I'd Rather Be Running

..And There Is Life

February 7, 2010 by Stacey

Hola chica’s

How goes it?? My weekend has been pretty great so far!

I started off my Saturday with an oatmeal brunch at Kath’s house. ‘Twas delicious and nutritious Upon arriving, we were met with a table of toppings to add to our oats:

Jams, Great Harvest muffins, granola, wheatberries, raspberries annnnddddd….the star of the show, of course, was the peanut butter selection!

Holy cow. How can one not be jealous of her peanut butter selection?!? It was love at first bite sight for me I ended up choosing a spoonful of the Chocolate Cherry peanut butter and a spoonful of the Cacao Bliss to go into my fab bowl of oats:

Mmmmmmmm….waiting to take a picture of it was pure torture. I was ready to dig in! And the way the French Press was smelling too, ohhhhh Lordy…my stomach was being obnoxious..luckily there was enough chatter from the rest of the ladies that no one noticed

After everyone went through the ‘topping buffet’ we went to take our seats at the dining room table:

Let’s see if I can remember all the names! Here we go: Whit, Kath, Diana, Michelle, Kate, Jessie and Emily. There. I think I got them all

HAHA. Look at that face I’m giving Whit! Sorry Whit I don’t really mean to look so angry lol. This pic (and another previous one) were courtesy of Diana and her camera

The ladies sat and chatted for a while after our tummies were full of oatmeal, then it was time for me to leave to go see my niece and nephew! I drove back into my neck of the woods and spent some time with my sister, her two kids and my mom. We went to this huge place called “Monkey Joes” where they have all this inflattable stuff the kids can play on. It looked like a lot of fun! I didn’t take my camera in though because there were so many people in there, and I figured I’d be riding down some of the slides with my Lukey anyway Here is a pic of us last summer:

Love him <3 Miss the straight hair too!

After my visit with the family, I headed over to Books-A-Million for some reading, writing and more coffee time:

Jason was stuck at home doing homework I thought that we he was going to meet me when he was finished, but it was a big miscommunication! I headed home after I found that out.

On my way I gobbled down an unpictured banana, and then popped veggie marsala Kashi meal into the micro for a quick lunch fix:

Yes. Very appetizing, right?? It was just okay, nothing outta this world or anything. I’m not a big fan of microwavable meals, but I was pretty desperate for some nourishment at the time! Plus, these were on sale at Target for $2!!! Can’t pass up a bargain

While Jas finished up his homework, I took it upon myself to finish a book and soak in a hot, steamy bath Around 8 o’clock I set out to make a soupy dinner!

Broccoli and Potato Cheddar Cheese Soup, with a twist.

Into this pot:

6 small (or 3 big) red potatoes
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cups frozen broccoli
2 (14 1/4 oz. cans) veg broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups skim milk
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
salt, pepper, Tabasco to taste <–perfect kick!

Directions: Whisk together 1/3 veg broth and flour in small bowl, set aside. Pour in rest of broth into pot, add broccoli, onion and potatoes, heat to a boiling until potatoes are tender. Gradually stir in flour mixture, stirring often for about 5 minutes. Add in milk and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts evenly in pot. Add s+p, Tabasco to taste. Ladle into bowls, top with sprinkle cheese and enjoy!

On a rainy day like yesterday, it was a perfect comfort meal

My bowl:

Mmmmm…melty, cheesy, ooey, gooey goodness.

Dinner was the prelude to a little game playing Jas and I set up a game of UNO on the couch, and pretty soon the popcorn came out as well!

Jason won three games in a row…

…he was a happy, gloating, camper

Finally, around 11:30, it was time for bed. I was in some serious need of sleep, these past few nights have been 5 hour nights, so I was totally excited about being able to sleep in! ‘Twas a peaceful, uninterrupted night of sleep…At 9 a.m. I woke up to this:

That would be Humphrey..the bear I got from my pe-paw when I was 4 years old. He gave him to me as a Christmas present back in 1989, and I was immediately in love with the bear. When you would press his heart, it would thump beneath your fingers Poor Humphreys heart has beaten since I was about 7 though He sleeps in the bed with Jas and I, and I desperately casually mention how cool it would be if his heart still beat…and this morning, I found Jason doing his magic on him

Out of all of the stuffed animals I have ever owned, Humphrey seems to be the one that has been by my side for years…through moves, breakups, school, fights, friends..everything. At first, having him through all that was unintentional, but now I can’t seem to sleep in the bed without him, as corny and childish as that sounds!

