Further, and Further

My run was so great. I ran 2.14 miles, and I think I could have gone further. My plan is to gradually increase my distance. I normally sign up for 5K races without actually running the 3 miles prior to the race. Since my goal this year is a 10K, I have to step up my game. So no more taking it slow we are all business. It is a great feeling to be running, and breathing in the air and living. I feel like a new person when my feet hit the road. All my worries from the day are gone, it's just me and my mind. I have to look back at my old race times, and see if this year I can set a new PR. My plan right now is to sign up for the Running of the Elk, the Blue Diamond Almonds Shamrock 5K, and the ZooZoom 5K. That's about 100 bucks in races. Shh... Don't tell my husband.

I noticed a couple of days ago that I imputed a goal into my irunsmooth app. What will happen when I hit my goal?

I love the skinnychickblog. It is one of my favorites, and I was reading about her strength exercises, and I think that she is onto something, so on my off days I think I am going to incorporate some strength and flexibility exercises. Smart right. Too bad I can not take the credit for it. Thanks skinnychickblog.

Just Run Away

There is no better way to end the day, then to run away. I am on a goal of 2 runs a week. This was the first one. The second one is today, same distance, and same time. Should be invigorating. I always feel just a little better after I run. It is my Therapy. I just wish I had a better view on my run. Houses just don't do it for me.

I took off quite a bit of time, so I have to slowly work back up to a 5K. I will probably sign up for two races in April. It helps to motivate me when I have a goal set. I really want to do a 10K by the end of the year. So, I will make that my long term goal for this year.




I know that Superbowl is over, what a game right. I mean didn't even put up a fight. I could actually care less about the game. I like halftime and spending time with family. Here is a family pic for everyone. I love my little family.

Back into it!

It is time. Time to start running again, time to become healthy and add a little hop in my step. I am going to start taking my multivitamin again. I crack myself up. I ran out and just didn't buy more. I am so lazy sometimes. I joined this new snack box delivery service and I am in love. Technically one box only gets me through a week and I only get one a month, but I can make do. They are called Graze boxes and I have not tried a bad snack yet. Today I had this... 

So delish. Ready for this months box for sure. I am making a goal of twice a week for running. I think that is reasonable, and if I run more than twice that's even better right! Brian bought me some running gear for Christmas. Gear always motivates me to run. 

Averie is going to be 3 on Thursday. We had her party, a Barnyard party, and she had a great time with all the family and presents. She was very ladylike opening them, even with her sisters aggressive encouragement. It was fun to watch her. I am having some issues downloading the pictures. I think they might be too big, so those pictures will come later. I am trying to come up with an idea for her actual birthday. Should I make something special? If so what? I want her to remember her bday!! 

Softball season is coming! Oh my! It is creeping up on me faster than I would like. That means lots of traveling and spending moola. But guess what, this is the end. The last stretch untill Anessa is off to college. So excited for her and me too hehe!! 

Well I am going to try and post more. Between my job, the kiddos, running, eating healthy and travel/high school ball. It's going to be another busy spring/summer!! 

Taking a load off.

I am writing today, with no clue when I wrote last. I know it has been a while. So here's what's going on....

* I have not ran for a month, until this last Tuesday and boy am I sore. Oh and out of breath.

* The Family went to San Diego for a little vacation tagged onto a softball tournament. That is how we do things in our house. Only for another YEAR though!!!!

* Softball has taken over our lives. More my Husbands life than mine. I have taken a huge step back. It is just not for me. Averie and I like our time together anyways. Brian will be leaving on the 27th for a SJSU Camp, then he will leave again on the 28th for Las Vegas. He will be back from that trip on Sunday, only to have a day break, and leave again on Tuesday the 2nd of July for Colorado. Man I am glad that I am not him. He is a very Dedicated Daddy, there is no one else that would do what he does for his daughter. I hold down the fort here at home. Someone has to right.

* My Best Friend has a secret! Bet that you want to know now!

* I have a trip to New Brighton Beach in my future and a trip to Disneyland for my Aunts 50th birthday. I am so excited for both.

