I wish they were all nice!

I can only laugh....Rude people can so easily ruin a day if we let it. I woke up this morning to extremely rude people. I canceled an appointment with my dentist and the receptionist called me inconsiderate and hung up on me midsentence. (I am switching dentists). Then an elderly man on a bike cussed me out as I was driving. This is no way to start a Monday! These people must be so unhappy deep down. I feel sorry for them instead of angry.

Instead I am choosing to focus on the good things in my life! My weekend was so nice! My mom came early Sat morning and we spent the whole day outside- buying produce at the green market, brunching at Paris Sidewalk cafe, gazing at the waves on Juno Beach, strolling along the waterway late afternoon, and finally watching the nightlife begin as we ate strawberry pie at an outdoor restaurant on the island.

It was refreshing! Followed by Sunday- stretching at a 6:30am yoga session, socializing with friends after church, admiring the detailed art at the street painting festival, munching on a cafe salad at the Cottage Cafe, and relaxing in the hot tub, and sipping on wine at the beach at dusk.

Isn't it crazy how fast things around us can change- one day to the next?! From a perfect day to chaos and rudeness.

I can't wait for my gym workout tonight.. things can only go up from here! :-)

Pictures from this weekend to come soon!...

Today as I ran....

Today on my run....The sun was just rising and there was a breeze underneath the shadows of the newly forming rain clouds. I didn't even think twice about rain interfering with my run since I usually can outrun the rain! Weird concept to race rain clouds but you really can in Florida!

One time in my college years, while running, a rain cloud started coming towards me- I could actually see the raindrops moving over the dry sidewalk! So strange for a midwestern girl like myself... I grew up in a small town in Minnesota called Northfield. If it rained up there, it rained for the entire day- dark clouds, pouring rain. There was no such thing as "waiting five minutes til the shower ends."

Anyways, it ended up being a beautiful run- with the clouds keeping it cool and breezy. After my run I took a quick shower, poured some Kashi cereal, and enjoyed a cup of chilled vanilla coffee- so refreshing! Nothing in the world can go wrong because its Friday! Even if something unpleasant comes up today - it will be okay because the weekend starts in 8 hours ;-)

I can't wait for this weekend! I love planning weekends... so far I am thinking:

Brunch w MOM :)
Green Market Day at the Beach Shopping
Dinner downtown
Chick FlicksYoga sessionChurch
Lunch
Painting festivalETC...

One relaxed, spontaneous weekend ahead!

What are your favorite things to do on the weekend?

Benefits of Bikram

As far as my workout today, I think I am going to another Bikram Yoga session tonight. I just love it and have been feeling better all week since my session Monday. The only thing is it is madly expensive. But I can rationalize it as "preventative health costs." It is way cheaper than getting a massage!

And then there's all the health benefits of the heat:

1.Enhances vasodilatation so that more blood is delivered to the muscles. This means that the capillaries that weave around the muscles respond to the heat by dilation. This brings more oxygen to the muscles and helps in the removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.


2.Allows oxygen in the blood to detach from the hemoglobin more easily. When blood passes through warm muscles, oxygen releases more easily from the hemoglobin. Blood passing through cold muscles releases less oxygen.


3.Speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.


4.Makes muscles more elastic, less susceptible to injury.


5.Improves coordination.


6.Reduces heart irregularities associated with sudden exercise.


7.Burns fat more easily. Warmed muscles burn fat more easily than cold ones. Fat is released during stress. The stress of intense exercise causes a deluge of fatty acids into the blood stream. If you exercise with cold muscles, they can’t use the fatty acids, and they end up in places they are not wanted such as in the lining of your arteries. (Source)

........

Other news: Its official, my mom is coming to visit this weekend! It has been entirely too long since I have had some time with my mom so it will be nice to soak up the beach, get a little shopping in, and go for a run with my mom this weekend. I always love catching up with her and it will be fun to give a tour of where I live. Maybe I can even get her to come to yoga!

Running

I woke up just before the sun rose today and was able to get out along the waterway for a run just as the sun was peaking over the horizon. It is a gorgeous day today! I must have passed about 10 people out with their dogs- soo cute. When I am retired oneday and am home alot I am for sure getting a pup to keep me company! Maybe even sooner ;-)

Physically it was a slow jog. I have been really sore since my yoga session Monday and feeling lots of strain in my upper back since Friday when I pulled something at the gym. I feel as if I am getting old.

