Mindless bable

More updates

2011-11-25T11:49:00.001-08:00

The above two pictures are me at 26 weeks. Look how helpful my little guy already is. I think I'll be careful from here on out though...and only put cold drinks on my belly. Don't need any third degree burns, thank you.

And here is week 28...not a big difference. But man oh man, am I getting big or what? Well, my belly is getting big.

At my last appointment my doctor said that Jelly Bean could be a big baby...not sure what that will mean down the road. She said she wants to do an ultrasound at the next appointment to check weight and such. So, I'll guess we'll see. Oh, and I had my glucose test and I do not have gestational diabetes. Not that I really thought I did but you never know what they are going to tell you. Big load off my shoulders though with both Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner.

Speaking of Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving with the McAllister and Jones clans was quite good this year! All kinds of yummy food and lots of laughs.

It's been a long time

2011-10-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been very good and keeping up with my blogging. Here's how things have been since I posted last.

Week 17
We are having ourselves a boy! Woot!!

And such a great looking little man too!

I should say that I have been feeling SO SO SO SO much better since I entered the 2nd trimester. No more morning sickness. Phew.

Now it's on to heartburn. Yay. :)

Week 20

Week 21

Week 22

One way we celebrated baby's 22nd week was by taking my parents and

our little boy to their first game.

I think baby liked his first game. He jumped around a few times.
Week 23

Week 24

And then last night we said goodbye to some friends of ours and a pastor at our church, Dan and Karina Franklin. They are expecting their 3rd boy. Karina is about 2 weeks behind me but you wouldn't know it looking at the pictures below. She was smart and wore black. Ha!

Oh, and I should mention that I've been feeling loads of movement.

SO FUN!!!

In fact, this very morning he's been so active it's crazy. I can't figure out what I could have possibly eaten that made him so excited. Maybe he just loves the ladies that I work with. I do know that he already seems to know his daddy's voice. Saturday Rachel and I couldn't get him to move at all but as soon as Scott came home he began jumping around. It was great and such a fun moment for us parents. :)

Hi baby Jones...

2011-08-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

A couple of pictures from this week (the 16th week):

Excuse the creepy hand sneaking into the picture.

I can't see my feet when I look straight down. Ha!

13 week appt

2011-08-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well, things are moving along nicely in pregnancy land. I'm finally getting out of the nauseas period of the 1st trimester and moving (very thankfully) into the easy going 2nd trimester. Tuesday we went in and had an ultrasound to screen for down syndrome and trisome 18. Oh my word, the baby looked crazy amazing on the screen!

So many features already! Baby Jones was rolling all around and kicking it's feet and moving it's hands around...I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! The feet, oh the feet are already looking like little feet and we could see the spine...amazing! It's already looking like a sweet little baby! Oh, and we finally got to hear the heart beat. Wow! It's so so fast! I mean...wow. The Lord is so amazing, right?!!

This ultrasound totally rocked our world. It feels SO much more real now! Still don't know what we are having, I believe we'll find out early September. Can't wait!

Today's appointment went very great, everything seems to be moving along nicely according to our doc. She had a bit of a hard time finding the heart beat, found it for about 5 seconds 3 different times. "I'm chasing a moving target." I was just thinking, "My kid is active, I love it!" ... can't wait to feel it soon! :)

Not much of a baby bump yet...probably just food and bloating at this point. :)

Well, it's official folks

2011-07-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am with child

Woot!! Woot!!

I am 9 weeks today and the little jelly bean in my jelly belly

will join our family around the 9th of February.

The video that ALWAYS cheers/wakes me up

2011-03-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Always.

Christmas with the McAllisters

2010-12-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

And here is the whole gang, spouses and all

Christmas with the Jones

2010-12-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

Our little nephew is getting so big and cuter by the day!

Our 1st Christmas at home

2010-12-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

We never went and fished out Scott's stocking from his stuff in his parents garage so I came up with a make-shift "stocking."

Since Bend was our Christmas present to ourselves, we only did "stockings" this year. It was perfect. We woke up, made coffee, read the nativity story in Luke and then opened our stockings. it was perfect.

