How About Some Goals…

So I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions. I think they are silly and people don’t stick to them. I think if you want to do something you should set goals. Small steps in the right direction are more apt to get you where you want to go than a New Year’s Resolution.

I have considered my goals for the year, but I thought I would focus more on monthly goals for now.
Here’s what I have come up with so far, they cover a range of shenanigans.

• On the running front, how about I start running again? My total of 9 whole miles run in December might seem impressive, but I’m ready to start hitting the streets again. So far, so good. I am focusing on running because it’s fun, not because I have to. Two Saturday’s in a row of 5 miles a piece, a hill workout, and even a not so terrible treadmill workout so far. I’d say I’m off to a pretty good start.
• Running naked. Yep, for the entire month of January my goal is to run sans Garmin. I do not want to worry about pace AT ALL for at least one month. (I will reassess this goal for February when February gets here.) This is not to say that I am not keeping track of my miles, but I know most of the routes we run so I can keep track of my distance but not care about how fast I get from the start to the finish.
• As for meal planning, I plan to do it. December was especially hectic with all the baking, and I feel like we were always scrambling for what we were going to have for dinner. Now we talk about it, or we have for the last two weeks, and we have a list of dinner options on the fridge and the girls get to pick.
• January has been much less busy on the baking front, but my goal for this month is marketing, marketing, marketing. I’ve baked up a couple of batches of cookies to take to my favorite salon for passing out. Valentine’s day is right around the corner!

• I also plan to get more organized with my business. (Set up my LLC, and open a business account.) There I sais it, so I have to do it. I have the forms for the LLC in my in box, just have to do it.
• I am so excited that I actually bought a new, to me, fancy camera last week. It’s a Nikon D3000, and my first goal with it is to learn how to use it. I signed up for a photography class, and since I missed the first class last week I am going to night for the make up class. Should be interesting.
• Finally, my last goal for January is to get more yoga back in my life. When I PR’d the marathon, almost two years ago, I was practicing yoga pretty regularly. In fact, all I was doing at that time was running and yoga. No strength or anything. After the horrible miles of 2014, I realized that the thing that was missing for almost the entire year was yoga. I am working on getting back to my mat. It’s good for me and I really enjoy it. It’s practically a no brainer.

WIAW, Sprouts and a Scary Yoga Class...

It was very exciting in Norman today.

The Sprouts Farmers Market opened today. It was Christmas in March.

I decided to swing by after my scary yoga glass this evening. It was scary based only on the fact that the guy that owns the yoga studio teaches the level 1 class on Wednesday nights. I have never taken any of his classes before, I am quite intimidated by him. I was in need of a little inner peace today so I decided to suck it up and just go.

It was a very good class. The pace was quite a bit quicker than the other level 1 classes I have been taking, and instead of focusing more on the individual poses we went through more poses. It was different, but very good.

So, after yoga, I swung by Sprouts to check it out. This is where some of my WIAW comes from.

I even got some greens that were not my favorite roasted broccoli and Brussels Sprouts.

I was a little disappointed that they didn't have a salad bar, why can't they be more like Whole Foods? Since a salad sounded good and I was not wanting to actually do any chopping I picked up a pre-made one. It was yummy.

I also picked this up. When we get those holiday popcorn tins at Christmas, my favorite part is the caramel ad cheddar cheese. You must combine the two next time you have the opportunity. You won't be sorry.

I only mention these because the packagine is green, but I have had one of these the past few days. Milk chocolate with a white chocolate filling inside these truffles are the perfect combination. I did manage to only eat one a day instead of eating all three at once.

The pink lady apples I bought recently have been amazing. Not a mushy apple in the bunch.

Finally, I will end with my half chocolate, half regular mini sized Frosted Mini Wheats. With a banana an almond milk it makes a delicious breakfast. The bowl in this particular picture held the last of the almond milk and it was not near enough almond milk for me. I should really pay closer attention when I am making my grocery list.

Stay tuned, I did do some baking this week. I will share soon.

 

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L Is For...

LOVE--Happy Valentine's Day! The kiddos were very excited when they discovered that we got them My Little Pony t-shirts for Valentine's Day.

LAB RESULTS--I got the reports from the blood work I had done a few weeks ago. It had not gotten my blood work done last year, but I needed to have my cholesterol checked to make sure it was still under 200. Looks like I passed the test.

