Bangs

I got my hair cut.

Short.

Kind of.

And I got bangs.

I haven't had bangs since this....

My shot gun wedding in 1802.

I had bangs then.  And I curled them under.

I was very fashionable.

Especially for 1802.

Except I have a couple of questions.

I hope you don't mind.

1.  How in the HECK did I get Kev to take this picture?  Because I would love to know what I did so I could do it again and get him to leave the house.  And get professional pictures taken of us. 

Actually, that is the only question that I have.

I'm just baffled.

Just in case you are wondering how in the world I was a part of this "ole timey picture" ..... just know that it was because we PAID to have this "ole timey picture" taken.

In Gatlinburg.

3 months after our wedding.

It was our "wedding picture".

I am NOT proud.

Kev is officially hiding under his comforter for the next thirty years.

We don't even remember this taking place.

Goodbye Forever.

Dinner



It's important. 

To eat dinner.  In case you didn't know what I was referring to.

I cooked this week.  A lot.  But I figured that I would just share the winners. 

Because your time is precious.  And also because it is no fun sharing the boring meals.

And just in case you wanted to know.... I'm sitting outside right now.  In perfect weather.  Watching my husband prepare our dinner for tonight.  And thinking that I might want to quit my job and become a back porch dweller.  Forever. 

Or at least until it gets really hot outside.  And then I would rather be an "under the fan-in air conditioning" couch dweller.

But you get the idea.  I just love this time of year.

So, this week was all about making meals that would last for days.  Meals that we could eat for lunches and dinners without getting bored.

I think I was successful.

I made this on Wednesday...

General Tsao Chicken.

We are HUGE fans of Asian food.  It has definitely become quite the favorite around this household.  So when I found the special sauce at The Fresh Market, I knew that I had to make this meal for Kev. 

He had requested it before when I used to get take out.

And I say "used to" because nowadays I try to plan enough in advance to not have to get take out.  It also helps with the "budget"... if you know what I mean.

Anyway, there was another lady buying the sauce on the same day.  And she suggested buying Chick-fil-a nuggets to put in the meal.  I thought it was a great idea until I priced the nuggets and realized that in order to buy enough to make the meal worthwhile, I would have to take a second mortgage out on my house.

Chick-fil-a, I love you.  But you are VERY expensive.

So, I used organic chicken breast.  And followed the recipe on the bottle of sauce.

It was so easy.  And yummy.

I had a "Girl's Night" dinner to go to the night I made it.  So, I let Kev choose what kind of rice he wanted to eat with it.  He chose white. 

I gladly obliged.  There is only so much brown rice a growing boy can eat, you know.

I had a bite before I left for the dinner.  And I LOVED it. 

I would definitely make it again.  And again.  And again. 

And here is where I would show you a picture of the sauce.   Just in case you wanted to buy it.  But because it is SO hard to maneuver pictures around in blogger you will just have to wait until the end of the post.  Because for some reason when I post pictures they like to move all around and do whatever they want.

It is like having teenagers.  Which is why I don't have them.  :)

On to the next meal.

Chicken Tortilla Soup.

The recipe is from Jenna.  At Eat Live Run.  She is fabulous!! And creates the most delicious recipes. 

And this is where I am going to suggest that you check out HER pictures instead of depending on mine to give you an idea of how the meal will turn out. 

Because mine look a little bizarre.  AND BURNED.

The recipe started with charring a poblano pepper.  I've never charred anything before.  Besides a marshmallow.  And maybe a hotdog.  So, it was new to me to put a perfectly beautiful hot pepper under the broiler and watch it burn to death.

While it was screaming for it's life, I sliced up some corn tortilla.  Because it is tortilla soup.  And it was necessary.

Then after following the recipe perfectly, this is what I had in my Dutch Oven.

I'm assuming hoping that the black charred bits floating around were from the poblano pepper.  Regardless, the soup didn't taste burned.  So, the black floaters were for looks?  Yes, that is what I'm going to say. 