When around snow

2010-12-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

You gotta make snowballs:

(Scott had fun skipping snowballs, since I wouldn't let him throw them at me)
You gotta make snow angels:

And you gotta save the snowmen!
You just gotta take random pictures since you don't get to see snow too often at home.

We went bowling...And hub beats wife

2010-12-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

Can you tell his bowling form is WAY better than mine? I believe my husband was on a bowling league. And if you look really close, you'll see he was bowling with a green ball.

When in Bend, you GOTTA go up the nearby mountain

2010-12-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

And watch (and laugh at) the sledders:

Go for a snowy drive

I got new boots just for the occasion!

And there it is, Mt Bachelor.

Givin' my guy a kiss...that happens a lot on vacation. :)

Look at the water, it's totally frozen over.

When on Christmas vacation...make a Gingerbread house

2010-12-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

The cat looks like it's pooping...totally didn't do that on purpose.

Someone got a little hungry...can you see the culprit in the backgrou

WE'RE IN BEND!!!

2010-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo!!
Got here last night but didn't get to do to much in town and take too many pictures (at least not on my camera). We are staying a great little duplex condo place that we rented through the owner. A gas fireplace, a full kitchen, a garage, a king sixe bed, and only 3-4 minutes (depending on traffic) from downtown Bend. Perfect Christmas present vacation for this newly married couple needing a break and time to reconnect. So last night we hit up the local McMennamins for dinner and today we walked around and checked out all the little shops right downtown Bend. While out we grabbed some warm soup and fresh rolls to keep us warm in this snowy town. :)

A dinner party with the girls

2010-12-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Kristin and Beks threw a wonderful Christmas dinner party for the girls that included great food, great drinks, great conversation, and even international and intercontinental guests (Melissa & Annie) and traditions from across the pond (the paper crowns).

The pictures you'll see below are from Melissa's camera...I of course forgot to use my wonderful little camera.(Hope it's okay I used your pictures, Mel!)

Our 1st Christmas Tree

2010-12-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

I bought us a tree from Freddies that was on sale, only $28 bucks. As I was putting it together and trying to decorate it, I discovered why it was only $28. Oh well, it served us well, and we loved it!

Here is a side view to help give you an idea of what kind of shape this cheap tree is in. Scott lovingly refers to it as the Leaning Tower of Tree-za.

And here is our 2010 ornament. I think our signature ornament will be snowmen...they are so cute.

Twitterpated

2010-12-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the privilege of teaching my husband what the word "twitterpated" meants.

Urban dictionary says: to be completely enamored with someone/something; the flighty exciting feeling you get when you think about/see the object of your affection; romantically excited; the ever increasing acceleration of heartbeat and body temperature as a result of being engulfed amidst the exhilaration and joy of being/having a romantic entity in someone's life.

Here is how the wise old owl describes the term to Bambi and his pals.

I just love this word. I think it's fun to say, hearing others say it...and I love that I still find myself feeling this way when I think about a certain guy in my life. :)

Oh how I love chocolate!

2010-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

And last night I needed a fix. Read about these great little red velvet chocolate chip cookies over on Jessica's blog, then read about Rachel making them on her blog...I think it was the Lord leading me to make these incredibly easy and incredibly delicious cookies. I'm hoping they'll be a hit at the beach this weekend, but I don't see how they won't be...especially if I'm there.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of the process with the in-between moments:

There's my dinner I tried to eat while making these delicious cookies. I was hoping it would help curb my appetite and keep my fingers from eating all the dough and then eating all the cookies when they were done baking. Yeah, didn't work...but I tried.

Oh yes, I definitely watch my cookies bake in the oven. You know you do it too.
Man down!!! 2 men down, actually!
Guess I'll just have to eat these...ya know, so they don't feel bad.

And there we go, the finish and final product. They don't look too red...oh well, they still taste dang good! And less chemicals, right? Anyway, I think I ate about 4 of these, two right off the cookie sheet and, just like everyone else who has made these, burnt my tongue on their chocolaty hot gooey goodness.

