Princess's First Birthday

Friday after school - Hoover took me to Philly and I started my way home to Tennessee to visit with family and celebrate the Princess's first birthday. When I got there, Jon and I grabbed a drink. Was good to catch up with my broski. Saturday morning I woke up to the sound of my babies. I went upstairs and O just stared at me. It's hard with her. She doesn't know me like Tank does. But boy o boy do I love that baby. I helped SIL set up. It all turned out really good.


































































~xoxo
M

Love, Pumpkins & Bows

Love...seems to be a lot of questions in my life lately about my lack of a love life.  Is it sad that at 28 I really don't mind talking about the lack of a guy in my life? I really don't mine being single.  This is the first time I've ever been FULLY single and I am ok with it! I've enjoyed it.  Do I wish I had someone to share everything with or come home to every night? Sure - sometimes I really think how much more fun stuff could be, but I refuse to settle!! I found the picture on the left this week and I loved it!! Totally makes me realize I am doing what I should :)

Saturday morning I also went back to CrossFit Aspire! I know it was only a few days, but after being completely bed stuck in a hospital for two days then forced to do nothing to more, it was JUST what I needed.  I couldn't do the workout all the way, but Justin helped me to modify some stuff and on I went!! We Push pressed for sets of 5 - I got 85 (with 95 for 4)! So, since I was feeling so good, Mom had originally wanted me to wait till Monday to pick up the girls, but I called to see if I could pick them up. Brian helped me run some errands - Target and AC Moore (yay craft time). Thanks to his help I got almost everything I needed done!! AND Brian and I watched the Buckeyes play - it was a AMAZING win over Purdue!! GO BUCKS :)


Saturday night was pumpkin carving fun with A.Mullen. & Danielle! Right when they got there, LD cuddled herself right up to Danielle! haha Our pumpkins came out pretty sweet - I was really happy with mine!! Bobby came and joined us too!! Was good to see him - it has been a while! Him, Erin & I are overdue on dinner and drinks :)

My Pumpkin :)

 

Sunday was Dollface's and I annual trip to the outlets - this time Amanda & Allysa joined us! I had some money set aside for clothes so that was awesome! Got some really sweet new skirts and slacks.  Also noticed this awesome bruise in the fitting room - I'm guessing from the bar and push pressing haha. I found these awesome flats at Steve Madden so Dollface and I both got them:)

That's all for now.  It was really nice to be back at school today. I am feeling loads better still - was exhausted by the end of the day, but I think that was to be expected. I don't really like being away from the kids and the routine.  Now, I am trying to get back on my CrossFit and healthy eating routine and add in my running stuff too.  Only 13 weeks till the Disney Full Marathon!!!

How was your weekend :)

~xoxo
M

Health Update :)

So - most of ya'll know this by now but this past Tuesday and Wednesday I was admitted in the hospital. I woke up Tuesday at 4 am with some MAJOR pain - I thought I was having an ovarian cyst rupture.  By 8 am I knew there was NO way I was going to school, so I called in and told them I wouldn't be in.  I called my gyno and she said she couldn't see me till 3.  I laid around miserable all day - took some meds and lived with my heating pad.  Danielle was fabulous and came and got me.  After waiting for about an hour to see her....within the first 5 minutes of the doctor looking at me she told me I needed to go to the ER as she thought I had appendicitis. So off we went...Danielle was fabulous to stay with me till my mother could get there.  It was about three hours until I got into the actual ER.

They hooked me right away to fluids and pain meds - I had not ate since Monday night so it did not take long for the meds to SLAM me. Mom got there not long after I had gotten into the actual ER. The first nurse was pretty cool - minus she screwed up my IV haha. They started getting me ready for test - first up a cat scan -- so they give you a huge cup of water and say DRINK UP! It was my first time in a cat scan - crazy.  The milky white shot thing you have to take - YUCK then when they load your IV up with whatever it is that warms your whole body. They cat scan showed that my appendix was swollen but only on the top side of normal so nothing to out of the normal.  They doctor said next up was an ultrasound.





