My latest inspiration

Happy Wednesday!!
I normally would do my usual weekend update post, but being that I didn't do much other than work I wanted to do something different this week. I made use of my free time this weekend and read This book that Elle Noel recommended. I hadn't read in along time for fun and the only words I have to describe this book was life changing. 

Recently, I've been having trouble staying motivated with running, dieting, etc. yes these are still things that I want but I've found that I have been putting it aside a little bit. This book caused me to reevaluate what I want, why I run, and what my goals are. The author Dean talks about how, while physical capabilities help endurance running is literally mostly mental. Deans journey also started with grief, like mine. What made me a runner was my first half marathon where I fell in love with the mental challenge. I cried and smiled throughout this whole book and it forced me to look at my life as a whole. Would I give up running when we start a family? How will I make time for it? Will 26.2 be my farthest distance ever? In my reevaluation of my goals and dreams, I realized that losing weight is no longer a goal for myself for a vain reason. I want a better body for athletic purposes. I want that mental challenge. 
I want to push harder, better, continue to push the boundaries. This week I am going to be doing heavy research and developing a plan. I am going to do a runners diet and learning how to shape and tone my body to prepare for that. My new life goal is to complete one ultra marathon at some point. Maybe 50 miles, maybe 100 someday. I know I will get there, but I want to start the process now. I want to get a great athletic body for the sole purpose of running. Running is what I love and the mental challenge is part of what makes it worth it. I believe that it doesn't matter the distance, for almost All runners there is a mental strength involved. That feeling to me is better than the size pants I wear. I want to push my boundaries in hopes of the same eye opening experiences expressed in this book. Of course first and foremost I want to be a fabulous wife and mom and be able to provide for my family, but as I grow with running it is clear that my continuing this journey is a piece of that puzzle. I know I can do it. 
This book was the push I really needed to find a dream for myself. A dream that is simply for me and has nothing to do with work or family. I loved that this book spoke about how distance running is respected because you are keeping a dream alive. You are pushing yourself to extremes for the purpose of achieving a dream. I know that I like many others often get stuck in the daily grind and I know that I while I will love whatever job I end up doing permanently, I also know that that a successful career can never be enough. I hope that the start of this new journey for me will show me the passion of life that everyone has at one point or another. I believe that in finding passion in running and pushing my mental and physical boundaries will allow me to have passion in all aspects of life. 
My parents always told me to do what I love at all costs. I did that with college, getting a degree in writing and I do believe I can turn it into a job that I enjoy. What I didn't realize is that this applies to every thing in life. I love being a wife, and I know I will love being a mom, but I want a part of my journey where I can be passionate about something else. I want to feel that fiery passion about just simply living again, like really living as Dean talks about where you are truly awakened and aware of the process. I don't just want to be a person who runs only to lose weight. I want to be a badass who does it all. I finally have that feeling back where it feels as though anything is possible. Where I can have everything. What having "everything" means is different to each person. The ideas expressed in this book can apply to anything however, the biggest emphasis was to have a dream, a passion and keep it alive. Keep reaching higher, pushing harder to achieve things you want. 
Maybe I am alone on this but after reading this book I forgot what it felt like to feel that drive. I want another dream to pursue for myself, and I think I have finally found one. If you are lacking inspiration or motivation, I would highly encourage you to read Ultramarathon man. This book is applicable to anyone and has just an overall extremely empowering message. No matter what your interests/lifestyle is this is a book that will touch you. 

On a side/random note, I will tell you that I worked all weekend- literally. In my little off time, I read Dean's book and also caught up on shows and magazines. Woo-woo. Pretty exciting I know. 

This is 40, Friends, Trashy magazines and popcorn=my weekend!

Me and my niece Sunday Night

MY cuddle buddy in the absence of my husband!

Me, heading to Barnes and Noble

OOTD- in snow weather BOO

Has anyone else read UltraMarathon Man? What are your life goals and passions?

Linkup!

So I have a post ready to put out about my weekend, but I'm going to wait to post it and link up with some of the people I most want to meet, Holly and Jake again today!

