Kids Say The Darnest Things!

I'd like to start my post today with the one thing that CRACKED MY A$$ UP.....

For you viewing pleasure......Jennifer Aniston's stolen home videos

If you haven't seen that... it is funny as heck. I mean how can you NOT love her sense of humor. If you don't find it funny then you're not funny. Just sayin!

Now... TODAY.... I journaled. It was fabulous... Oh wait, no it wasn't. After braggin up my "AWESOME APP" on facebook and pimping myself out for friends... it acted like a turd ALL DAY LONG. UGH.... Sooo, I wasn't able to log in my lunch... or dinner. I still have to do it. Actually I think I need to "re-boot" my iPhone. If that's not the techno lingo... Oops.. Myfitnesspal was NOT my pal today. It was my nemesis. Damn.

Today was Hunter's OFFICIAL birthday. He's the big double digits... 10! I love that kid. He's such a funny guy. Him and Cooper have been pretty good buds tonight. That basically means they DID NOT FIGHT. THANK HEAVENS. :) Hunter wanted beef stroganoff for his birthday dinner. Funny choice for a 10 year old, but it's easy to make. I used lean elk meat for the burger, fat free sour cream and 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup... so I tried to make it as "low cal" as possible.  I surprised our birthday boy with an ice cream cake from Baskin & Robbins. I purposely bought the smallest one they had. I can't be trusted and NO ONE in this house needs to have extra cake. It's just not good for us. I'm learning....

 

I borrowed the Insanity DVD's from a good friend tonight. Tomorrow morning will be DAY 1. I normally wouldn't pick tomorrow since it supposed to be a boot camp day but with the air quality changed to "Hazardous", I am betting we don't have boot camp. The smoke from all our forest fires has been terrible and my eyes and sinuses are paying the price. Poor fire fighters.. God Bless them all...   I'm also missing Candice. She's been such a big supporter of mine and without her I feel kinda lost. She is amaz-balls.... and a rock star rolled into one person. :)

Anyhoo... INSANITY... sounds like it's going to kick my ass but I need it which seems fitting since I picked it up and immediately head to get ice cream cake!  Ha...  Jeez, the other night I was having a freaking nervous breakdown trying to being TECH SUPPORT for the Playstation 3 that I couldn't (still haven't) gotten hooked up for Hunter. It resulted in a bucket handful of red vines and hours reading the online User Guide. Oh and if you EVER give a child a gift without installation instructions, you should have the sh*t slapped out of you. FOR REALS... Not naming any names but damn it, I'm no IT person ... I need direction folks!
 

Soooo.. since I share all my ideas... and all my failures and successes.... I'm gonna share a funny thing my son Cooper said to me tonight...

"Mom? Do you HOPE and PRAY you'll do the whole Insanity DVD set?"  To which I reply     "Get the hell outta here, kid!".... Okay okay.. I didn't say that but you can bet I thought it. Instead I said "SON! I'm gonna rock those DVDs" and he said "Yep, because you want that tee-shirt they give ya!".... See?? My kid knows his momma... I don't do ANY exercise unless there is a free tee-shirt or a metal involved. :) LOVE IT.

OH...one quick success story for THE HUSBAND... he got a deer tonight. I freaking love him. Archery hunters are HOT HOT HOT. Congrats baby.

Nite Everyone
xoxoxox
M

I'm PRETTY SURE... Dr Phil Wants Me!

I'm seriously BEAT.... but I had a kick a$$ day and that makes me happy AND I'm below my daily calories... AMAZING.

Today was Hunter's 10th Birthday Party. His actual birthday is the 18th, but we wanted to have the party during the weekend so his friends could come. Hunter decided that Brooklyn's Pizza was the place to have it, which is fine by me because I don't have to worry about my house getting messy. Yes, I'm that kind of a mom. Sorry...

I woke up about 6:30 today... it was awesome to sleep a little bit later than the "normal". I was able to start some laundry, make my husband an iced coffee, and frost some birthday cupcakes before my morning run. YUP... you read that right.. I actually got my butt outside and running... It was a LOOOONG one too. 10 miler. YUUPP... 10 MILES. Hey.. when I say YUUPPPP do you feel like you're watching Storage Wars?

I met up with Kerrie, Teresa, and Pam at the High School at 8:00. The weather was pretty nice. Actually a little warmer than I expected. We did an average pace of 11:30 for 10 miles. It was a great low key run. I freaking love those... AND AND AND... I burned 1190 calories... I won't lie to you tho... mile 8-9 was a pisser for me. No "special" reason.. I think I was just tired. However, the run is DONE and I can feel good about it for the rest of the weekend... I don't care what anyone says.... 10 miles is FAR.

These bitches can run! :)

After my run, I came home to see that my SUPER WONDERFUL and always HOT husband had helped finish up the laundry and was at the store. He even brought me home a Diet Pepsi. I know pop is TERRIBLE for you, but for some reason after a long run I always crave a Diet Pepsi on ICE. I don't if it's the carbonation or what, but that's all I want and I hardly ever drink pop. I don't even keep it in the house. Strange, huh? Oh well... aren't you glad I tell you random crap like this???

At 1:00 we had Hunter's Party so we headed off to that .... Talk about a LUCKY and LOVED child. He had a big group of friends AND family there to celebrate with him.. and he was spoiled. I feel so grateful to have so many people who love my kids... it's a blessing!