In between these test - came round two for pain meds and fluids...After this dose - I was telling my mom that the lighter figure on the top left of my curtain (to the right) looked like a cow with sunglasses hahahahahah I think I was losing it.  Ultrasound showed some fluid on my abdomen but nothing to crazy. I was still having pain issues and was swollen in my abdomen.  At this point the admitted me to the hospital and told me I had to wait for the surgeon to come in on the day shift.  Now, I had not really slept at this point - and if you know me, I am a BUTTHEAD with no sleep.  I was really uncomfortable and cranky and trying my best.  Mom left and went to get some sleep at the hotel at about 6am Wednesday.  I got some more pain meds and tried to sleep.  Didn't work well.  Mom says it's because I don't like being out of control or not know what is going on haha.

By 8 am I was onto my third nurse and doctor. I got another round of meds and was told the surgeon would be in by 11.  Well 11 came and so do the surgeon but no mother. Insert my complete panic attack. Between lack of sleep, drugs and no mom - I cried as the surgeon sat there and told me I may have to have surgery.  He wanted me to see another doctor - a ER gyno since he felt it was not my appendix and that I had a cyst.  Finally, my mother came back. We met with the gyno and she told me she wasn't sure that I had a cyst. So now - she isn't sure I have a cyst and the surgeon isn't sure my appendix is 100% healthy. OK - talk about DONE.

So here is what it boils down to...the doctors diagnosed me with a ruptured ovarian cyst and lower right quadrant pain. Fun right? Bed rest was recommended, but NO set date or time. All depends on how my body feels.  Well the next day was a Professional Development day at school - I thought it would be a good test of how I would do at school.  It was definitely too much.  I was super sore and exhausted by the time I got home. I slept the rest of the day and took Friday off.  As of now - I am feeling better and plan on taking the weekend easy.  I kind of want to go and try CrossFit and see how I do...or go for a run.  Hopefully this awesome IV bruise is gone by tomorrow :)

~xoxo
M

Guest Post -- Tricia's Paleo Thoughts - I'm Not Alone :)

Eating Paleo, it’s easier than you think. Real Food that’s great for you and taste awesome at that! No lie J

When I decided to sign up for the 30 day Paleo challenge, I was a little skeptical of a couple things. I was skeptical as to whether A) I could make it through 30 days with NO dairy (no cheese, no creamer for my coffee, no icing) or Alcohol (wine!) and B) how much would it REALLY change my body physically and in strength.

Well, I made it through the 30 days and I have to say it was so much easier than I anticipated and I think it’s easier than people think. Granted, I was pretty much a “healthy eater” to begin with, but I really believe once you get into the routine and habit of something, it becomes easier and easier to conquer. I am/WAS a cheese on everything type of gal as well as light creamer and splenda in my coffee type of gal so to prep myself for the challenge, I weaned myself off those things slowly the week before the challenge. I know drink my coffee black (or with a little bit of almond milk in the morning) and have not had a piece of cheese in who knows how long.

My #1 goal for this challenge was to make it through the 30 days, and I surely made it. My goal wasn’t necessarily weight loss but to see and feel the effects of eating Paleo for 30 days even after I already was pretty much a “healthy eater”. Well I made it through the 30 days and I did lose some weight and lean out and I feel healthier/stronger than I did as a previous healthy eater. I even let these thighs of mine make some appearances in spandex shorts! I swore to myself I would never/could never wear those things!

I didn’t think it too difficult sticking to the food guidelines for the Paleo challenge because that was the only food I kept in the house. So if it wasn’t in the house, I couldn’t eat it… Out of sight, out of mind…The second week, I did (as some of you on FB saw my post) get a sweet tooth that I needed help to eat something Paleo that would satisfy the craving! By the end of the 2^nd week, it was back to smooth sailing. I walked past the isles of sweets, junk and Halloween candy galore with (practically) no problem. There is pumpkin beer and Sangria in my fridge that I didn’t even touch.

I loved the 30 day challenge. However, I wish I kept a journal about it as I went along just to see the changes/difference/improvements from day to day.  I am curious to know what my actual body fat was when I started and on day 30. I felt and noticed a difference in the way I physically felt and in my actual appearance with in a week. I also was happy with my CF WOD’s for the most part, I did have some faster WOD times and heavier lifts and I hope for those to get better from here!  I also wish I would have explored more recipes, but I was just impressed that I cooked and baked all my meals!! I never cooked too much before the challenge. However, I kept it simpler and cooked the same stuff in bulk (switching up spices or meats or veggies a little).

I’m going to stick to it for the most part. I might add in a couple things here and there OR might add one day a week (if need be) to “cheat”. And by cheat that might be an alcoholic beverage or a taste of a dessert etc. Something minor and not over indulging. The next 30 day challenge I would love to take this a step further and eat very strick Paleo!