1. If calories didn't count I would eat... French fries and Mac and cheese. Like gourmet Mac and cheese. And cheese fondue. Basically I would eat crap all the time.
2. On my prom night... I didn't go to prom! I am really shy and no one ever asked me. I've never been to a school dance.
3. When I go to the store I always buy... Probably chicken or eggs. I don't go to the store all that often though.
4. Family functions typically.... Don't function!! Hello dysfunction junction. We have too many family situations to even have one summary of what a family function is.
5. I think my blog readers... Are awesome and badass. I love getting to know new people and finding their blogs from them finding mine.
6. I'd much rather be... Rich! Haha or just not stressing about money all the time.
7. I have an obsession with... Justin timberlake duh! Also Dean Karnazes.
8. My work friends... I don't have any yet as I am not working a "real" job.
9. When I created my Facebook account... I used it to spy on people! Still do! I am nosey and like creepin on people's pictures and drama!
10. My least favorite word is... No. Just kidding. I don't have a word I hate.
11. I really don't remember... How to flirt!
12. Justin Bieber... Isn't the right justin! I only like the JT.

There you have it! A little more insight into me! Have a great Tuesday!

A very short Friday post!

Happy Friday everyone! Yes, this is being posted Thursday night but I refuse to wake up earlier than necessary to post. I don't think I have gotten around to tell you all how much I LOATHE mornings. I would honestly rather do just about anything than wake up before 9 am. I bet that I will get used to it once I get a job that starts that early BUT for now I am still in utter hatred. I hope when I have kids they will at least sleep until 8 am. I cannot do a 6:00 wakeup call.  I apologize in advance this post is really not planned out well, and so it is basically a random collection of stuff on my mind this week. Before that, I REALLY wanted to procrastinate doing this, but ok I am on board. 
Follow my blog with Bloglovin Here you go! You can also follow on the new "Follow on BlogLovin" button I added to the page. I need y'all to go follow me on here! If you don't now, you will want to when we do our giveaway next week! It's going to be huge! I normally always love weekends but I will admit I am being a sourpuss because my husband isn't home. I enjoyed a little alone time but I am over it at this point. We haven't even reached a full day yet. I really don't even know if this weekend will be one worthy of it's own update, because I tend to be boring by myself and I am trying to make some $$ working Friday, Sunday, and Monday. I will probably throw in some fun too. Maybe I will vlog for you with my free time. Do you have any silly questions for me? I would like to do a short Q&A for you, nothing is off limits! Please ask away. 
I am still OBSESSED with the 20/20 experience Justin Timberlake CD. That is some good gym music for reals. 
Listen to Dress On. Your welcome. Very classic JT song. 
In other news, I made This recipe this week, with a few adjustments to make it more "skinny" and it was a huge hit. OMG so yummy. When it is my night to cook, I am a big fan of pasta because it is easy. 
Besides that, nothing much is happening here. I am hitting up some running, and my husband took me on a date last night before he left. I could hardly walk out after eating most of a burger. Worth it though. Now I am catching up on my silly reality shows (I may have watched Kardashians, fashion star, and carrie diaries since my husband isn't here. Yes I am 15 and kind of like carrie diaries) and my husband is probably regretting leaving me alone with all the champagne. Just kidding. I am waking up at 7 every day and have 12 miles to do this weekend! Happy Friday short and sweet post for you! See ya Monday!

Send me your questions! Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin!

SO what Wednesday!

I am late on posting today, but I am linking up with Shannon for "So What Wednesday"!

So what if I.....

• Haven't stopped playing the new Justin Timberlake CD all week. I am addicted. 
• Have serious anxiety about having to sleep/stay alone for 5 days while my husband is gone. How did I do it before?!
• Just tasted the new Siracha flavored lays chips and almost died because it tasted so spicy! 
• Am so technology illiterate I don't know what to do without Google Friend Connect. I need help! I am a member of BlogLovin but I don't know how to get a follow button on my blog :[
• Stayed up super late this entire week wasting time watching a stupid TV show. Our recent watch is Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen nightmares. 
• HATE cleaning with a passion and my apartment is starting to drive me crazy. I really want to hire someone.
• Am going to go eat a delicious cheeseburger tonight for a special date before the hubs leaves tomorrow. 
• Am feeling very boring this week and lacking on blogging material. Ideas?
• Made my husband go shave for me today because I cannot stand facial hair. 

Aside from work this week, this about sums it up. Yeah, the BlogLovin thing is really freakin me out. I hope to figure out the scoop soon. Go register or download the app and follow me there! Also keep your eye out the first of April, I am teaming up with Laura for a giveaway! 

Happy Wednesday! Anyone have any good book recommends?

St. Patrick's recap!