Luckily my Chiropractor scheduled an MRI to see whats going on. I have been running for the last 10 years straight with no more than 1 month tops off at a time. I can't imagine my life without running. I run to clear my head, I run to get fresh air, I run to stay in shape, I run to accomplish goals, I run to train for races, I run to collect my thoughts, I run to pray....

However if the results from this MRI are negative or show something wrong with my spine I may have to consider other sports for awhile :( I am just hoping everything is okay :)

Question:

What do you love most about running?

(Source WPB Waterway)

Taco Tuesday

Growing up, my mom used to make homemade meals every night. One of my favorite memories was TACO night! She used to go all out and prepare a full taco bar with hard/soft tacos, meat, cheeses, lettice, chilis, salsa, sour cream, beans, corn, avocados, peppers, olives, cilantro, tomatoes, dressings, etc.

I always made a HUGE salad for my meal. Taco night was more casual so we usually rented a movie and ate in the living room with our plates loaded high with healthy food! (at least my plate, can't say the same for my dad and borther haha)

Now whenever its Tuesday and I see various signs at Mexican restaurants advertising Taco Tuesday specials, I always crave a good taco- salad!

Question:

Do you have any family mealtime traditions that you want to bring back into your life?

(Source- Taco)

Back on Track + BIKRAM

With 3 parties this past weekend I had my share of cake, ice cream sundaes, brownies, girl scout cookies, and chocolate! I woke up feeling a bit on the unhealthy side so I decided to get back on track this week ;-)

This week I want to incorporate tons of fruits and vegetables in my meals! This morning I decided to start with a hearty breakfast to keep me full throughout the day:

Fresh Strawberries

+

Kashi Go Lean Cereal

+

Silk Vanilla Light Soy Milk

Lunch was also healthy =)

Panera Bread Vegetable Soup
Cafe Salad w/ Mixed Greens
Apple
Kashi Almond Flax bar (snack)

And then a Bikram Yoga session downtown. I LOVE BIKRAM! I had forgotten how good it makes me feel. I had better sleep last night then I have had in a long time.

After a 90 min session I had just enough time to buzz home, take a cold shower and make a healthy dinner before a few girlfriends came over for the Bachelor.

For dinner, I decided to make:

Spinach Salad w goat cheese, strawberries, almonds
Egg white whole wheat french toast.
Greek Blueberry Yogurt and Apple with PB

I used to feel discouraged if I ate unhealthy during the weekend, but now I have learned to channel that frustration into something positive- working on bettering my lifestyle one step at a time. Heres to a healthy week!
(Source Kashi)
(Source Strawberries)

A Beautiful Run

I woke up early this morning for some reason and couldn't wait to go outside for a run. It feels like Spring. A nice cool breeze along the ocean- it was beautiful. As I ran, I kept remembering how I used to get up early and run every single day in college. How good and energetic I felt the rest of the day! I want to start running in the mornings more often. It really is a nice way to start the day- with other walkers and runners greeting you as they pass by.

Cool Quote

I saw an awesome quote today..."the future depends on what we do in the present."

There is no better time than the present to embrace all that is around us. To be dedicated at work, to realize what God has blessed us with, to give to those around us, to love people, to have compassion and grace with others. When I see people living like this, I am inspired.

Light meals, rich desserts, and surprises!

Last night was full of surprises! I love surprises! :) The day started out as any normal day would: a text from my boyfriend, a run at the gym..

However, being that it is the first Valentines Day for Bryan and I, knew I wanted to surprise him. After my morning route of physicians offices, I swung by a local bakery downtown, ordered an arrangement of chocolate dipped strawberries, cream puffs, and cannolies, a stuffed animal, some chocolates, and a balloon. After putting them in a huge gift bag with a card I dropped them off at Bryan's work to be delivered to him while in class.

A half hour later I got a text message- I knew he had recieved it ;-) That night, I arrived at his house, ready for the next surprise. He took me to my favorite restaurant Seasons 52! I love how I can order anything on the menu and not feel a tinge of guilt for it being that EVERYTHING on the menu is under 475 calories and made with fresh quality ingredients ;-)

Our dinner looked a bit like this:

Garlic Roasted Shrimp Skewers with Avocado for starters!

A glass of Pinot Noir (for me)

2 bottles of Heinekens (for Bryan)

Rainbow Trout w Roasted Vegetables for me.