Running Groove Back? Not Yet...But CrossFit & Paleo Help :)

So....GUESS WHAT?!?! Thanks to my awesome friend Michelle - I got pushed harder on a run then I have in a VERY long time!!! I've decided to help find my running groove again, I have to set some goals.  I'm not setting anything for Disney (at least not yet!) - but before the end of the year I want to try and break a 30 minute 5K.  We shall see if it happens.  Now when I say that, I want to run it without intervals.  Last night Michelle pushed me through 3.1miles in 35 minutes.  I stopped at 2.1 and walked for about 2 minutes.  It was extremely hard, but I felt great when I was done!! My legs were tired but I'm glad she pushed me. I'm pretty sure I have to thank Alycia, Justin, Beth, Bonnie & Alex for all their awesome coaching these past four months too - I am a firm believe that CrossFit is helping my running.  I'm not the only one - check out this post :)

I also got to rock my new Saucony shoes and my Nike capris :)  

Today is the end of the Paleo Challenge at Aspire.  I'm glad it's done, but I don't plan on going back to non-paleo.  I don't think I'll be as strict, but I plan to do 80-85% of the time full Paleo. I'm most excited for sushi with Dollface on Thursday! Paleo has definitely taught me how much I let myself cheat for reason that don't really equal the cheat. I'm hoping to keep going in the direction I am.  I feel better and have leaned out. I still have about 15-20ish pounds I'd love to cut in a "dream world", but if I keep toning but stay at this weight, I'm ok with that too :)  I don't want ya'll to just hear about my Paleo world - I've asked two of my friends from Aspire to share their story too!!

Today we did Aspire's benchmark workout "The Garage" - For time - 3 rounds - 10 pull-ups, 10 Front Squats, 10 Burpees. Back at the beginning of the Paleo Challenge - it kicked my butt - I did 9:36 - 65# for the FS and the black (most help) band for the pull-ups.  By the third round I couldn't even get over the bar for the pull-ups. Now, I've been doing a lot better on the pull-up lately as I've said in other post - I've even gone down on bands to the grey with a red. Today - we did "The Garage" again - exactly as we did at the front of the Challenge.  I did 6:23!!! Talk about showing progress!! I couldn't believe how much of an improvement I made.  And getting to use the black band was crazy - I remember how hard they use to be and today they were super easy!! This alone explains why I LOVE CrossFit - getting to see your body change, you outlook change and your workouts get better! FANTASTIC :)

That's all for now! Enjoy your day!
~xoxo
M

FroYo Anyone :)

Hey y'all!! How was everyone's weekend?!? Mine was FANTASTIC! Was great to have Mama Dukes up for the weekend.  We had a really good dinner and conversation Friday.  I love when we get to catch up and just have "mom & daughter" time. After the week I had it was just what I needed! Saturday - was a fabulous CrossFit WOD to start the day! I LOVE when my days start with CrossFit - it's bad...if I could just CrossFit all day I think I would.  2-3 of my own WODs + work with others.  Maybe one day - I just love teaching to much right now :) After my WOD, I went home and showered and got ready. Mama and I went to get food at the new diner then the craft fair on main street.  It wasn't amazing, but it was fun.  I thought it would be more crafts.  Mom wanted some frozen yogurt so we went to Froyo....YUMMMMM


After our awesome Froyo we went to Atlantic City for just a little over an hour or so.  It was fun.  Mom was teaching me craps - it was a good time.  I like craps and I'm definitely getting better.  After we got back from AC I made some bacon wrapped dates for GF's birthday shindig at her house.  Mom and I went to dinner at Outback and I paid for it dearly Sunday morning.  Between my french fries and then two of Dollface's cupcakes my stomach was DONE! haha It was good to head to GF's.  I have not seen anyone in a while and I know I need to make more time to be social and see my friends. I actually had that talk with my mom.

 

 

My social life has been slacking lately.  I know I have a lot on my plate fitness wise and running wise, but I read a great blog that said it won't kill you to head out on a Friday night if you have a long run Saturday.  It's not ideal, but it won't be every week and I need to make it a point to see my friends more and get out more :)

 

Sunday was another WOD with Jill.  We made up Thursday's WOD - and I could totally feel it be the end of the day.  We worked on split jerks - 2x EMOTM for 10 - got 85 for the first 6 and 90 for the last 4.  I love seeing the progress. When I got home, I showered and mom showed up with baskets to help organize and.....THIS

It's an early Christmas present and I can not WAIT to use it!! I'm hoping to help get my greens in via a smoothie.  I also treated myself my box's awesome hoodies!! Isn't it amazing?!?

