Just a few more hours

until I turn thirty...

Today at work we were asked to do a ton of self reflection on our teaching: where we have been, where we are, where we want to go, why Fred Jones qualifies as king, etc... As I completed this reflection today, I realized that this was incredibly applicable to the current point in my life. So, here I am with a bit of reflection as the hours of being "twenty-something" fade into darkness.

My journey has been a complicated one. Often it has led me through blind tunnels, horrifying grades, off road climbs, and hairpin turns, however it has continued to reward me with unconditional love and support, crazy adventures, and new mountains to explore.
Beginning early in life, I didn't "match" the other kids; I was raised by a hellion of a father, a saint of a grandmother, and a mess of a brother. My mother (by all versions of the definition) would enter my life when I was two and drag along with her my sister (by all versions of the definition); neither would leave and both will become an integral part of my existence. 

Later, my parents culture shocked my by moving me from "The Big City" to Greenacres. I learned to drive a tractor, love the quiet, and hike over a mile to my bus stop. This would mix with my big city upbringing and create the crazy concept of who I am today. 

Next, I would grow up quickly due to some crazy chaotic moments in my teens. These would be known as "The Dark Ages", and suffice it to say that I learned a lot, grew a lot, and became stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically because of it. Without those 18 months, I would not be who I am today, so for that I take with me what I gained and try to remember that I made up most of what I lost. 

Then, would come the years that I think blurred together about 4 years ago! I would move to Georgia with my high school love, buy a house, finish college, get my first dog, deal with an ongoing sickness, gain new friends and now inseparable parts of my life, watch my baby sister go through the loss of her mother and then father, lose old friends, put down my first dog, run, gain a niece and nephew, understand that high school drama belongs in high school, say goodbye to my grandmother, get my first teaching job, complete a 5k, travel out of the country, complete a 10k, and get married. 

Most recently, I have watched my journey fork in many directions and truly choosing the "path less traveled". It has been these forks that has made me excited for turning thirty: flooded house, deal with continued sickness, house remodel, move across country with 2 dogs and 3 cats in 1 moving truck, get a new job (x2), spend more time with relatives I haven't spent enough time with in recent history, complete another mud run (2 more to follow soon), meet amazing relatives my husband barely new he had, pick up a snowboard, be apart of a news worthy Christmas display, say goodbye to my mother-in-law while watching my husband fade at the loss, hike, question faith and continue talking to my grandmother no matter what I believe, run, move again, commit to a better and healthier lifestyle even with my illness, move my brother across country, and learn to let go a little more.
Life is about the unexpected journey; embrace it. Take on the idea that eventually you have to choose whether you are living life or letting a series of circumstances create your life. I still get caught up in the circumstances, but I am learning to live on my own terms. As I close the gap to thirty, with hours to spare, remember to reflect on your journey and make decisions for you. Enjoy this trip because there is nothing else like it; vow to take a step in the direction of living life as often as possible. I plan on making my thirties that absolute best years I can; I wish each of you, no matter where you are on your journey, the very best and hope that you will commit to make a change one step at a time to changing something in your life. Here's to a continued search for absolute serenity!

Absent and almost thirty...

I have been absent for a while... Thanks to moving and going back to work. Things are crazy and sometimes it just truly feels that way. We have been continuing to juice and making healthy changes to local, hormone free foods. It is probably some of the best decisions we have made. It is fantastic being in a city that supports such a lifestyle. To top it off, we added a second mud run into our schedule this summer. So, I will be 30 in just 3 days (not counting today), and my husband is making some serious changes with me. We are working out more and using Charity Miles to donate our miles and My Tracks to log our miles. It is amazing to think of the long journey the two of us have taken together. Honestly, it feels surreal to think about where we have come from.
As I get ready to turn thirty this week, celebrate with me; find something that you want to do and commit to do it. Short term, Long term, it doesn't matter - just commit and if you can find someone to take the ride with you, do! I am seriously thinking of making the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2014 my long term goal....

Pack, Juice, Pack, Juice, Pack....

I am so over packing, so to break up the monotony I decided to juice our finds from the Farmer's Market (I will be hitting up our nearest one on Thursday) I made four juices today... Cucumber, green apple, strawberry, and plum; Grapefruit, oranges, and pineapple; Watermelon and cucumber with basil; and Cucumber, cantaloupe, and peaches. Only 2 yielded enough to freeze, but that's okay - all turned out pretty good, which I am stoked about. I know that there is a bit of ratio flaws, but it is keeping us drinking and for us that is a great thing. Hoping, on Thursday, to pick up some more spinach considering those seem to be the greens that my husband prefers.
So, with only 5 days until we move, we are doing all that we can to keep juicing and still being prepared to move. I can't believe that the summer is coming to a close, the start of a new school year is just around the corner, and the beginning of beautiful things lie so close....