Also a blessing?? Being done with the party! It wears me out. I'm old and not a fun mom. There I said it... Dr. Phil is asking me to co-author his next parenting book.. It's called "Stop Asking Me Where Your Shit is...I Don't Wear It.....What Good Parents Really Think."  At least that's what MY parenting style is.... "Ummm, no son.. You can't have a box of Twinkies before bed. What? Why you ask? Because I don't want you to puke or shit yourself, son. DUH!"  or how about "No I don't think I'm going to buy you another pair of Miss Me Jeans. What? Why you ask?? Because I can't afford to cover your ass in $120.00 jeans when I need to buy Botox.... Momma is trying to slow down the aging process."   Okay, okay..the Botox is a dream and my spoiled daughter has multiple pairs of Miss Me (also her dad and her grandma buy these suckers for her)... and yes, I'm trying to catch a parasite so I can drop enough ass to fit in them.. Don't judge.

Hahha.. awesome.

 

Can't you see me and him on the cover of a book? FOR REALS.

Then to wrap our night up we had a party to hit for my good friend's daughter. I love this girl. Brandie just turned 21. She's beautiful, amazing, kind, and fun... she really is her momma's daughter. I just love her. It was so fun.

We had to cut it short tho... Wade is leaving for Montana and he had to get home to meet up with his hunting partner. They are busy getting ready to hit the road. He better be bringing home some ELK.

Welp.... I'm off to laze around in the recliner with a hot pad and my holey snuggie because I'm freaking a party animal..... Maybe I'll get allll kinds of crazy and top of the night with a cup of hot tea. I'm feeling pretty out of control.

Oh and just because I found this saved on my computer, complements of my teenage daughter... here's a little Jacob to the rescue. Too funny.

Nite Nite!

xoxoxoxo
M

Random Mandy.... LUCKY YOU.

I saw this on another blog and it inspired me to use the same format..... Different "things" but same idea......


If you know me at all.......

If you know me at all, you'd know I'm only loud and funny because I'm insecure.

If you know me at all, you'd know I only run because I want to be thin.

If you know me at all, you'd know I only have one sibling and I wish we were closer because I think he's a total rockstar of a guy. It's probably my fault, because I've always been the bossy older sister.

If you know me at all, you'd know I truly believe my husband is HOTTER than Bradley Cooper and almost as hot as George Strait. I kid, I kid.. he's just as hot. :)  

If you know me at all, you'd know I love my kids ALL 3 OF THEM.. and my bonus kid, Cash.

If you know me at all, you'd know I could sit down and eat a bucket of red vines and not think twice about it... but I can walk past a chocolate bar ALL DAY LONG.

If you know me at all, you'd know I love to sing my heart out in the car, as if I'm auditioning for The Voice. Hi Blake. xoxoxo

If you know me at all, you'd know I change my clothes almost 2 times every morning to find the "perfect" outfit, but that I've gotten better about it SINCE losing weight. :) Yay.

If you know me at all, you'd know I hate a dirty house and I'm flipped out until mine is clean. 

If you know me at all, you'd know I love my Grandma Pat so much. She's my constant voice of reason and the most amazing lady... besides my momma, who taught me anything is possible.

If you know me at all, you'd know I hate CANCER.... It's effin' stupid.

If you know me at all, you'd know I love helping others.... and working with the public is "my thang".

If you know me at all, you'd know I really do try to "reason" the jelly beans I eat, the ice cream I want, and the need to have those things.

If you know me at all, you'd know I compare myself and my weight-loss journey to others, even though I shouldn't and I'm pissed that I've allowed myself to stall.

If you know me at all, you'd know my all time favorite store is GOODWILL... So, please continue to donate all your slightly used high-end stuff so I can continue to purchase it FOR CHEAP.

If you know me at all, you'd know my biggest fear is losing my spouse, child, or parent..... and I feel blessed to have everyone safe and happy.

If you know me at all, you'd know....... I love blogging and I LOVE all of you for your constant encouragement and feedback.

If you know me at all, you'd know I'm so damn happy it's FRIDAY. :)



Wasn't that fun??? Don't you feel so happy to know these random-Mandisms.....  Don't lie. It made your day. Do this... try it... it's fun.

Here's to a good day of eating and a better day at work with no headaches!!!!

xoxoxox
M

What does GI JOE, Iron Girl, & Elk all have in common? ME!

Last week I squeaked out a whopping 5.28 miles. TOTAL. That's it folks. 5.28 miles of running and I'm suppppposed to be training for a 1/2 marathon. UGH.... I'm doing that thing I do, I make excuses! There is a reason why my body looks the way it does.... EXCUSES. 

BUT on Sunday I did my most favorite race so far. We did the Iron Girl 5k in Seattle. I freaking loved every dang second. 

To start with my group of friends that did this with me are A.W.E.S.O.M.E! It was Jessie, Shelley, and Stephanie.They are sisters and I basically grew up with them. Then we brought our daughters. Rylee (my 14 year-old), Lainey (Jess's girl), Cassidy & Carley (Shel's girls). I love Iron Girl because it's a women's only, no pressure, fun race. Every finisher receives a metal and you get the experience of a large race.

When we arrived we had plenty of time to spare, which was good because I freaking need STARBUCKS. Yes, I haven't learned from my Relay Race experience. Don't judge. Sometimes I need to have stuff pounded into my head..... I mean I still think Jager Bombs don't cause hangovers, okay?

