Monday, March 23, 2009

Dont just survive, THRIVE!

Ah yes, another message courtsey of Valparaiso Nazarene Church. Good service yesterday from Shawn! I just love those Sunday's where you walk away like you've been walloped by a 2x4 in the forehead. Sounds harsh I suppose that God would have to come to me that way but sometimes that's just what it takes!

Anyway, it was a good week in my world. I'll recap accordingly & am trying to get back to more regular blogging. I really enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading so many blogs. I get to keep up with friends & while I dont comment much I'm always there. I do have to say that it floors me to see Dan & Crystal's girls growing up so much! Wow, I remember Riley being that little baby at Common Grounds. That's my trip down memory lane!

Workouts
Sunday: 45 (ish) min run with Kevin (around 4.5 miles)
Monday: OFF (really we didnt want to get up!)
Tuesday: Chest & bi's (AM); 30 min cardio (PM)
Wednesday: Legs & shoulders
Thursday: 30 min cardio & abs
Friday: Back & tri's
Saturday: 30 min cardio & abs

Eats
I've been really working this week to focus on more natural foods. That means nothing processed (well except that Cadbury egg on Friday.) It's tough when you go out to eat but I try to make the best choices about 85-90% of the time. I've been reading some great blogs lately. I already mentioned Kath Eats (www.katheats.com) but have also found Eat, Live, Run (www.eatliverun.com) and Oh She Glows (www.ohsheglows.com.) They are all great reads. Not only is it fun to read about what they've eaten, new food finds, etc but it's also fun to SEE what they've eaten. I dont know if I could invest the time in photographing all my foods but it's fun to follow along. They also do giveaways as well. So check them out if you get some time!

Wedding
Things are moving along & this week I'll book the wedding date with the Luxor. I also am waiting for the approval from Daddy to book Strongbow Inn for the reception. Oh & it's worth mentioning that it's another "27." It'll be March 27 for that.

I am finding it challenging creating a guest list for that. I have SUCH a huge family & alot of people that I know through church, etc but I cannot invite everyone. There are some that have really been there for me that I want to include but I can't include everyone so I suspect that feelings will be hurt. It's just unavoidable isn't it?

But in the end, I just remind myself that this really is about becoming Kevin's wife & nothing more. And THAT gets me very excited! I cannot wait!!!!!!!

Wrap up
Life is good. Work seems to be moving towards improving which is a relief. You just never know what tomorrow is going to bring but I do like to keep a positive attitude (well, I try anyway) & just know that what's to be will be. Or my fave saying "it is what it is."

Thanks for following along. Perhaps this will become a more exciting blog. What kinds of things are folks interested in reading, seeing, etc? I dont think I'll ever become as "big" as the blogs I follow but you never know....

Have a FAB week!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Training, change & the #27

Odd title, eh? Almost reminds me of Sesame Street except it's not brought you by the number 27 like they always say.

Recap for Week of March 08
Sunday: 40 min Cardio & Abs
Monday: Chest & Bi's
Tuesday: 30 min Cardio & abs
Wednesday: Legs & Shoulders
Thursday: Off
Friday: Back & Tri's

Decent week of training. I cut back my cardio to be only 30 min sessions with one longer session per week (40-60 min.) Feels good to be keeping at things after so many years!

Change
Sometimes I'll talk of the services from church. The sermon was by a pastor that I worked with when he was the youth pastor at our church. He's my age, pretty open-minded & really let me be "me" with the kids. It was really great.

Anway, he (Keith) talked about change & baggage. How we bring things with us each week that we intend to "give away." It can be a big thing (like an addiction) or a small thing. It really doesnt matter how big or small. What matters is that we continue to bring it with intentions of leaving it behind but continue to "sneak it back" as the week goes on. Perhaps you've struggled with gossip & during your quiet time as for conviction or whatever to rid yourself of that. Then by Wednesday, you are at it again.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves it make that change permanent, let it go & dont take it back up. Replace it with something more positive.

I dont like going all preachy so I wont. I really dont like when folks do that & truly feel that the principles we learn can be applied whether you believe in God or not. So take it for what it's worth but stop taking back the negatives in your life every week. Give them away, replace it with something that matters & LIVE the life you were intended to have!

#27
Yep, as random as it seems, the #27 was heavy on my mind yesterday. So here's why.