 

I also saw Pitch Perfect with Ush this week -- LOVED it! This was my favorite part...one of my all time FAVORITE songs!!!

 

 

Disney training starts this week - I'll post tonight about my awesome new ideas for my running and CrossFit schedule :)

For now...

~xoxo
M

Pumpkins & Food & Pyrex Oh My

I LOVE October!! It's the beginning of fall, football is really going and Halloween is coming! I LOVE Halloween!! I tried to plan a day for the girls to get together and carve pumpkins, but couldn't do it, so I plan on doing it myself!! October is also the start of the best time of year for me in regards to my life because this is the time of year most of the BIG holidays come so I get to see my family at least once a month from here till the end of the year. And now with Princess being here I get to see them in October too! I can't wait to celebrate her FIRST birthday!!! AND double bonus is this year Mama Dukes, SIL and I are having a NYC girls weekend in October!! This is going to be an AWESOME end to an already fabulous year! 2012 has been a great year for me - job, health, life - I'm anxious to see what happens from here :)

So how stinking cute is she? And her outfit? I need a baby in my life haha! Not really, but the day it happens it's a wrap!!! I feel like a million people are having babies right now...I can't seem to keep up!! One of my friends told me the other day that I was "the last one standing" haha. Makes me laugh how concerned people are with my life in that sense...I promise ya'll -- I will be ok :)






  Paleo Update, Weight Loss & Food :) So, I've officially decided that I am going to be changing to a Paleo lifestyle more so then not.  Yes, I will have cheat days, some ice cream once in a blue moon, and my cherry vodka haha! But I feel 100% better then I have in a long time.  I LOVE seeing the progress of my body and how things are changing. The Paleo Challenge has been great! I've had some cheats (and already told ya'll about them haha) but I can still feel the changes.  I'm down 10 lbs. I am sleeping better, lifting better, etc. 
With that being said...this makes the totally weight loss since EVERYTHING started last January (2011) a total of 50lbs!! Pretty fabulous!!  Yes, I know its a long time but I've kept it off and that is what matters.  I started with Weight Watchers, then trained with Steph, now I have CrossFit and running plus Paleo :)  Now with CrossFit, my size and shape are changing but not my weight and I really am ok with it.  I have about 15 lbs I'd like to still lose to hit my "goal" weight, but I am really happy with my size and how I look.  I love my curves and don't plan to be a stick.
Food - this week I made some random new types of  food.  I had not gone shopping so I just took what I had in my fridge and threw it together.  Chicken, spinach, can of diced peppers, onions and tomato puree.  I have to say that I was pretty happy with how it came out.  The dish is SUPER good!!








On the other side I have roasting some Acorn Squash on the left and some Cocoa Cauliflower on the right (check out WellFed). These were both new things for me but they both are really good too!!

 
 

Since I've been cooking so much and trying to change my life in the meal way.  Here is what I've done.  Jill posted a deal on Pyrex so I treated myself.  For $40 I got 22 pieces - all different sizes! I am excited to get rid of my plastic pieces.  I may keep a few for the deal of having something else just in case, but I am SO stoked for my pyrex!!


 
That is all for now!!I have a new schedule I'm trying with running and CrossFit, I'll post about it this weekend! I wish I was getting to head to Columbus for Homecoming Weekend - all my favs are going, but at least I have Mama Dukes coming up tonight for a fun weekend of Fall Festivals and Craft shows :)  
What's your fun weekend plans?

~xoxo
M

Foodie Penpals Month 2 :)

So this month I got a package from Liz from Oregon (thanks Liz =) ). I challenged her bc I am on my Paleo Challenge so here is my awesome box....

So the Kale Crunchies are probably my FAVORITE thing in here.  I honestly have not tried the pumpkin seeds yet.  I LOVE doing Foodie Penpals. I hope my girl liked her box :)

Want a penpal of your own?! Here are the details!

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re interested in participating for September, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. You must submit your information by October 4th as pairings will be emailed on October 5th!

That is all! You should consider doing it.  It's a great way to try new things and see what all is out there :)

~xoxo

M