Any hoooo... we found great parking spot and headed off to pick up our packets. We put on our bibs and waited for in line for the porta-potty which seemed longer than Goldie Hawn and Kirk Russell's dating courtship! No kidding... this line was a billion times longer than any other race I've been to and that was crummy because Carley is 4 and my bladder is 100 so there is a good chance of one of us wetting and I'm betting it me.

Cassidy, Lainey, Carley, & Rylee

Steph, Shelley, Jess, & Me.. Pre-race

Pretty soon we all headed to the start line. It was great talking with my friends.... encouraging the girls... and just knowing it was about the experience and not a timed thing. NO PRESSURE... which as you know, I'm lazy so I'm all about that. RIGHT?

When the race started we began walking..... Cassidy and I decided we'd jog a little bit. This kid is competitive.. I LOVE IT... The best part is she had forgot her tennis shoes and had to wear her grandma's. So here is this 9 year-old running in shoes that are a 1/2 size too large and she doesn't CARE. I freaking love kids. I would have been pissing and moaning NON STOP. For reals. We did a few jogging intervals and then walked with her momma, Shelley.

Rylee, Jessie, Lainey, Steph & Carley were ahead of us. I was kind of bummed I didn't get to see my daughter cross the finish line, but I know she rocked it. When we got close to the finish I told Cassidy "Let's run in the last .10 of a mile and sprint across the finish line"... she was game! Me, Shelley, and Cassidy took off.... as we rounded the corner I yelled "RUN CASS, RUN.. FAST AS YOU CAN" and her little 9 year old legs went into high gear... As she ran across the finish line, the announcer yells out "Cassidy Gay, 9 years old just finished Iron Girl 2012"... I won't lie to you... Shelley and I were choked up.... It's awesome. It's so incredible seeing someone finish a race... and when it's a kid... it'll really get ya.

We found the rest of our group and I hugged up Rylee.... That kid makes me proud. I know she was pumped because she beat me in. I was pumped because I wanted to show her how awesome a big race is.... and we all wore our metals with PRIDE..... Who am I kidding, I'm still wearing that thing. I kid, I kid.... kinda. I mean I might wear it while dusting or cleaning.... but maybe not to work. HA.

SO that's race #6 completed... Oktoberfest 1/2 marathon is 7 of 7 and I will have met my goal. Last year I would never ever have believed I could do it..... In you face, old Mandy...... IN YOUR FACE.

Monday I had errands to run so I didn't make it to boot camp..... :(  I suck. I know.

Yesterday I ran with Joy and Pam on lunch for a 4 miler and burned 496 calories.... but yesterday afternoon I felt like POOP. Seriously... I was dragging a$$ and it was pathetic. I came home hit the couch and slept away the evening....

TODAY'S goal?? Get my round self to boot camp and journaling my eating.... I think I can, I think I can.....

OH OH OH... big big news... My friend has an Insanity DVD set I can borrow... I am doing it. I'm taking the challenge. Since I NEVER seem to get below 150 pounds without having my jaw wired shut, I've decided to see if I can get some more inches off.....Numbers aren't as important when I'm rocking a smaller size in jeans. RIGHT?

Welp... good luck to my incredibly sexy husband who is out hunting RIGHT NOW. This morning when I woke up he was all "Camo'd out" and of course my sarcastic self HAD to ask if he was hunting or playing GI-JOE... he responded with "Nope, important business meeting".... I love that man. He "gets" my humor and plays along.... So, here's to you babe...BRING HOME SOME ELK... no pressure but come on already......... ;)

Here's to a kickin' ass Wednesday....

Love ya,
M

I'm SEXY and I know it.....

Whew... can this week be any more crazy? I've been completely scattered brained. Imagine that... I know it's because my husband is gone. That can totally throw a schedule off. I don't sleep well so I end up not being rested.  I've got my kids going every which way.... I'm just goofed up. Plain and simple. I hate it.

Sunday we pretended to be farmers and the kids and I went to "help" wash pigs. Yeah, not really my thing but Cooper LOVED it. It was ummmm educational. None the less, we had a great time visiting with some friends and had dinner with their families. So that was a total bonus.

Monday I missed boot camp because I had to pick up one of my boys from a friends house after work. HOWEVER, I did decide to let Jillian Michaels make up for it and kick my ass a bit. I ended up not being able to sleep and was awake until 1:30 am. You can just imagine how wonderful 6:00 am felt. Pisses me off when I can't sleep. I know lots of people battle this but I AM NOT LIKING IT. Stupid... the whole thing was stupid.

Yesterday I barely remember because it was so long ago & I was tired. The one and only thing that I remember is the amazing experience I had when I ran into a lady who reminded me so much of my favorite cousin Shelley. We lost Shelley a few years ago to cancer. If you are my friend on Facebook you know the story, so I won't bother repeating.. HOWEVER, it was FREAKING AWESOME.... :)  Oh wait.. I do remember that I attempted to make grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. It was a fail. I couldn't sneak the burnt side by Hunter. He was on to me. Damn

Today I ate ALL my calories and I went over by 34. I know, it's only 34 calories but I really don't want to get the habit of going over.... Actually to be 100% honest I ate all my calories PLUS my exercise calories. Oink Oink... So for late night snacks I'll be having air and a zero calorie water, please. Oops.