And OMG, you should’ve seen my face when Jason fixed him!!!!!! He had to hold the battery in place the whole time, but minus a few smoky sparks it started working! I felt the same Tha-thump, Tha-thump I did when I was 4 years old What Jason did is actually better than any store-bought gift he could give me.

Ironically, I am currently listening to Celine Dion’s “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” Haha Jas is waiting for me to finish up the post so we can head to Target, the gym and then to our fav little lunch spot. Stay warm today and be safe!

Do you have a childhood treasure that means a lot to you?? Please say you do so I don’t feel like such a dork

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged cheese, coffee, Jason, oatmeal, potato, soup, workout | 8 Comments »

I Love…

February 5, 2010 by Stacey

…my new camera!!!!!!!!!!!!! It finally came! Woo hoo

….snowy weekends with the boyfriend….

…sledding on a box in the middle of the woods…

….making dirt snow angels…

…thawing out on the couch with the whole family…

…a warm bowl of oats on a cold, rainy morning…

…cofffeeeeeee!!!

…good food….

tomato basil cream soup

"Napa Salad" with mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, walnuts and champaigne vinagerette dressing

…good friends…

Jessie, Meredith, Whit, Holly and myself

…and good desserts

chocolate cake with caramel gelato, turtle cheesecake, tiramisu

…I also love throwing on some high heels and pretending that I am “Baby” from Dirty Dancing…

“I’ve been meaning to tell you, I’ve got this feelin’ that wooooon’t subside. I look at you and I fannntasize…darlin’ tonight..”

Love the movie. Love the soundtrack. Now….if only Jason and I could dance like that

Off to bed!

P.S. Lovin’ that tomorrow is Friday

What do YOU love???

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bread, Jason, music, oatmeal, salad | 7 Comments »

A Smart Cookie

January 28, 2010 by Stacey

Wad up homeslices??

All day I have been having the itch to write (errrr, type), so here I am I hope everyone’s Wednesday has been as great as mine!

Despite having a great day, there have been a few moments when I have not been a very “smart cookie”. I thought I would be so kind as to share those moments with you

On Monday and Wednesdays I have my Dietetics class from 9 to 2:30 or 3. Well, lately I have been packing a lunch for those days, but it hasn’t really been doing me any good because we have been getting out early and I end up eating my lunch at home. So this morning when I woke up I thought there was no need in packing a lunch since I was pretty sure we’d be getting out early….well, wrong-o! (Un-smart cookie move #1)

I usually bring a “snack bag” to school, which today, consisted of:

A bag of already eaten grapes, a Cliff Z-Bar (Spooky S’More flavor, my favorite!!) and a coffee with a water.

Too bad all of those things were consumed before 10:30! When class was still going strong at 1 o’clock, I was beginning to think that my arm would become the lunch special of the day Luckily, we got out of there at 1:30ish and I made a mad dash to find food…any food (except meat!)…any where. As I was driving like a mad woman down the road, the Subway sign was just glowing like a little piece of heaven in a dark and dreary world…so that is where my journey ended.

My lunch consisted of a half eaten arm veggie sandwich with light mayo and light honey mustard, a yogurt and you see that little guy in the background?? Well, he is my motivation to eat all of the veggies on my sandwich Nom nom nom. The hunger monster in my stomach was finally satisfied.

Now, I knew it wasn’t a great idea to go running directly after eating, but I was kind of on a time limit so I pretty much silenced the voice in my head that was telling me to wait. (Un-smart cookie move #2)

I drove out to the 4.5 mile green-way, parked and took off. I could feel the cramps right. away. My first mile was pretty much a slow jog, there were a few times when I thought I should walk, but I knew if I kept moving it would fade or go away all together…it did end up fading, but when I got to the halfway point, I looked like this:

(Sorry for the brightness! You guys are such troopers with these bad photos lol) There were a few times in the first 2 miles when I thought I would lose my lunch, but it stayed down (thank goodness). I paused a bit midway, then kept going and BAM! I got my second wind! My stomach wasn’t hurting and I felt like I was flying down the path! I’ve really been doing my Wednesday runs in Cramerton (aka “hill hell”), but now that I was running on flat ground, I felt like I was going so fast, which was pretty awesome. Toot toot <–tooting my own horn here

This girl was all smiles when she got back to her car!