Kev insisted on me getting a picture of his bowl of soup.  Because it was full of sour cream and cheese.  And he thought it made it "prettier" than mine.

I LOVED the soup.  It was SO filling and delicious.  And anything with peppers in it makes me foam at the mouth.

Literally.

And actually I am still eating it today.  Because the recipe makes a TON. 

I decided to serve it with these delicious chips.

As you know we have been trying healthy chip upon healthy chip.  And NONE of them disappoint!! I am so happy to say that we have gotten past the time of baked tortilla chips.  There are SO many options these days.  And they are so extremely healthy.  And freaking delicious.

In fact, Kev prefers the protein filled healthy flaxseed chips over the regular Tostitos that I have been purchasing for him for years.

It is crazy but true.

Please make this Chicken Tortilla Soup.  You will be so glad you did!

And finally, I would like to show you the picture of the General Tsao sauce.  The picture that REFUSED to post in the order that I wanted it to.  And decided to go to the end of the post and over to the right. 

I hope you all are having an amazing weekend.  And able to enjoy this beautiful weather. 

I am about to go dig in to some scrumptious BBQ.  And I will tell you all about it tomorrow. 

If I don't pass out from happiness.  



A New Treat

I've fallen in love with a new treat.  And luckily it is much healthier than my beloved marshmallow pillow of goodness that I made back in January. 

It involves BROWN RICE.  

In crispy cereal form. 

And the rice tastes just as good - if not better- than it's famous white cousin.

Except it is healthier.  And has simple ingredients.

I bought this box of cereal with the plans to make some treats.  But then.. on a whim... decided to mix the rice with sea salt almond butter and honey.

It made the perfect dessert.  Sweet + almond butter + crunch.

And is filling enough that I only need one small bowl to satisfy my craving.

                                     

I use one cup cereal + a heaping tablespoon of almond butter + a drizzle of honey.  Then mix it all together.

I love it so much that I have started eating it as my morning pre work out snack.  It is the perfect way to start my day. 

Then this morning I happened to notice a recipe on the cereal box.  For peanut butter rice treats.  And it uses the same ingredients that I do.  As well as chopped nuts and vanilla extract.  And then suggests rolling them in to little balls.

And serving them to a crowd.

The perfect party food.  Especially if you add mini dark chocolate chips.

But for now I will just stick to my little bowl.  It is just safer that way.  At least until I have some one to share them with. 

Not that I would be able to share them.  :)

I'm Obsessed

With Body Attack.  Yesterday I attended my first class in over a month.  I couldn't believe that it had taken me so long to go back.  Until I remembered that Body Attack + cleanse = disaster.

Luckily, I am finished with the cleanse.  So, Body Attack will be back on my schedule from now on.  The class made me realize that I am getting stronger as I completed TEN push-ups on my toes!  And also passed someone when we were running laps.  I'm usually the one getting passed so that was a pretty big deal. 

My legs are like short, heavy broccoli stalks.  And there is nothing I can do about it.

With organic eggs.

I've mentioned before that eggs are one of the things that I cannot compromise on.  And since I eat them just about every day, it is important to me to get the best. 

So, I stand and stare at eggs for what seems to be hours. 

And dream of the day that I have my own healthy chickens to produce them for me.

Ok.  That is a lie.  I could never raise chickens.  They poop too much.

Which happens to be the ONE issue that I have with farm fresh eggs.  They kinda smell and some times have remnants of chicken poop.

And since Kev and I have an aversion to cleaning poop off of things... I have to make sure that I pick the cleanest ones.

It is a serious process.  And I apologize for mentioning so much about poop.

This is what I came home with this week....

With sparkling water. 

                                         

It just so happened to be on sale.  I couldn't help myself.  The cashier commented that it looked like I was buying Easter because the boxes were so colorful.

Buying Easter sounds like fun. 

So is drinking the water.  It is such a nice change from the gallons of regular water I drink every day.

With a challenge.  I did something really crazy today.  I signed up for another Burnathon.  But this isn't just any Burnathon.  It is for THREE hours.  Three hours on a spin bike.  I hope my parts survive.