January 27, 2006: I signed the mortgage for my first home.
February 27: My Mom's birthday & my parent's wedding anniversary.
July 27, 2006: My Mom passed away.
February 27, 2010: I become Mrs. Kevin B.

Doesn't seem so odd anymore does it? A friend at church asked me yesterday what our wedding date was & I told her. Then we started talking about my house & when I closed on it. I told her then looked at Dad & said "wow that 27 sure seems to be popping up alot lately." He just smiled & said it certainly does.

I know that NOTHING in my life is left to chance, fate or whatever. It's all part of a carefully laid out plan for my life. I have the right to make choices, however, which may or may not coincide with that plan but I couldnt help but know that I was walking the path intended for me. The 27's that were laid before me were NOT left to chance. They were carefully thought out, carefully put before me to remember that I dont have to worry, I dont have to fret & I dont have to be alone. Ever.

Rambling at it's best but it was a thoughtful day in my life. Things continue to fall into place...just as they should be...and I couldn't be happier!

Face today knowing that you dont have to fear change, circumstances or whatever is placed in front of you. They will only make you stronger in the long run!

Have a FANTASTIC week!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Long overdue!

I think I've probably said that before. But someone started a new journal for me on a forum so I've been posting there again! Sorry! It's really just a wedding journal.

Let's catch up....

Wedding
I'm still looking for the perfect venue in Las Vegas for our wedding. I'm working with the Luxor right now & they seem to have the most reasonable package that includes everything we want in a wedding. I'm calling catering today to find out the scoop on a reception. Invitations to this will be limited to close family & friends (really close friends, grandparents, aunts & uncles, siblings & of course our parents.) That's a hard thing to do but will allow us a special day with those we are closest too. Then we'll have a big blow out cocktail party back home a couple months following.

I dont have a dress yet but have a couple shopping trips planned. I've been looking online as well & have found a few destination style dresses that I really like though.

Training
I did stop running (interesting comment by "M.") because it just didnt feel right to continue. While I've been one to push past limits, this was not the appropriate time to do that. Risking further injury was not something I'm willing to do. I've not run in 2 weeks & have no further pain. I've been sticking to the elliptical, stairmill or bike for cardio. I will do a short run this week to see how things feel though. I dont want to stop completely but will definitely take it easy!

Overall health
Yea, that's right. I said it. My health is good. I'm still carrying the extra weight that I gained after my shows ended that happened during the metabolic repair program.

I did start with a nutritionist, the program did not work well for me. It was very low calories (6xBW), low carb (100g daily) & very low fat (30g max/day.) I dropped water at first & intially 8 pounds were gone. BUT I stopped pottying due to the lack of carbs. It was suggested that I take Citrucel, Metamucil & flax oil daily. I did that & it helped but what helped more was when I just ate more carbs. Eventually, I realized that program just was not for me. Moreso when I was running ALOT & was not given a carb increase. I just had to step back. Lesson learned.

From that point, I've been eating fairly intuitively & maintaining my weight. I would like to start dropping again but I am scared that my body isnt ready yet either. I was in contest prep for the first 6 months of last year so it's been 6 months now since I stopped. So I'm going to take a very moderate approach to loss once again. I havent thought it out fully & havent set up a plan yet though. Any suggestions are always welcome!

I think that's about it. My apologies for my long absence. I will still have to use this for my workout/health updates but will update wedding stuff here too when I have things to report.

I appreciate the comments & suggestions you have posted! Glad to have folks following along!

Have a GREAT week!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Argh.

So. I ran today & it didnt feel very good. I'm just not sure what to do at this point. Stupid me wants to just say screw it & push through the half marathon. Smart me knows better.

At this point, I'm just not sure what to do. I know better than to push & cause further injury. I've been fine running up through 6.5 miles. Over that mileage has created issues.

I'm indecisive because I want a goal. I know that I can still run even if I have to end the distance thing. There are 5K's here in the area this spring. And the annual Popcorn Panic 5 miler in the fall.

I need to make a decision with the 11 mile run this weekend. Kevin doesnt care either way. He was running it for me.

I hate feeling like I'm giving up on something. Yet I know I'll press on. It's not like I'm going to sit on the couch & eat bon bons. I'll still run for cardio, still train hard & still keep healthy.

