Wordless Wednesday - Overeating

My pasta measuring skills leave something to be desired.

In case you were wondering:

Boil noodles according to package directions, drain.

Stir noodles in skillet with olive oil, italian spices, two eggs (for protein) and italian bread crumbs. Remove when eggs are scrambled.

I promise, it's fantastic and leaves you plenty of time to catch up on the last of the bad summer TV. If you're into that sort of thing.

Slipping Away

At some point last week, I could tell - summer was over. I'm not sure if it was the fallen yellow leaf on the ground or the cool morning temps, but you can tell when the daylight has shifted and fall is just about here. All the football talk is a good clue too.

I love fall - but I'm a little sad to see this summer end. It was our first married summer, and for the most part, our biggest worry was fitting in a workout and the grocery in time to get good seats by the pool. Having so much carefree time to spend with MS has been so nice as we settle into our life together.

We made a pitcher of mimosa's to take to the pool to celebrate finishing 2 weeks of marathon training. 2 down, 12 to go. I'm not checking off the days like it's Shawshank or anything.

One of my favorite things about living downtown is watching the sunset from the roof. That, or the fun things I see while out running -it's a toss up. "Will work for blow or crack rock" sign was last weeks gem. The owner was no where to be seen, so I guess he was out working. No word on what the form of payment turned out to be.

I digress.

Namath can never figure out what we're supposed to be doing up there.

After some roof time, we headed down the street to meet some friends.

I'm nearly ready to turn my attention to all things Alabama and pumpkin.

Running is a Contact Sport

Just when I thought I had nothing to blog about, MS got shot on our morning run.

Well, not really, but that's what it looked like. warning: image below.

We were running single file, and to dodge some pedestrians walking three wide and showing no signs of moving over (more on that pet peeve in another post), I decided to move to the far left and duck under the tree. MS followed suit. Soon after, I heard him call my name, and when I turned around, blood was running down his face, covering his head and dripping on his shirt. Cue panic.

He didn't quite duck low enough and scrubbed the branch. On closer inspection, it seems the sweat was causing the blood to spread faster making it look worse than it was, so we finished the run and cleaned it up.

Can we be done with head injuries? Especially since I'm the last family member standing?

Paint the Rainbow

I don't consider myself too much of a girly girl. MS and the false eyelashes in my makeup drawer may beg to differ, but I think I'm pretty low maintenance. That being said, I don't think anything makes you feel more put together than painted nails - toe and finger. In another life, when I have buckets of money, or am a Kardashian, I'll hit up the salon weekly.

But, working with what I have, I usually go with a few new OPI colors each season. My stash has been running pretty low lately, so when I saw a great deal at CVS, I cheated on the OPI in the name of budget beauty.

I think I spent around $18 and got back 18 extra care bucks to use on my next purchase.

I'm really liking the third from the left - its more of a bright purple than a bright pink. No, your eyes didn't deceive you, some shades are scented. All I need is some Dr. Pepper flavored chapstick and Hello Kitty pens and I'll be ready for the 4th grade.

Now that I've bought all bright nail polish, I'm sure the weather will turn to fall any day now. Thank me later.

Any fall color suggestions? I have some money to spend at CVS.

Coffee, Camo and Cake

This weekend we headed down south for the last wedding of the season. We wanted to make sure we made the most of our stay and got in some pool time, so we got up early, especially for a Saturday, to get our run in.

Coffee and Clif bars. This post could be the 'C' episode of Sesame Street.



Did I mention the Buckmasters expo took place this weekend? I've never seen so much camo in my life. No fear - if your heart desires a camo tankini, I can safely tell you they are available.

Being in the capitol, MS dusted off his seersucker and bowtie. Just in time for drinks in the Governors Suite. Our friends are clearly a lot more important than us, who were slumming it in a regular room.

I always love seeing the twins. We don't get to hang out much, but it seems we always pick up right where we left off. It helped she had plenty of cheese, french fries and red wine to share. You know, the really important things in life.

Blonde is a popular hair color in our group.

The bride! I loved the reception venue. Not only was it directly across from the hotel and camo free, but it was so modern - lots of clean lines. Thanks, Jeff Lewis, for the lingo.

The best part of every wedding - the cake. Vanilla with strawberry filling. It was awesome. I think my tastes are changing as I approach 30, and I don't know how I feel about it. Is this how one suddenly thinks its ok to carry a wicker purse and drive a car as big as a boat? This is a slippery slope.