What's in the water?

What a weekend. After a Thursday evening viewing of the Batman Trilogy, we immediately found out about the shooting, in which we were "Six Degrees of Separation" affected by it. Spent Friday helping with that, stopping all else, so that our landlord could show the house, and trying to continue everything else in preparation for packing. Saturday, we ran a few errands, watched Food, Inc. and did a bit of packing. After some serious discussions, my husband and I have talked through some additional changes we would like to make in the coming months.... start a change to hormone and antibiotic free meats, shop more often locally and organically for produce, and switch to preservative and modified free foods. This on top of juicing for the start of our day. So, today, we slept in, went to the Farmer's Market and had a great morning. This afternoon we are relaxing a bit and working to pack a bit more (as our move is in one week).
At the Farmer's Market we bought a ton of stuff (at least for the week until we move) including; a volcanic garlic braid, home extracted grape seed oil, fruits and vegetables, homemade root beer, and 2 pounds of organic beef steak. So, here's to trying to make better decisions for our health, supporting local growers, and enjoying the decisions we are beginning to make. I hope that each of you will join us in any of these small moves and will continue to follow us on this journey.

Not for the faint of heart...

In general, my life always runs full speed ahead with some new dilemma cropping up at nearly every turn - It is like that hedge maze in The Shining; I can't find my way out and there is a psycho with an axe not far behind... If I can only stay...two...steps....ahead...
Today, after sleeping horribly, my side of the bed was taken over by a restless husband and bed-hog cats, I had to go and doing some measuring at the new house. Then, it was time to come home, drink breakfast (Sunset Blend), and continue packing ... lucky me! Next, I would do a bit of laundry and continue packing (sensing a trend here recently?). Luckily, I sat down to drink lunch (Lemon Lime), watch an episode of General Hospital, and pin to Pinterest. Because of our recent modifications to juicing, I had produce that I needed to take care of, so in comes the packing break to juice... lucky me! Due to these leftover fruits and veggies, I began to take things into my own hands - honestly, they aren't bad! I did good, have no idea what the fruit to veg ratio is, but that's okay - still better than I would ever being doing trying to eat this many vegetables!
Now, I am posting the picture for the day, and if you are interested, the recipes are below... I will explain, the first one is not for the faint for heart! The first also yields a ton of juice, so freeze!

Recipe 1 (Not for the faint of heart): In blender smooth 1 banana and 4 cups of blueberries. Then, juice and add the following, 1 head purple cabbage, 4 pears, 1 cucumber, 4 kale leaves, 1 bunch spinach, 2 large chunks ginger, 5 cloves garlic, 1/2 bunch mint, 1/2 bunch basil, 4 golden apples, 2 green apples - Mix well with a spoon!  

Recipe 2:  2 cucumbers, 1 small carrot, 5 green apples.

Back to packing.... lucky me! Happy Wednesday All!

Home is where....

Where is home? This is a question that keeps coming up (see mover or stayer post), and I don't know that I have found a good answer. Most people say home is where the heart is... but physically, emotionally, mentally?!? As I pack to move again (I hate packing), I am (again) debating this question...
I was born in Chicago and still have a ton of family there - I feel like that will always be my first "home"- and a part of me remains with the family there, so is this "home"? I spent much of my time growing up throughout the state of Florida, so is this "home"? My parents and my baby sister remain there today and it was the last place I saw my beloved grandmother and, most recently, my mother-in-law, so part of my heart is definitely there, so is this truly "home"? I literally put my blood, sweat, tears, heart, and soul into my personal home where we lived for years (that we are now renting), and where we have left friends that are our family , so is this "home"? I gave away my heart at the end of an aisle to my high school love on a beach in Jamaica, so is this "home"? I moved across country, with that man of my dreams, to the Centennial state, and we could not be happier, so is this "home"?
I am beginning to believe that "home" is a fragmented version of "where the heart is" because the heart can lie in so many different places and with so many different people, and this definitely links to being a mover or a stayer. It is honestly amazing to me that our heart can be divided in so many ways yet remain whole. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, never forget the places your heart calls home; drive by, take a vacation and visit, look at old photos, use Google Maps or Google Earth, and keep the details with you because they are a part of you. Never forget all the people your heart remains with; visit them, call them, text them, send them a letter, organize your photos for those who have gone, and keep them close to your heart because they are a part of the reason you are who you are today.  

Compromise...