I mean I do have to be a buff bride still!

Argh.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Finally Friday.....

This week has finally come to an end. Well, almost. It's been a whirlwind & I've of course been looking at the wedding sites for the Vegas hotels. I have a year but realistically a reservation of our date & a deposit should be put down in a couple months. The front runners are Mandalay Bay, Planet Hollywood & MGM Grand. That's always subject to change but they have great packages at those places.

It's been a good week, getting some things squared away. Then it hit me, I have to get my closets cleaned out, things organized, etc. It'll be a big ol' clean the clutter fest at my house. I'll likely have a garage sale too since I wont need alot of things that I now have. Nice perk of us both owning homes.

Training recap
Sunday: 9.5 mile run
Monday: Off
Tuesday: Upper body training
Wednesday: 40 min elliptical
Thursday: Upper body training
Friday: 30 min run/10 min walk to cooldown
Saturday: Light lower body & bike

On tap for Sunday is my "long run" of only 4 miles this week.

Notes
I am having some hip pain that started after Sunday's run. It's happened before though not in a long time & is related to arthritis. It's been more than a few years since this happened. The last time it struck was when I was living in Vegas. It was tender to sit for too long then when I'd get up, it was tender to walk. I went to the doctor who said it was arthritis related, he did an x-ray to check the cartilage (to make sure the bones weren't rubbing) & that was fine. His suggestion was to take it easy on the activity (exercise) & take ibuprofen for pain. It eventually subsided & hasnt been too much of a factor even with both marathons, etc. Until now....

So my plan is to run through this week, see how it feels & go from there. I hate to give up the races but I also dont want to make things worse. So we'll see how it goes. Ticks me off more than anything but it is what it is.

I suppose that's really it. I mean what can really top my big news of the week! Thank you all sooooooooooooo much for the well wishes, congrats & truly some of the most thoughtful things I've read! It means so much!

Enjoy your weekend all!

Monday, February 16, 2009

The proposal, the ring & thoughts of the "big day"



So as promised, I come with details of Kevin's proposal along with pics of the ring. I thought it only fitting to post a picture of us together first. This was from our vacation last fall to Orlando & was taken on Halloween night at Universal's City Walk.
On Valentine's Day, we headed out to dinner. We initially were staying in Valpo but then Kevin mentioned pizza which I was actually wanting so we headed to Merrillville to eat at Old Chicago Pizza. Good stuff.
I bribed him to take me to the pet store after dinner so I could oogle the puppies! They had the cutest little pug puppies on the planet. They were so young that you weren't allowed to "visit" with them yet. They had little golf ball heads & marble eyes. So precious!
Back to Valpo for us & we decided to head to BW-3 for a couple beers while we watched the NBA All-Star contests.

Then I FINALLY got my birthday ice cream. To make it more appropriate, I got the birthday cake ice cream..double scoop in a waffle cone! So tasty! It was the perfect ending (or so I thought) to a perfect night. We had a low-key Valentine's day because we spent the weekend in Chicago just a couple weekends prior.

We headed back to my house from there where I was struck with the WORST case of the giggles. I'm talking can't breath, eyes watering, gut wrenching laughing. Little did I know that Kevin was trying to propose to me. I keep laughing thought & just keep thinking "why wont he let me go upstairs." hehehe Poor guy!
Finally, I regain my composure & Kevin tells me that he has one more present for me. He asks me to close my eyes. I oblige & he tells me to keep them closed tight. So of course, I do (no pun intended.)

A few seconds later he tells me to open them & I realize he's no longer standing in front of me. He's actually down on one knee in front of me. I just say "Kevin, what are you doing" & start crying. The big question was posed & I of course said "YES!!!!" He stands & puts the ring on my finger. It was a simple & sweet proposal. I wouldn't have it any other way!


The ring is perfect & it precisely what I would have picked out myself. It fits well though just a tad too big so I may have to have it sized down in the future but for now, I'm not giving it up!


About 1 minute after Kevin proposed, his sister texted to see how our night was going. She knew about the proposal so it was exciting. I called my Dad & unfortunately woke him up so he was a little taken back but excited still. I called him back the next morning to make sure he was really happy! lol

I also called my best friend that night too. She knew it had finally happened because I never call that late! She was super excited & I look forward to her standing by my side on the big day!