Cedarplank Salmon w Roasted Vegetables for Bryan

And the finale ........

Two dessert shots! (far left) Lemon meringue mouse over vanilla pound cake with whipped cream and peanut butter chocolate mouse with white chocolate shavings. Divine!

After dessert we went back to Bryan's place, changed into comfy sweats, and watched a movie.

Later on, I got my Bachelor fix. At this point, all the girls on the show have become a bit too emotionally involved. Bryan came in the room periodically and made a point that before seeing the show he had imagined the experience of being on the show as a single guy's dream- surrounded by women fighting for his attention. But now- he saw it as a nightmare- dealing with tons of jealous women, crying, exhausted, and emotionally draining everyone around them. I couldn't agree with him more after last night's episode lol.

But Shawntel sticks out above all the rest to me. She is the most down to earth, positive and real.

We can only wait and see....

Question:

I was listening to my local radio station this morning and it seems that several people do not celebrate Valentines Day for different reasons. Being the curious person that I am I love hearing different people's veiwpoints! Do you celebrate it? Why or why not?

In college, when I was single I always celebrated it- but MAINLY as an excuse to get together with my other single girlfriends and eat chocolate and watch chick flicks!! Now, dating someone, I am indifferent about having to celebrate it or not- but I still love the chocolate and spending an evening with Bryan ;-)

(Source- Shrimp)

(Source- Salmon)

(Source- Trout)

(Source- Dessert)

(Source Shawntel)

(Source- Shawntel2)

Best Salad Combo!

After working all weekend at a conference in Fort Lauderdale, I was so glad to have a lazy day today. After a leisurely morning at church, Bryan and I were craving healthy food so we went to Publix to see what we could find. We ended up getting a Kashi Roasted Vegetable pizza and adding pineapple and chicken at home before baking it. It was Delicious!

And then theres my favorite salad combo.

The best salad combo in the world:

Spinach
Chopped Fresh Peaches
Avocado slices
Sea Salted Almonds
Goat Cheese
Spritz of Lime

After a huge salad and our semi-homemade pizza we watched a bit of the Heat/Celtics game and fell asleep on the couch. I love lazy Sundays. We are going to squeeze in a quick gym session later tonight I hope.

Can't wait for Valentines Day tomorrow! No excuses, I am going for a run in the morning no doubt, gotta have room for all the chocolate ;-)

Question:
Do you normally get something for your significant other on Valentines Day? If so, what do you get them?

This year I think I am going to surprise Bryan at work with something- something chocolate dipped, involving balloons, and thoughtful, hope he likes it! :)

Working Late = Fast Salad!

So last night I ended up working a few hours later than usual since our monthly sales report was due. It is something that I always procrastinate on! I always tell myself I'll update the monthly report as I go, but that NEVER happens ;-) So after a few late night hours at Starbucks with my laptop and a Zen tea latte with nonfat milk and a few sprinkles of vanilla, I knew I had to stop sitting and go to the gym!

It was so hard to be motivated that late at night, but I knew if I didn't go I would feel worse. So, in an attempt to not talk myself out of it, I updated my fb status to say I was going. Haha- so funny how telling the world somehow held me to it!

After a 5 mile run at 7.6 with a 1.5 incline, I was craving a healthy dinner. Bryan had just gotten to his house and I decided to swing by with a few deli salads. You will not believe where my favorite salad place is- Super Target. Thats right, the fresh Deli at Target has made-to-order salads and they are crazy good! Fresh spinach and romaine, topped with grilled chicken, fresh blueberries and strawberries, goat cheese, and a side of creamy sweet dressing! And the best part?!?........ IT"S ALL for $3.99! Bryan and I discovered them a few months ago and have fallen in love with them ever since. Did I mention that Bryan is starting to eat more salads since meeting me? ;-) Yay!

Archer Farms Grilled Chicken Deli Salad. $3.99!!!!

After a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother (which is my favorite show at the moment!....Love the Swarley episode, lol!!), a handful of fresh red grapes, and my delicious salad- I was off to sleep.


Question to Think About...


When you are starving and in a time crunch, what is your go-to for healthy food?


(Source- Salad)
(Source- HowIMet)

Time to unWINEd!