I completely flaked on boot camp tonight. I just got in the car and headed home. That's when I saw another friend that does boot camp driving and it dawned on me! I cannot believe how spaced out I am. I was so bummed but instead of laying around eating cotton candy, pork skins, and feeling bad for myself I tried a different Jillian Michael's DVD. Tonight is the first time I've done Six Week Six Pack. It's killer. Seriously. Jillian might just be the devil in a woman's body who's obsessed with making you pay for that last ice cream bar you just had. I'll let you know tomorrow when I cannot get up and out of bed because my stomach muscles are on fire. OH and it's not just an ab workout. It's a full circuit style workout. Good, good, good... If you're into beating yourself up.

Well... I'm off to be even more of a pathetic mess than normal. Dear John is recording on the DVR and I feel a like watching TV while wrapped up in my snuggie.. Yes, I have one. It was a gift from my son, Hunter. Don't say ANYTHING.. I realize it a bathrobe worn backwards with no ties, but I love it. Apparently so does my dog, because last winter he chewed a tiny little hole in it... I still use it because I'm a classy gal like that. It's okay to be jealous. I would be too. PS... it's leopard print too! Grrrrr....

xoxox
M

Testing myself... running, whiskey, and potato chips. OH MY!

Saturday is freaking awesome.....


I slept kind of crummy last night... No particular reason, just did. Hey, everyone needs something to bitch about right? Well, I don't have to look too far.

I woke up this morning at 7:20.. this kind of put a crunch on me because I was meeting Pam at 8 for a run. I woke up with just enough time to slick back my greasy hair and head to the high school. It was a PERFECT morning for a run. We left right on time and did a comfortable pace for 8 miles. I freaking loved every moment of it. Pam is easy to talk to and it makes the time go fast. I love how she is "normal" and works for every bit of her fitness just the way I have to. It makes me feel very proud of us. :)

My Garmin stats are 1 hour 32 minutes for 8.01 miles at a 11.23 pace and 976 calories burned. I'll take that. I love that Garmin...it's probably my most FAVORITE running equipment/item I own besides my latest pair of shoes. It's the best thing ever. I don't know that I could run 1/2 a block without it. Seriously. If you're looking to start running and want one thing besides amazing shoes..... you will want a Garmin. Spend the money. You will NOT regret it.

Ignore my CANKLES. sick.

ME + GARMIN = True Running Love

 

 

After my fantabulous run I came back home for a quick shower. I was EXTRA crazy brave today. I took my kids and Grandma to Yakima today. Grandma is awesome to take shopping we always have a great time, that was no problem-o. The kids?? Not so much. Today was a total shocker .... We all got along and survived Walmart and Costco on a Saturday. Whew........  The kids con'd me into buying them colored duct tape today from Michael's. HOLY CATNIP that stuff is expensive. $4.99 for pink, purple, or whatever color you can imagine... it's freaking TAPE. I'm just way too damn cheap... Anyways... since the kids managed to keep themselves under control and not say anything that could be politically INcorrect, I caved. I spend $30.00 on colored duct tape. Oh well. It's just money.... I'll plant another money tree in the back yard and have a good ol' time. By the way, if you see me at Freddy's with a duct tape wallet... my kid made it for, so kiss off!

 

 

Funny side note ... I just overheard Cooper saying to Hunter "Palm Springs must not be very nice if Yakima is the Palm Springs of Washington!" Bahahahaha... that kid kills me. And umm.. he's very perceptive.

 

After our shopping trip we went to my folks. Turns out they were having a little BBQ and lots of folks stopped in. I love that. I love seeing my family ALL OF THE TIME. I'm so damn lucky... What I don't love?? My inability to NOT eat potato chips. I eff up all the time when I go over there. How stupid. I guess I'll learn... maybe, or maybe I'll never learn. Heck.. it's just potato chips. OH did I mention it's potato chips by the HANDFULS. Dangerous for this girl. 

 

It's kind of quiet around the house tonight. Rylee is babysitting. I think I'll sit on the couch and journal my poor snacking habits. I know, you're jealous that you don't have a VIP passes to witness this first hand. Sorry folks.... 

 

By the way, did you see that Randy Travis got in trouble again?!.... For assult? Jeez Randy. Take it easy, Pal. I'm a fan but you gotta stop this nonsense. I was gonna love you "Forever, And Ever, Amen" but if you keep this spiral down "Deeper Than the Holler" someone's gonna be looking at you saying "I Told You So!".. Maybe he's just reminiscing back to "1982"  when he didn't have to play crummy casinos and people liked his music. Hang in there Randy. I'm still a fan. hahahaha... I'm a sucka... apparently I have a thing for old guys that drink too much.

 

Oh and in case you haven't heard because you've been under a rock all day.... It's sure a sad day for American history.... Neal Armstrong passed away... You know, the first man to walk on the moon and said "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" God Bless you Neal. RIP.

 

Well.... here's to hoping that tomorrow brings me more patience for my beautiful children, more self-control for my eating, or more whiskey to drink so then the other two things will seem easy-peasy.. TEASING... don't get all high & mighty... I'm just a joker. I hate whiskey. Worry if you see me with WINE... ahahahahaha.

 

xoxoxo
M

 

 



Insanity and Skittles?? Is that the magic combo?