Oh, and you may notice I sprinkled some salt on a few of the cookies when I put them in to bake...DELICIOUS!

I'm sorry...

2010-11-16T14:33:00.001-08:00

but I'm not sorry.

I'm playing Christmas music.

Birthday wishes to you

2010-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Melissa had a birthday back in late October and we all came together to celebrate with her. My mom took this opportunity to make us have a big ol' family photo shoot.
I guess that's what mom's do.

Wowzers! I just noticed the knife laying on the table.
Apparently we do not mess around when it comes to cutting a birthday cake.
Watch out kids, no complaining, momma's got the big knife!

A hug for the birthday girl

Me and my two fave men.

Me, Melissa, & Sam

The whole gang
(minus Karl, he made sure he was taking the picture, he's so sneaky that way)

All the kiddo's
(including Karl...not so sneaky this time, were ya?)
ps. check out my sister's fun shoe laces.

I. Can't. Stop. Smiling.

My mom's birthday is November 16th and we decided to celebrate with her a little early and with just the girls. We took her to Cha! Cha! Cha! Such a great Mexican restaurant...sorry, though, no pictures of the food (I forgot).

I have a problem

2010-11-10T10:38:00.001-08:00

Yesterday morning, after I make myself some coffee and head back to do my makeup...I see this:
This morning after I make myself some coffee and head back to do my make up...I see this:And as I'm heading out the door to head to work and I take one last look in the apartment to make sure I have everything...I see this:
I told you I have a problem.

I'm naked.

2010-11-09T13:26:00.001-08:00

I left my wedding ring at home.

This is a cardinal sin for a newlywed. (Okay, a distant second to losing the ring - but still)

Pumpkin patch shenanigans

2010-11-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

A view from the top!
(aka. a view from the middle)

Okay, seriously? How can I NOT love this guy.

Reading the clue and thinking very hard about where to go next.

What is it? Can you figure it out?

YAY! We made it out alive!

Of course the duck had to visit the duck.

Our yummy pumpkin cookie treat for braving the corn maze.

So chewy and sweet and delicious!

We also bought some pumpkin butter. SO GOOD!
I am kicking myself for not taking Scotts suggestion and buying two jars.

Best way to end a weekend...

2010-11-07T20:31:00.001-08:00

Having your husband take you out on an impromptu dinner date after a very miserable afternoon in the kitchen with uncooperative banana bread (not to mention last nights oat bread that wouldn't work either).

Wine, beer, cajon tots, a Wilbur burger, a veggie pizza...yummy food that I didn't have to cook and that was ordered by my husband.

Having one of those great conversation with my husband that includes laughter and learning new things about who he is and why he does what he does.

A yummy banana cupcake from New Seasons that 1) smells amazing and 2) I didn't have to make. :)

Seriously, even if this weekend had sucked (which it didn't), it would be my favorite weekend just because of the last 2 hours.

I sure do have a wonderful husband. (Love you babe!)

(ps. the cupcake was every delicious...but the pumpkin cupcake that we shared yesterday was even better...just thought I would share)

Quotes galore!

2010-11-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Now this is a food mantra I can get behind: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." - Michael Pollan

"The only thing you can control is your own effort." - Theodora van den Beld

That's the truth!

"The opposite of talking isn't listening. The opposite of talking is waiting." - Fran Lebowitz

My husband sure would love it if I put this into practice a bit more. ;)

"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness." - modified from : Edward Stanley (1826-1893) from The Conduct of Life

"I'd heard it all the time, 'Live in the moment.' But if I did that, I'd weigh more than a dump truck. Losing weight wasn't about the moment at all; it was about having faith in the future. It was about knowing there would be another meal in a few hours." - stephanie Klein

"What some call health, if purchased by perpetual anxiety about diet, isn't much better than tedious disease." - George Dennison Prentice

"When I walk into my kitchen today, I am not alone. Whether we know it or not, none of us is. We bring fathers and mothers and kitchen tables, and every meal we have ever eaten. Food is never just food. It's also a way of getting at something else: who we are, who we have been, and who we want to be." - Molly Wizenberg

Red meat is not bad for you. Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you! ~Tommy Smothers

Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables. They probably get jet-lagged, just like people. ~Elizabeth Berry

We think fast food is equivalent to pornography, nutritionally speaking. ~Steve Elbert

It's a cruel season that makes you get ready for bed while it's light out. ~Bill Watterson (which is why I love fall and winter and the time change that comes with it so very much!)