Here's what you missed. It's a lot! I turned 30! I know. I still don't feel right. We traveled to San Diego, and stayed at 6 hotels. Don't ask. It is a lot to explain without complaining. The Summer has been great so far and it is only getting better. Averie is doing so well, and learning more and more each day. She is definitely growing into her little personality. Anessa is a teenager. She will be a senior this year and I am looking forward to graduation. Wink, wink.  She is going to have a wonderful at college, and I will have a wonderful time here. I am really looking forward to seeing her dorm this fall and buying all sorts of stuff for it. Brian is working hard. Always working hard.

Going to the GAME!

Today is game day.

That's right, I have the Sheldon gear on, Averie's gear is on her dresser, the chicken is in the Crock pot for later, and the blankets are in my car. We are ready to go softball watching.

Last night when I got home, I had the opportunity to run, prep dinner, and get a little bit of cleaning done, this is all thanks to Grammy. She hung out for a bit while I tied up some loose ends. In turn, I was very organized this morning when I left for work. Day's like these are the ones I look forward to. I am very excited for the game later, and dinner.

This weekend is creeping up on me slowly. I could stand for it to come a little faster. Brian and Anessa are leaving on Saturday for LA. It is the first practice for the new Strike Force travel ball team. They are going to have a good time. While they are at the beach, playing and watching softball, and eating delicious food. I will be here, well actually I will be at my parents. Averie and I retreat to their house when the rest of the family is gone. Hopefully the hot weather holds up and we can go swimming. I had a beef with the weatherman yesterday. Yep that says 93 degrees on my car. I am thinking that me and him need to have a talk. 7 degrees is a lot. Especially when I dress based on the temperature.

Tomorrow is going to be a fun post. I have taken a ton of photos this week and plan on purging them all tomorrow. I still have to get my Nikon fixed, so I have been taking all my photos with my phone. I think I am a pretty good IPHONE photographer. *giggles*

Well I might post again tonight. I know that every one is sitting on pins and needles for this game later. Oh Tuesday's game. I almost forgot. Sheldon won 4-0. That was a huge win for us. We are that much closer to clinching a playoff spot. We have to win today, and we are in. I guess it would have helped if I explained why I am so excited for this game. I just assumed you all could read my mind. Wait you can't? *smiles*

Here is a brief update on my running too. It was really hot yesterday, but I did run. I might actually consider waking up early in the morning to run from now on. I know that sounds crazy, but the weather might be making this decision for me.

I can't believe I overslept!

I woke up this morning expecting to look at the clock and it be 6am, usually I wake up a little before my alarm and snooze a few more minutes before having to roll out of bed. Oh no not this time, it was 6:45am, oh crap! I normally wake up at 6:20am, that usually gives me enough time to do everything that I need to do before I leave at 6:45am. That's right LEAVE at 6:45am. I panicked, crammed as much as I could into my bag and headed out the door. Forgot to put deodorant on, pack a lunch, or clean up the mess from the night before. Let's just say that this morning is going to be long. It is game day on top of everything else. Sheldon plays PG, so everyone is intense and psyched. Oh and it is Alumni day. Could we possibly cram more into one day. I mean, come on. I am so overwhelmed.

Resolution to all of this. I don't have to make dinner. It is Alumni day, so we are having a BBQ. Crisis averted there. I can go home after work and change into my Sheldon gear, because it is Tuesday and I don't have to rush to get to the game on Tuesday's. Thank goodness. I borrowed my moms deodorant. *laughs* I am going to have to grab something to eat on my break. I was trying not to spend money, but I guess this is just the effects of running late. I left Grammy with a ton of stuff to clean. Sorry Grammy. I love you to bunches. So as you can see it is pretty much covered. I think I might be able to take a deep breath. Onto some exciting things.

I wanted to talk about some plans that I am looking forward to this summer. It is going to be a busy one. I can't oversleep through this for sure.

1. Getting a little bit of healthy color. Wear sunscreen folks.

2. Camping at Brighton Beach with the Kaylor Family.

3. Kerin's (my aunt) 50th birthday at Disneyland. Just us girls are going, we are going to have so much fun, I can't wait.

