Uncontrollable, pretty ridiculous emotions

Since late July, I’ve been training for a half marathon.  At first, I was training for the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Later in the summer, it became apparent that travelling to Florida for that race was going to be entirely too expensive, etc.  I ended up signing up for the Outer Banks Half Marathon in August and have been in training mode since.  

In the beginning, the half marathon seemed so far away.  At that time, I was volunteering with the NCRC Women's Beginner Running Program and I was focusing a lot of my energy on encouraging some awesome new runners.  I worked to keep my mileage moving up and making sure I was having quality runs, more than the distance.  

After the women's program ended on September 24, Debbie and I started to focus on the longer runs.  Yes, I convinced two fellow NCRC runners to join me for OBX.  The training has been great, but today it hit me.  

It is November.  The half marathon is on November 13.  What does that mean?  It is half marathon week.  It is very surreal at this point.  I am no longer "training for my second half marathon".  I am running my second half marathon in 7 days.  Do you know how fast, yet so slow, this week is going to pass? c

Do I look a little excited to have finished my first half?

Couldn't have done it without these girls!!

So, obviously, my nerves are starting to get the best of me.  I thought I was doing pretty well, but today it hit me - like a ton of bricks.  I was wandering around the grocery store this afternoon and couldn't stop thinking about whether or not this food or that food would be good for me to eat this week, etc.  

Am I crazy?  I think not.  I fully believe that all runners deal with these crazy emotions before a race.  So, what else am I feeling?  Everything... Totally ridiculous, totally silly, totally gloom-and-doom, but all those emotions make up how I feel - and will help me succeed.    

I am nervous as all get-out.  Yah, think?  Totally obvious, right?  I am nervous about going out of town for my half marathon.  I am nervous about staying in a hotel.  I am nervous that I will forget something in Raleigh (Yes, there are stores where I am going.  That part is totally irrational.)  I am nervous that I won't be able to stick with Debbie for the entire 13.1 miles.  I am nervous that something will keep me from finishing.  I am just a ball of nerves.  

I’m feeling anxious. Sunday is so close, yet so far.  I would love more time to train, but I want to get the dang race over with at the same time.  It'll be nice to just check it off my list!  

I’m feeling pretty distracted. How am I gonna work this week?  I have no clue.  Honestly, all I want to do is read blogs about other people's half marathon experiences.  All I want to do is talk about the half because I need every single encouraging word I can get.  Heck, I may even resort to telling the folks hanging out in front of the Greyhound bus terminal near work about my running because I am sure my coworkers are tired of hearing about it!

I am feeling prepared.  I have worked hard.  I need to trust my training.  I have worked hard.  I have put in a lot of miles during my training runs.  Those training runs have been good and bad, but they have been training runs that meant something.  I know I have another half marathon (and many more) in me - I can do this.

I’m feeling excited.  Of course I am excited!  I started running in July 2010.  I ran my first half in May 2011 and I am getting ready to do another one next Sunday.  I also have signed up for another half in February 2012.  Something about the challenge of 13.1 miles just brings out the excitement deep in me.  

I have to remember that not everyone can do what I am getting ready to do.  Yes, there are ridiculous numbers of people that have done ultras, marathons, and way more half marathons than me.  But, that doesn't matter - no matter what others do, it isn't an every-day, run of the mill activity.  

I am feeling proud.  I am proud of my transformation since May 2010.  I have done things I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams - and I love it.  I am proud of all the work and dedication that I have put into transformation.  I feel like a completely different person. 

I am sure that the next 7 days will be a roller coaster of emotions.  I probably need to go ahead and apologize ahead of time to the hubs.  The poor guy puts up with all my crazies and exemplifies what a patient, kind, sweet, understanding husband should be.  I don't know where I would be without his constant support.  

Wow, I feel better.  Guess I just needed to write a ridiculously long blog post about being freaked out and actually talk through the emotions.

Tomorrow, I will be volunteering as a course monitor for the City of Oaks Marathon and Rex Half Marathon.  I volunteered last year and watching the various people running is what "sealed the deal" about my running a half.  Can't wait to cheer on some awesome runners tomorrow!

Good workout...but so sore

Welp...  Lesson learned.  1) Don't get out of the habit of lifting weights at the gym 2) If you do get out of the habit, don't rush back in all gangbusters.  If you do #2, you will regret it.  