Another successful day of logging my food......... WHEW. Why is that such a chore for me now? I used to do it and think nothing of it. Man, it's hard to re-create a good habit.

It was a good day for all of us. My daughter had her "Tiger Academy" today. She will be attending the local high school as an 8th grader. Today was her chance to learn the school and she get her schedule. She seemed to enjoy it and I managed to survive the idea that she's getting so old. But to be COMPLETELY HONEST... it's not her getting old.. it's me!

That's the biggest struggle I've been having. My age. I know, I know... I'm still young-ish... 36. I vividly remember when someone was 36 and I was 27 they were "old" and that makes me feel like I'm losing all my "young-ness". Does that makes sense? I've been fighting off the old lady, mom pants wearing, perm getting time warp for a while now but DAMN it's hard. I mean... am I too old to shop at the Buckle? Why am I starting to feel bad about wearing Miss Me jeans? I mean.. hell, it took ALLLLL my energy the last year to get small enough to wear those jeans, am I too old now? I often wonder what I look like through the eyes of my daughter or other younger gals. Am I that "old" chick that can't figure it out... am I the next episode of "What Not To Wear"... If so you better tell me, dammmmit! At least before I totally ghetto out like Pamela Anderson...... maybe I need boobs? Don't judge.
Thank gosh I quit scrunching my hair and pegging my jeans... I kid, I kid...  However, in the last few months I've considered Botox. I have the wrinkled forehead of a 90 year old man!

rough night? Sheesh.

 

 

Tomorrow I'm running BRIGHT AND EARLY .... going for 8 miles. I took Thursday and Friday as rest days. I probably should not have had 2 back to back rest days but I had bills to pay tonight and catch up on laundry. It's tough being me......... Hahaha.. Lame.

Last night I caught myself watching the infomerical for the Insanity Workout DVDs... I really really want them. If you go to myfitnesspal.com and search "Insanity" under success stories you will find a billion pictures of women that have really seen amazing results. I love it. BUT, I can't pull the trigger on the price of those babies. SPENDY... I know it's worth it if I DO IT and keep at it.. however when my credit card bill rolls in and I owe 120.00, I'll be pissy about it. Have any of you done this? Do you love it? BE TRUTHFUL. Oh and it's okay if you own this DVD and haven't done it. I did that with Turbo Jam. About 5 years ago, I bought those DVDs late one night after a very good infomerical. Apparently I thought buying them was good enough. Like maybe I could rub them on my fat ass and it would slim me up. FAT CHANCE.... Didn't work. I ended up giving them away because I never EVER ever EVER used them. That is my Insanity fear. $120.00 for a few rubs on my thighs and no results.... That would really make me feel sad and OLD... but mostly pathetic. LOL

Welp, it's almost time for the next infomerical..... I better bust this post out and get to it. Too bad I can't have a big old bag of Skittles to go with it. Oh and I'm very sorry that I've wasted more of your valuable time reading the few thoughts rolling around in my empty head. I do love ya for it and I know you'll feel so much better about yourself after seeing what a turd I am. :) See, I'm a giver!

 

Nighty Night.

xoxo

M

 

 



August 23rd is a MAJOR DAY!

Tomorrow is a very important day......


My mom and dad will be married for 37 years tomorrow. 37 years of unconditional love and devotion. 37 years of ups and downs but still managing to come out ahead holding hands. My parents have seen it all and done it all. They have married, raised children, managed careers, bought homes, fought cancer, fought blindness, worked their asses off, relaxed and joked with friend and family, camped, fished, rode bikes, gardened, changed career paths, lost loved ones, and anything else you could ever imagine but through it all THEY'VE DONE IT TOGETHER. 37 years. Sometimes, I think my mom has the patience of a saint. Sometimes, I think my dad is the strongest man I know. He had to watch is wife battle cancer and still be so strong for others.... but mostly I think my parents are incredible. Thank you for everything you've given up to give to me. Thank you for teaching me that family and love is FAR more important than anything else. Thank you for teaching me the true value of time. I'm forever in awe....  I've loved growing up with you (since you were young parents) and I've loved learning from you. YOU BOTH MAKE MY LIFE AMAZING. Here's to the next 37 years!!!!

Dad holding Rylee 1998

Mom holding Rylee 1998

Another special thing is happening tomorrow, it's my grandpa's birthday. He's the only Grandpa I've ever known and my mom's father. My grandpa Chuck has always been a favorite of mine. This man would take me everywhere when I was a little girl. I remember riding around in his pickup and going to buy me a swing set from Bi-Mart. I couldn't have been more that 4 years old. I remember it like yesterday. I remember him letting me pretend to cut and style his hair. He would just sit there and let me comb and mess it all up. I remember ALWAYS getting M&Ms from Grandpa. I remember going to the fruit stand where a Conoco now stands with him. I remember riding in tractors with him when he was farming after Grandma and I brought him dinner. I remember him complaining about my hair do, the boys I might like, and the teasing about my driving. I remember so much... and I'm SO DAMN THANKFUL that we still have so many more memories to make. I love watching my Grandpa with my children now. The just love "Great Grandpa Rose". They play with him and talk with him. He's a tall, loud, strong man... and that's just the way we love him. All of his jokes and all of his wisdom. As I get older I love listening to his stories. I didn't appreciate those stories until now. He talks about living in Colorado, California, and other adventures he has had. He tells my husband how much he did as a young man. He's is wonderful. I hope his birthday is perfect. Happy Birthday Grandpa... You'll always be my favorite.

 

 

Now that I've been extra sappy, I can get back to my whiny exercise, weight loss, journaling self. :) Just what you all want.

 

Today I've journaled all my eats. I have 108 calories left to burn .... Good thing a Western Family Fudge Bar (yes, Western Family..I'm cheap, okay?) is only 90 calories and makes me feel like I have had a bowl of ice cream. Although, I kind of feel like a hot tea and jammies. No ice cream tonight. Have you tried Good Earth Original Hot Tea??? It's awesome. A few years back my friend Rhonda told me about it and ever since it's been a love affair all of it's own. Mandy + Good Earth = True Love. xoxox.  I did boot camp tonight. Candice had us doing circuit work with no running. It was a good day for this girly. Our ab workout about killed me tho. Planks, planks, and more planks. GOOD GOSH. I can't even hold myself up, never mind the dipping and twisting! I am always moaning and groaning while doing abs. I have the weakest stomach muscles EVER. Dang. I was even shaking when I was doing it. Lame-o. That's me.

 

Saturday I have an 8 mile run planned with Pam. Hopefully we will ROCK IT. Tomorrow I hope to do a few miles. 3-4. That being said... here's a little motivation for you oh... umm, me ...

 

Not that I don't like the "old" me... I just want the "healthy" me to be out there. :)

 

Nighty-nite, 

xoxo

M



A 10 USED to be PERFECT.....

Just Another Manic Monday..... I wish it was Sunday..... blah blah blah... Every time I hear that song I want to crimp my hair and put on some thick black eyeliner.... Regardless, it is MONDAY. Back at it for us working folk.

OKAY... Do you know who Robyn Lawley is?? IF not I'm about to share with you just who this woman is... She is the "new face" of Ralph Lauren... She is a "plus sized" model. A whole whopping size 10. Are you sh*ting me!!!!?? PLUS SIZED? Here are some pictures of her... she's perfect. Why is she considered plus? I hate the fashion industry. All I ever wanted was to ROCK a size 10 (and thanks to hard work I can in some pants) and I can't believe this is PLUS. JUST. KILL. ME. NOW. If I had her body, I'd go grocery shopping in this same outfit. Seriously.......... Can't you just picture me with my shopping cart and 3 kids buying cereal in this get up? Oh and just one more time... this is a PLUS SIZED MODEL! Whatev...

I woke up this morning feeling a bit sore from my fun adventure/Relay this weekend. It really is an awesome feeling. To know that you've worked your body and now you will feel the difference. Right? Whatev. I just keep telling myself one day I'll get to my desired size, shape, weight, body.... You know, that little game you play... Today I will feel good about who I am and make good choices.... Well, I did it baby. I made sure I journaled ALL OF MY FOOD and EXERCISE. I honestly have not done that for quite a while. It feels good to "re-group" my efforts. I'm on target and I'm proud of myself.

Boot camp was hard for me tonight. I could feel my legs aching. I know I bitch and moan about it but it never gets easier. The beautiful thing is that when I come home I can journal my calories I noticed I burned 501 calories because of my 55 minutes of boot camp. That part I really love. :) I also love seeing friends out there working their asses off... They have accomplished so much and keep going. I'm always inspired by my fellow boot campers. So if you are reading this... I freaking love you. EACH and EVERY ONE of you NEVER QUIT. It rocks my world and makes me feel like a loser face for whining....  :)

Oh.. I noticed yet another little gem of running.... MY BIG TOE NAIL is sore. Killing me sore. I hate it. If I lose that bugger I'm gonna be PISSED. I mean.. it's bad enough that I'm old with braces and 4 eyes... but now I have no big toenails? Can a girl catch a break. I mean really.... I am almost as attractive as Randy Travis, post arrest... :)

Just thought I'd leave you with a little funny somethin' somethin'....... If you don't find it funny, you have no sense of humor... or no kids.

xoxo,

M

Spokane To Sandpoint RECAP.... :)

T.I.R.E.D..... that's me RIGHT NOW!

I just got home from a kick a$$ experience. The Spokane To Sandpoint Relay Race. Talk about an amazing time..... Where to begin.......

For those of you who don't know The Spokane to Sandpoint is a 184.3 mile Relay Race. You have 12 runners and you each take a different leg. Certain runners are assigned to certain Vans. Van 1 or Van 2. Van 1 starts (duh). Each runner will run a certain distance. For example if you were in Van 1, Runner 1, you might start with a 5 mile run. Your van drops you off at the start line and then heads out to the next exchange point (mile 5). Runner 2 will wait there for Runner 1. Runner 1 will hand off the runner's snap bracelet and Runner 2 takes off on what ever amount of miles their leg is. Runner 1 will hop in the van and ride with the other runners. Then Runner 3 will be shuttled to the next exchange point... This goes on until all 6 runners in Van 1 are done with thier assigned leg. Then Van 2 will start with runner 7...and so on and so on... Each Van will have 3 "legs" like this. You have 36 hours to complete the course. It's around the clock. I was in Van 2, Runner 8.  I ran leg 8 (3.66 miles), leg 20 (2.83 miles), leg 32 (3.5 miles). Our Team was The Roslyn Brew Crew for Roslyn Brewing Company. Kelly's (our team captain) husband owns this business and they sponsored us!! How freaking cool is that??? Yay.