Regardless if they do or if they don't... it is for a great cause.  Diabetes.  And I'm happy to do it!

With warm weather.  Today was another beautiful day.  Not too much longer and I will be moving in to the pool permanently.  Or at least for the next five months.

And don't worry about Kev.  He will be moving in to the pool with me. 

At least until he comes up with some chores to do.

Because that is what he is obsessed with.  :)

The Box of Fabulous

It is no secret that I have severe issues with my workout clothes.

And I realize that "severe" is a pretty extreme word.

But I cannot tell you how many times my pants have fallen down.  Or my sports bra has fallen asleep on the job.  Or my over sized t-shirt has gotten caught in a heavy piece of machinery that has threatened my life.

And by heavy piece of machinery... I mean car door. 

I have spent many hours drooling over fancy work out clothes.... just to leave empty handed over the need to buy groceries or gray hair coloring or wrinkle cream.

It is so hard for me to spend money on something that I am just going to sweat my brains out in.

But then I read an article about the importance of wearing good fitting clothes when you are working out.  And not only good fitting, but cute and comfortable.  It said that you were more likely to hit the gym if you "loved" your outfit.

Not to mention that better fitting clothes means BETTER performance.

And at this point, I will do ANYTHING to improve my performance. 

Well, as long as it doesn't include drugs.  Or dancing.  Or pulling weeds. 

I don't like doing any of those things.

So, I had finally made up my mind to venture out and purchase some quality pieces for my fitness wardrobe.

Until I received a VERY excited text from Kev declaring that something amazing was waiting at home for me.

I'm sure you are wondering how a text FROM KEV could be "very excited".... but trust me... it was.  He used a couple of exclamation points. 

That is a big deal.

And warranted a speedy (but not too speedy) drive home.

To discover this:

 An endless supply of quality, great fitting, FABULOUS work out gear! 

Pants that don't fall down.  Bras that do what they are told.  Shirts that fit.  Shorts that I actually feel comfortable wearing.  AND two skorts. 

I've seen multiple women wearing the skorts at the gym and I think they are too cute.  Very feminine while ensuring a good workout.

Love.  Love.  Love.  LOVE!

There was even these shorts....

 Of which the proceeds went to Breast Cancer Research. 

And you know that I am all about a good cause.

Much to Kev's dismay delight, I proceeded to try on each and every piece.  And then ran as fast as I could through the house to show him how awesome it was. 

And may or may not have done some other workout moves just for fun. 

And I probably yelled "WOO HOO" a couple of or a million times.

It was pretty epic.

And made Kev grateful that we moved out to the country so no one could hear or see me.

As far as the origin of the BOX OF FABULOUS...

The Fairy Godmother-like box had come all the way from Tennessee.  From my Aunt Sandi!

She had been reading my blog and wanted to surprise me with some new gear to help me with my workouts.... and my next race!

It was SO extremely thoughtful and generous!  I can't even believe it!!

I am so proud of my new duds that I haven't even put them away yet.  I'm planning a workout clothes reorganization tomorrow.  To get rid of the old and replace it with the new.

So far, I have worn pieces to Body Attack, Spin, and Pilates.  And loved every second of it.

Tomorrow will be my first chance to RUN!!  I can't wait to try out the pants.  And hope that the treadmill motor doesn't burn out because my legs are moving so fast.  :)

I attempted to get some good pics... but we have just been so busy the past couple of nights and without Kev snapping the pics.... they turn out like this...

And that, my friends, is the best one of the million that I took.  But never fear, my photographer will be back in action soon and we hope to get some good ones of the skort.

Because you need to know how awesome they are.  It's like when you were in elementary gym class and had to wear shorts under your dresses.  So you could do a cartwheel and no one could see your underwear.

Not that I have ever been able to do cartwheels.  But I did/do like to kick my legs up a lot.

Regardless, I can't wait to rock it out!

Thanks a million and a half, Aunt Sandi!!!! I appreciate it all more than you know!!!!