Any reception with a champagne bar and hot cheeseburgers at the end has it right.

Friday Faves

Believe it or not, we've screached into Friday.

Let's get to a few favorites this week.

1. Real Estate, renovations, and houses in general.

We are still a little while away from buying, but I love looking at what's on the market. Recently, I've begun to wonder just how bad it would be to do some renovationg/remodeling. Forcing myself to see beyond ugly cabinets and carpet as far as the eye can see might take a while. Meanwhile, I like to live vicariously here and here.

2. Love these for a quick dinner that's not 900 calories. Publix Greenwise brand is really good too. The spinach and feta is my favorite.

3. More food - are you surprised? I've brought breakfast to a couple places this week, and went the easy route with Dunkin Donuts Munchkins. Despite what your parents always told you, slacking sometimes does pay off. Exhibit A.

We are taking a break from the pool this weekend to go out of town and hang by another pool. Variety is the spice of life.

Wordless Wednesday - Week One

A journey of 26.2 miles begins with one 3 mile run. Right?

Run the Mile You're In

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately – not this verse in particular – I’ll get to that in a minute.

About a month ago, we were on a Saturday morning run that was particularly warm. I kept looking at my watch, wishing the minutes and miles to hurry by so we could just get this part of the day over with already. Something I read at some point popped in my head – run the mile you’re in. So I gave it a try. Instead of thinking about the 5 miles left, just focus on getting to mile 2. Then 3. It made it so much easier, and bonus- it went by much faster.

Since it hasn’t cooled down much, I’ve been saying this to myself a lot lately. Run the mile you’re in. Consequently, I’ve been hearing that phrase in other areas of my thoughts. I’m a worrier. A worrier and a planner. A really fun combination where you can worry and plan for stuff that is out of your control and/or months and years away. Houses, jobs, finances, kids. The list goes on and on.

In a lot of ways, it’s a good thing. I believe preparing for the future is responsible and being a good steward of what we are given. But instead of worrying about things I can’t control in the future, I’m trying to learn to do the best I can today and trust that our steps will be directed when the time comes, and we'll know when the time comes.

Come Sunday, wouldn’t you know Philippians 4 was the sermon? It really helped me close the gap on my thoughts.

We are in a great place right now across the board, and instead of letting my mind be cluttered with anxious thoughts, I’m going to focus and enjoy the mile we’re in.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Weekend Wrap Up - In Pictures

Loved spending some time with this guy - finally healthy and drug free. I even took a picture with rollers in, so as to let his beauty shine.



He's been spoiled rotten this week. Hence the $10 organic dog treats.


Non-organic human treats.

Blondes have more fun.

I think I'm officially afraid of the mob. And Joe Pesci.

I'm returning my hall pass and trying not to spend this week counting down until Friday.

A significant legacy is written through the seemingly insignificant details of our daily actions. Consider this truth as you return emails and race to meeting and encounter strangers. It's in the little things that we make a difference for others ... and a meaningful life for ourselves.

Friday Favorites and 200

This week has felt like at least three crammed into one. I had a deeper post in mind, but it will have to wait, as its taken me 10 minutes to compose this one sentence. Blogger tells me yesterday was my 200th post. I knew I bought that bottle of zinfandel yesterday for a reason.

I'm really trying to be all "enjoy the journey" and "not wishing your life away for the weekend" lately, but can I get a hall pass this week? Here's a few little favorites that make the week happier.

MS got me this for Christmas. I'm not even sure what you call it - we call it beanie, because it feels like its filled with beans, but I'm sure there's a less childish name. I'm not usually into the whole home massage and relaxation market, but I use this everyday without fail. Microwave for a minute and a half, apply where needed. I usually take it to bed and it puts me right to sleep. It's made by Earth Therapeutics, just in case googling "beanie" gets you nowhere.

I like this because, well, it's good in my coffee.

Just a friendly reminder, the last week before running will involve an excel spreadsheet.


A big thing that makes me happy - this guy. He got up and fixed me a hot breakfast, complete with a tall glass of chocolate milk, without even reminding me he was eating at work.

I think this 201st post left something to be desired, so thanks for reading. Here's to the weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Eat Your Colors

Reneging On Our Deal

Years ago, for some reason, I thought it was a good idea to watch Marley and Me. I'm not sure why I thought this was a good way to spend a Friday night. If you're a dog owner/lover, I would advise you to remove it from your Netflix Queue immediately.
I got two takeaways from this movie.

