That's Amazing...

This is so amazing and I want to sign up for yoga right now so I can do all those moves.  A few parts remind me of what I used to be able to do when I was in gymnastics. I guess this video has created some "uproar" because the girl is in her underwear.  Whatever, it's super amazing and you should watch it!

One Week In...

So I'm finishing up the first week back to work.  Remember how motivated I was to run and work out last week? I was really, really feeling awesome about running and I was sure that feeling would last! But here were are...Thursday night and I have worked out ONCE. Yep. It only took one week of work to knock me off my feet again. I'm fighting off a bad cold and it is making me feel like the last thing I want to do is move when I get home. Plus, TEACHING IS TIRING!!!!

Monday I ran 2.0 miles and then walked .75 miles (Before work! I was so motivated!!) and Tuesday I walked 2.25 miles with Laila. So technically I did something "active" two days this week, but when I set my goal for 3 workouts a week, that was not supposed to count any walking.

But...I'm not going to stress. There's still this weekend. Then hopefully next week I can whip myself into shape since I'll be more in the work routine again and hopefully I'll be over this cold!

On a completely random note, I finally organized my closet (and can now find things to wear in the morning!) and hung the necklace organizer that I bought from Etsy a while ago. Love it!

Week One of 2012 Resolutions

One of my resolutions this year is to work out 3x each week.  Of course this week I was still on vacation, so it will really start counting next week when I get back into my normal work routine.

Monday- 4.0 miles
Tuesday- 2.0 miles
Wednesday- nada
Thursday- 4.0 miles
Friday- 2.0 miles

12 miles so far this week. Lookin' pretty good!  It's strange how my 4.0 mile runs felt really good, but my 2.0 mile run today was a struggle the whole way.  Usually it takes me at least 2.0 miles to "warm up". In other words, the first 2.0 miles I'm still thinking of reasons to let myself stop running and it's not until after that (and sometimes not until after 3.0 miles) that my body starts feeling good during a run.

Next week I will probably do a lot less running and more 30 Day Shred type workouts since they're quick. Wish me luck on reaching my goal of 3 workouts next week as I am thrust back into the workforce!

Living a Healthy Life...

I am a lover of Pinterest.  If you're not on Pinterest, you should be.  I have 29 inspiration boards. Yikes, that number is getting a little high!  But I've made many inspiration boards related to home decor, travel, style, and teaching. Most recently, I made a "Healthy Life" board where I mostly post inspirational quotes and such that I come across.  This one made me laugh when I came across it:

 

http://yes-butno.tumblr.com/

I can totally relate to this! When people see me making healthier choices, they tend to assume that I'm on a "diet" and there is a negative connotation to this.  I've often heard the comment "You can afford the extra calories" or "You don't have to worry about that", when it comes to eating unhealthy foods.  I have to say, I indulge in unhealthy snacks probably much more often than people assume (I'm a chip-aholic). At the same time, I do make a conscious effort to be careful about what I put into my body each day. 

I was reading a similar discussion on the Daily Garnish about calorie counting- "the blurry grey line" and I could relate to many of the comments people left. For example, one reader wrote "I relate to this too! Ever hear anyone say…”now YOU don’t need to watch your weight!” Hello, if I didn’t “watch” to make sure I eat healthfully then I certainly wouldn’t stay healthy for long!" 

It's funny how eating badly is more the norm now and anyone who tries to partake in a healthy lifestyle is seen as a "health nut". I guess the bottom line is, no matter what shape or size you come in, it's still important to exercise and eat right whenever you can! Thoughts? 

Here are a few of my faves from Pinterest:

Just do it!

Good to remember

Love this one!

You Should Make This Salsa...

I have been reading the Pioneer Woman blog on and off for a while now.  I tried one of her recipes on Monday night for restaurant style salsa and loved it!  I'm a bit picky about what salsas I like, but this one really did have the consistency of a restaurant salsa.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking

It's a bit spicy, as the recipe calls for a whole jalapeno with seeds included, but I like that.  I really don't like cilantro, so I only used a little bit and it came out great.  For some reason, I forgot to put in one of the cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies but I couldn't tell anything was missing.

This recipe made a really large batch of salsa.  She recommends using a 12 cup food processor.  I've been wanting a food processor for a while, but wanted one that wouldn't take up too much room.  I bought a little 3 cup food processor the other day that I liked because it didn't come with too many parts, seemed easy to clean, and didn't take up tons of storage room.  It worked well for this salsa, although obviously I couldn't chop all the ingredients at once. I just filled the processor, chopped the ingredients, and poured into a big mixing bowl until everything had been chopped. Then I stirred it all together and it came out fine.

Hope you try this recipe and like it!

New Years Resolutions~ 2012

This year we rang in the new year at my best friend's house, as has become our tradition.  Last year, Laila did not get to come along because their dog, Wrigley, was recovering from being neutered (poor pup). But this year we brought along Laila and the dogs wreaked havoc all night. Laila was pretty exhausted this morning and still hadn't gotten up by 10:45. Awesome!

My favorite part of our New Years celebration is how low-key, low-stress it is.  Lots of girls spend the days leading up to New years Eve finding the perfect dress to wear out.  Not us!  I arrived in yoga pants...ready for a night of eating, drinking wine, talking, and hanging out! I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now for some grainy iPhone pictures...

Wrig hopped in the picture

Not sure why he was picking Laila up!

Happy New Year!

Bring on 2012!

Now on to my resolutions for 2012! I've found that it's really helpful to post them on the ol' blog because it helps me remember what I'm supposed to be working towards!

1.  Work out 3x each week.  I know, I know. This is not a very lofty goal. But really, I did not consistently work out this often during the week last year. I'm really good at talking myself out of a workout. Really good.

2. Run 500 miles in 2012. Last year my goal was to run 211 miles in 2011.  I reached that goal by July, so it was a bit too easy. I just joined an Endomondo challenge to keep me motivated!

3. Buy Local. This was actually part of my resolution in 2010 but I did not even get started with it really. I'm going to try to go to the local farmers market for produce or to Eastern Market.

4. Use my time more efficiently.  This is one I've been working on, but I think it's good to mention here. I tend to get distracted. Sometimes I'll start one thing and get distracted by another project I want to work on. So I need to focus a bit more in 2012.  I also want to do a better job of not letting things hang over my head. For example, if I have a homework project I really don't want to do, I'm going to try to get it done before anything else so I can enjoy my free time more without worrying about what I really should be doing. On that note, I should be organizing my closet right now since I've needed to do that for about the past 3 weeks (it's outta control!!).

So there you have it, my New Years Resolutions for 2012.  I'm just going to finish this post by saying...I'm going to finish my Masters this year! Woohoo!!!! My last class ends on April 21, to be specific!!!!!

Don't you just love a fresh new year to start off with? It's refreshing. Happy 2012 Everyone!