If people were meant to pop out of bed, we'd all sleep in toasters. ~Author unknown, attributed to Jim Davis (hahahaha!!! I must sleep in a toaster...which is so annoying to my husband :)

The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald (SERIOUSLY!)

Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up. ~Author Unknown (so true!)

The feeling of sleepiness when you are not in bed, and can't get there, is the meanest feeling in the world. ~Edgar Watson Howe

So, eat, sleep, and live. :)

And those are all I will share with you today.

Mine vs. his

2010-10-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Scott's overnight oats with all the trimmings...

so pretty and yummy looking

My oatmeal...

not even close to being pretty...but still oh so yummy.

Wonder what this says about our personalities?

Me and him?

2010-10-25T15:51:00.003-07:00

We go WAAAAAAY back...over 30 years now...sure do love and appreciate him.
A lot.

I LOVE KALE!!!

2010-10-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Word.

Kale is where it's at folks. Yum. E.

There are many ways you can eat this wonderful vegetable but my most favorite way is kale chips. And folks, I'm gona tell you just how easy it is to make this wonderful treat. You won't be able to stop making them, like me. And do I even have to mention that kale is super duper nutritious for you.

1. turn your oven to 350.
2. separate the leaves from their stems
3. spray your baking sheet
4. toss the kale on the sheet and spray the kale with your cooking spray (I prefer olive oil spray)
5. sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in the oven.

10 minutes later, this is what you end up with.
Oh how pretty (and yummy) they look just sitting their in their crispy green beauty.
Here is the same plate about 3 minutes after the above picture was taken.THAT is just how stinkin' good these kale chips are. You will not be able to stop.

Seriously, go buy some kale and ENJOY! (and come back and tell me what you thought)

Odds and ends...and random facts.

2010-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

A while back, Scott had orientation for school. He was sweet enough to ask if I wanted to go and I figured I could tag along as the supportive wife and learn all about what my husband would be busy doing for the next year and a half, check out his campus, meet a few of his prof's and classmates...and get full off the free dinner and cookies. ;)
Yep, that's me, "the wife." Notice the screen behind me? Yep, that's "the wife" sitting at the FRONT of the room...not a good place for an avid class talking/texting/easily distracted/bored girl. Thankfully they asked us to move before they started the "orientation" part of the evening. Phew...close call. That was my cue to gracefully bowed out, "go to the bathrom" and scoped out the campus...had to find out where all the cool kids were hangin' so I could inform the hubby.

I melted a tablespoon in the dishwasher. I loved that tablespoon. It's been with me a long time. I'll miss you, little friend. Thanks for taking care of me so well over the years. And I even more recently melted a steamer insert (one of those silicone kinds)...in the pot...while steaming an artichoke...I don't think I'll do it that way again. I know, I know, it wasn't the artichokes fault. It was mine. I wasn't paying attention...that never happens to anyone else does it?

Went to the Portland Farmers market with these rockin girls. We all picked up some goodies to take home. Beks and I shared an oh so yummy bowl of veggie curry over brown rice with yogurt. It was such a lovely time on such a lovely fall day.

Scott tried to see how many grapes he could get into his mouth. I wish we had counted but we forgot until after they were all in there and I really didn't want that job. Not gonna lie, got a little worried there at the end, just for a second. But he shoved and smooshed quite a few in there and didn't choke on a single one. Good job babe, I'm so proud of your accomplishements.