I woke up early and got my run in yesterday morning because I knew that I had a busy night ahead, including my much needed hair appointment! I ended up running 4 miles at 7.3 pace and 1 additional mile at 7.6- though the last mile was hard to stay motivated. Perhaps it was the fact I had gotten up 1.5 hours earlier and was tired. After my run, I brewed a cup of green tea and checked my emails. One was from my mom at 7am in the morning - she had woken up thinking of my sister, brother and I and our faith in God. She wrote a letter encouraging us to start reading the Bible. She is so sweet and very random at times- but it was a good reminder none-the-less. ;-)

Later that evening, after a long full day of work, I headed to my hair appointment at my favorite salon- Artisans. Upon arriving in the door I was directed to lounge in the stylist chair while served me a glass of Merlot and cookies. There is a reason why I go there! haha.

I have been going to the same stylist for a year now and she remembers almost everything about my life so we talked as I sipped wine. It was so relaxing. From relationships to shopping to gym workouts- we have a lot in common...

After the salon I headed to meet Bryan. We had made dinner plans at Bar Louie- a place with amazing drinks, even more amazing salads, and a great atmosphere.


The food was delicious. We watched the Pistons game (did I mention he is a HUGE fan?) and ordered grilled chicken salads. Yes, that's right, Bryan ordered a salad!!! :-) Grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens topped with avocados, blue cheese crumbles, cucumbers, diced egg, garbanzos, and house dressing on the side. It was so good!
....
After dinner, Bryan suggested we walk to Starbucks around the corner to get tea lattes. It was a perfect night to be outside. Slightly humid but still nice. Just another reminder that Spring is right around the corner!

Question to Think About...

What types of literature inspire you the most? Do you read a document such as the Holy Bible, biographies, or life psychology books?

For me its a combination of all, I really enjoy biographies of people's lives so I can learn from their life experiences. I also like the Bible for that reason as well- reading about people's lives and their interactions with God.

(Wine Source)
(Salon- Source)
(Bar- Source)
(Starbucks- Source)

A Peachy Evening

Yesterday I spent a full day out West for work. As a rep for a medical company, I frequently find myself in far away places enjoying a new adventure every single day. One thing I noticed was the large availability of fresh produce at ever corner. From peach stands to strawberries, the town I was in had lots to offer. By the time I got home from work, after fitting in a 5 mile jog, I was starved for something fresh. Thankfully I had loaded up on fresh veggies and peaches at the Green Market last weekend. Starting with a few sliced carrots and garlic hummus as my appetizer, I began figuring what I would have as my main course.

+

It was one of those nights, after working and running- I was not about to go out again to the grocery store. I decided to check my pantry for a quick dinner. I am a true believer in having lots of color at every meal- encompassing fruit, grains, protein and veggies as much as possible. One look at what I had on hand, I decided to make fresh corn tortilla burritos with a side of carrots and celery. It was the simplest dinner- but ever so tasty and healthy!


Preheat oven to 350 F. Place 2-3 Corn tortillas on a pizza pan.

Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla. Then bake for 8minutes. Once hot, sprinkle a small amount of cheddar cheese one each one and fold tortilla in half. Delicious!

After a healthy dinner, a refreshing shower, and a phone conversation with my boyfriend, I curled up on the couch with a good book and a freshly sliced peach. A perfect way to unwind, if only every night were this relaxed.. ;-) Then again, I like my busy life too... Balance in life is what keeps me rejuvenated.

(source- cheddar)
(Source- Peach)

(Source- Carrots)
(Source- Hummus)
(Source- beans)

(Source - tortillas)

Hint of Lime/Love

First off, last night was a great time! 4 girlfriends, chips, salsa, and THE BACHELOR! I am definitely beginning to think that Emily is going to win. She has the most heart and the sweetest spirit compared to the other girls. Chantal is a close second. She is the furthest emotionally in the show having said she loves Brad last night!



Chantal's words were so true. When Brad asked her how she knew she loved him, she replied that it was when she started feeling compassionately for him instead of jealous. She loved him not the idea of winning him. That is so true to life. True love is feeling for the other person, empathizing with them. Funny how you can gain insight from a "mindless" reality tv-show, lol.

I tried a new salsa last night- delicious! Publix Deli Mild with Hint of Lime Tostitos chips. There was a perfect blend of cilantro in the salsa paired with the lime chips. Great combo!

(Source- Emily)
(Source- Chantal)

Happy Fan!

Besides the great commercials and food, last night was a great night to watch the Cheese Heads take on victory! As a midwestern girl (Vikings fan) I decided to cheer for my other half of the family's team last night- just to be nice ;-) I was glad I did. I love a great game and I love being on the winning team haha.