Case in point...  Yesterday afternoon I left work a little early to head to the gym.  I knew that I wanted to get in a really good, long workout since it has been a few weeks since I have devoted a good amount of time to the gym.  


For a quick warm-up, I did 15 minutes on the stairmill.  Goodness, I love and hate that machine!  After my warm-up, I went through the 30-minute express workout.  To finish up my time in the gym, I did 30 minutes on the Arc trainer.  I decided to be all industrious and do the hill profile at level 10, fun for the workout but a bad idea the next day.


This morning I was so sore when I woke up.  I had planned an 8-mile run with Debbie for 9:30 a.m.  Unfortunately, once we got going, I had to cut the miles back to 6.  I just couldn't do it!  My legs felt so heavy. When we stopped and checked our pace, it was faster than our normal average pace.  Despite being quite sore, I say we did dang well.


The coming week is going to be a little "off".  I want to get in a few, quality short runs but will not run more than 5 miles in any given day before the half.  I am becoming quite the "nervous Nellie"!  Can't want to mark the OBX Half Marathon off my bucket list!

Feelin' Good...

To get back in to the habit, that is...  My last post was on October 22, exactly 12 days ago.  Since then, I feel like 3 months have passed.  In short, work has been nuts, I did my best to stay on track, and I haven't been derailed - just need to get back into the swing of things.


Quick review:

• October 22 - last really long run before the half (12 miles!)
• October 22 to 25 - My organization's annual conference...  What does that mean?  Basically, 1,200+ elected and appointed municipal officials converge on a convention center to learn and schmooze.  For me, that means lots and lots of walking around, eating crappy convention center food, and getting very little sleep.  
• Trip to the mountains - Took a trip to the Asheville area.  The hubs and I were able to enjoy some peaceful time together, complete with yummy meals and beautiful fall leaves.

Now that things have "slowed down" a little, I am getting back into a good habit of working out and watching what I eat.  During all the busy-ness, I was able to keep working out and eating well, just not as diligently as normal.  Luckily, I didn't gain any weight during the time that things were a little "off".


Also, big plus of not seeing my organization's municipal officials more than a couple times a year...  TONS of compliments on my successful weight loss, etc.  It was pretty comical to see municipal officials with whom I talk on the phone regularly and have them walk right past me because they didn't recognize me. Love it!


Only 11 days until the OBX Half Marathon!!!!  

Last long run

This morning was the last really long run of my half marathon training.  For the next two weeks I will do somewhere between 7 and 10 miles for my long runs, but today was 12 miles.  Come to think of it, I haven't run 12 miles since May 14 - they day of my first half marathon.  


For some strange reason, the fact that I was able to complete 12 miles today is so foreign to me.  Even though I have completed one half marathon and have 2 more coming up (November 13 and February 24), I still have trouble calling myself a runner.  Every single time I hear about others running more than about 8 miles, I am completely in awe - guess I forget that I can run 8 miles too!


The run today was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.  Debbie and I set out around 7:15 this morning.  I was pretty dang cold, but we agreed it would be good for us to run earlier.  The OBX Half starts at 7 a.m., so we need to be prepared for the cold.  When laying out my clothes for the run, I decided to try a new garment in hopes that it will work well for the OBX Half.  This summer, while shopping at EJW in Morehead City, I came across a couple Under Armour Heat Gear hoodies on a sale rack.  Yes, I know they are technically meant to help people keep cool in the heat, it was perfect for today's run.  Normally, I am one to shed my layers before the first 3 miles are complete.  I was able to run the entire time in this very lightweight hoodie.  YAY!

After the run, I ran to the grocery store for a few things.  Thank goodness for the free slices of deli meat when you order and "Harry's cookies".  I was so hungry!  Once I got home and showered, I ended up eating a few snacks to hold me over until lunch - Nature Valley Oats 'N Dark Chocolate bar and 3 clementines.  It was the perfect snack, but when all was said and done - I was ready for lunch! 


The hubs and I decided to stick close to home today (i.e., stay in pajamas and watch football all day) since I will be working my organization's annual conference through Tuesday.  We both wanted something more interesting than turkey sandwiches for lunch and ended up deciding to have CharGrill.  I think my calorie burn was totally negated by my lunch choice, but who cares!  


Now to relax for the remainder of the day!  

So true

Each day, I receive a quote/"Daily Kick in the Butt" from Runners World via email.  This quote came on Monday morning:


The best part of a run? The birds chirping, the awesome air, and the fact that a lot of people are still sleeping. The worst? The first couple of steps. Just getting the creaks out.  -- Summer Sanders, Olympic gold medalist in swimming and TV commentator 


The more I have thought about this quote, the more I realize how true it really is...  A prime example was this past Saturday.  Debbie and I planned to run 11 miles at 7 a.m.  At first, I was looking forward to it...  Of course, by the time the alarm clock went off at 5:30 a.m., I was none too pleased.  When I arrived at Debbie's, I think her thoughts were similar.  We both agreed that running at 7 a.m. was probably best, considering that the half would probably start at 7 a.m. - a good test.


The run started off pretty dang good.  We have been running on a relatively new trail that runs right beside the Neuse River in north Raleigh.  On Saturday morning, it was just chilly enough for there to be a fog coming off the water.  We saw several deer near the beginning, etc.  It was awesome to just be surrounded by quiet and nature.  It definitely made a not so exciting/desirable run better :-)  


25 days till the OBX half!!!

Friend Makin' Monday - Stereotypes

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here  Kenlie's blog, so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.   Answer the questions and your link too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM:  Stereotyping

Have you ever been the victim of stereotyping?  If so, will you elaborate?  What do you wish people thought of you as they notice you for the first time?

Yes, I have been a victim of stereotyping.  When I was in middle school, high school, and through part of college, I was often stereotyped because of my weight.  I am guessing that people assumed that I just sat around doing nothing all day.  While I hate that it happened to me, it was a partial blessing.  Those moments where I was confronted with being stereotyped keep me moving forward toward a better me.  Those moments also make me more aware of when I start to group others within stereotypes.  I am sure that I am also stereotyped sometimes as a "fun sucker" too.  Sometimes, I am too serious for my own good and it makes me seem quite boring.  Unfortunately, that stereotype is pretty untrue...  While I may not be the type that is the life of the party, I do like to have a good time.  It just takes me a little longer to warm up to the idea :-)

Football Sunday

The hubs and I are hanging out at home today, as is our normal Sunday routine in the fall.  We usually have a nice brunch - waffles, eggs, and turkey sausage - then settle in for an afternoon and evening of football.  Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am not terribly interested in sports or competitive with anyone other than myself, but I have come to enjoy our "Football Sundays".

So, after our brunch, the hubs and I settle in to our respective spots to watch the games.  I get in our recliner with my legs covered up by a nice, soft blanket.  The laptop is normally in my lap, so that I can do work or piddle around on Facebook, Pinterest, etc.  After the first kickoff, I do my best to focus on what is on the computer screen versus what the hubs is yelling at on the TV screen.  It makes for an interesting day.  Occasionally, I look up at the game and ask a question (or six) about what is going on with the game.  No matter how many times Jason has explained what a "kick off return" is, I still ask.  The poor guy tries to explain things so much and I just don't pay enough attention.  I am more intrigued by other parts of the typical football game.


A few examples from this afternoon:

Rob Ryan:
See this guy?  A typical guy might see a Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys that is a decent coach.  I, on the other hand, see a guy that looks like the Lion from The Wizard of Oz.  Does Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, not see that this guy looks like a scrub on his sideline?  Does he not think that the guy could be a better coach if his hair wasn't floppin' all over the place. 

 Bill Belichick:
Jason sees "an arrogant as*hole" that is an very accomplished coach.  He's a bit of a jerk during press conferences, but otherwise he has earned his stripes.  What do I see?  I see a sloppy coach.  I see a guy that probably expects his players to "keep their nose clean" and maintain proper attire when in public, but here he is with a hoodie on with cut-off sleeves.  There's not necessarily anything terribly wrong with the shorter sleeves, but for goodness sakes ask Reebok to make you one with shorter sleeves instead of cutting them off like a third grader 15 minutes before the game.  