4. Softball!!!! Lot's and Lot's of softball.

5. Averie talking, she is so close. I think this summer is going to be a great turning point for her. We have to get out of the couple of word rut sometime. Her signing it on point though.

6. Swimming, and BBQ's with family. This is one of my Favorite pastimes.

7. My 30th birthday, that we might spend is San Diego, one of my favorite cities ever!


8. The start of Nessa's Senior year, and the beginning of the end of her living in my house.


9. Averie growing up into such a big girl. Teaching her how to swim this summer! Feeding her fresh veggies, from my garden too!

10.  Lastly, lots of good food, friends, and family. The very best part about summer is making memories with the ones I love most.

Finally, I did go on a run yesterday after days of slacking. I was pretty irritated when I left so it was a short run, but at least I ran. I exerted way to much energy way too early so that resulted in a 3/4 mile run. 

It's here again

It is here again, the weekend that is. Man how I look forward to them. Although at the same time being so bittersweet. I hate for them to end. My hubby said he was going to try and clean more today, so I am super excited to come home and start the weekend. I love it when he helps. It makes for a good start.

Update on running, it has been sporadic, but it is happening. I have not ran 3 miles since my last race. That's is not to say that I am not able, I am just struggling to find the time. Here are my last two runs since The Running of the Elk on Sunday. My plan is to run again today. I am looking at getting in at least 2.5 miles.

The Huskies won their game against Folsom yesterday 18-1. Nessa hit a GRAND SLAM! It was so much fun to watch. I am glad that I decided to go.

 We were all decked out in our Sheldon gear. We are so dorky, but so COOL!!

We also got a sneak peak of Nessa's softball photo's this year. Isn't she pretty. She is such a ham, and very photogenic.

 My running has become contagious. One of the other Mother's heard that I was going to run in the Susan G Komen 5K race, and immediately wanted to do it with me. Then she said her daughter would want to run as well. Her daughter is on the softball team. From there it grew. Now we have involved the whole Varsity softball team. Sorry guys. *smiles*

If you want to make a donation to our team, you can find us under "Sheldon Softball Chicks." We ROCK! I know. I am so excited for my second 5K. This is going to be so much fun.

Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend! I know I will.

Crash, Bang, BOOM!

It is going to be a long day downtown for this girl. I am just now getting to work at 8:30am. A whole hour past my actual start time. I have a large accident to thank for this. A big rig crashed into the center divide on the freeway, holding up traffic for 5 miles. Apparently the freeway went down to two lanes. In the morning when I hear that, I know I'm in trouble. What this really means for all of us commuter's is hours of waiting, and staring at brake lights. My mother and I decided to try and avoid it by going around. I am not sure that was worth it, but here I sit ready (kinda) to work. It is going to be a really long day, have I said that already. The rain is not helping my case here either.

Onto something a little more entertaining, exciting to me at least. My run yesterday was fantastic. I ran with Shelly and had so much fun. It is awesome to run with someone. It makes the time fly as well as the laps. Getting pretty pumped for Sunday too. Here I come Running of the Elk. Woot-woot!! I do admit that I am still concerned about the full 3.1 miles, but I am confident that once I am in a groove I will be fine. There is nothing like a finish line to motivate me. I know that is psycho, but it is the truth.

Nessa's high school tournament starts today, they have a game at 5pm, and 7pm. Which means......wait for it.....I am home alone until about 10pm. Yahoo! I love it when it is quiet and I can just sit on the couch and watch my "crap" TV. For those of you that don't know what I mean by that. "Crap" TV is what Brian calls, all of the Real Housewives shows, SMASH, GLEE, all the shows I enjoy watching. I use these moments when they are both away to indulge. I love me some Rachel Zoe, Guiliana and Bill, and Big Rich Texas. Man I can't wait to get home. *laughing*

I also have Cilantro Lime Chicken in the crock pot. Man it is going to be a good evening. Complete turn around from the morning for sure.

Now I am off to read a couple of my favorite blogs. Dinner a Love Story, Skinny Chick Blog, and eatingRD. I don't really have much else planned for the day. I might work a little. I got a lot done yesterday thanks to Grammy. I went to the bank, store, and picked up Nessa from school. I think I might have one stop on the way home today, but that's not to shabby.