Most weekday mornings, Scott and I head to the gym to do some cardio and weights. It's one of our favorite times together. I find him to be a great motivator, encourager, enforcer, and on occasion, distraction (of the best variety). We also have had some great discussions at the gym. While at the gym, counting down sets and reps, I'm dreaming of breakfast and what I'm gonna add to my oats when I get home. I'd like to think that Scott is just dreaming of me...buuuut he's probably thinking of the reps and sets, or maybe his breakfast, too, since he does enjoy his overnight oats just like I do.

Anyway, a typical weekday breakfast looks like this (a his/hers version)His oats made with dark chocolate almond milk topped with dark chocolate chips and banana's (there may even be some chocolate hazelnut butter hiding down there somewhere). What can I say, I married me a chocolate lover. And my bowl of oats made with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, mixed with cottage cheese, walnuts, banana & chai seeds.

His looks way better than mine, but mine is all mixed up...and I do think it tastes delish! I have to face facts, though, mine never looks pretty. Sure is a good thing I'm not really a food blogger. :)

And last but not least...the random facts section of this post.

Last night Scott and I were watching this show on Discovery called LIFE. That is actually a really cool show...despite the fact that Oprah narrates...but that is just me, not a huge fan. Anywho...I thought I would share one of the birds we learned about with you.

The lammergeier. It is one of the largest birds on our planet and has such a large wing span it hardly ever has to flap it's wings, it can just glide for miles and miles. Now, the thing that caught my eye was the birds food of choice. This bird eats bones. Well, it wants the marrow from the bones but to get that it has to eat the bone itself. And by eat, I mean swallow...HUGE pieces...there was ZERO chewing going on. But, when I stop to think about, I suppose all birds just swallow and let their stomach do the job it was created to do. Yeah, sometimes I'm not so bright. The thing that that Oprah told us about this bird? It's stomach acid is 10 times more corrosive than battery fluid. They are made this way precisely to be able to get the bone marrow from the bone. Isn't that the craziest thing? It's things like this, shows like LIFE, that make me wonder how people don't believe in God the creator and giver of life.

Also, on another LIFE episode we watched, we learned that there is a lizard that is commonly referred to as the Jesus Christ lizard. It's the Common Basilisk. It runs across the water to flee predators and can do this by flaring out it's hind feet. Watch him run across the water. It's crazy!
Phew, that's all I got today.

Just because...

2010-09-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Nope, not any sort of anniversary...

but just because...
he thinks I'm special. What a lovely surprise, beautiful flowers hand delivered by Scott.

Um, yeah, I'm partial and I don't care...I have the sweetest husband.

And look at all the different flowers...

This is a special addition...a monkey tail...it played a prominent roll in our wedding. :)

we aren't sure what this one is...but I'm sure something just as fun as the rest.

Ps. Who noticed the huge tire and knee board on the couch behind the flowers? Yep, that's what every true Student Ministries office should have on the couch at all times. You just never know when you'll need either.

Not that you care...

2010-09-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

This mornings workout consisted of:

40 minutes on the treadmill walking/running intervals
5 sets of 12 of the following: angled leg press/side lunges with taps/step ups with 10 lb weights in each hand.

I was quickly and forcefully reminded of this workout as I was going upstairs to the break room. Ouchy. Talk about getting my butt kicked this morning. Felt good though. Wonder how Scott's leg's are feelin' right about now?

Also this morning, I enjoyed another (in a very long line) bowl of over night oats. Have you tried this great concoction yet? It's so tasty and so easy and saves time in the morning.

All you do is, before you go to bed or after dinner (whatev's), mix up a bowl of equal parts oats and your liquid of choice, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge. I like to do a half cup of oats and a half cup of almond milk (Scott likes chocolate almond milk). My friend Rachel uses water. Whatever. Trust me, in the morning, your oats are fluffy and yummy and you don't even have to cook anything on the stove. Some mornings I pop mine into the microwave to heat them up a bit, especially if I add in some peanut butter.