Good afternoon!
Ok I am jumping in on the St. Patrick's day weekend recap! I didn't get wasted but I did eat a ton of terribly bad delicious food and had lots of champagne. I LOVE themes, but I HATE the color green on myself. I literally own 1 green item that was purchased a few years ago solely for St. Patrick's day. My weekend started with Friday night where I worked until 10 ish, so it was just bed time for me after that. I watched a 2 month old little girl that evening and she was SO adorable and SUPER sweet! I loved getting the baby cuddles.
 Saturday was an early morning for me because I had my 10k to run! I've never actually run a 10k race before. I've done a couple 5k and of course 2 halves so far. A gal in my running group wasn't able to make the 10k and gave me her entry so that's why I did it. I wasn't really sure what to expect because I am used to training for endurance and keeping it slow at first. My goal was to finish in 1:15 minutes, and it took me 1:18 minutes. I'm not a super fast runner and this route sucked!! It was at a winery kind of in a crummy part of town and so once you are in route running you go down these residential areas that are basically alllllll dirt with maybe 1 tiny house and mostly flat. There were several killer hills though. I am kicking my butt into gear for the next 5 weeks of half training with hills. Anyways, I was freaked that it would take me like 2 hours because I couldn't get motivated with that setting. I seriously felt like I was in the desert, and I didnt take my water belt so no snacks or water for me. Normally, I wouldn't even use my belt for this distance but I do find that when I use it I do better because my snacks or water at certain miles are like my mini-rewards. I was super happy when I crossed the finish line and saw my time, my app had said it took me longer than the chip did (probably because I wanted to be accurate and started it a bit before crossing the start line).
After the race I went and got ready and we headed out for lunch. I was so hangry I almost fainted. I REALLY need to get better about fueling. After lunch we hit some happy hours. We went to a bar with old original arcade games and played those, then hit about 5 other happy hours with some friends. I love happy hour, its becoming kind of a tradition for us because we can get a lot for not much money. I forgot to take pictures of what I ate haha BUT I did remember to snap a few other photos.  
Sunday we stayed in bed most of the day relaxing. We got up at 9 but stayed in bed. We ran a couple small errands and then watched "life of pi". I really liked that movie. The story was really cool and the visual effects are amazing. I kind of want to read the book now. I am back at work today and trying to get in some extra hours I hope.
Thursday morning my husband is leaving to go visit family, I didn't feel we could afford for me to take time off so I'm staying here. I was able to pick up extra hours that weekend, I don't know what the deal is but literally almost everyone I know is leaving town that same time. My mom, brother and his family, husband, and most of our friends all have something going on involving leaving! I am looking forward to knocking out this week though.
All this alone time means I will probably blog a lot!
Hope you had a great st. Patrick's day!! Happy Monday!!
Does anyone have any good book recommendations? REALLY need ideas!

Husband playing a game

Me playing the driving game

Husband and I being dorks

My usual Drink! Sophia!

 

the one food picture, husbands sushi

 



Timberweek

Hey guys!
I'm back, this past week has been beyond busy and tiring. Lets start with my craptastic Friday. So as you know, I worked like 60 hours last week. Not bad, but Friday when I got off work my car wouldn't start. I got a jump but when driving out of the neighborhood all the electric stuff kept shutting off and on flashing like the radio. So I went right to a car shop instead of going home, waited 2 hours and was back in driving shape but only after spending my entire paycheck fixing the wiring and getting a new battery. I basically had a huge meltdown because I was just tired and over the entire week so I stayed in that night. I had a bath, champagne, my shows and some magazines. It helped a little bit but I needed sleep. I caught up on sleep that day and then worked some more on Saturday. After work I promised my husband a special date because I hadn't seen him much and I felt bad so I took him to sushi and to see the new oz movie. His request. It was a decent movie, not gonna lie I love looking at James Franco and the graphics were cool but the story was just ok. Sunday we were thrown off by the time change and spent a lot of lazy time. We grocery shopped and watched TV. 

OOTN- Date night!

Blood orange bellini Saturday night!

Monday I was back to work and same with today. Whew. I'm pushing through and can't wait for some down time. Oh and I also threw in some running in there. I have a 10k race coming up this weekend, I've never ran a 10k which is funny but I am excited to do a fun run. Can't wait to see what my time will be! I wish I had more to say but I have been all work lately it seems and I don't see that slowing down anytime soon. Last night my husband and I went to b-dubs for some wings. A splurge but that's ok. We are both so run down lately it's going to take some work to get back on track.

Margarita time!