NFL on FOX:

See these guys?  I have to say that I honestly enjoy watching them.  No, I don't really pay attention to all their football-ese, but I do love the bantering back and forth.  When Jason turns the TV on each Sunday, I always make sure he is going to put on "the guys I like....you know, the one with the guy with the fun ties and Howie."  Jason continues to remind me that the "guy I like with the fun ties" is Mike Strahan that used to play for the Giants.  Of course, to me, he will always be the very dapper looking black guy with the awesome, colorful ties.  Even though Mike Strahan is my favorite, I still do love to hear Terry Bradshaw.  There's something about his kind smile.  Of course, smiles aren't really important in football, but he just looks like a nice 'ole guy.


Also, this Miller Lite commercial is my favorite right now.  For some reason, it just makes me laugh so hard that I nearly pee my pants!

Friend Makin' Monday - 8 Taboo Topics

It’s time for FMM!  If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here on Kenlie's blog and here so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  

FMM: 8 Taboo Topics

1. How often do you read/watch the news?  Multiple times throughout the day.  I generally check the "goings on" on my phone in the morning and watch/read snipits throughout the day on various news sites.
2. What is your opinion on beauty pageants?  I don't love them, but at the same time I can see their value if they are indeed scholarship programs.  It is so strange, but I guess I don't have a strong opinion either way.
3. Would you date/marry someone who has different religious views than you? I would.  I don't know that the lives of people my age revolves around religious views as it did in days gone by.  I think that differences in people makes the world much more interesting. 
4. Do you follow politics?   Yes, but I am not one to discuss politics outside of my home.  I grew up in a home where my parents weren't terribly vocal about politics.  I married into a family that is very involved in the political scene of my state.  So, I am very interested, but I keep a lot of my opinions to myself until I know that I am in "safe" company (I don't do confrontation).
5. How often do you talk about sex in your daily life and/or on your blog?  Hmmm... So, this is still very taboo for me.  I don't care to really talk about how much I talk about a taboo topic - guess it is my southern upbringing :-)  …
6. Does it make you uncomfortable when someone asks you about your salary/income? Does it ever happen?  I think it is incredibly rude to talk about salary/income and for that matter money in general.  If someone asks me about my salary/income, I tend to gloss right over their inquiry and act like they never said anything.  Again, another thing that is probably part of my southern upbringing. 
7. Do you tag friends and family in pictures that you post on FB, or do you seek permission first?  I tag friends and family in some pictures, but not that often as I do not put a lot of pictures of others on Facebook, etc.
8. Can you be friends with people who have opposing views on ‘taboo’ topics? Again, I think differences of opinion make the world more interesting.  While another person and I may not agree, doesn't mean that the difference in opinion couldn't create an interesting conversation, etc.

OMG - 35 days??!!?? and 10 miles

The OBX Half Marathon is in 35 days!  I am so very excited about marking this race off my "bucket list", but at the same time I am getting a little nervous.  I am not sure why I am so nervous.  I have done one half before - this should be easy peasy.  I guess that no matter how long I run, I will always be nervous before races, especially those that are longer distances. 


Debbie and I did a 10.3 mile training run on a new greenway trail off Falls of Neuse Road.  The greenway provided a nice change of scenery and very few inclines/hills.  As always, Debbie and I talked almost the whole time.  It's awesome to be able to chit-chat with someone during those long runs.  Makes the distance much tolerable.  


The run today was great - less than 3 miles to half marathon distance.  The splits were great again!

"Know your Number"

My organization sponsors a wellness program for our health pools and for our internal staff.  Almost 2 years ago, we changed from a pretty not effective generic wellness evaluation tool to the "Know Your Number"/Biosignia evaluation tool.  I didn't realize until last week that this is the same tool that Dr. H uses on The Biggest Loser.


When the program was introduced in 2009, we were encouraged to do the assessment.  At that point, I wasn't in the same place I am now with my health and wellness.  I was eating what I wanted, giving a half-assed effort at the gym, etc.  


I participated in the assessment the first time in November 2010.  I was a little nervous about it then, but after my follow-up last week I feel awesome!

Summary:

• For the first time in my adult life, I am no longer "obese".  I have never been so happy to fall into the category of "overweight"!  I lost 21.4 pounds since the last assessment and it really hasn't been that hard!
• My glucose levels are totally normal and I have a less than 1% chance of developing diabetes within 5 years.
• My blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal or optimal for my age
• I am 80% more healthy than other 31-year-old females related to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).  I have a 0.0053% chance of developing CHD in the next five years
• My risks for CHD, stroke, and diabetes can be further reduced by losing weight (duh!)