See ya....

Easter FUN!

Happy Easter Everyone! The whole family went over to my Mom and Dad's for Easter this year. We had a very large brunch, and an Easter egg hunt. It was so much fun. We also managed to sit down for a few and watch the Hobbit. Man those "Lord of the Ring" type movies are rough to watch, and by that I mean they are way out there in left field. I just don't think they are my speed at all. Easter all in all was a lot of fun, for the kids and the adults. Look how HAPPY! We really did have a great time. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Brian and I also went to the Sac State vs. CAL game on Saturday. It was a lot of fun.  I ate my nacho in peace. We dropped Averie off at my Mother in Law's so we could watch the game, instead of chase a two year old around during the entire game.

Onto the week......


This week is really busy. Nessa has a game today, I have to make a couple of stops on the way home before heading to the game. Then Thursday the team starts a three day tournament in Livermore. Then Sunday is my big race. I am so nervous. I am really not where I want to be to run it, but I am going to hit it hard this week and see if I can at least get 2.5 miles down comfortably. I know that the Running of the Elk is a 5K, I think I can manage if I at least get 2.5 down. I ran/walked 2.8 yesterday. I am really excited about the race, just nervous too. Oh, you know what else gets me psyched about running. New gear. See my new running capri's. YAY!

Well, I have a lot of work this morning, and it is going to be a busy,  busy day so I better get organized. Otherwise I am going to want to hurt someone by the end of today.

Run baby, run???

It has been a day since I ran, and the guilt is settling in. So I sucked it up and ran after dinner. I am sure I have been told not to run after you eat, but did I listen? Of course not. CRAMP!! I stopped after .73 miles. Can you say wimp? Yep that's me. No shame here. Here are my stats. Oh and a wonderful photo of muah.

Run #7

Good Friday!

There is instant relief in the word Friday. It means, the start of the weekend. A three day weekend at that. It means, the end of Spring Break for Anessa, no more hanging out around the house, making it a mess. It means the start of more spring cleaning, cooking, prepping for the week, and tending my precious garden. Oh, and most important PAYDAY! I always look forward to that.

We also have plans to watch the Sac State vs. CAL game @ Sac State tomorrow. I am on the fence whether or not I should go to that game. I guess I have until tomorrow to decide. I know that there is a lot to do around the house, and prep for Easter. I am one of those rare breeds that likes to clean. You can call my OCD if you have any questions about that. Sunday we plan on going to my parents for Easter brunch and an Easter Egg hunt. It will be so much fun to watch Averie hunt for eggs. I can't wait to see what she does. Last year was kind of boring because she had not learned to walk yet. This year she is a beast.

Update on my Little Miss Averie. She had her two year appointment yesterday and this is where she is at. Head Circumference: 18 1/2" (35% ), Weight: 26 1/4LB (35-40%), Length: 34 3/8" (50%). She is growing so fast. Here are a couple of her favorite things at the moment. It changes daily.

1. Loves to Dance
2. Loves Music
3. Loves to Laugh *giggles*
4. She is a terrific climber, she climbs on something new daily.
5. She loves Pasta!
6. She is a toy fanatic. By that I mean she will play with everything. Even things that aren't toys.
7. We are off of bottles completely. YAY!
8. She is signing a lot (more, all done, eat, and play). I can not wait to teach her more signs.
9. If she could play outside all day she would. (Speaking of which, I need to clean outside for her.)
10. Finally, she loves to give kisses, and get kissed.

I am going to go picture crazy this weekend. Grammy made her an Easter dress, so I can't wait to see her in it.

Yesterday was my break from running. I plan on putting in two miles today. I think I need to get comfortable with the two miles before I tack on another one. I noticed on my Thursday run that I was pretty out of breath and sore. I have also learned that I dislike running with a bottle of water. I guess I need to make pit stops along the way to make sure I stay hydrated. Here is a photo of my ambitious 3.1 mile run, that I am now paying for.

Run #6

Well I hope everyone has a great weekend and an even better EASTER.

Pushing past 2.1

The plan for today is to work, obviously. Make a couple of appointments for myself and the boo boo. She has lots of little teeth and is 2 now, so "Q" the Dentist. This is going to be bunches of fun. I can just see it now.