I spent Sunday calling friends & family, sending emails & texts so I could share my news.

We had a long run that morning so I decided to take that time to talk about the wedding itself. Kevin said he would prefer a destination wedding but figured I wanted a big affair. Actually, to his surprise (and Dad's), I would love to get married that way. Our friends & family are welcome to join us to be a part of the ceremony but we'll understand if they cannot make it. But we will have a reception back here in the weeks to follow. We are thinking a cocktail reception of sorts. Probably with a DJ, appetizers & adult beverages!

A wedding date is always an interesting thing & some girls will pick arbitrary dates on a calendar in the season of their choosing. I would LOVE a fall wedding but a special date came to mind as I drifted off from the excitement on Saturday.

February 27. It's not a date that may be important to some but it's the date that my parents were wed many years ago. It also happens to be my Mom's birthday. I can think of no better way to honor her than marrying the man of my dreams (who incidentally she never got to meet) on her birthday & wedding anniversary with my Dad. Since that date is just a couple weeks away, 2010 it is. It's really ironic that it falls on a Saturday next year. It's as if it was meant to be.


I was able to ask my Dad if he was okay with the plans & the specific date today at work. He gave me a simple "that would be okay" in regards to the date. He was also happy to hear that a big affair was not on the agenda. He'd never tell me "no" but I also dont want my wedding to be a financial drain on him either.

Where you ask? Well, Las Vegas is a front runner but we've also talked about Mexico or Florida. Kevin's only criteria is that it be somewhere warm though tonight at dinner he said a beach would be nice where he could see himself in a linen suit.


So that is my story. My life has just been filled with blessings. Marrying Kevin is a dream come true. He's truly a gift from above & while that may sound very cliche. In my book, it's just fact. God has a plan for my life. It's been filled with laughter, trials, heartache & straight up heartbreak but the common factor is that He's carried me through it all. This is no different & I try to remember daily to thank him for what's He's given me.

What a weekend!!!!!

So this weekend turned into an unexpected one because well.......

I GOT ENGAGED!

That's going to be a total tease but I will take a pic of the ring & post the whole story tonight. It was a simple & sweet proposal. I love my ring & it's exactly what I wanted (even without him knowing.)

I'll recap the other stuff I keep here for now.

Saturday
No workout, dinner out was Old Chicago Pizza (totally yummy), had a couple beers at BW-3 while watching the NBA All-Star contests then I finally got my b-day ice cream from Oberweis (local dairy.) I had a double scoop of birthday cake ice cream (appropriate) in a waffle cone! Totally yummy. Went home had a total laughing fit & when it eventually subsided, got proposed to!

Sunday
Slept in a bit then headed out for a 9.5 mile run. It went well & we maintained a 10:30 pace which was fantastic!

Eats were on until dinner out with Kevin's parents & sister.

*Rice cakes with dark chocolate spread & almond butter (pre-run)
*Cereal & soymilk (post-run)
*Yogurt & Kashi bar
*Chips, salsa & queso; cheesesteak quesadilla (it's just 1 tortilla folded) & a ginormous strawberry margarita.

I am not hungry typically on days after my long run so my food will seem low. Though dinner certainly made up for it!

Monday
Training: Off
Cardio: Off

Eats
*Whole grain waffles with SF syrup; cottage cheese
*Yogurt
*Subway turkey with cheese & light chips
*Apple
*Havarti cheese & peanuts
*Wheat pasta, spaghetti sauce with venison & garlic toast; pina colada cake

The cake is sooooo easy. You take a box of angel food cake mix & stir in a can of crushed pineapple. Bake for about 25 minutes & that's it. Frost with light cool whip & you can also top with toasted coconut. I made it for yesterday but we had dinner with Kevin's family instead. I'll let you know how it tastes.

Notes
The run yesterday went well. I'm having just usual soreness other than in my left hip. It's bothered me before but it's more related to arthritis. I dont think it'll stop me though. Only time can tell with that.

Feeling good really about everything.

Life offers blessings & it's up to us to take hold of them enjoying every moment of whatever it is that comes our way. For me, it's an amazing man that I get to spend the rest of my life with. A great new family that has welcomed me from day one. And some super cute nieces too (one who we wont meet until this summer.)

So for today, take stock in the blessings you have & be thankful for what you do have!