Don’t you just love a workout that leaves you feeling faster than the wind and stronger than an IronMan?? I DOOO!! :p

After my run, I went back to my car, turned up some tunes and headed home to start making dinner for my dinner guest

While cooking, I enjoyed a mug of hot tangerine spice tea and a few wheat thins straight outta the box, cos I’m classy like that Trixie may have had a few too!

On tonights menu: Spicy veggie lasagna with a baby romaine salad, tossed with tomato and light honey mustard dressing.

While the lasagna was in the oven, my dinner guest arrived!

My mommy!! I was so happy to see her. She and I don’t get to see a lot of each other once I’m in school, but she was able to come for dinner tonight (yay!).

First, there were drinks:

Then there were salads:

And then, finally, the lasagna was finished!

(I went back for seconds)

My mom and I sat and talked for about 3 hours about everything. That’s what I love about her. I can just sit and talk and talk and talk to her about anything that comes to mind and she always listens, or laughs at the stories I tell her. Because, ya know, when you live with a guy, you are automatically gonna rack up on funny stories about the things that they do

*Sigh* It was a great day and night for me Jason is out of town on business (in Maryland) but he shall be back tomorrow or Friday. It’s kind of weird being in our house alone, but I know he’ll be back soon. As for me, I am ready to get into wind-down mode…maybe a hot bath and a book? Perhaps a little Food Network action with some sleepy-time tea?? Who knows! All I do know is that my jammies are calling my name, and Trixie is begging for some cuddle time on the couch, so I better go!

The weekend is almost here guys, hang in there! Hope all is well wherever you are or with whatever you may be doing See ya this weekend lovies!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged beer, Jason, pasta, run, salad, school, Trixie | 4 Comments »

A’Hiking We Will Go

January 24, 2010 by Stacey

Well, hello friend-o’s

It’s only Sunday mornin’, but my weekend so far has been pretty great!!! Or maybe I’m just in a really good mood because of the two cups of coffee and diet soda I’ve had already??

Yesterday morning I woke bright and early to get ready for my day of coach training for Girls on the Run. I was a tad nervous because I’d never met any of the girls that were going AND because I didn’t really know what was in store for us. Since they were providing breakfast I had a vitamin and a spoonful of pb before leaving the house.

I was glad I waited! When I got there, they had an assortment of bagels and cream cheeses, fruits, coffee and soda. Yummo

Here is my plate:

And my caffine fix:

I ended up not drinking the coffee…it was hazelnut flavor…blegh

After breakfast and socializing, we settled down to watch a movie on how GOTR got started, and also to learn about the mission and goals of the program. It was really informative and inspiring! I felt like I could change the world after watching those videos Then we took a break, and anyone that wanted to get lunch could…Their lunch options included: 3 sub sandwiches (turkey, roast beef, ham) with Lays Chips and cookies. Since there were no vegetarian options, and since I wasn’t that hungry, I opted out for a peanut butter cookie and some water:

Then it was game-time! We had to go out into the hallway and split into two teams. Each team had to practice one game that we, as coaches, will be instructing our girls to do…it was really fun My team had a little trouble with our game, but we eventually got it. After the games, we were handed a t-shirt and told we could leave so we could savor the rest of the day!

I drove back home and immediately ate some veggies! (I was so excited about having them that I forgot to take a pic ) After having a big ol’ salad for lunch, Jason and I got ready to hiking! For the last month, I have not been able to shut up about how much I’ve been wanting to go for a hike…so, we went! After a 20 minute car ride, we arrived at our destination: Crowders Mountain!

Brrrrrrrrr! Seems I highly underestimated the cold mountain air.

Jason, on the other hand, was very prepared for the chill-

You may be wondering what is in the backpack…well, he is out on a journey to become a strong, ripped guy lol In the backpack is a 22 lb. weight with a couple of full water bottles..and let me tell you, that thing was heavy!

There are a few trails at Crowders Mtn, but we always take the steep .9 mile trail that leads to these:

..and once you get to the top of those, there are these:

Whewwwwww-weeeeeee! Nevermind the fact that by the time you get to the stairs, you are already about to kill over because of how steep the trail leading to them is! But we were determined, and when we got to the top we were soooo happy to see this sign:

And then take a rest A guy nearby saw that Jas and I were trying to take a pic of ourselves, so he kindly offered to do it for us! Thank you Mister

(As you can see, we both had gotten rid of our jackets and hoodies at the top! We were a sweaty mess) After resting a few minutes Jason suggested that we climb the stairs again and once we got back up to the top, we could just keep going to the 2 mile trail that leads us back down the mountain. My response: Why am I dating you again?? Sure honey! Haha. I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea, but if he was wanting to do it again, I will gladly go with and show my support.

We made it back up to the top and kept on going to the 2 mile trail. About a mile into the trail, Jason thought he found a shortcut through the woods…I being as smart as I am decided to NOT take the shortcut, and I’m glad I did because look where it lead to (!!!!!) :

Bwhahahahaha What a dope He ended up at the edge of this cliff with no way to get down lololol. The whole time he was devising a plan to get down, he was talking in a Bear Grylls accent. It was pretty funny

Yay! He eventually made it back to me

Once we were seated back in the car, I noticed how shaky my legs were! My calves were burning, but in a good way.

We set out to go a few other errands, like to the electronic store we bought our new camera from to see if it is in, it wasn’t But the guy that sold it to us said that he would give Jason a discount on anything in the store that he wanted because of the long wait…so that’s cool! After that, we started complaining about how tired we both were, and how our legs hurt and we just wanna go home and get in our jammies…but first: Jason offered to treat us to pizza at our local watering hole!

Hooray for beer and pizza!

While waiting for our delicious pizza to arrive, I managed to make a ring for Jason using the paper from our straws

That’s a good look for you babe! Haha

After we stuffed our faces delicately dined on pizza, it was home-time! I’m not sure I could’ve made it another hour without the couch and the remote. My legs were sooo tired (especially since I really worked them out Friday night after work). We went home, lay on the couch and I was out by 10 o’clock

______________________________________________________________

This morning, I awoke to the sound of rain coming down on the roof and the cat purring on my forehead. My stomach was growling something fierce, so I drudged out of bed to make a frittata for breakfast. And, of course, some coffee too!

I love having a frittata for any meal. They are so easy to make, and only take about 15 minutes all together! Plus, it’s another way to get my veggies for the day in

In this frittata:

4 large eggs
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups frozen spinach
1/4 cup diced onion
salt and pepper to taste
sprinkled colby jack cheese on top

Heat veggies in a non-stick pan with some olive oil. Mix eggs, milk, s+p and feta cheese in small bowl. Once veggies are done, add them to egg mixture. Heat over medium heat until bottom is cooked. After bottom is cooked, sprinkle colby jack cheese on top and put under broiler until the top is cooked. Cut, serve and enjoy!

My plate (along with toast and a morningstar sausage pattie):

Yummy! I like to add a little hot sauce on top, just for that extra kick

Now that breakfast is over with, I think our plans for the rest of the day include:

grocery shopping
shooting at the gun range (more on that later!)
maybe walking trixie?? if there is a break in this lousy weather!
cleaning and yaddi yadda ya
cooking!

I know I haven’t been blogging daily, but you guys, I have been quite the experimentalist in the kitchen these past few weeks! We have tried and modified a ton of new recipes and they are all very tasty! I’ll be sure to share the one I plan on making tonight Hope you are enjoying your weekend and being safe! See you later tonight

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged beer, coffee, eggs, Girls on the Run, hiking, Jason, pizza | 4 Comments »

Fueled on Emotion

January 20, 2010 by Stacey

Hey guys

I’m SO sorry I’ve been MIA for the past month-ish (???) Life sort of got in the way for a while there…Jason was out of town for a while, then he came home and I wanted to spend time with him..then I got sick, then he got sick, then both of us had to prepare for the beginning of school But now I’m back!

But, guess what?! You guys will never guess what I got for Christmas!!!! Ok, maybe you will Jason bought us me a new Nikon camera that was supposed to be here on Christmas Eve, but it wasn’t. And it still hasn’t arrived He bought it from an electronic store that sold out of them and had to ask the warehouse to send more, so now we are just kind of waiting around for them to call so we can go pick it up!

