Rants, Recipes, and Running

Since June ( and since I've really decreased my frequency in blogging ) - I have made some changes in my life! #1 - I landed my dream nursing job and became an ER nurse. I have learned so much thus far, and absolutely LOVE the fast paced environment. Now it would really be my dream job if I didn't have the work all these weekends and Holidays. But, unfortunately illness has no concept of convenience and time. In addition to moving to to the ER....I've also become certified as a fitness instructor! I'm actually certified in a specific classed called "Body Attack" -- which is a sports-inspired, agility & strength work out. In other words, no matter what fitness level a person is at -- this class is guarenteed to kick their a$$!! To learn more about it -- click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSB8GOKVugE&feature=related  -- and look for your nearest Les Mills Sponsored club to find more great classes! (there's my marketing spin for the day.) ...

So this weekend is that time of the year where Ryan attempts to take me up the mountains and deep into the woods to see if I can be eaten by a bear...... I'm partially kidding. But seriously, we are going camping this weekend -- which is one of our most favorite things to do together as a couple!! So many amazing memories have been created on our camping trips. And so many interesting memories as well...(like our experiments with cheap row boats, nearly freezing to death, and meeting some true hill-billy fishermen). Remember those hill-billies, Lora (if you're reading this)?! This camping trip we strategically planned it 3 miles away from "Oktoberfest" on the top of Mount Lemmon. Beer, German food, and German bands/polka dancing in 70 degree temps? It doesn't get much better than that! Now we don't have to drive the hour home, we will just ride our bikes back to our campsite. Most people that enjoy camping during their adult life, enjoy it because they...

Have you noticed how fast we are to push that it's the fall season? Or is it perhaps heavier focused in a climate where the temps persist in the 90-100's throught October. Whatever it may be, I am so ready for fall and here are a few reason I know why..... 1) When I left the house last weekend to do some shopping it was 88 degrees out, and I said "Well, it's under 90. I guess that means jeans and fall clothes." Was I a hot sweaty mess while trumping through the beating hot parking lot of Target? Yes. But I had cute skinny jeans and a cute scarf to accompany. 2) I have actually found the website that tells you "When Pumpkin Spice Coffeemate Creamer is coming near you". You type in your zip code, and it tells you which grocery stores carries it. Unfortunately, it's still not at my local grocery markets. I started checking in August. 3) I have "Cinnamon Spice Pumpkin" hand soap in the bathrooms of my home from kitchen. And the Wall flowe...

Wow. It has been almost 3 months since I've shown my "face" here! Life has been kind of crazy lately. Instead of wasting your time and boring you by giving an update on "What I've been up to". I'm cutting straight to the chase! Today we're talking about injuries! Last time you heard from me, I was preparing for a training weekend to become certified as a fitness instructor. Well I did it, and it went great! I passed. Bad part? I got injured! Injured to the point where I limped for 3 weeks, couldn't run for 2 months, and couldn't even wakeboard when we visited the lakes with my family over the 4th of July. Very sad times. But I learned something. Just because one is young. Just because one is in great shape. Just because one has never had a serious ache or pain in their life......Does not mean one cannot be injured. How did it happen? I over pushed it. Too many plyometric lunges, too many jumps, too many sprints. Two 8 hour days of exe...

It has been a long time since I've blogged. I'd love to start this post by saying "I'm going to start blogging weekly, here!" But I'm not even going to go there. That's similar to my New Years Resolution of "I'm cutting all sugar out of my diet" (and was noshing on dark chocolate by January 2). Or when I said "I'm going to foam roll and do stretches EVERY morning immediately upon getting out of bed" -- Whereas I've found those 10 minutes much more useful spent with the covers over my head in bed.... But I'm going to try . There's nothing wrong with trying. So since I've last really blogged, the following in my life has changed: -Ryan is going to officer school and flight school soon to become a pilot for the Air Force (part time) -I have obtained my dream job and landed a position in the ER -This weekend I will go through 18 hours of training to become an ACE certified Fitness Instructor through Les Mill...

I've been rather absent from here lately. Life has been busy! But I won't bore you with the details of my business now. However, I making sure I take the time to get on here and make an official shout out to my Mom. My mom is most certainly my best friend, and I'm not sure what I'd do or who I'd be if she wasn't in my life. Growing up with her - she had a knack of healing any insecurities or hurts with her hugs. When I moved across the country, I worried I wouldn't have this luxury anymore. However, I learned that a good conversation with her does almost the same.  Some people go through most of their adulthood without a Mom. Some only get their Mom a short period of time. Some have their Mom, but experience a tumultuous relationship which causes great obstacles in their relationship. I am glad that not one day of my adulthood have I had to experience any of those. I thank God every day that I still have her part of my life. A phone call to Mom for coo...

Yes, I am an extraordinarily creative blogger (Ha!). I am so very talented @ stealing "borrowing" post-ideas from others. So here I go! What I'm currently up to, what currently is populating my mind. Working, working, and Trying so very hard to be away from work when I'm away from work. Lately it's just been hard for me to "leave it at the door". Running! I finished my half marathon - so my plan was to STOP running. But that race got me so jazzed about running, and it's such a great release!! I've done some gorgeous trail runs lately! Need to get me some "trail running shoes". Landscaping. Well, we will be. The next 2 days, I will be spending most of my time using a shovel digging in the dirt. Ryan and I are going to dig up the dead grass, and lay rocks & flagstone. Should be interesting! Wondering. It's so weird that I have no idea what life will be like in 4 months. My husband will be leaving for pilot training for...