Compromise. That is what life is all about, right?!? There has to be some version of compromise or else nobody would get anywhere with themselves or others. In getting ready to turn thirty, this is a pretty big deal, learning to compromise and truly being okay with that compromise; realizing that there is a difference between compromising for a cause versus compromising oneself and your beliefs. At the end of juicing day 3, my husband was struggling a bit with the juices, especially the green ones. This prompted a discussion about realistic goals, the future, and what this meant for juicing... the results:
1. We are going to stick to juicing during the day.
2. For dinner, we will have an overall raw friendly meal.
3. We will continue to avoid processed sugars and prepared foods.
4. We will continue exercising and working out. 
This, for us, is still a huge commitment, and we applaud anyone sticking with juicing only. This is not a cop out, for us these steps are still steps toward a healthier overall journey in life. We believe, for us, this is the best situation in making strides to incorporating a healthier lifestyle as we continue our journey together. It is also important that we are supporting one another in this journey. We just know that we want to continue to be active, in better shape for snowboarding season (72 days away), and we want our future children to be healthy and active and that will begin with us.  
What this means to you: Whatever you a struggling with, fighting about, or debating - find a compromise; sometimes this is the best thing you can do to find the right path for you. Remember, everyone is walking a different path and struggling with different things, just because your paths are different does not mean that you shouldn't find an intersection every once in a while.

Juices: Sunset Blend, Purple Passion, and Lemon-Lime

General Hospital, a glass of water, and a glass of juice...

3 hours... Think of all of the things that you could do in 3 whole hours... 

- Drive well into and almost out of the mountains. 

- Complete 3 classes at the gym

- Hike 9 miles

- Catch a plane to Vegas (including plane ride)

- Nap, Nap, and Nap again

You get the idea, however in 3 hours, I managed to accomplish juicing, separating, and freezing the next two days worth of juices... At first I was a bit pissed off - 3 hours for two days?!?! Then, I realized I was thinking in dinner only terms... Duh. You just prepped 20 meals in 3 hours, it really is a decent trade off, exhausting, but a good trade. And here they are! 2 mean greens, a jugo, carrot soup, minty fresh berry, and tasty tart treat! 

So, now I am going to take my very tired self (lets not forget I am still packing to move and did that all morning) and plop down on the couch with my juice, my water, and some General Hospital!! If you are juicing, keep at it. If you are just following me on this insane journey - take some time for yourself in the next few days - you are worth it. 

What in the hell is "water weight"!?!?

I am in the middle of day two of juicing - it is a hell of a trip, but I am making it (it also helped that the scale said I was 4 pounds lighter this morning).  You know, then I began thinking, "it's got to be water weight." Does anyone actually know what in the hell this mysterious water weight is?!? Every time I have heard it, I have never questioned it - today, I did! Here is the definition:  Water weight loss is a temporary reduction in body weight due to the loss of bodily fluids -- generally through sweat, urination or defecation. I am fairly surprised by this because we always attribute losing water weight to dieting, when it really isn't the case. I feel a bit ignorant, but honestly, if we are stay hydrated and not doing the excess of any of the above, are we actually losing this mysterious "water weight" or is it something else? I feel like I've been lied to for many years... Anyone have any thoughts on this?!?  

As a side note, I took my "before" pictures yesterday, and I can honestly say that I am fairly certain they will never see the light of day. That is okay because it was still one hell of a motivator! We will see where this journey ends, I think. Honestly, can't believe that we decided to try this, and cannot tell you how proud of my husband I am for him sticking with it... With that, I must go continue my day of packing and then juicing...!

One day closer...

We knew this was going to be a random smattering of my journey to thirty - I had no idea where that would take me... So, here I am, just over a month from turning thirty, and my life is as crazy as ever... Somehow, at this point, I don't ever see that changing. I signed to lease to our new rental (we are still a bit undecided), have paperwork in the "boiler" for tomorrow, and completed day 1 of my juice fast.
I am super excited for the new place - we fell in love with where we live and aren't going far (not quite what we were thinking). It is great, but we will need a window air conditioner or two for a few months (anyone in the Denver area have one?!?) - not new to me as I grew up in Chicago with no central A/C. It is going to be amazing.
I have so many things that I need to do for this new job, which I ecstatic over because it is an amazing opportunity, but of course that adds to the pile of things that need to get done in the process of attempting to pack and clean!
I am very proud for making a complete day on the juice fast. I am tired, but otherwise doing okay. I am alright with okay right now.
So, here's to tomorrow, hopefully feeling good enough to pack some boxes and get my juicing for the next day done. I honestly think that is as big as my goals are gonna get right now! Night all.

Commencing Launch in 3...2...1....

Juicer arrived today, as scheduled.... Crazy shopping trip completed this morning, see previous post... Orientation attended, fabulous as all are, and prejuicing began tonight... I am exhausted!