You guys will have to suffer through more crappy pictures until the newbie gets here, haha

Actually, I haven’t really been taking that many pictures because everytime I go to get the old camera the batteries always fall out in my hand! Arg. So here are ones that I have taken here and there:

Trixie and I at the park on a colddddd, windy day

The sky on my way home from work:

Gosh, I am such an artist when it comes to picture taking lol

And last but not least a bite of a pear:

Woooo hoooo! Exciting, I know (And that’s all that I’ve eaten for the past few weeks. Haha. Just kidding)

So anyway, there ya go! Now what I really was feeling the need to write about today was…well…my day

This afternoon I had an emotional, anger-fueled run that I feel like I should write about just so I can try to not stress about things that I cannot change. So here goes:

It all started when I went to school this morning and during class we started talking about slaughterhouses and what-not. Did you know that in the state of NC, slaughterhouses or “meat factories” do not have to be inspected by the health department?!!! The department of agriculture does an “observation”…twice a year. But, if it’s a slaughterhouse, they have someone on standby everyday watching..UGH…so that kinda got me a little irritated..

After class I walked over to the bookstore to see if our books had been shipped in yet, and they hadn’t. School has been going on for three weeks and we still haven’t been able to buy our books! My college needs to get it together, seriously. I’m gonna have three weeks worth of homework to do when they actually do come around. I pouted my way out of the bookstore and to my car.

That’s when I noticed how lovely the weather was! It was 65 degrees out and the sun was just a’shinin My first thought: I’m going to go run off this bad mood!

I rushed home to change my clothes and leashed Trixie to take her for a quick walk before heading to Cramerton. Well, halfway down the road I see Maggie out in the front yard and one of her owners is beating her with a broom!! Now, I don’t think I need to express that I am an avid animal lover..I’m a vegetarian, I cringe at the thought of anyone hurting any type of animal, and seeing as how I just got out of my slaughterhouse-talk filled classroom…there was NO WAY that I was just gonna walk on by without saying anything. (FYI: it was a kid)

I go: “Hey! Don’t do that! That hurts her”

(Meanwhile Maggie is trying to get away from the kid, hiding under the truck or scurrying around with her tail between her legs)

The kid doesn’t answer, so I say: “STOP! She doesn’t like that! You don’t do that to an animal!” Then the kids dad comes out and tells his son to go inside. So I walk away. Ugh. How can you let your freakin child beat on a dog???!!!! And that kid was old enough to know that you shouldn’t do that.

As soon as I got my patootie to Cramerton, I hopped outta my car and starting sprinting. I sprinted the first mile until my legs, shoulders, back and stomach were hurting…but it felt oh so good. Later in my run, I would regret that one mile sprint, but at the time it was just what I needed. I got back to the car and walked around for a bit just to clear my mind…The run helped a lot. It helped me forget about the stress of the day and it almost seemed effortless.

Now I’m back and home and gotta come up with something for dinner! Maybe veggie lasagna or spinach fettuccine??

We shall see OH, and guess what?! I get to be a coach for Girls on the Run!!! This Saturday is the orientation and I. am. so. excited. Whoppee!!! I will be coaching on Mondays and Wednesdays right after school Well, I’m off to scrounge in the kitchen…missed you guys! I will be back Saturday to let you know how the orientation went!

See you later blogulaters

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Girls on the Run, run, school, Trixie | 5 Comments »

A Day of Music

December 28, 2009 by Stacey

Hey friends

I hope everyone’s Christmas was great! Mine was pretty great. Jas and I went to see his mom and her new boyfriend, we also visited his dad’s side of the family, where we were quickly drawn into a game of “Family Feud” (our team lost ) I hope no one thought bad of my competitiveness, haha

We also got to see my me-maw. I love her so <3 I sat and talked with her for about an hour. She told me stories about riding the train into town to go square dancing back when she was a teenager Those stories make me happy.

I would’ve ventured out to see my mom but the rain was soooo bad on Christmas day! That factor plus the addition of my insomnia problems lately made me one tired girl. Around 3:30, I was totally pooped. Jason and I went home to open the bottle of wine that I received for Christmas from my boss:

Jason and I have been looking for a good wine that isn’t too strong, so we were very eager to try this out! He went first:

I went next:

Hmmmmm…..it’s pretty good! A slight buttery, but fruity kind of taste. After one glass, I switched back to….

beer! I guess I’m just not ready for that sophisticated kind of taste Jason is though! He managed to empty the bottle within two days Wouldn’t want to let it go to waste, now would we??