Friend Makin' Monday - Dream Vacation

It's Monday! If you’ve taken part in FMM you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add a link in the comments section here and at Kenlie's blog, All the Weigh, so we can all see your answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Ready for this week's topic?

Friend Makin' Monday:  Dream Vacation

If you were given two tickets that you (and someone you chose) could use to fly anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 


I know it might sound cheesy, but I would fly to somewhere tropical with no cell phone service.  I love sitting by the beach, listening to the ocean waves with a fruity drink in my hand.  There is nothing better.  I would definitely try to find somewhere with no cell phone service (or ridiculously high international rates) so that I wouldn't be tempted to use my phone or other technology.  I am notorious for not enjoying vacation as much as I should because of technology interference.


Can I get my tickets tomorrow?? :-)

Feelin' like a new woman!

Well, the side effects of Friday's IV iron infusion were not nearly as bad as last time.  In fact, the only real side effect was a ravenous little bit of hunger.  I was feeling peppy enough on Friday evening to a nice dinner for the hubs.  We had teriyaki sauteed shrimp with Trader Joe's Quinoa Duo (if you haven't tried this, you must!).

Yesterday morning, I got up and did some piddling around the house.  I was feelin' great and needed to do some catch up chores around the house that I neglected over the last week or so of feeling like crap.  

A little after 10, Debbie picked me up for our planned 9-miler.  I have to be honest and say that I was scared shitless a little concerned about going out for 9-miles the day after my infusion.  The doctor assured me that it was ok, but I needed to be aware of my body's signals if necessary.  We finished our 9-miler with an awesome pace (look at those splits!).  I am sure that Debbie would like to go a little faster, but I definitely appreciate her running with me - we have fun conversations and she pushes me to go faster on the longer distances.

After our run, the hubs and I did some errand running around town.  We stopped by the new Fleet Feet store.  All I can say is WOW!  They have so much more space and you can actually move around - so awesome!  While we were there, I worked with Emily for a little bit and ended up purchasing a nice lime green pair of CEP compression socks.  I will probably review them after wearing them a few more times, but so far they are life-changing!

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent at Draft in downtown Raleigh.  Our friend owns the restaurant and we haven't been since he renovated it.  The restaurant menu is similar to one of his other restaurants, but as usual, it did not disappoint.  I had the lovely California Salad for dinner, several Mash House Porters, and then indulged in a Big Bad Butterscotch Brownie.  The brownie was to die for - I earned it after running 9-miles!

IV iron infusion

Well, as I type this email, I am sitting in the treatment room at Cancer Centers of NC.  I met with Dr. Elkordy this morning.  We reviewed symptoms, discussed more tests, etc.  After my appointment was over, she asked if I could come back in a hour or so for my IV iron infusion.  

This is how the infusion will go:

• Get back to the office at 12:45 a.m.
• Get IV in side of my arm
• Administration of medicines in this order:  benadryl, zantac, and steroid
• Test dosage of the iron - The test dose takes an hour or so.  They want to be sure that there is no negative reaction.
• Administration of iron

Once all of that is done, I'll be done.  I am guessing that I will be here for about 4 or 5 hours.  Lovely.  Once I am done, I should be close to back to my normal self.  I am looking forward to being able to run my 9 miles tomorrow with Debbie!  YAY!!

Another childhood memory

My office in downtown Raleigh is located a couple blocks from Edenton Street United Methodist Church.  Many days, I go outside around noon so that I can hear the bells ringing familiar hymns.  This morning, I signed into Pandora and the first song that came up was "This is my Father's World".  


It is interesting to me where memories come from...  I have always been one to say that memories don't lie in "things".  Recently, I am beginning to doubt my assertion/statement.  It has become more obvious that memories for me do indeed really come from various songs, sounds, foods, etc.  


This song reminds me of my childhood in Beaufort and attending First Baptist Church in Beaufort.  It reminds me of the many Sunday School assemblies led by "Miss Margaret" Gillikin.  It reminds me of all the things she taught me, Bible-based or just life.  I am grateful everyday for the lessons of my youth and the reminders of those childhood memories.   