I did manage to get all 5 juices prejuiced and packed for tomorrow, all the remainders (because I had the ingredients for 4 servings as per our plan) are packaged and frozen for the night. I will say, on the initial juicing I liked 4 of the 5; my husband, not so much. I am hoping as they are colder he will like them more - only time will tell. I will prejuice again tomorrow night, as I think this is the most efficient to continue as my days get a bit crazy... 

Here are my lessons learned today:

- Long (tall) vegetables are a little like trying to wrangle cats in my juicer - proceed with quickness.

- Beets are much easier to juice if you fold the tops over - they spin like a tilt-a-whirl.

- Radishes will escape a little worse for the wear if you don't get the food pusher in place fast enough - it is kinda fun to watch the first time or two!

- Plastic bag in pulp container - priceless.

- Cleaning juicer immediately - priceless. 

- I need to start composting (anyone have any tips?), the amount of peels and pulp are amazing... 

- Juicing is tiring on top of a long day, but once you are in the groove, it works. 

So, here are my final results... (these are the ones that got frozen for the night- the others are in drinking containers for tomorrow) 

Juice Shopping Mission One Complete

Goodness... I had made a list from the juicing recipes I found and multiplied them out. This is my trip for 6 days X 5 shakes per day X 2 people.... I have no idea if I am doing it right, but I will soon find out... I am hoping that this is an overestimation because this seems like a TON of fruits and vegetables.
Looking forward to this whole process, and hopefully to a less complicated, and slightly cheaper, shopping agenda!The looks and questions I was asked today were amazing: everything from being in catering to canning to baker.... I do not think that part will get any easier, unless I get the same people all of the time.

22 Lemons	7 bunches cilantro	2 Avacados
2 Pineapples	48" Ginger	Agave Nectar
6 cups blackberries	8 limes	4 Leeks
16 kiwi	112 Kale Leaves	6 cloves garlic
4 bananas	28 green apples	2 heads broccoli
2 cornice pears	Flax Seed Oil	4 zucchini
2 Cups Coconut Water	16 Plum Tomatos	24 cups concord grapes
9 bunches mint	4 apples	8 basil leaves
20 Red Beets	4 Jalepenos	8 cups blueberries
50 carrots	2 mangos	8 Asian Pears
72 Celery Stalks	4 pablano peppers	64 strawberries
7 bunches parsley	4 green chard leaves	2 Grapefruits
48 Radishes	4 sweet potatos
8 heads spinach	2 Purple Cabbages
32 cucumbers	4 red peppers
8 oranges	4 pears
32 golden delicious apples	1 papaya

Crazy, Beautiful Life

Wow - Life, full speed ahead - as always!
My husband and I moved to Denver over a year ago, and we absolutely adore it here. Honestly, what is not to love: mountains, year round outdoor activities, generally sunny weather, and friendly people. Well, the time had come where we needed to start looking for a new rental home, as our landlord is going to be putting this place on the market. September or October sounded reasonable to move again, it was only June.... However, an opportunity has arisen and we will be moving in three weeks?!?! Damnit.
It never fails, my life moves at a rapid, and often unforgiving, pace. So, in two days my husband and I will begin our juice feast and sign a new lease, in just under three weeks I will run Shape's Diva Dash, and in three weeks we will move (and I will somehow be miraculously packed). Did I mention that I am starting a new job in August, my husband has to take a trip south, and we will have to put our home in Georgia back on the rental market in September?!? Oh, and lets not forget an August 19th Warrior Dash run...
With that all in mind, and as I need to get to packing and preparing for juicing, remember that life is what you make of it. I am going to take this crazy trip as the reminder that life often moves at a pace we struggle to comprehend, if you don't stop to appreciate all that it has given you, you lose site of the big picture. Today, as you park your car a little further from the entrance to the store, stop and enjoy the feel of the sun on your skin, the smell of fresh cut grass, and the company of those around you. Put down your Cell Phones, Laptops, IPads, IPods, MP3 players, Radios, Walkie Talkies, Pagers, Fax Machines, XBox Controllers, Boomboxes, and any other electronic device that  you may have and enjoy all of the gifts that you have around you. Vow to, at least once a week for one complete hour (while you are sleeping does not count), put down all of those distractions and enjoy everything you have in your life - I promise, it will be worth it.

Life Won't Wait - Ozzy

"Fat,Sick, and Nearly Dead" - We are joining the reboot...