LEARNING--I am still loving the level 1 yoga class I have been taking at Ashtanga Yoga. Last week I did my first ever assisted full bridge. Today we worked on headstands. I am still a long way from doing an actual headstand, but we did lots of little pieces that will eventually turn into a headstand.

I demonstrated a little when I got home.

I should have been a little closer to the wall in an effort to get the upper part of my body to be straight over my arms. I did get into this position in class tonight. It really remnded me how weak my little spaghetti arms are. I am hoping all the vinyasas are helping though. Each little improvement seems like a huge thing to me with my yoga practice.

LEFTOVERS--For the third day in a row, my dinner has looked like this.

Chickpea taos with leftover roasted veggies. If you have never had chickpea tacos you are seriously missing out. I used the Rick Bayless Classic Fajita Skillet Sauce. It has chipotle ad line and it is so yummy. This particular flavor is now my favorite, I think this will be the only one I buy from now on.

LEAVING--Josh is heading out of town tonight to go ice fishing with friends. That does not sound like fun to me at all. The girls and I have plans to go to the movies and out to eat this weekend. I am looking forward to a weekend with my girls.

 

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Tangent Thursday...

First of all, I ran naked this morning. I walked right by my Garmin sitting on the counter in the kitchen, where is always sits and never gave it a second thought. I didn't realize until I got out of my car at the Y. I couldn't believe it.

It was pretty windy, but I was still able to take my jacket off during the second half and ran in short sleeves for three miles. I felt great.

Laura let me take a picture of her Garmin so I would have a record of the run. It was a good run.

Secondly, since the Lululemon Thursday night yoga class got changed to Thursday morning, I went to Ashtanga Yoga in Norman for the level 1 class. I love the girl that teaches the class and I think I have learned so much these last two weeks.

For the first time, as an adult, I was able to do a full bridge pose. I had assistance, but still I couldn't believe I did it.

(source)

Jennifer, the yoga teacher came over and asked me if I wanted to give it a try. I was a little scared, but she stood above my head and had me grab her ankles and she helped me get up in the pose. I'm not gonna lie, my quads were very tight the whole time, but it felt good. I can't wait to do it again.

Finally, when I got home from yoga, I was getting ready to change my clothes and Carson was in the family room looking a little confused. She said she was looking for her shoes. She looked a little confused and asked what time it was. I told her 7:45 and she thought she was going to be late for school. Turns out, she had fallen asleep earlier tonight and when she woke up she thought she had slept through the night. It was pretty funny, but she was very upset about it. She isn't feeling well, so we will see what tomorrow brings. I hope it brings a less grumpy Carson.

It's much more fun when she is like this.

 

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Brownies and My New Favorite Yoga Pose...

I have no desire to watch the Super Bowl, and I don't even get very excited about the commercials anymore. When I got home from yoga the power went out in the stadium so I did have some Twitter entertainment for a little while.

Rocky is sick of the big game too.

My Sunday night yoga class had a different instructor tonight. It's funny how comfortable you get with how someone teaches and how different it seems when someone new leads the practice. Lots and lots of chaturanga dandasana to up dog to down dog. My arms are tired.

I discovered a my new favorite yoga pose.

(source)

I, of course, could never reach my toes with my legs straight, or even not straight so I used a strap. The girl leading the class helped me to keep my opposite shoulder on the ground while getting my super tight runner's hips to relax into the pose. It is so hard for me to get my hips to let go, even a little bit, and the stretch I got out of this pose was amazing.

Josh went to the grocery store with me today. It was so nice, they were handing out brownies when we walked in.

Not sure why I can't take a picture in focus. It made me want to make some brownies. Since I have not been all about the baking lately (I really need to snap out of it), I decided to get a boxed brownie mix. Don't judge me, I even bought a package of Oreos. I think my kiddos are wondering what is wrong with me, Carson has been having marshmallows for dessert lately. Mom of the year.

So in all of about five minutes I whipped up a batch of brownies and 40 minutes later they were pretty perfect.

A brownie + dark chocolate almond milk = best dessert ever.

Looking forward to no running and no yoga tomorrow. Hope everyone has a happy Monday.

 

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Face Your Fears...

I decided to get in a different yoga class this evening. I had two options at Ashtanga Yoga, a level 1 class and a level 2 class. I ended up going to the level 1 class and I am so glad I did. I was very nervous about trying out a new class, stepping out of my comfort zone is not easy for me.