Kindness

This is not necessarily the kind of post that you are probably used to from me.  In fact, my blog always focuses on the happy.  On the fun.  And (quite a bit of) on the crazy.

I had NO intentions of even writing about this... however, Kev has really encouraged me to share my experience due to the incredible amount of kindness I received this past week.  Not to mention some major life lessons learned.

And luckily, this post DOES end with a happy ending.  Also, luckily, this post does NOT have any pictures. 

Two good reasons to read on....

Now I feel like I need to start off by telling you that I HATE HATE HATE the doctor.  As in going is my worst nightmare.  I am one of those people that believes that what you don't know won't hurt you.  And if you do know... and a doctor doesn't confirm it... then it will probably go away.

So, it should be NO surprise that I haven't been to get my extremely uncomfortable annual women's exam in FIVE WHOLE YEARS.  And yes, I realize that is extremely risky.  Especially at my age.  But it is what it is.  I'm stubborn.  And good at making excuses as to why I'm too busy.

Until two Mondays ago.  When I found a lump.  And it wasn't the kind that Fergie sings about being lovely.

I literally just stood there and stared in the mirror for I'm sure an unbelievable amount of time.  Hoping it would go away.  Hoping that I was mistaken.  Wondering when my skin got so saggy. 

Gravity blows.

I decided to keep it a secret until I knew for sure.  And then waited THREE days before I even called the doctor. 

And I worked out a ton hoping that it would become miserable with my constant activity and would leave on it's own.

It didn't.

I went to the doctor on Thursday.  The 23rd.  It was confirmed immediately. 

And then I lost all composure.  I couldn't help it. 

Even though I was trying so hard to act brave.  The tears just would not stop.

I was in the room alone when the nurse came in.  She was so cheerful and uplifting.  She gave me the biggest hug.  She told me that she was a 13 year breast caner survivor.  And all we had to do was think positive.  And every thing was going to be just fine.

Unfortunately, she had NO idea how completely dramatic I am.  I mean... I should have a stage in my back yard where I perform weekly installments of Little House on the Prairie.  ( that would be the only "show" the people of Gaston would be interested in seeing.... that or maybe the movie Deliverance)

An appointment for a mammogram was scheduled immediately.  In fact, they were hoping for a sooner appointment... but due to my work schedule... and the fact that I didn't want anyone to know.. I had to settle for Wednesday. 

On my way out, Annie ran up to me and gave me her phone number.  She told me to call her as soon as I got the results.  Gave me another hug.  And told me I was going to be just fine.

I was floored. 

If that is not "above and beyond" then I don't know what is.

I held on to that number like it was a piece of gold.

And then waited to tell Kev.

Kev is the best person to tell your  bad news to.  He is sympathetic.  But NEVER overreacts.  And is determined to keep living life as normal until told otherwise.

Thank God for him.

It gave me no choice. 

So, I kept my days extremely busy and pretended that nothing was going on. 

Wednesday ( the 30th) was my mammogram. 

And let me tell you that I have heard horror stories.  Like basically the little bit that I have left was pretty much going to be chopped off and sold for parts.

(SO.NOT.TRUE!)

I went alone.  I was determined to prove to myself that I was brave.

And from the minute that I walked in to the Lexington Medical Imaging Center... I was treated with  more kindness that I ever knew could and would come out of a group of strangers.  Every single nurse, doctor, and secretary that I encountered went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.  They communicated every single detail with me every single step of the way.  And above all, made me laugh.  A lot.

As I've said before... Laughter is the best medicine.  At least it is for me.  And they had me laughing so much during the actual procedure that I barely even remember what happened. 

The mammogram did show a mass.  And the sonogram confirmed it again. 

So, a biopsy was scheduled for Thursday morning.  ( I have never been to the doctor this much in my entire life).

Nan, the technician, told me that she was going to change her schedule for Thursday so that she could be waiting for me when I got there for the biopsy.

Unbelievable kindness.