My husband - a meat and potatoes southern kinda guy, who is aiming to lose around 30 pounds (ideally would be 40).
Me - someone willing to find a healthier lifestyle (that may just help my illness) as I get ready to surpass 30, who is aiming to lose around 60 pounds (ideally would be around 75).
Today, my husband and I watched the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, and we have decided to join the reboot. (Reboot Your Life) We are a bit pumped and truly going "balls to the wall" - 30 days to start and then, hopefully, 30 more. We ordered our juicer today in order for it to arrive on Wednesday, I created one hell of a 6 day meal plan with shopping list, and we begin on Thursday, July 12th. This is a huge step in my journey to surpassing thirty and hoping for some good results: physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also realize that this step is going to be a small one, and that I will have to plan very carefully coming off of this liquid as to make it the best benefit for my health; I am willing to do that. I want my 30's to be an introduction to the best years of my life, and with my husband standing with me, I believe we can achieve that. 
Yes, there are pros and cons to this whole plan, I get it. However, it is no worse than being vegan, and I get that there are pros and cons there. Honestly, it is well worth the shot and that is the most important thing that I can do - give it my all. 
In closing, decide to do something better for your health and go for it. It can be "extreme", as my husband and I, and doing a complete 180 or it can be as small as parking at the end of the parking lot at the grocery store or replacing one meal a week with a salad. Whatever is it, go for it! Then, come back here and lets support one another through this crazy journey of health, fitness, and surpassing thirty! 

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It...

:::Mission Impossible Theme Plays:::

In the idea of turning thirty, I have vowed a few things (this is not an all inclusive list): I will not fear aging, I will have a baby before 35, I will continue to travel, I will try things that scare me just a little, and I will fight through my sickness to obtain the best level of fitness I can. 

Well, I, like a genius, have already signed up for Warrior Dash in August (dragging my husband and my brother along for the ride - a first for both of them). |Please see my previous posts if you haven't already!| Apparently, I am a glutton for punishment; I signed up for  Shape's Diva Dash running at the end of July in Boulder. Now, there are a few amazing things here - 1. It is a female only race (except for the drag wave), 2. It supports local charities, 3. It is only being run in a few cities 4. It is a bit different from the male driven races, and 5. It will be a great warm up for Warrior Dash. 

So, I am a bit nervous even though I still have 3 weeks, and I think it has to do with the factor that I am running it "alone". Sounds a bit stupid, huh? That's okay, here's my challenge to you: find something that you want to do, vow to do it (even if no one does it with you), and DO IT! This is about a journey in life and you need to seek the opportunities you want to have. Today, I did something that scared me: I rode an Alpine Slide (a huge step for me), and, at the end of the month, I will be running this race on my own - no friends, no family, just me doing it for me because that is what this life is about. Find your opportunity and seize it, then come back here and tell me what you are doing, plan to do, or did - Lets take this journey together! 

Mover or Stayer?!?

Movers - People who roam freely, and often, from their place of birth or the home base of their families.

Stayers - People who stay put.

Are you a Mover or a Stayer? Americans have often been thought of as a mobile country - no roots, no obligation to family, and no need to "stay". 

A few things have triggered this discussion in my brain the past few days; extended family being in town, my parents enjoying a visit from my older sister and her kiddos, my baby sister trying to find her place in the world, and my dad, who I am pretty sure believes I have abandoned him. I was always taught to chase your dreams, but does that mean only within the confines of the locale of your family? Where does one find, and determine, the balance of their lives versus the lives of their family? What delineates loyalty to your family versus to loyalty to yourself? How do you define yourself if you have never left the town where you were born? Is locale the only way to show love, loyalty, and respect for ones family or can it be done from a distance? 

In the quest to think through these questions, I began some research. Welcome to the Pew Survey! "It is noted that college graduates move more often and further distances than those with a high school diploma or less, and employment plays a greater role in their decisions to move." Hmm.. Perhaps this is a partial explanation to our moves; I am the first college graduate within my immediate family. On the other hand, "stayers most often cite the tug of family and connections." Is this truly the measure of family and love - the proximity to one another?!? What the hell, does this mean there is something wrong with me?!? 

I am not certain that I have this answer, nor am I sure that I ever will. What I do know is that no matter what I am classified as, I love my family. They are the most important people in my life - does proximity make it easier, sure, but the same can be used to explain cheating spouses and overbearing parents. I believe that there are pros and cons to both sides of this, and I know that I will continue to weigh this question as my own journey towards thirty continues. The question is: are you a mover or a stayer? What are your thoughts on either side?!?

My Sister's and her Kiddos

• The Pew Survey

Lemons may cause reflection!

When life hand you lemons (lets just assume you are also handed the sugar and vodka), make lemonade.

Today is really about a time for a bit of reflection....

First, it is my husband's 32nd birthday - Which, as with most normal adults, began with a stint at work! The last two birthday's for him have been amazing - a surprise 30th complete with out of state guests, getting up at the crack of dawn to white water raft, and a cook out with ice cream cake and a going away 31st with all of our super close friends at Dave and Buster's just days before moving out of state. This birthday was a bit bittersweet, besides aging another year (which he hates),it was his first birthday without his mother (she passed away in January), so it was a bit low key with dinner at our local Thai place and a run for cupcake supplies to make for our neighborhood block party. 

- Find joy in the little things, never forget those who have gone before you and those who have lost long before you, and remember sometimes your presence is all that is needed.

Second, one of my favorite people and friends, went in for a very important medical procedure and, of course, did it with amazing grace and humor. She is the most humbling person I know: she will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear; she works harder than anyone I know; she is worldly and never uses that as a bragging point; she is there when you need her to be and even just when you want her to be; and she has a beautiful family with whom her attributes thrive. I strive to be more like her; funny, well-versed yet humble, kind, and truly soulful. She is often in my thoughts, and obviously more so in the coming weeks. 

- Find inspiration in those around you, keep your friends with you - no matter how far away they may be, and strive to keep those in your life who are important and positive influences. 

Finally, the night ended in chaos due to an arrival of a friends friend's kiddo paired with the sudden onset of the original friend's health scare. Of course, the one night I leave my cell at home (this never happens) my texts are from said friend. A mad dash to the airport, a sharing of friend's car and his friend's kiddo, and several hours in the ER (still no word) concludes with me writing my thoughts tonight. 

- Support those you can - in any way you can, know that everything is nothing more than controlled chaos, and that you should never visit the ER after midnight or on any weekend night!

In closing, when life hands you lemons (and sugar and vodka), mix it up, drink it up, and carry on - this is your life - You choose to make the lemonade or bitch about the lemons and let them rot... I have decided making lemonade is a hell of a lot better. 

Paying to be tortured

Torture is in, at least that's what many believe if you are into Fifty Shades of Grey, however I have yet to explain to myself why I pay for the ultimate form of torture (Didn't the fabulous Anastasia get "paid" for forms of abuse?!?) - running and not just any running; the running where you have to cross water, crawl through mud, and leap fire. Who in the hell came up with this concept?!? because I am sure as hell not running to finish in any timely fashion and surely not running to win a medal - my only goals include not having a heart attack and crossing the finish line under my own power (not on a stretcher); everything else is just icing on the cake. Couldn't I accomplish the same set of goals stranding myself in the woods somewhere with an IPod thumping some kickass screamo and running for approximately three miles?
I have determined that people who talk about their "runner's high" are actually just delirious - it is the same type of delirium as when you are stranded at sea with no fresh water for 7 days. I have never found my "runner's high"; I have only found that I become more creative with my profanity the further I run and the more tired I get - perhaps this is my version of a "runner's high"?
Nevertheless, I have once again signed up to run this race in about 8 weeks and amazingly it keeps me coming back. I am not sure if it is the amazing T-shirt (aren't these sold on the website?), the factor I get to play in the mud (couldn't I just make a mud pie in my own backyard?), the free beer (which I don't actually drink), or the factor that I actually cross the finish line, but I will be leaping fire with the help of some of my friends once again this year just after turning 30.
No matter what, there is something that will keep you coming back - find your "something" and go for it. As once said, "Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." This is our game and sometimes we don't get off the bench because we aren't pretty enough, thin enough, brave enough, extroverted enough, young enough, athletic enough, smart enough... We are enough - make it happen. 

Glasses make a woman sexy!

This is my confession- I love glasses like I love shoes - LOTS! However, I must also confess with both of these I am guilty of not wearing certain pairs because it is a hassle to locate them... I turned to the internet and Pinterest looking for an amazing answer to these problems, and the shoe response was overwhelming: pool noodles, tension rods, modified hangers, tubed cubbies, a closet from Heaven, and even a shoe wheel! The results for eyeglasses storage was a little underwhelming: frame with wire, plate, and a hanger... These seemed a little disappointing to me, and I gave myself a mission - to create a cute (easily displayed), convenient (easily located), and safe (no scratches) way to store my glasses, so I would utilize them more! (Especially considering I just ordered 6 more pairs.)
I accomplished my mission with a little inspiration from Pinterest and a bit of practicality. I started with the following materials: Hobby Lobby Frame - $6 (on clearance), Picture Wire - $.33ft, Swing Chain from Home Depot - $.50ft, Blue Lagoon Spray Paint - $4, Clear Coat Gloss Spray Paint - $4, Tape - $Free, and a box for safe spray painting - $Free. (I will note I am making a second frame and the spray paint will more than do both and would have done the frames if I had desired.)

All this required was spray painting and clear coating the swing chain and picture wire a color that would stand out against such a great backdrop (this took the longest time). Then, I laid out my chain, poked holes through the canvas and thin backer (NOT the backing for the frame) to run the picture wire through. I clipped the picture wire into roughly 4 inch sections, so I had enough leftover to tape to the canvas backer. Then, I ran the wire through the holes to hold my swing chain in place, twisted once, and taped the leftover to the back. I repeated this for the second chain. Replaced the backer to the frame and Voila! cute, convenient, and safe display for my glasses that will lay flat against the wall. Hope you find a little inspiration yourself! 