This is my Father's world, 
and to my listening ears 
all nature sings, and round me rings 
the music of the spheres.  
This is my Father's world:  
I rest me in the thought 
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, 
the birds their carols raise, 
the morning light, the lily white, 
declare their maker's praise.  
This is my Father's world:  
he shines in all that's fair; 
in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.  
O let me ne'er forget 
that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
God is the ruler yet.  
This is my Father's world:  
why should my heart be sad?  
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

One year since my first 5K

I completed my very first 5K on September 25, 2010.  As I think back, I cannot contain the number of adjectives I could use to describe my feelings from that day.  As soon as I got home from the race, I hugged my hubs and started to cry.  I guess they were tears of amazement, joy, exhilaration, and exhaustion.  


I am amazed at what can happen in one year.  Not only have I continued to run since that first 5K, I completed 12 races (including a half marathon) in the last year.  I also had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer for the NCRC women's beginner running program.  The group inspired me to continue last year and I hope that I have provided some of the same inspiration for the participants this year.  I am so proud of the women that I met this year and how determined they are.  They remind me a lot of how I felt last year.  So, ladies - keep up the good work!!!  


Here's some pics to show the difference a year makes:

Group picture from the Women's Distance Festival with 2010 NCRC beginner women's group (I am on the jungle gym in a white baseball cap)

Thank God for Sandra encouraging me across the finish (2010)!

Group picture from Women's Distance Festival with 2011 NCRC beginner women's group

Coming up on the finish with a couple of my "C" ladies (2011)

Iron deficiency and pernicious anemia

Several weeks ago, during my regularly scheduled 6 month check up with my doctor, I mentioned some issues I have been dealing with.  She called for more blood work.  When that came back, she wanted to do some more blood work.  Basically, I have been in limbo with what is going on with my rebellious body since September 2.


Fast forward to today...  Dr. Hage walks in the room and immediately says "Your ferritin levels are in the crapper."  Lovely.  Yuck.  She laid it all on the table and told me that I was basically dealing with iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia again.  


Immediately, my mind went back to December 2006/January 2007.  I had been dealing with lots of fatigue, chest "flutters"/palpitations, clumps of hair falling out, little to no appetite, etc.  I finally went to my doctor and was eventually referred to Dr. Elkordy at Cancer Centers of NC in Cary.  I had a great consultation with Dr. Elkordy, then I was scheduled for an intravenous iron infusion the next week.  The infusion procedure sucked went well and I was back to my old self.


Dr. Elkordy continued to remind me that I would likely have to do an infusion again at some point in my adult life, but I just figured if I ate well and exercised, I could avoid it - wrong.  Needless to say, the fact that I don't absorb iron (or any other vitamins/minerals) well will not change significantly with diet and exercise.  So, here's to seeing Dr. Elkordy on October 3 and getting me back on the right track!

Perfected Green Monster

I think I have finally perfected my version of the Green Monster!  


Back in July, I started making these lovely little concoctions.  I have been on-again/off-again with them since.  I haven't been making them nearly as much as I did in the beginning because I don't really like making them in the morning and the "recipe" I was using made a huge serving and, of course, that had a lot of calories (more than I was willing to use on them).


So, I decided on a different approach...  Last night, I made one of my Green Monsters.  I divided the smoothie between two smaller mason jars.  Before putting the metal lid on, I put a piece of tin foil on the top.  I thought this would help when I went to remix the smoothie in the morning, etc.  I have read online where people mention the smoothies separate, etc.  This morning, I was quite surprised to see that it hadn't separated at all.  

When I got to work, I put the jar in the freezer.  About 10 minutes ago, I got it out of the freezer.  I am now enjoying a lovely little Green Monster "icee" for my morning snack.  


I am sure that the nutritional value of the smoothie was compromised a little by being made yesterday and being stored overnight, but it is delicious either way.

YAY!

Awesome memories

Sometimes you get to relive moments through such ordinary items.  The most recent memory was sparked several weeks ago in a dream about breakfast with my PawPaw Pilcher...


The dream went something like this:  PawPaw and I were sitting at the bar in my 
grandparents home at Oakwood Acres getting ready to have breakfast.  My PawPaw poured himself a bowl of cereal - small, brown "O" shapes - with milk.  He offered me some and I turned it down for grits and eggs.   My PawPaw kept telling me I should try it, that it was so yummy, etc. but I wouldn't.  I told him that it looked funny and I didn't like it, even though I had never tried it.  (This was the same scenario that played out hundreds of times in my childhood.) 