So anyway, I felt the need to write today because (despite my insomnia being in full-swing damn it), I have had the best day! I woke up with music in my head, and to me, that is the best way to wake up! I had a few chores to do around the house, but Trixie was looking at me with the “I-want-to-go-somewhere” look, so I piled her into the car to run errands with me. We dropped off movies, grabbed coffee, went to the library (where I found The Story of Edgar Sawtelle!!!!) and went by the grocery store.

I came back and walked her down the street before starting my house chores. Then, I mustered up the greatest playlist eva! (Most of this music is from the “500 Days of Summer” soundtrack —>cutest movie, by the way )

Alicia Keys–Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart
Blink 182–What’s My Name Again?
We Are the Scientists–After Hours
Doves–There Goes the Fear
Regina Spektor–Us
Mumm-Ra–She’s Got You High
Third-Eye Blind–Semi-Charmed Life
Sara Bareilles–Winter Song
Simon and Garfunkel–Bookends
Lady Gaga–Bad Romance
The Smiths–There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
The Script–The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
System of a Down–BYOB
The Temper Trap–Sweet Disposition
Regina Spektor–Samson
Wolfmother–Vagabond
Feist–Mushaboom
Modest Mouse–Float On
Jay Sean–Down
Takka Takka–Fever
Meaghan Smith–Here Comes Your Man
Hall and Oates–You Make My Dream Come True
The Smiths–Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
Maria Mena–Sorry
The Smiths–How Soon Is Now

(Hello The Smiths and Regina Spektor, my name is Stacey, and I love you <3 ) Hehe.

Whewwww-we. That playlist lasted me for about 3 hours! There is nothing like good music to get you through sweeping, laundry and dishes It was really nice to not have the TV on all day as background noise, and I sorta feel like music feeds my soul better anyway

Jason is out of town (as of two days ago) for a fishing trip with his grandpa and two cousins in Key West, Florida. I was okay yesterday, but I guess I feel kind of lonely today But oh well, I’ve been keeping myself busy! I’ve read “The Notebook” (Jason felt the need to take “Stiff” with him to FL.) I really shouldn’t read books like The Notebook…it gets me wondering if love like theirs really exsists, or if it’s just fantasy…have you guys read it? What do you think of it?

There is warm, chocolate chip banana bread right outta the oven that is calling my name! Better go answer it

See ya later blogulaters!

PS. Trixie is being so stubborn today!! Arg. She won’t let me trim her nails. She won’t let me brush her teeth. She won’t let me groom her. Ughhhh. Today was her bath day, but I’m not even gonna attempt it. Gosh, sometimes dogs can act like children! Let’s hope she’s in a more “willing” mood tomorrow

P.S.S. I went on a run yesterday in Cramerton. During my run, I managed to see a:

Wild Blue Heron

Anddd…

A gray fox. Luckily, it was a shy one.

Oh, and a few runover squirrels, a flooded lake and a hawk (a HUGE ASS hawk!!!! ) It was probably the best run I’ve had in a while Okay, I can’t resist the smell of banana and chocolate anymore. Gotta go

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bread, Jason, music, run, wine | 8 Comments »

Sunday-RunDay, Monday-FunDay

December 21, 2009 by Stacey

Morning ya’ll!

Jas and I had a pretty good day yesterday. We woke up, ate breakfast and immediately went to Cramerton to run

It was freezing out there! Once we got started it didn’t feel as cold, but my hands and ears were practically numb by the second mile. The winds were coming right against us too, so even if we didn’t want it, we got a little resistance training in on our run

Cramerton is just full of hills!! I’ve already told Whit if she wants to get in some hills when we train for the half-marathon, that we should just run in Cramerton! For some reason I didn’t really feel the impact of the hills on my knees and legs during our run. I don’t know if it was the wind or the cold, but my legs felt fine the entire time! Stupid wind made me feel like I was going 4 miles per hour! Oh well It was nice to get out there on the pavement.

After our run, Jas and I came back to get ready for our day! We had some christmas and grocery shopping to do, and his little sisters christmas play was at six, so we had to haul butt!

As the day went on, I started feeling more and more sick My head was pounding, my throat was scratchy and I just felt so tired. So I ended up staying home while Jas went to the play. But while he was gone, I attempted (for the second time) Rachel Rays’ Tandoori Chicken (tofu for me). I did everything the recipe says, but it still turned out really dry The tofu didn’t really soak up the spices the way I wanted it to. But oh well, it’s a learning process. I’m getting closer and closer to making a good tofu meal!!