An ugly cry.

And a tall order for Namath - he was not allowed to die.

He's done a stellar job of upholding his part of the deal. Not so much as a flea bite. Sunday night he decided to stick his toe on the line.

After a full afternoon of panting and anxiety that led into an evening of panting and more anxiety, I camped out on the couch to see if he would lay down and go to sleep. By 2 a.m. it was time to make a tough call - wait out the night and take him to his vet in the morning, or head to the emergency vet. By this time Google had convinced me his stomach was twisted into his lungs, he was deathly allergic to his pills and I was certain each breath would be his last - so we packed up for the vet.

Never one to give up control, it was quite the struggle to get his blood drawn and get his IV in to bring down his 105 degree fever. When the doctor called us back to show us the x-ray, all I heard was we should hope for kidney stones, because if it wasn't that, we were looking at something very serious, possibly lymphoma. We got to visit him all hooked up to the IV and doped out before we left. Heartbreaking.

I cried all the way home, cried myself to sleep for 20 minutes, texted all my friends to say a quick prayer and got up to pick him up as soon as they opened to take him for an ultrasound at his regular vet, praying desperately for kidney stones.

After an accident in the car that I was sure was a sign of his imminent death, we arrived at the vet and got back to see him pretty quickly. He examined the x-ray and bloodwork, did his own exam and finally determined, at worst, he has a colon infection requiring some simple antibiotics.

And some active culture yogurt.

We were beyond relieved and went home to rest. By rest, I mean serve as witness to the five hour fire alarm inspection conveniently scheduled in our complex Monday.

I've been playing Jamie Lee Curtis and spoon feeding him yogurt and drafting something in writing in case he decides to pull out on our deal again.

Friday and Some Favorites

It's Friday, and although I plan to celebrate later with a glass of cab, I'll celebrate this morning by passing on a few of my newest favorite things.

I let liquid liner intimidate me for far too long. It's a little tricky, but I like the look of it so much more than the pencils I was using that faded by lunch time.

I love how easy this one is to apply. Some mornings go better than others, but you can't beat the consistency, or the price for that matter.

I'm a BIG fan of self tanner/bronzer, since I use 45 spf at the pool. Unfortunately, I strayed from my favorite brand, and the replacement just wasn't cutting it this summer. I won't name any names. After searching at drugstores all over Birmingham, I was forced to order this classic on Amazon. Totally worth it.

The first time I saw a running skirt, I gave it a big eye roll. "Do we really have to wear skirts to work out in now?!" This had nothing to do with their looks and everything to do with my K-4 to 12th grade dress code that required skirts "no shorter than 2 inches above the knee sitting or standing."

Well, sorry Mrs. Margene, this skirt is neither, but it is so comfortable to run in and looks cute at the grocery store after a run. (Don't you want to hang out with me on Saturdays??)

I'm not a blush person at all. But, like anyone else who has read a beauty magazine since 1998, I'm sure you've heard of NARS Orgasm. Scandalous, I know. MS had a field day with this one. On my recent trip to Atlanta, I tried the multiple orgasm, (I know, the hits keep coming), and I was sold on the color.

And if you've never really worn blush and don't have a blush brush, I highly recommend CVS. Not only does it come with this awesome 80's style sketch- bonus points if you can name that song...
It shows you exactly where to apply blush and comes with this tip from, I assume, a top makeup artist, "Use a blush color that complements your skin tone and lipstick choice."

What have we learned today? It's good to branch out, except when it comes to self tanner, and don't try to explain to your husband things only girls understand, like why blush colors have funky and sometimes inappropriate names.

Live and learn and have a great weekend!

Grizz Update

For a dog who, more often than not, is too lazy to lift his leg to pee, Namath has seen his share of adventure lately.

A quick update for all of you who were kind enough to care about the health of his massive head. True story: he cost more soley because his head was "gorgeous" aka: dome size. Yes, apparently I had enough money after college to justify shelling out extra money on large dog heads.

Nice improvement, huh? It's amazing what some time, hydrogen peroxide, anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories can do.

I snapped this picture to get him warmed up for the camera. Doesn't he look skinny?

For comparison sake:

Now that he's healing up nicely and dropping some pounds, we have a bone to pick about a little thing called a J-O-B.

Is it just me, or are bulldogs everywhere? Would it kill him to bring in a little cash money for the family? I think not. You barely have to be conscious to perform this job.


Spoiler alert: Dogs win. Knock me over with a feather.