 I'm hoping for some time to do that this week. I have been spending my free time indulging in some major Justin Timberlake media. The album is streaming free on itunes, he was on SNL last weekend and now jimmy fallon all week long!! Timberweek=heaven. We dont have cable so i watch through hulu the day after airing. This is definitely helping my week. I am counting down until Tuesday 3/19, and then you may not see me for a long time as I will be in Justin Timberlake music obsession. Anyways, il be back this week with some fun posts I hope if all goes as planned. I hope you all are having a great Thursday!

My celeb crush

Finish the sentence and blog crushes!

Hey everyone!
So I am back and doing TWO linkups today! First up, Holly and Jake's finish the sentence linkup of which my answers are probably THE most boring! Here ya go...

1. People always tell me... More information than I want to know. (Sometimes its ok but a lot of times it's just awkward).
2. In the movie based on my life... Justin timberlake would play the hubs and Natalie portman would be me. My batshit crazy dysfunctional family would be an insane film.
3. Typically I end up regretting... Not working out.
4. I always ask to leave off the... Everything! I am so fricken picky it isn't funny. Burgers must be plain, cheese and ketchup only plus really well done. Yeah I'm not high maintenance.
5. Kim and Kanye really... Have a shitton of money. Their baby will prob be unfairly cute and well dressed.
6. My parents always reminded me... To write my thank you notes
7. Every single day I... Take a bath :)
8. This one time in college... I was boring in college, worked a lot and finished in less than 4 years.   
9. My grossest habit is... Idk ask my hubby.
10. My latest white lie was... Hmm prob something dumb I told my grandma so she wouldn't ask questions but maybe it's a white lie trying to throw my hubby off from guessing a surprise I have for him Saturday.
11. I know all the words to... All Justin Timberlake, B-Spears, and Nsync lyrics and all friends episodes.
12. When I grow up... I want to be a mom, happily married to my hubby and having a job I like going to.
13. Sexy time is... When the hubby shaves his face hair.
14. I will never, ever ... Do anything to jeapordize my marriage.
15. I think it's hilarious... To look at people on Facebook and laugh at their drama!!

Another linkup allowing you readers to know more about me!! I'm tryin hard to stay away from exercise/running info on these since ya'll already know all that stuff about me.

The next linkup is Erin's blog crushes! I read lots of blogsdaily, but I'm gonna just tell you several of my faves. My all time favorite blogger is Mel, I love her blog! I am a closet follower lol I don't comment on her posts because I feel silly but I love her and her blog! If I could meet one blogger it'd be her! I love that she is a runner but also so much more, plus she is super gorgeous!

My second fav blog is Kristen, is she the cutest prego gal ever or what?! She is so adorable and I love her writing. I love following her journey into motherhood and her cute fashion posts! Big fan of her pictures, especially since I found her blog through Instagram!

Third we have Rachel, she isn't a huge blogger she does it for her family but I am absolutely in love with her blog. She just had a daughter and shares such cute nursery ideas, and videos that make me cry! Talk about seriously amazing pictures, she is a photographer and takes super beautiful photos!

Finally, Kim is another fav! She is so funny and personable. I love that she responds to her readers and takes time to connect with people. Her blog is fun and she has also made me tear up at times! She is hilarious too and I LOVE stalking her Keeks! You must check her out!

There you have my top 4 favorite all time blogs. Nancy clue, Skinny Meg, Mama Laughlin, and Elle Noel are some "big" blogs that I read. Laura's blog is wildly popular and I am right along with everyone on that! She has an awesome blog and she is also easy to connect with! I really think she likes meeting and connecting with other smaller bloggers! I also LOVE Holly she is a sweetheart and I love her blog too even though it is also very well known, and you cant forget her hilarious hubby Jack's blog!
Ok that's it for Friday!! Woohoo see you all Monday!! Have a great weekend!!


If you linked up for either of these, post your link in the comments here so I can read your posts too!