Either way, I’m not one to waste food, so I ate it. Along with some deeeee-licious mashed taters and green beans

Jason ate his chicken, even though he thought it was dry. We have leftovers, so I’m trying to think of a way to “fix” the leftovers lol…we’ll see what I come up with! After dinner, I soothed my palate with some dark chocolate and nighty-time tea (third cup of the day).

The dark chocolate seemed to help but the night time tea did not. I had a ton of trouble with insomnia last night. Tossing and turning, fading in and out of sleep. I remember waking up at 3 and just laying there, for what felt like hours, just thinking about things and life in general. Jason’s alarm went off at 8 and I unhappily got out of bed with him.

It was time for some oats!! And today, I am I feelin’ a little artistic with my food

Hehe It’s a smiley bowl of oats! In this bowl we have:

1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup hot water
dash of salt
1/2 mashed naner, the other half cut in slices on top
1 HUGE spoon on pb mixed in
1 natural cinnamon granola bar sprinkled on top (for the hair )

This bowl of oats, along with a cup of coffee, made me perk up and forget about my sleepless night. How can I stay mad when my food is smiling at me?!

On the agenda for today:

clean out the car
christmas shop
bake cookies (I promised Jason!)
wrap presents
walk trixie
pilates?? or yoga?? haven’t decided which one yet!
spinach fettucine dinner

Most of my day will be spent out and about! I was going to start my day by walking the dog, but she is snoring on the couch, so I will just let her sleep <3

Well, better get crackin’ on that to-do list! Happy Monday everyone

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged coffee, Jason, oatmeal, potato, run, tofu, workout, yoga | 5 Comments »

Snow Day!

December 20, 2009 by Stacey

Yesterday Whit and I decided to drive the extra 100 miles to see Megan!

Whit and I have run together a few times, but I’d never met Megan before! We’ve been emailing since last summer about meeting one day…and we finally did!

When we first arrived, Whit and I were so fascinated by the snow…I can’t believe it missed us like it did! Snow was on the ground literally 20 minutes up the highway from Charlotte, it’s crazy. Oh well! We still go to play in it!

We set out into the front yard to make a snow man:

I had no idea what I was doing. Never made a snowman before (or at least one that is not more than 2 feet high)! Megan and I were both saying: “What should we be doing?” Whit instructed us to start with a small snowball and roll it into the big one…she knew what she was talking about! Whit declared over and over she had never made a snowman before…Sure, Whit. Whatever!

Almost done…..

Done!

Ta-da! Meet Phil Phil the snowman.

Of course, no snow day could be complete without a snowball fight:

Can you spot the mid-air snowball?? Hehe

After our snowball fights, we lay down on the ground (partly out of exhaustion!) and made snow angels!

Our backsides soon became frostbitten, so we ventured inside for some hot cocoa..and maybe a few snicker cookies

Megan’s mom was very nice and welcoming! She took all of the photos and even uploaded them to the computer while we drank our cocoa! It was a very fun time, but it got dark and Whit and I had to head back home! We said our goodbyes and then drove the hour (and a half?) back to Charlotte. The car ride was fun too! We had sooo much to talk about! Like….training for the half marathon in April…blogging…guys…food…well, you get my drift

I’m so glad I got to meet Megan and also that I got to experience some snow! Even if it was “mine”

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments »

A Winter Jig

December 18, 2009 by Stacey

Hey friends!

How goes life?? Life for me is wonderful. Why, you ask? Because I’m done with my freakin Micro class, woot woot! As of 11:23 am yesterday morning, I was officially done. D.O.N.E. I submitted my final exam (made a 75, which is a lot better than what I thought I would make) and my research paper (made a 93, somehow I have a knack for writing, even it is about a boring subject like Lyme Disease!).

Since Jason was done with all of his exams (he made straight A’s this semester!) yesterday too, we thought it would be a good night to cel-e-brate good times come on! I called my mommy and my step-dad and invited them out with us for some pizza and beer at the local watering hole!

The camera wasn’t pulled out until after the pizza had been eaten and the beers had been dranken hehe

Jas and I still figured we could toast with empty glasses And then I got some kisses too! Must be my lucky night, haha.

We were just having so much fun talking about different bands and memories of how my grandmother once went to the bathroom in a bucket in a janitors closet on a camp site lol. (It was dark and she thought it was the bathroom!) Gotta love’ er <3

This morning I woke up at 9!!! I never wake up that late! Well, actually I woke up at 5 and stayed up until 7 then went back to bed, but still… When I looked out of my winder, I knew it was the perfect day for some candy cane coffee!! This candy cane has been in my purse for two weeks lol, and how it managed to not break is a mystery to me.

