Rants, Recipes, and Running

All I'm going to preface this post with, is that living on opposite shifts has been difficult for Ryan and I lately. Ryan working from 3 pm-1 am, me waking up at 4 am and working until 6 causes us to not see each other multiple days. "Living among each other" - has been way harder than merely living in opposite states. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. My reflections have come up with a conclusion for why this has been so challenging. When we lived in different state, we each were kind of doing our own thing. We'd talk in the evenings a few nights a week, and catch up. When we did see each other, we dedicated that time 100% to each other. We had a "rhythm" to our relationship. Lately we live in the same house, but we "live" in opposite worlds. Much of the week, the only contact we have, is me being too loud when he's trying to sleep, and vice versa. Add sleep deprivation to the whole equation? And you have what I like to call ...

So I've tried a few new old wives tales "remedies". Not sure exactly what inspired me. Possibly a casual trip to Spouts? A focus on getting good nutrients in my body to keep me energized? I also started looking into some natural remedies, because about 1 month ago I has having a lot heartburn/upset stomach. I felt like there was constantly a bad taste in my mouth (despite the fact that I brush my teeth religiously 4-5 times daily!). I won't say I've done these consistently, therefore my analysis may be skewed. But this is what I've tried, and here's what I've found! 1 1/2 oz Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar orally, on an empty stomach daily. I tried this a few times, and decided I can't quite "stomach it" (ha.). Even this vinegar lover couldn't take this burn. I tried mixing it with water and honey, and still couldn't tolerate it. But I know that taking cider vinegar orally helps balance the pH levels in your body. So inste...

I must admit....I've been rocking some serious new dishes in the kitchen lately! From our pesto party last weekend to this weekend. I'm feeling "one with the food". I made 3 new recipes over the weekend, and I have to say all are keepers! Especially the Chicken Enchilada Dip - which I will share below.... What a great Labor Day weekend! It had the perfect balance of fun and productivity! Friday night Ryan worked until 1 am, so I had a girls' night. Went to dinner with my girlfriends Michelle and Heather, and then we went to the movie "If I Stay" -- which was the 1st book we read in our book club! Loved the movie. Most crying I've ever heard in a movie theater! I love my "date nights" with these girls, and we never seem to run out of things to talk about! Saturday morning I was up bright and early at 4:30 for a Bike/Run brick workout. This was the biggest workout to date with this 70.3 training. We did 31.5 miles on the bike and 8...