And she was.  She was waiting for me Thursday morning with the biggest smile on her face.  She was so positive and uplifting and hilarious.  The doctor was so amazing as well.  She explained every single detail.  Showed me pictures.  And showed me what the samples of the mass looked like ( GROSS!).

The procedure was actually so easy and smooth that I felt like I needed crutches or something to make a more dramatic exit out of the hospital. 

I've been known to do things like that.

Dr. Smith told me that she felt pretty good about every thing.

Exactly what I needed to hear.

I left that day feeling so much better.  Despite the fact that I was told I could do nothing... lifting, carrying, bending over, raising my arms above my head, dancing.  Um.  I work in retail.  There is no way around any of those restrictions.  Especially the dancing.

So, I went to work.  And did the best I could.  And waited for the results.

I got the results yesterday.  And the mass is benign!  HOORAY! 

And I can go about my business and be extra thankful for my health.

Kev knew it would be fine all along.  Because he is a positive thinker.  ALL THE TIME.

Except when it comes to the weather and traffic.  But that is a story for another time.

So, now the part you have all been waiting for.  The lessons learned.

Kev says that the lesson I should have learned is: To not overreact.

Sorry Kev.  That is impossible for me.  I was born with overreacting genes.

So, the actual lessons that I learned are:

1.  Lexington Medical Women's Center TRULY has the most amazing people working there.  Genuine, caring, uplifting people.  If I thought baking them one million wedding donuts would show my gratitude... I would.  But then I would probably eat the majority of them while driving to the hospital... so, I will stick with a letter telling them how much they meant to me.

2.  It is SO important to take care of yourself!!  Go to the doctor.  Check yourself regularly.  Get over your fears.  Do it for yourself.  Your family.  And your friends.

3.  Mammograms are actually pretty fun.  Especially getting to see how much perkier I look in picture than I do in real life.  It gave me a flashback to my youth.  And made me want to sing 80's hit songs.

Except for I do that every day anyway.

I'm already looking forward to turning 40.  Because that means I get to go back for another one.

I can't  believe I just said that I'm looking forward to turning 40.

It must be from my lack of sleep this week.  :)

And never fear... my next post will be back to my regularly scheduled life.  In fact, speaking of kindness.... wait until you see what I received in the mail last week!! I will give you a hint... it makes me run VERY fast!

Back In Business!

Sorry for the delay.  It has been quite the week.  Not to mention that I learned more than I ever needed to know about picture storage, gigabytes, and how "unfun" it is to have such cold weather in the SPRING!

But enough about that....

I have another grilling party to tell you about.

From last Saturday.

Little did we know it was going to rain pour.

Well, actually, Kev knew.  But he was hoping it would stop for long enough to get our dinner prepared.

It didn't.

But I was able to get a good picture using my new found photography techniques.  The "freezing water" option. 

 I took a million shots of the rain.  I am entertained so easily.

Meanwhile, my brave " I ain't afraid of no rain" husband suited up for a night in the back yard.

 And then preceded to entertain me while I was comfortably sitting in the kitchen.

With his "special" dance moves.

 Including tap dancing.  Where BOTH feet are off the ground!

 And Karate chopping the grill. 

 Another chop for good measure.  And to show the grill who is boss.

Let me just tell you that nothing beats a FREE show and a cooked meal that I didn't have to make.

Especially when it turns out like this.

 Holy YUM!

We went with the flank steak again.  It is really so delicious.  I marinated it in jalapeno peppers, cumin, olive oil, and chili pepper.  Then Kev put the chopped veggies ( red peppers, green pepper, onions) in the same marinade after the steak was put on the grill.

Perfectly grilled meat.

 I made a fresh salsa ( the recipe is the one that Chili's uses) and guacamole to go on top of every thing.

The fajitas were so filling.  In fact, we each only ate one and were stuffed.

Of course, that may or may not have been because we had each been sneaking "wedding donuts" all afternoon.

Those things are so addictive for heaven's sake.  I refuse to make them again until June.

And then I am going to go stay in a hotel until Kev finishes eating them.