Liebster Q&A

Hey everyone!
Two posts in one day, that's what's up! I am back at it and trying to make up for being away! Lyndsey nominated me for another Liebster award, I've already done one but since I'm trying to let you guys know more about me I thought I'd answer her questions but I don't think il have time to go select 11 new blogs, etc. I would probably be tagging a lot of people who have already done a post on one as well. If you or someone you know hasn't been nominated yet though let me know! I'd be happy to find out about some new blogs and nominate them! Ok so my questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging to track my running, now I use it to track my life and general happenings. I mainly use it to connect with people and get into writing.
2. What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is honestly probably Fiji if money is no object :)
3. What are your hobbies?
Running obviously, spending time with my husband and family, sleeping!
4. If you could be one celebrity who would it be and why?
Hmm that's tough. I'd say Jessica biel so I could be married to JT but I really love my hubby so probably just any celeb with unlimited money so I could take care of my family and friends and pay for a trainer lol.
5. Shopping in stores or online?
I like being able to try items on In store but I hate the mall and usually always feel huge and gross trying crap on so I'm gonna have to say online.
6. What is your favorite holiday and why?
My anniversary! I know it's not technically a holiday but I really like It because we can do our favorite date and we both get spoiled by the other person.
7. What is your favorite recipe?
My fav recipe EVER is my brothers Mac and cheese even though it is insanely unhealthy. My second fav would be my husbands teriyaki chicken. We eat it all the time. Easy and pretty healthy.
8. What vacation are you taking this summer?
JT concert baby!! We may do another trip to see family/friends but no set plans yet.
9. What country would you love to visit?
Fiji or Germany. I would love to see the holocaust memorials and museums.
10. What one thing is on your bucket list?
Well I've given you all a few of them, a full marathon is one but mine are all pretty small achievable goals. I want a happy comfortable family. Meeting any and all celebrities is also on there, but that is not so achieveable.
11. Flats or heels and why?
I love the look of heels but its flats for me because I don't care who you are heels hurt like a bitch!

Ok now for 11 random facts about me:
1. I love learning about the holocaust and nazis. I think it is so interesting.
2. I really want to get my picture taken with a well known runner at a race coming up next month. Yep I'm a nerd and now I look up to runners.
3. I eat all food in a really particular way- for instance I will eat the out side rim of a square chocolate and then the center caramel filled part.
4. I nanny for a living right now, it's flexible hours and good money.
5. My crush as a young girl was lance bass. Before he came out. Yep. I was obsessed and drew I heart lance bass on everything!
6. I hate the way raw meat looks and am super picky about where I buy it and exactly how it looks. I hate cooking chicken the texture and color ew.
7. I like to run to dirty ghetto rap, it makes me feel gangsta and badass.
8. The "skippy Jon jones" series are my favorite kids books besides the "Lorax"
9. I love collecting soft snuggly blankets.
10. My least favorite holiday is thanksgiving. I hate thanksgiving food and its too much demand from everyone.
11. I hate wearing socks unless I'm running.

There you have it! A little bit more about me :) hope you have a great day!

Last weekend's update/life lately

Ah I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I have had an insane schedule which has left me too exhausted for anything else. I have been working from 6:30 am to 5 pm every day this week which might not seem Too bad but I am over it. I loathe the morning time and I am a grumpy bear. I just want sleep, and time to myself. Ughhh! Ok I am ready for Friday now. I am late on my last weekend recap- lemme give you a quick rundown. Friday hubby and I watched movies and went and got a burger for dinner. It was amazing and I was full for an entire day after. Saturday I had to work for a bit, then we hit some happy hours. We came home and watched the latest twilight movie. Yeah, the hubs watched it with me. I'm not a big fan of those movies but I saw the first half of the last movie and once you see a tween character chew a baby out of Kristin Stewart's stomach you just kinda have to know how that ends. Sunday we hit up brunch and then I had some family stuff to take care of. It was pretty low key but good.
Recently, I've been feeling very emotional for some reason, a bunch of crap just seemed to pile up all at the same time. I didn't get a job that I really wanted which means that I still have to spend lots of time each day searching and hoping that all my time applying isn't going to waste. It is a little discouraging and I did expect to be on the hunt for a while but I guess I kind of hoped I might be an exception. Anyways my sweet husband has been taking such good care of me, I had a meltdown on Tuesday and he brought me chocolate, champagne and pasta to help me feel better. I also got some amazing news, I am going to see Justin Timberlake this summer! We got tickets to the San Francisco show! I am so excited. Ian has never been there before and I can't wait to go sight see the city Turner style! I'm feeling better today and am hoping that some sleep and relaxing will help me out. I like working and making money but being cooped up all day working with kids wears you out!
Finally, I got nominated for a liebster award again and I promise I am not blowing you off! I will answer your questions in a separate post today!! Thanks for being patient everyone! I am back on the blog wagon next week! I have a much less crazy week ahead. Have a great Thursday!!



JT Baby!

 



 

Ok has anyone else tried these? Theyre so yum!

My champagne, chocolate and magazine for a bath \

 

 

 

 

 

How is everyone's week going??