My friend had a bunch of friends over to his house for the big game. And no game is complete without the necessities: my homemade guacemole w white corn tortilla chips! The party food turned out nicely: lil smokers w pineapple and bbq sauce, pizza poppers, dorritos, pretzels, white bean tostidas, homemade jalapeno poppers, and of course...pina coladas and jello shots! It was delicious! And even more exciting than the food was hanging out with a great group of friends (some of whom I have known for over 5 years).

After helping myself to a variety plate with a bite of everything, I fell into a food coma on the couch to be awoken at the end of the game to Victory! Not sure how I missed the last quarter of the game... whoops.

After 8 hours of sleep and a 5 mile run this morning I decided to get on the road fast and drove through McDonalds. I was pleasantly surprised by their healthy bfast options. I ordered the Fruit Oatmeal- it was delicious! Perfect healthy start to the day and went great with a $1.60 cup of premium coffee. When time doesn't permit me to make bfast at home, I think I have found a new morning staple.


(Source- Poppers)
(Source- Guac)
(Source- Smokies)
(Source- MD)

Friday! I am sane again!

Nothing Beats a morning starting with delicious Fiber One cereal with fresh sweet and juicy berries, and a big mug-full of JOY Tea from TAZO. That is exactly how my Friday began after running a light 4 miles at the gym.

Its gorgeous out and sunny! Exactly what I need after a long hard work week.

I hope everyone has a great Friday! Tonight, a few friends and I are going to go out for a few happy hour drinks, sushi, and dancing. Can't wait to dance the night away! :)

Chinese Holiday

Happy Chinese New Year! Today as is "tradition" for Bryan, we went to a Chinese Restaurant to celebrate the holiday after a quick workout at the gym.

The Appetizer was amazing (although I am not sure how Chinese it was)- Lettice wraps with chicken, veggies, and this delicious molasses sauce- it was divine.

The second course was delicious as well but a little on the fatty side (which is exactly what I was craving tonight) - Orange Chicken on a bed of brown rice.

I could get used to this holiday. I wonder if I looked up special odd holidays for every single country in the world if I could celebrate something daily!... If celebrating them involves eating the good food- I am in ;)

Cancer-Free, Living Free

This morning I woke up early to go for a 5 mile run at the gym. As I was running, I kept thinking of how excited I am to speak at the Relay for Life Charity event tonight. I kept replaying over and over in my head the educational points I am going to speak about and why Relay is important to me. I know that cancer could take over my life any second and I am so privileged to be able to help those struggling with the disease or those who have survived.

I also have realized that I have much more going on in my life than the petty things I let worry me. Sometimes I get so focused on one bad situation that I let it overflow into my whole day. I made up my mind to set my thoughts on the good in my life today. To see the small blessings from God surrounding me.

After my run, I went back to shower, eat a quick Breakfast of Blueberries, FiberOne Cereal, and this new milk I am trying (lactose free skim). I notice a huge difference in how I feel throughout the course of the day when I drink lactose free. I am not as sluggish. After breakfast, I spent some time planning my route for the day (with a glance at FB) and was out the door.

The first thing I noticed when I stepped outside was the gorgeous weather! It is mid-80s with Blazing sun and a light breeze. Beautiful. I am so thankful to be living here. It makes me think about training for another half marathon honestly. I would like to take the next step I just haven't "trained" in so long- not sure whats holding me back. I guess its just deciding to put 100% into it. I think I am going to start at the beginning of next week.

(Source)

Heartbeat

The last 24 hours have been all about constant surrender to God. Lately I have made relationships, including romantic, more important than God and I am coming back to a place of surrender.

I read this morning that "Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us... The closer we become to the heartbeat of God, the more we desire to be conformed to Christ." *

When I think of the word heartbeat I think of a closeness beyond casual friendship. To hear someone's heartbeat you must be extremely close to them. A baby hears its mothers heartbeat. To be close to a person's heartbeat is a truly intimate feeling.

I came to the realization that the only thing that is constant in my life is my relationship with God. He is the only one I can truly trust for all time. I love the people in my life without a doubt, but should I not love God so much more than that?!?

Prayer is a way to connect with God, to receive clarification for direction in our lives, to petition our needs for ourselves and the needs of others to be met by Him- who knows every detail of our lives.

*Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline.