rough because I have moved to Blair this summer and I really don't have any friends here yet. I am at that age where most girls my age have kids and a family, you find that more in a small town. I do have friends and my parents in Omaha, but on a weeknight it is hard to drive 40 minutes to go and see them. So yes, for the past week I have been communicating to 8 years olds and a puppy! I just have to tell myself that it will not be like this forever, only about another month and his work will slow down.

Tonight I made plans for coffee with my Mom and then sushi with the girls!

Workout Recap

Thursday: 40 minute walk/light jog with Cooper

Friday: 32 minutes elliptical (3 miles) 10 minute cycle

Upper Lift Routine

Shoulder Machine Press-3x12 20 pounds

Standing Shoulder Press 3x12 10 pounds

Butterfly press 3x12 30 pounds

Lat Raises 3x12 10 pounds

Abs

Leg Lifts-3x12

Laying Down Leg Lifts 3x12

Total time 1 hour 5 minutes

Yeah for Friday!!

Questions: What is your favorite thing this Friday?

What do you do when you feel lonely?

What I Ate, Workout and Wisdom Wednesday

I have read several blogs that post a "What I Ate Wednesday," post so I decided to follow the trail. Sorry, but mine are not as exciting...this might just be the kick in the rear for vamping up my diets and trying some new recipes. Here are just a few of the things I ate today....

Pita Chips (hand made, cut apart from a flat out wrap, baked and topped with spelnda and salt)
Turkey and Cheddar burger with mixed veggies and Dijon mustard

Rabbit Food...celery and almonds as a mid morning snack

Some egg whites to go along with the rabbit food

My morning bowl of oats, cottage cheese, strawberries, yogurt, flax meal and protein powder, and yes they are laying on a top of un-graded papers...food comes first lol!!

Workout Wednesday!!

This week I have been doing some searching online for a specific workout routine with weights to do. I think this new routine will help me get back into weight lifting, and something a little new to add some spice into my working out besides just running...although I love running :) I came across this four day split on Body Building.com.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/guides/female-20to39-muscle-building/training

It might look a little intense to the average joe, but bear with me I am not completing these exercises with that much weight yet, and I am modifying it with the reps and how many times I perform each rep.

Today's workout went as followed:

3 mile treadmill run- 32 minutes followed by 8 minute cool down on bike

Stability ball bridges 2x12

Wide Grip Pull Down 2x12 40 pounds

Dumbbell Pull over 2x12 10 pounds and 1x12 12 pounds

One Arm Dumbbell Row 2x15 12 pounds

T Bar Row 2x15 30 pounds

Bicep Curls 3x12 (10 pounds each arm, last set 12 pounds each arm)

Dead lift 2x12 with bar plus 10 pounds

I know pretty light weights, but give me some time I am just getting back into the groove of weight lifting from all the way back in January. I can pretty much say I know I will be sore tomorrow...I can feel it already :) I plan on taking off Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday as my "active rest days." Active meaning, light ab work, yoga, walks with Cooper or bike riding. I know if I want to achieve still running a base of 6 miles and weight lifting I need to be taking those rest days to let my body recover.

Now on to some Wisdom. This past Sunday my past0r at my church challenged us to the 31 day challenge of reading Proverbs. Read a chapter a day throughout May. Now I LOVE going to church, but will admit I have a hard time getting into the bible and understanding it...but this Proverbs thing has got me going. I am on day 4 now and I came across a couple of passages that really struck me.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you really are. Simply obey the Lord and do no wrong. If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains," Proverbs Chapter 3

The thing I love most about going to church and listening to sermons, is that I can find a way to connect what God teaches us with what is going on in my life. This passage struck me because sometimes I think I am the tell all to everything. I know my body so well, that I don't need to listen to anyone that says slow down, or treat it better. I am a stubborn person who thinks I can run through pain, exhaustion, and stress. When in reality, I can't. This is God's way of telling me "stop and listen to your body and take my wisdom." Because I don't always listen to the wisdom that God has sent to me, I fail in what I want to achieve. This failing, will in turn make me a stronger person and learn to rely on God more and trust in him.

I dare you to take the 31 day challenge of Proverbs and relate it to your life!

Questions: Do you attend Church, what do you find most beneficial from it if you do?

What are some yummy items you ate this Wednesday...come on they have to be more exciting than mine!!

Things I am Loving This Spring Weekend

Finally the sun decided to come out and bless us with it's presence, the temperatures were not all that great, high 50's low 6o's, but heck I will take it any day. This weekend was spent mostly with my parents. Craig is busy out helping his farmers plant their seed for planting season. This time is always the hardest for me, I have to learn how to keep myself busy. He did make it off work a little early last night around 7 to take me out for a yummy dinner down by the river. We then came home and watched Country Strong, which was an "okay" movie. Here are some items that really highlighted my weekend: A Nike tank top I was able to find at a garage sale for 3 bucks!
Mom surprised me with this new flavor of syrup for a late b-day present

My afternoon snack of whipped cottage cheese and cereal and almond butter

A trip to Whole Foods with the parents and a late birthday lunch

Mom and I this afternoon after lunch

Two good book finds for a dollar each at a garage sale on Saturday

Green Peppers on sale 2 for a buck

Propel Water, I bought a 24 pack Friday and it is already halfway gone..eeekkk


As you can see, I was able to find alot of good finds this weekend, hence the garage sales. During the summer, my Mom and I love the adventure of going out for a good bargain.

Workout Progress

Friday: 40 minute elliptical and 10 minutes cycle/Ab circuit

Saturday: 4 MILER!! About 1 minute slower than my pace but hey, four miles after over training is good for me :)

Questions: Do you like shopping at garage sales or thrift stores for a good deal?

I love finding a good deal, it is worth the time and effort if it is cheap and worthwhile!

What is your favorite afternoon snack?

Mine is usually oats, protein powder and almond butter but sometimes I mix it up with a protein bar or cereal.