Thursday, February 27, 2014

I got my fix

For the past few days I've been eating not so healthy and around 2-3pm I've been having what my sisters and I call nap attacks. Today I dozed off with Kate on the couch and when I woke up all I could think about was a bowl of marshmallow mateys. (Lucky charms knock off)
I decided I was going to take a stand against that lazy lifestyle that was creeping its way back in. So I got up and did the following workout.
Notice anything?
I RAN today!! I started to walk on the treadmill then this song came on my playlist:
How can someone walk to a song that says you gotta run?!

I was smart and ran just under half a mile then finished the mile with run walk intervals. Taking those first strides I felt like I came alive. I had a huge cheeser on my face and I was just so happy to be running again. I won't run tomorrow but this has definitely given me the boost I've been needing for way too long. *still smiling*

SOME RANDOMS FOR YA:
This is the closest we Central Californians get to having snow.

Soon we'll be eating fresh cut asparagus.

I made some delicious broccoli tortellini chowder for dinner tonight. If you'd like the recipe let me know and I'll post it under the recipes tab. Every now and then I surprise everyone and cook something good. Keeps 'em guessing ;-)

(Just for the record, I didn't have that bowl of cereal :-))

How was your Thursday?
Do you like chowder?
Do you have something fun planned this weekend?

Have an amazing Friday everyone!!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Benefits of composting and some randoms


The first time we made our own compost was a few years ago. I wasn't sure how it would turn out because it seemed like we were just throwing just about anything into the barrel. When we looked at it after about a month, it looked like rich, dark soil. I was amazed! Of course there's more to composting than dumping banana peels and egg shells into a bin. But Google can explain how to compost if you're interested. I just want to mention some benefits of doing your own compost.


1. Less garbage. When we compost it takes a lot longer to fill our garbage can in the kitchen. So ultimately, composting is better for the earth by using a natural way to break down foods and clippings instead of tossing them into plastic bags that end up in land fills.

2. Saves money. By making our own compost we are obviously saving money because we won't have to buy any for our garden.

3. Provides natural nutrients. Compost consists of pure leftovers of peels, cores, clippings and remnants from fruits and uncooked veggies; as well as clippings from yard work. It also can consist of egg shells, coffee grounds and droppings from animals such as ducks or chickens. So all of the unused nutrients are being mixed together and eventually they break down to create a rich, luscious and healthy soil for gardens and other plants.


4. Provides moisture. When using compost in gardens or plants, the soil will stay moist longer than if it were just potting soil or dirt. Compost is equipped to hold water which prevents the plants from becoming dehydrated. This also saves water.

5. It's a family effort. This may sound strange but the whole family can enjoy composting. Everyone can add to the bin and be a part of the process. Some kids find it fascinating to see the changes take place. It also can be used as a science experiment and great learning experience.

So have convinced you to start your own compost??

RANDOMS:
While walking with my mom, nephew and Kate we must have disturbed the bee's while they were making honey. Two attacked my face, one got me and then a third one got tangled in my pony tail. Not cool.

Since my Saucony's are making my knee/leg hurt I decided to use my trusty ole New Balances. I walked a mile on the treadmill. Thrill of a lifetime.

Banana pancakes are one of my faves for breakfast.

I think people deserve to know how you feel about them and what they've done for you. This card is to thank the staff at the nursing home where my grandpa spent his last days. I specifically thanked a few CNA's for going above and beyond their duties.

I received a surprise package in the mail! The lady who won the New Year New Goals giveaway last month lives in Malaysia. I forgot to specify if it was US only so since it was my mistake I paid a good amount for shipping (which I didn't mind at all) and it made her so happy. She sent me this package of socks for my whole family as a thank you! It made my day!

Update on my injury:
I still haven't seen anyone for it because it does seem to be getting better. I've been foam rolling and icing more often. I've also stopped doing anything high impact and have been sticking to walking. I'll take slow progress over no progress!