In honor of Father's Day...

For a father who raised me with the help of a Grandmother and, eventually, a step mother.... I love you all... 

A Reflection on Childhood

You can pick up any newspaper, read any online article, or peruse through your local bookstore to find “expert” information about how to raise children, including all the things to avoid. (Though I was always told children didn’t come with a manual!) When did we become such an infantile, spoiled and self entitled society? I fear that the generations, beginning with the baby boomers, have consistently expected more and more without the effort of work, and regrettably, have instilled this mentality into the future generations whereas this mentality has only multiplied.  Regrettably, this is a lump sum of generics and I do not feel that everyone falls into this category, only the vast majority. It is in this ideal that I reflect on my childhood and all that I “survived”; wishing for a shift in the state of people today.

-          I slept in a crib, which converted to a bed, which had drop sides, a flat mattress, sliding drawers, and shelf for knick-knacks – I made it.

-          I lived on a second floor apartment with a metal balcony – I made it.

-          There were guns in my house (we knew better) – I made it.

-          I grew up in a two bedroom apartment with one TV, family dinners, and no Xbox – I made it.

-          I was expected to clean my plate of exactly what was cooked for everyone for dinner, whether I liked it or not – I made it.

-          I didn’t have a computer – I made it (and even handwrote my first high school papers)

-          I didn’t have a cell phone or texting, there was one home phone and it was in the kitchen; Hell of a way to keep us honest – I made it.

-          I didn’t get an allowance and I was still required to do chores (no bribery) – I made it.

-          I was expected to behave in public at all times without the aid of electronic devices, whether I was at dinner, the flea market, the hospital, on a plane, wherever – I made it.

-          I drank straight from the hose (and the spigot outside of the building) and not one “specially formulated” for drinking from – I made it.

-          I was expected to respect all adults, if I talked back to any of them there would be hell to pay – I made it.

-          I stayed outside with friends until a whistle from up the street called us in for dinner (and you best make in there in the time it took you to get there at a dead sprint) – I made it.

-          I used my imagination; made indoor railroads in the basement with 2x4’s and rode my bike over them, created obstacle courses in the backyard, played Barbies, built forts, and the list goes on – I made it.

-          I ate glue, glitter, crayon shavings, and dirt – I made it.

-          I had bottles, cups, bowls, and utensils that weren’t BPA free – I made it.

-          I rode in the back of a pickup truck, in the winter, with a Christmas tree – I made it.

-          I had 3 cookies and a cup of milk as an afterschool snack every day, no more, no less – I made it.

-          I ate basic cereal for breakfast, sugary ones were only a treat every few months and there were no such things as pop tarts or pizza for breakfast– I made it.

-          I went shopping with my family, we knew better than to beg for junk food, act up in the store, run down aisles, or cause commotion in general – I made it.

-          I rarely went out to eat, but when we did I was expected to behave, otherwise I would have been removed from the restaurant – I made it.

-          I did my homework and asked when I need help; I didn’t blame my teachers, baseball practice, friends, the dog, or parents for not having it – I made it.

-          I was encouraged to be active in school (drama, chorus, musical theatre) and come before school or stay after school to work with my teachers if I was struggling with something – I made it.

-          I was expected to do well in school, there was no excuse because you can work through anything (my brother was dyslexic and still made it) – I made it.

-          I paid for my actions with consequences inside and outside of school – I made it.

-          My clothes came from where we could afford them – I made it.

-          I got a job at 16 for minimum wage and didn’t complain about it, if I needed gas, I paid for it – I made it.

-          If my behavior was severe enough, I was smacked (never beaten) – I made it and learned a lesson.

It often scares me to see many of the youth of today and their parents, the relationship dynamic has changed. I hope for a shift in the way this society is presently raising children or we are in for a surprise as we continue to fall in the rankings of etiquette, education, and morals. I am happy to say that I was raised in a way that taught me to be a well rounded, educated, and respectful adult – attributes that are often missing in children today. So, here’s to saying “screw the experts” and going back to what works; a generation of depression era parents who only knew what they had and not the things they couldn’t get, a generation who were parents first, and a generation whose family name meant more than the label on their clothing

Botox for $100, Alex!