Most of the yoga classes I have taken are for all levels of yogis, and I really enjoyed taking a class that really focused on the poses. I think I learned a lot this evening.

I really liked this stretch. You can read more about it here. We did it two differet ways, the first time with our arms straight, the second time with our arm on the ground bent at a 90 degree angle. The bent arm option was quite a bit harder and more painful.

We did work on a bridge pose, and I am doubtful that I would ever be able to do a backbend. It was nice to do a shoulder stand with lots if instruction.

This morning the weather app on my phone went off at about 5am. Apparently we were under a tornado watch for half of the day. Weird, it is January. It looked kind of scary when I was driving to work.

I was glad it didn't start raining until after I got to work.

It looks like it's going to feel more like January tomorrow. I am not looking forward to the wind in the morning.

 

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It's Spring in Oklahoma...

It's not really, but I can dream can't I? I forgot how to dress for a run in 60 degree temps. It was a bit windy, but it didn't make it feel cold at all. This is what the outside temp read at 5:15. Crazy when you consider that it was not too long ago that it was in the 20s. I was pretty warm in my Lululmon run crops and long sleeved shirt.

I got a six mile run in with Abby and Laura. My legs were a little tired from my long run on Saturday, but it was my arms and shoulders that felt the most sore. I think I really worked hard at yoga last night.

We did side planks like this and it was very hard to try to relax into your breath while holding this pose. Five breaths felt like a million. My super skinny arms were shaking like you wouldn't believe the whole time.

(Source)

I tried our a new hairdo for my run this morning. Or more accurately, I did a braid with a knot in my hair for yoga last night and just slept with it and ended up leaving it in for our run this morning. It actually held up very well for both yoga and my run. Might have been all the dirt in my hair, but I cannot confirm or deny that fact.

I really need to work on my self portraits.

I think it'll feel like spring again tomorrow. Who knows, it'll probably be snowing by the end of the week.

 

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Sick Day, But Not For Me...

My Thursday started off with hill repeats; brutal, horrible, I can't breathe hill repeats. We only did 3.79 miles by my Garmin and I was so glad when we were done. It was weird to be home by 6:00.

Camy was't feeling well ls night a she was already awake after I got home and was still not feeling well. We decided that I would get her into the doctor and let her get some sleep today.

I had breakfast before I took Carson to school.

Chocolate Frosted Mini Wheats with a banana and almond milk.

While Camy took a nap, I snuck out to a hot yoga class. I love when I can take a class at a time that I normally can't. I don't think I have ever sweat so much in my life. After how horrible the hill repeats were it was nice to feel amazing after yoga.

I went and got Camy some chicken noodle soup and 7-Up, because that's what you need if you aren't feeling well. Unless it's the stomach flu, then you need 7-Up and jello.

We had a little time to kill before we went to the doctor, so we watched a movie.

I had not seen the remake of Footloose, and Camy had not seen the original, so we decided to watch it. I can't decide if I liked it more than the original, but Camy did like it. There were some differences, but overall I thought they did a very good job.

Then we headed to the doctor's office.

She doesn't look that sick.

She was smiling before they came in and did the strep test. No flu, no strep, looks like it is just a cold. We went to Target to get a humidifier and some Mucinex. We picked up some ice cream, and these...

Not too bad.

Rochelle texted me a beautiful picture last night, and I just had to go see for myself.

The new Brooks Ravenna 4, they weren't supposed to be out until February. They are so cute! I haven't bought them yet, I had to get them put in the budget. I am excited to have two pairs of shoes to rotate in my training. I am totally a Brooks girl, but I have been happy with the New Balance shoes I have been running in for the last month or so.

I could probably tell you what model of New Balance these are, but I just don't know. I do like these shoes though. I had one small issue with a blister on the inside of my right foot but my favorite shoe expert made me an insert that has helped eliminate that problem. I am still very excited to get my new pair of kicks.

I almost forgot something funny that happened yesterday morning. We told Penny to get in the kennel, but then we couldn't find Rocky anywhere. Then we realized what had happened.

Penny got in the same kennel with Rocky. Good thing we were paying attention because Rocky isn't one to complain much. Oh yeah, and there was this...

I love my girls.

 

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Breakfast For Dinner...

I managed to survive yoga tonight, and I was able to breathe through my nose most of the time. I was surprised at how good my legs felt today after my sixteen mile run yesterday. Luckily I had no soreness and the feeling of being beat up I suffered through last week didn't bother me today.