So there's the "idea" of this race. Thursday at 3ish we all met in town at Fred Meyers. I was EXTRA nervous because I only knew one gal, Lisa. The other ladies I hadn't ever spent time with and I KNOW they are big time runners. I just can't help but to feel like such a "newbie" to the whole running scene. Turns out everyone was super nice and friendly. We all piled into our assigned vans... I was in Van 2 with Kelly, Lindsey, Lisa (that told me about this and invited me to do this), Jackie, and Candie. Our Van was a 1992 Chev Suburban. It had NO AIR CONDITIONING and sometimes the back passenger side door wouldn't open. OH and the gas gage stopped working at some point. It was perfect for decorating and bombing around in BUT it definately was an oven.

Thursday night we stayed at a little lodge type place at Mt. Spokane about 5-6 miles from ths start line. It was simple and cheap, just like me so I didn't mind it too much. :)

Friday morning we were scheduled to start and we all woke up early. Both Vans headed up the road to the start line. At the start line while waiting for Van 1 to begin our race we did some decorating of what we affectionately called "Big Blue". :)

We took our pictures of us goofing around a team picture at the beginning of the race.

 The Roslyn Brew Crew 2012 S2S



Kelly, ME (way in the back) and Lindsay. These chics are AWESOME.

Our first runner took off and Van 1 began their journey. Van 2... WENT TO STARBUCKS. When all the gals in our van decided to go to my FAV coffee stand I was PLEASED. We had a few hours to kill and I loved the idea of doing it with a latte in hand. We all visited and kicked back waiting for our turn. I was so worried. My stomach started to hurt and I knew I needed more water. I couldn't figure out if it was nerve or a sour stomach. Now, looking back... I think it was NERVES...

Van 2: Lindsey, Lisa, me, Candie, Kelly, and Jackie



Pretty soon it was time for our awesome Van 2 Big Blue to start. Candie was runner 7 which meant she was first. It was approximately 2:30 ish and DAMN HOT. Actually it was 97!  I can't remember exactly how many miles she had, but I do remember that I WAS NEXT AND I WAS SCARED.  My stomach was ON FIRE and my nerves were shot. I was trying to play it cool..... and doing a crappy job of it. As soon as Candie took off we all piled in the van and headed to the exchange. I remember standing there and feeling like my legs were going to start shaking. What the heck was wrong with me??? Candie came around the bend and did the hand off. I was instantly ready to go. I took off running and thought "I got this"... but my stomach was killing me. I looked at my Garmin and I was doing a 8:40 pace. That's SUPER FAST FOR ME!!! I passed one gal. I felt like I was holding my own.... but then it hit. My stomach was starting to turn. I had slowed WAY down so I could settle myself down. I could actually taste the latte coming back up and I knew I had to stop. It was 97 degrees out and I was on a trail with no water. What the hell was I thinking? I kept trying to talk myself out of it... but I couldn't hold back anymore. I started to vomit... It was the ONE AND ONLY TIME I have ever done anything like this... Runners were passing me.... and I was DYING. Not only was I getting sick, with no water... but people were seeing this happen? WTH? Have I no shame??  I started to regroup and had slowed to a jog... My face was sweaty and I was feeling whipped. I made it another .5 miles and stopped again for a quick dry heave. I almost started bawling. My head was pounding... but I talked myself down off the ledge and got my ass back in gear. I was incredibly slow but at that point, I just had to finish this damn leg.  Soon I saw my teammates and they were cheering me on like CRAZY. I ran across this amazing bridge and did that hand off to our next runner, Lindsay. My teammates had cold water for me and were all so kind and understanding. I was so afraid of holding them up and they were only concerned about me. It made a terrible moment seem completely ok. These chics were cool as hell.

Lisa in her beer wench costume w me.

Kelly. One of her legs was a mustache/tattoo contest SHE WON IT. YAY....

EVERYONE in our van ROCKED THEIR RUNS. They are all so fast and strong as heck. The time went fast. Soon we were at the transition point where Van 1 picks up. We could take a rest and eat. We hit a fun little restaurant and I was sure to drink plenty of fluids that were not labeled Starbucks. We laid down in the park and napped while Van 1 was out doing their runs.

Our second set of runs were at night. And by night I mean PITCH BLACK OUT. My second run was a "glow contest"... It was so fun. I needed to have fun. I had totally had the worst running experience of my life during my first leg.... my second needed to be awesome. I had the coolest dress up nonsense EVER... It was LED gloves, lights, glow sticks, and a LED WIG..... I loved it. My run was short and it was SOOOO MUCH COOLER OUT. We ran along trails by the water which made a world of difference. I felt much much better and had runners running towards me at times. There were lots of high fives and laughs. I felt  redeemed.

LIGHT IT UP.

The rest of our night runs went awesome. Everyone enjoyed it so much more.... it really made every ones experience so much more incredible. It was cooler and easier to move in. After our night runs Van 1 picked back up for their last set of legs and Van 2 headed to a local school to sleep. I can honestly say I have no idea how long it took to get there, where we were, or what the heck was going on. I had crawled in the very back seat and started to curl up with my sleeping bag. I didn't wake up until 5:00 am. I probably fell asleep around 1:30 ish??? I'm unsure of the exact time. When I did wake up my head was killing me. I really believe I got dehydrated. No matter how much I drank, I was still feeling whipped, and headachy. I guess that's what happens in super hot weather and poor hydration while sitting in a freaking oven of a car after running.... HA.