Mmmmmmm!

Too bad it melted in a matter of minutes But it did give my coffee a nice, pepperminty, sugary taste!

BTW: Look who I caught snuggling together on the couch this morning!

They always do cute stuff when they think no one is watching! At least they stayed that way long enough for me to get a picture…My theory is that they are both orange and that’s why they are such good buddies Hehe.

After some Multigrain Cheerios with naner, I decided it was time to venture into the sleet that is coming down outside! No snow yet! Just sleet. But I can still wish, can’t I?

What to wear…what to wear??

Here is my guide to dressing for sleet

First, you need socks that come up to your knees:

Next, you need to dress in layers!

And don’t forget to wear fuzzy white pants Please, dear Lord, don’t let me spill anything on these pants! Especially chocolate. Especially on my backside.

The next step is to find a fuzzy, non-matching, stringy, long scarf to wrap around your face and nose. Like so:

Then, you dance a “I-wish-it-would-snow-jig”…to Miley Cyrus Aerosmith, if you please

Think my dance worked? We will see!

Ugh. The crazy cat is trying to take over my blogging again!

Which reminds me..I gotta get going! Here I sit acting like it’s my day off, oh wait…it is Those errands aren’t going to take care of themselves though!

See ya in a bit! Happy Friday everyone <3

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged beer, coffee, Jason, pizza, school | 4 Comments »

Memory Lane

December 13, 2009 by Stacey

Hey lovies

It’s 8:20 on Sunday morning (please do not ask me why I woke up at 7!) and it’s raining outside. I’m snuggled into a blanket on the desk chair, sipping some coffee Jason stayed up late last night watching “Talladega Nights”. I wanted to stay awake too, but I just couldn’t!

Yesterday morning I got through my first exam, Diet Tech. I made a B. <–which is pretty good, it’s what I thought I would make! I felt like the exam was fairly easy actually. As for Micro, that’s another story! I have two exams in that class this week and then I will be done! Jason thinks I’m kidding when I say that I am going to have a bon fire out in the front yard with that book Little does he know….

Gosh, I feel like there are so many things to talk about! Sorry for abandoning you, there has been so much going on lately. There have been more trips to the gym, and less activity outside because of how cold it is getting. Jason and I have been cookin’ up some really great eats! Last night we had Potato Corn Chowder, and we also have a Mexican Chili Sweet Potato bake that is outta this world! Sorry, no pics I’m actually scared to use my camera because it has a crack in it and I”m scared if I touch it, it might just fall apart! I swear to take better care of my next one! *Scouts honor*

There is a book that I am reading right now and it’s not a textbook, woot woot called “Stiff”.

It’s actually quite humorous It feels good to be reading just for the heck of it and not because I need to, know what I mean??

Also, something very exciting has come up! I have been asked to be a head coach for Girls on the Run in Gaston County!!!!!! Girls on the Run is an after school organization that teaches young girls about running and the importance of staying active and healthy (right up my alley!). I was so excited when I got the offer, but now I’m not really sure if it’s possible. Of course, it’s only volunteer work, I wouldn’t be paid for it. But I don’t care about that at all. I feel like that sort of thing is my calling (as dramatic as that sounds). It’s what I want to do. What could be better than teaching girls about my favorite way to exercise?!

The director was telling me how she really needs a coach for a school that is mostly full of poverty or very low-income families. And the first thing I thought was: How rewarding would that be?! These are kids that don’t have any after school programs, and probably families that work, so there is more than likely no one there when they go home. I would LOVE to have a part in that; being their mentor, being that one thing that they look forward to during school. That would be so fullfilling and amazing. But my boss is saying that she may need me on Wednesdays after I get out of school. So, I don’t think it’s gonna happen At first, I cried and cried to Jason because I really wanted this with all my heart, but now I’ve accepted it. Maybe next year?? Or who knows? Maybe before January, she’ll come back and say she doesn’t need me! (That’s just me doing some wishful thinking )

Wow. I’ve just paused to take a break and look through my pictures on my computer! It’s amazing all of the things I’ve done in the past two years! For instance:

He came to my New Year’s party of ‘07 and the rest is history