I did have a hard time getting going today, thanks to my sinus headache. After some quality time with the DVR I got around and made it to Sam's and Target to get stocked up for the week.

After yoga, the only thing that sounded good for dinner was pancakes.

Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite meals. I could have done eggs, but I was feeling lazy.

Now the kiddos and I are watching Once Upon a Time and then I will call it a night. I am the only person here that has to leave the house tomorrow. I just hate that. I do have a Groupon for a new yoga studio that I might use tomorrow and get an extra class in this week, if not then Monday will probably be a rest day. Happily, that doesn't stress me out at all.

A few random weekend thoughts:

• I did not make it to the movies to see Silver Linings Playbook this weekend. I really need to see that movie.
• Jennifer Lawrence was funny on SNL. Love, love, love The Lumineers.
• Very sad to have watched the finale of Fringe. I am glad that the show ended by wrapping everything up, but I am sad to see it go.
• Sam's was out of the individual sizes of hummus again. I just hate that.
• No baking going on around here this weekend. We are running dangerously low on cookies I am in the mood to make something like brownies or in a bar form. Maybe I will find a new recipe tomorrow.
• Meal possibilities this week? Maybe black bean and sweet potato enchiladas, chickpea tacos or veggie pot pie soup.

I will end with a picture of the worst dog in the world.

In case you were wondering, she is still not house broken. After four years I am doubtful it will ever happen.

If you don't have school or work tomorrow, I am insanely jealous. If you do then here's hoping traffic won't be bad. Have a good week.

 

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Start With a Run, End With Yoga...

Today has to be one of my favorite kinds of days. It started with a run...

Six miles, a bit slower than Tuesday, and a bit warmer with a little less wind. I was a little worried when it started like this.

I meet Laura and was happy to see that Rochelle was recovered enough from the flu to join us. Six miles and I was on my way home to get ready for the day.

Last week when I was sick I missed my dentist appointment. I went in for my cleaning and was happy that it went much better than my lack of flossing made me think it would be. Plus I got a treat sack.

Between the two awesome parts of my day, I had to go to work. It was an uneventful day.

After work I headed to the Lululemon Showroom for yoga. I was a little disappointed in the class last week, this week's class more than made up for it. I am doubtful I will ever be able to do a standing split that looks even a little graceful. I guess I could be okay with that if I can actually touch my toes one day.

Now it's time to watch a little Scandal and call it a night. I love Thursdays because they usually include two of my favorite things and tomorrow is always Friday.

 

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WIAW Recovering From a Stomach Flu...

My WIAW post is actually about what I ate on Wednesday.

After only having a little bit of jello in 36 hours, my stomach and I decided to give it another try today.

Breakfast was easy, toast with jelly and a granola bar.

Who needs a picture of toast with jelly, right? I bought these granola bars hoping that the kiddos might like them, but I don't think they have even tried them.

I was actually pretty hungry by lunch time, it seems that laying around watching episodes of Alias on Netflix can really work up an appetite. Since it was kinda rainy all day I decided to go for a classic, grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Yes, those are Goldfish crackers in my soup. You should try it. Trust me.

I had my watter bottle filled all day with grape Nuun, and Penny snuggled with me most of the day.

She really is a great snuggler. She only snores a little bit and she is not near as gassy as Rocky tends to be. I think she is going to be disappointed when she has to go back to spending the day in her kennel tomorrow.

I'm not sure what we are having for dinner tonight, I had big plans of making spaghetti and garlic bread but I haven't decided if I'm up to it.

Here is a random picture of food from this past week.

This was a burrito made with part of a potato, fake sausage and spinach frittata I made over the weekend with a little salsa and Laughing Cow cheese and sweet potato Pop Chips. Pop Chips are dangerous! I have a hard time not eating the whole bag in a single serving.

In other news, I missed another run this morning. Six easy miles to celebrate my friend Patti heading off to the Happiest Place on Earth tomorrow.

That's Patti on the right. She is running the Disney marathon on Sunday and I am insanely jealous. Quite a few of our running friends are going and we even have one doing the Goofy Challenge, a half marathon on Saturday followed by the marathon on Sunday.

I am going to get back in the swing of things with yoga at the local Lululemon store tomorrow night and a long run on Saturday. Not sure how far I am running with my Maybe Cowtown Training Plan that consists of just letting Craig tell me how far to run, but no matter what it won't be as great as running with Mickey Mouse.

I better go figure out dinner.

 

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