The dreaded number. The time when black balloons and the over the hill jokes begin. It approaches unrelentingly quickly and there is no turning back - 30 is exactly two months away... Get out the wrinkle cream, calcium chews, military grade moisturizer, frozen cucumber slices, hair dye and be sure to schedule your Botox shots - break out the girdles and granny panties and put away those stilettos - kiss your youth goodbye...  It's all down hill from here, right?!?
Wrong! I think of thirty as a milestone that I am reaching and not a downtrodden "I will never be twenty-something" again (though many would say I was never actually twenty-something, just an old spirit trapped in a younger generation body).
 I made it through the horrible early teen years where acne and hormones prevail, awkwardness takes place of child like grace, body issues develop, family connections are severed (sometimes beyond recognition), and lust is synonymous with love. I made it through my late teens and early twenties where college student budgets cause ramen noodle binges, concert tickets were more important than paying your bills, your apartment is livable because it's what you can afford, debt accumulates, sleeping 4 hours a night is acceptable, and working three jobs while going to school full time is normal. I made it through my late twenties (almost) where life keeps throwing curve balls (generally in the direction of my head) my way, where an unsettling idea of being young has met being responsible, a passion for travel and knowledge abound, and the consistently inconsistent journey being taken with a life long friend and love.
I honestly cannot wait to see where life's journey takes me. Hasn't research just proven that a woman reaches her sexual maturity in her 30's and that forty is the new twenty? Haven't we just discovered everyone is a freak in seclusion with the popularity of the  Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy?!? (Amazing book if you haven't cracked its cover, do so!) This is a time to celebrate turning thirty, and I am planning on it. In exactly two months, I hope that you will join me in the celebration, wherever you are and in whatever you are doing - make it count!  <3

Baseline Data Is Always Important For Research

Today I wanted to get a “baseline” for how much work I have to do to get in some semblance of better shape… I brilliantly decided (and talked my ex-military brother into coming along) that running the stairs at Red Rocks Amphitheater would be the best place to do this. Red Rocks is absolutely astonishing, or so I am told – hell, I’ve seen The Zac Brown Band perform there on Youtube, it can’t be that bad, right?!?! I happily prepared all of my wares: Camelback full of water, gum, a snack, sunglasses, and my usual workout clothes; running capris, a baggy shirt, a well fitted (by this I mean squashing) sports bra, Adidas trail runners, and my IPod. Of course this morning upon waking the smoke from the High Park Fire (40,000 acres and counting) had smothered Denver – FABULOUS! Even my non-athletic husband said something about postponing my running, which I blew off, naturally. Luckily driving west the smoke seemed to lessen (Score: Me – 1, Nature – 0) and we arrived at Red Rocks. It was an easy drive up to the total elevation of 6400 feet and I understood all of the hype – it was beautiful, the scenery alone would be worth the run, it had to be! As soon as I walked into the gaping amphitheater, my first thought was “What in the hell was I thinking?!?!?,” along with a few other choice words. I slowly brought myself to face the fact that it was gigantic and daunting AND this is where the pretty people come to run: beautiful women with manicured nails, long pony tails, dressed in sports bras showing off their toned tummies and gorgeous men in nothing but running shorts with their IPods strapped to their arms. (Score: Me – 1, Nature – approaching equal with the High Park Fire stats) So, fight or flight?! I decided to run… up those stairs as if my life depended on it and get my baseline – 1min17secs from bottom to top – honestly not too bad for someone who felt like throwing up as soon as I reached the top. I can honestly say that after 1 hour of being there I surely don’t feel any better about me and my journey towards a half tri, though I am very proud I stuck it out and continued to run, jog, or walk as much of the theater and steps that I could – Every journey begins with the first step, right?!?! (Score: Me - 2, Nature - still near the High Park stats ---- Ahh, screw her, I ran up those steps)

Introductions!

In all of my life, I have never truly “fit in”, and I have learned to pride myself on that. Presently, it’s my body size that doesn’t fit in. I am not a whale; I don’t get mooed at walking down the street, however I am not average (or below) so I don’t get looked at either. This is not a new phenomenon for me, as I have been rather up and down throughout my life –always hovering between average and non-whale status (approximately where I am now). What is new for me is that I will be 30 in just over 2 months… Amazingly, it is not the aging that concerns me; it is the drive to want to do more challenging activities. In the dispelling of the rumors, I am active; I have completed Muddy Buddy, Warrior Dash, several 5K’s, and a 10K all within the past 2 years. I run regularly, walk my dogs, and snowboard in the winter. Amazing, right?!?!  Not all fat people sit at home.
This road has been a long pot holed one filled with detours, sickness, injuries, and disasters,but here I am starting anew. You know the old saying, “It’s not the number of times that you fall; it’s how many times you pick yourself back up again.”

I have never been one of the tiny pretty things, and that is not an aspiration I am working towards. I am working towards happy and healthy with the ability to complete a half triathlon (I’ll aim higher later – remember, make your goals attainable!)  

I hope you will join me on this crazy ride of turning, and surpassing, thirty and all the “nitty gritty” in between!