I don't really remember the rest of the dream, but I have been fixated on trying to figure out the name of the cereal for almost three weeks.  That cereal and those mornings at my grandparents are awesome memories that I want to be able to relive.  


On Friday evening, I was bound and determined to figure out the name of the cereal and get a box.  All I could remember was that the cereal was shaped like an "O" and was in a blue box. I swear that I spent 10 minutes on the cereal aisle Friday night, but I found it!  (By the way, did you realize there are like 300 different cereals on the cereal aisle??!!??)

I was so excited!  Even though it was $4.99 for the box, I had to have it.  I opened the box and the smell of the cereal was just as I remembered it - sweet and delicious, like oatmeal cookies.


Yesterday, when I was packing snacks and lunches for today, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the cereal.  I don't usually eat cereal with milk - I usually eat it dry or in my yogurt.   I ended up measuring out a serving and ate it along with my yogurt this morning.  I have to say that my PawPaw would be proud!  


If you haven't tried it, you must!  


I also found an Ode to Cracklin' Oat Bran that I feel I must share:


When cookies for breakfast
seem like too much
and your diet requires
a fiberific punch
there is hope to be found
that is nothing short of grand:
a little blue box
of Cracklin' Oat Bran.


Now I know what you're saying
"That's for people who are old, 
with bowels that are flabby
and covered in mold!"
Well I say to you all:
"You best not be hatin'.
It might not look that great
But the proof's in the tastin'!"


It's like cookies in milk
but your colon takes a beating!
And if you're on a diet
it makes you feel like you're cheating!
The combo is perfect
for grandpa AND child!
So pour yourself a bowl
and drive your large intestine wild!


(Awesome ode Allison!  So true!!)

Friend Makin' Monday: All About Me

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules.  If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: All About Me

1. What are your talents? Hmmm...  Professional organizer/"logisticiser" (that's my hubs made up word for it)

2. What is your best habit?  I write a schedule to work out and I stick to it, come hell or high water.

3. If you had to be stuck with someone in an elevator for 8 hours, who would you want it to be?  Probably my best friend, Margaret.  She lives entirely too far away and we don't get to spend nearly enough time together.  Being stuck in an elevator would suck, but we would make it fun!!

4. Share one odd fact about you that we’d never know to ask.  I have no clue...  I love random pieces of information and enjoy sharing the tidbits?

5. What’s your latest project (work, home, whatever you care to share?)  I am up to my ears in projects at work that stress me out...  My latest project is trying to not keep the stress at work from affecting my workouts/running/eating.  So far, so good!

6. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?  My yucky extra skin from losing weight.

7. What do you do in your spare time?  Read, bake, search blogs/Internet for new recipes, etc.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve?  People not listening (e.g., I am telling you a story and you act like you are listening, but after the conversation you look at me like "huh?")

9. Why do you blog?  I think blogging has helped me stay accountable.  Not only do I get to read about others going through the same thing, I learn so much!  It is great!

10. Are you tidy or messy?  Definitely tidy - everything has a place and everything in its place!

11. What’s the last song that played on your iPod? Hummingbird Heartbeat, Katy Perry

12. Do you cook?  If so, what’s for dinner tonight? I love to cook!  Tonight is Brown Rice and Black Bean Casserole.  Yummy!

13. Do you like sports?  If so, list your teams.  Not really...  I try to be a good wife and act like I am interested for the benefit of my hubs.

14. How often do you read and/or watch the news? Everyday

15. Did you stick to your new Year’s resolution this year?  If so, elaborate. I do not make new years resolutions.  I do set some "goals" each year and I think I am doing well with sticking to them.  Most of my goals are fitness, eating, and/or health related.

16. What are you looking forward to most in the remainder of 2011?  Taking another item or two off my fitness bucket list - OBX Half Marathon in November and hopefully another one 

17. Shoes, sunglasses or handbags?  Shoes!

18. How do you feel about sleeping on satin sheets?  I prefer regular old Egyptian cotton

19. Do you sing in the shower?  Yep!  I used to really belt it out when I had a shower radio, but it recently died 

20. Describe yourself in one word.  Determined!