Then, a run. Shelly and I are running together today, and she said that when her husband ran last time he clocked it for us, and 3 laps around her neighborhood is a mile. I like having start and end points, it makes it  rewarding to run, knowing that there is a visual goal in mind. I also mapped the distance from my house to hers, and it is exactly 2.1 miles. So, here is what I am thinking. I know I can run 2.1 miles. I am going to run to Shelly's house (2.1 miles), and really push myself to run a mile with her (1 mile), and then run/walk home (2.1 miles). I will need a cool down anyways. If I end up walking, oh well. I know that the run to her house is going to be stop and go, since there are a bunch of stop signs. I am looking forward to this run big time. I wasn't planning on hitting my 3.1 mile, milestone this week. Now I am looking at a total of 5.2. I know that is a lot and I am still committed to being injury free. I will only do what I can. However, this will give me more time to get comfortable with it before my big 5K on April 7th.

Last night I ended up making sloppy joe's, and homemade potato wedges. They came out really well. My best friend makes them a lot and they always look so tasty. I figured I would give them a try. After dinner we went out for frozen yogurt. Averie loves yogurt, all kinds. This is just what she needed too. She did not get a nap in the afternoon. Can you say grumpy pants?! Not a happy toddler at all, but the frozen yogurt did the trick for a moment.

This morning I am trying a couple of new things that I picked up at the store yesterday. Bolthouse Farms Chocolate Protein Plus. It is a protein shake, and has 30 grams. That is awesome. I don't eat a lot of meat so I need to supplement with a shake or legumes, something. I just cracked this baby open and I like it. I prefer  the Odwalla brand protein shake if you gave me an option. This one is not chalky at all and tastes like chocolate milk. I would buy it again if it were on sale. The second thing I am going to try is BelVita Breakfast biscuits. I bought blueberry this time. I am going to finish my shake and break into these. Look how adventurous I am being. Normally I just stick to foods I know and don't move out of my comfort zone. World here I come. *laughing* I really have been trying hard to eat better. I know that I get out of my body what I put in, and if I want to push past 2.1 miles, I better fuel up!

After my run tonight, I am going to break into my crock pot for some yummolicious garlic lemon chicken with wild rice, and a side of asparagus. Buyah! I started it this morning and it smells so good. Amber, I think this one you are going to love.

A day worth talking about

Aside from being SUPER tired yesterday, it was a fantastic day. No really, it was pretty great. It contained a lot of this....

Then when the work day ended, I got to go home to my beautiful little girl, I mean family. When I arrived home, I found Brian and Luke in the front yard playing ball, and Averie, Grammy, and Heidi (Her PT), also playing on the lawn with balls. Averie always cheers right up when she sees me, it is one of the best feelings in the whole world.

After a little lovin'. I went and changed into.....that's right my running clothes. I was stoked to get home and go for a run. My goal was 2 miles, straight through. I have to start preparing for this like a serious person. I want to remain injury free. Luke insisted that he go with me. I told him how far I would be running, and he made it very clear that he could do it. We totaled 2.13 miles. He did a great job for the first mile, but the second was kind of rocky. He was fading out for sure. He still did a great job. I even got him to run the last 500 feet. Here is some proof. This was after the run when we were all tired, and giddy.

Run #5

Then there was dinner. Man I rock! I made Tony's Flank Steak, a recipe from one of my favorite blogs on the planet, Dinner a Love Story. She also has a book out, life would not be the same if this book was not in my kitchen. Side-note: I am not tracking everything I eat. It is just too much work, and I forget to take pictures, and then get irritated at myself. It is just a vicious cycle. I am thinking that life is just too short. You know? We had Tony's steak, mashed potatoes w/gravy, and fresh green beans with lemon. This dinner was DELISH!

I am excited for what tonight will bring. I would love to do another run, and then maybe make spaghetti with meat sauce, or sloppy joes? I have not decided yet. The great weather is really helping my state of mind. Now, I have to work, and catch up on some emails. I have not emailed my cousin in forever, and I have been meaning to. Sorry Cuz!