How is your week going so far?
Do you compost?
Are you planning to have a garden this year?
Are you allergic to bees? I'm not, thankfully!

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

Saturday, February 22, 2014

A much needed date

It's been a while since the hubs and I had a date of any kind. So the kids went to g ma's and we had a full day to ourselves.

After running some errands we went out to lunch at a new to us restaurant.
Texas Roadhouse
(I know, I should totally be a photographer)

These rolls are made from scratch. The butter was some sort of cinnamon spread. Hands down, THE BEST rolls ever. Comfort food at its finest.

This probably won't surprise you because my husband and I truly are soul mates, but we ordered the same exact thing. I sometimes think we're the cute couple that makes everyone want to puke.
Crispy critter salads. More like never ending salads. They sure tasted good but sadly I couldn't finish mine. And salad isn't something you can box up for later.
Looks like I barely put a dent in it. At least I ate all the chicken.

After lunch we picked up a used shed, took it home, swapped the truck for the Stang then went out for some good ole ice cream from Thrifty's. I mean, Rite Aid. My heart was set on rocky road but they were out! So I settled for the next best thing: chocolate brownie. I also got a scoop of mint n chip but it wasn't great.

Yes, ice cream makes me happy.

My stud.

We tried to get a picture together but my hair blew in the wind and tickled his neck and he thought it was a bug. I'm laughing as I type this. He's very scared of bees and anything else with a stinger..or legs. (Only if it's on him, he wanted me to clear that up)

It was such a beautiful day. Times like these are needed every so often. I hope everyone had an awesome Saturday!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Run a mile or two for me! .. I'll be back at it soon!

Do you remember Thrifty's?

Friday, February 21, 2014

And Just Like That, He's Gone

Today was the funeral and burial of my dear grandpa. I will spare you too many details because we all know funerals are hard, to say the least. I just wanted to write this post because I feel like it will give me a little more closure. 

Going to bed last night wasn't easy.
Waking up and getting ready this morning wasn't easy.
But I am so thankful for a husband who supports me and gives me that extra push when I need it most. I might not have gone to the service if it weren't for him to snap me back into reality.



Family means everything to us. My kids told me they loved me multiple times today. Having them with me made it a tad bit easier.

Bobby Elven Goucher
3-1-34 to 2-14-14


As we drove away I looked back one last time and they were lowering him into the ground.
I told my husband, he's gone.
It's all so surreal but I'm ready for the healing process. I know I'll never forget him so I'm ok with moving forward with my life. He wouldn't want me to sit around and cry.

He will be missed.


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Life Keeps on Truckin'

I promise I won't talk about death and/or my grandpa in every post but it is the biggest thing going on in my life right now. His obituary was published in the local paper and his funeral is tomorrow. My state of shock has moved to panic and anxiety. In the words of my dad, I need to stop being such a "spaz". I know time will help ease the pain..
My grandpa always said, "Time just keeps on truckin".


And life does go on. Here's what we've been up to lately. Yes I made some more collages. It makes posting updates so much quicker.

Our garden is growing!

I met up with my mom and sister at the park. They babysit my niece and nephew so it was fun for Kate to play with her cousins. I had a good time too :-)

I had to jam home because it was about 12:45 and I found out Daniel was getting out of school at 1. Then we flew some kites and went back to town for groceries and gas. Necessities of life.

Today (Thursday) I have more tests for glaucoma.
My IT band is till pretty tight and my knee hurts in the outside even though I've taken time off of almost everything..so I think I will break down and see a sports Dr and probably go back to physical therapy.

Going through such a hard time makes me want to go for a long run. Heck I'd settle for a mile pain free!

WORD.

I'm so jealous of my husband right now. He knows it's a touchy subject so he treads softly around it.

Flower @ UpAndHumming has posted some very important and informational posts about runners and the use of NSAID's. She also posted about something I've never heard of but every runner/athlete/person who exercises should know about it. Check it all out here

How has your week been going?
Do you feel like your life could be a country song sometimes?

I promise I won't post about depressing things for a long time. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!