My last leg of the run was approximately 9:30 this morning. It was 3.5 miles and it was getting warm out. I made a deal with myself to just take it easy. My legs were super sore from running and sleeping in the car. They felt heavy, but I was so pleased to be on my last run I knew it was gonna be a mental game for me. When I finished I did what I always do. I bawled. I cried because I still cannot believe how far I've come. I was NOT the fastest but I was part of a team that encouraged me and showed me what strong women can do. We had some silly times and made great memories. We all took turns losing stuff in the car and it was always right in front of our faces, we got lost, we made jokes, we bitched about the heat, whined when we got cold or wet, and so much more. Heck, we even locked ourselves out of our vehicle but all found ways to find the good in it and keep rolling. I loved every second of that. I am so grateful for this experience to do a Relay with women who are amazing. I hope we can do it again next year. Maybe I'll make it without vomit. :)

OH and HELL YES... I got a metal, a cool tech shirt and I kept up with my 7 in 7 goal. August race .... COMPLETED! Yeeehaw....

BLING ALERT!!! On Thursday my ROCK ENCORE metal came in the mail. If you do 2 rock n roll events (Portland & Seattle)... you received an encore metal. Check this baby out... she's a gleaming mass of beauty... sparkles, sparkles, sparkles....

Damn good weekend... 2 metals were added. Yay..... I'm off to bed... I'm tired.........

xoxoxoxo,

M



Why don't you just drive there????

Holy Smokes! It's been a busy few days.....

Saturday was the "big day" for my brother and Juli. Everything turned out amazing and it was so fun to be a part of their special day. I love love loved seeing Wade all fancied up.Not too shabby for a small town country boy. His usual attire of wranglers and a sleeveless tee-shirt were nowhere to be seen. I gotta say the boy cleans up nicely. :) Keep your eyes off my man-candy ladies.

 

Sunday was a recovery day for me. I was whipped. Wade was whipped... we really needed a recovery day.... and some freaking Dairy Queen. (No worries, we behaved).

Monday... Oh Monday....

Back to work I went and afterwards it was BOOT CAMP BABY! Candice attempted to kill me once again (I'm still feeling the soreness in my legs). I am noticing that my slacking off has started to catch up with me. Boot camp was hard on this girl. I was OUT.OF.BREATH and HOT. AS. HELL... and by HOT I mean sweating like a pig and panting like a dog. We did plenty of burpies, mountain climbers, plank jacks, high knees, squat thrusts, jumping jacks, and other forms of torture. Next we followed up with some different down and backs. It was a good one, if you think that death by exercise is a health lifestyle choice.. I kid, I kid.. it wasn't THAT bad.. kinda.

ummmm.. whatev...

Later that after boot camp we did what most people in the valley did.... we watched it go up in smoke. No, I'm not being funny. I'm super serious right now. Our little beautiful valley has been on fire for the last 2 days and it's been horrible. So much destruction and so damn fast. I'm broken hearted for the homes that were lost but grateful for the lives saved because of the fast response times. Currently we are at 10% contained and our valley has lost 28000 acres, but not one life has been lost. That's a huge blessing.

Yesterday was a work day for me and then some more watching and praying. I wish these fires would stop. We need some rain and NO WIND.

Tonight I'm packing. I hope I bring all the right stuff. I AM SO EXCITED and SOOOO NERVOUS, but tomorrow afternoon I leave for my first Relay Race. I will be running in the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. YES, I'm scared. YES, I'm worried... BUT I'm just scared and worried because the other 11 women that are on this team are super fast and super strong. I hope I do good. They have taken mercy on me and given me some easy legs. They must be able to see a poser coming their way! One of my legs is a night time run. Approximately 9:10 at night and it's a "glow" contest. I have purchased a BOAT LOAD of glow in the dark stuff. I hope hope hope it works out well. The leg is a short one 2.83 miles and I think I'll be able to handle having a ton of crud pinned to me and wrapped around me for that length of a run. I want to WIN the contest for our TEAM. DANG IT!!! I've never ran in the dark. I have to wear a running reflective vest and a head lamp. I keep thinking I'll be scared of the boogie man and run faster. BECAUSE I HATE THE DARK... but I'm gonna be a big kid and roll with it. :) It's tough being a grown up. I should be home Saturday and I'll update the blog with all my adventures. My total running is 9.98 miles. This is a 36 hour race.... but we should be done well before that. AND THIS IS MY AUGUST RACE. Plus, I think I get a metal to add to the collection. YAY....

Little pic I borrow from the actual website for the Spokane to Sandpoint.

Let it be known..... prior to my "running" the only time I was in Sandpoint ID was for dinner or to buy booze passing through. Hahahaha.. Time have changed, huh?

OH OH OH... big news.. I can't believe I didn't post... I weighed in at a reduced 153.8. I went down and I'll take it..... I really need to pay good attention if I'm gonna get into the 140s EVER IN MY LIFE.

So, there ya have it folks... Mandy's life summed up. Wish me luck this weekend... Lord knows I'll need it. I'm gonna do my best. Can't wait to share the adventure with you.

Question of the day??  Who's getting married first, Jen or Brad????

xoxo
M