Oh yeah, speaking of peanut butter, I cannot forget to mention the toppings. They are endless! And the best part! I add in fruit and nuts and whatever I want and love on my regular oatmeal. Lately I've been on a canned pumpkin kick (must be Fall), so I've been mixing in a half cup (two good sized scoops) of the yummy stuff and then adding in extra pumpkin pie spice...nummy! I also add in a half cup of cottage cheese to get some good protein in there. And do not(!!) forget the nuts, they are SO GOOD in overnight oats!

So...there ya go! I'll post a picture sometime...but it's not very pretty, just VERY tasty! I should mention that Scott loves the stuff too, it's not just me or just a gender thing. :)

Dangerous, I tell ya

2010-09-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

Dangerously good that is.

I don't suck.

2010-09-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like your the worst employee ever?

Like your not really sure why they hired you?

A bit unsure of why they are still employing you?

And, come to think of it, sure they are going to fire you any second?

Yep, that's about how I'm feeling right now.

"I suck" keeps running through my head.

It's not true. I'm trying to remind myself that I made a mistake and that doesn't mean I suck.

I'm reminding myself that through these kinds of situations all I can do is learn and move on. And while moving on, I can put into practice what I learned.

But I still kinda think I suck. Just sayin.

I love when I ...

2010-09-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

1... bite into a wedge from one of these little cuties to find that they are in fact seedless. Yay and phew!2... buy my husband and I each our own bunch of banana's (can you guess who's bunch is who's?)
3. discover new yummy yogurt (especially LOVE it when it's from a local dairy)
4a... get to look at this lovely view...4b.... from this fun little place...4c... while enjoying the last of the smoked salmon for the season (well, at least that is what our waitress informed us)...4d... with this wonderful guy...4e... and a tasty drink.4. get to wind down the weekend enjoying a dinner that is delicious AND nutritious (spaghetti squash with ground turkey, asparagus and mushroom spaghetti sauce).
5. get to dry the dishes while Scott washes them. Time in the small confines of a kitchen always makes for great conversation...and teasing. (but not picture taking)

Speaking of picture taking. I REALLY love when I hang out with great friends and enjoy great wine, food and conversation and then forget to take any pictures... (sense the sarcasm much?)

What is that all about?

Yeah, well, I really gotta work on that. (Sorry Beks! Sorry Dawn!)

A good little article to share

2010-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just read this great little article that I knew I had to share with you...it goes quite nicely with my last post and what I'm working on doing in my personal life these days.

A Self-Care Buffer Zone
By Michelle May, MD

Do you over-diet the way you over-eat? In other words, do you focus on eating instead of fueling your life? (yes, how'd you know?)
If you’re fixated on dieting, it’s easy to miss the most important goal: optimal health. Optimal health is not a certain dress size or even the absence of disease. It is wellness of your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Fortunately, the more you care for your whole self, the easier weight management becomes. Here are some ideas for building an effective self-care buffer zone.

Your Body:

Schedule a check-up.
Do something active to increase your flexibility, stamina, or strength.
Take a hot bath or long shower to relax and unwind.
Give yourself a manicure, pedicure, or facial.
Treat yourself to a massage or a new hairstyle.
Wear clothes that are attractive, comfortable, and fit your current size and shape.
Clear clutter and create a pleasant space that helps you feel happy and calm.
Plant a garden and grow fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
Spend time in nature walking, hiking, or sitting.
Download 101 Things to Do Besides Eat

Your Mind:

Challenge yourself to think positively and powerfully.
Give your brain a map to follow by setting inspiring goals.
Learn a new skill or language.
Do brainteasers and play challenging games.
Be creative; experiment with art, crafts, and hobbies.
Listen to music, sing, or play an instrument.
Take classes online or at your local community center or college.
Participate in stimulating discussion groups (like this one!).
Travel—or explore areas close to home like museums.

Your Heart:

Accept yourself as you are right now.
Embrace the full spectrum of emotions for the depth and richness they bring to your life.
Spend quality time with your family and friends.
Schedule a date night to build intimacy with your partner.
Identify your feelings by writing in a journal or talking with a trusted friend or counselor.
Set appropriate boundaries for healthier relationships.
Assert yourself to let others know how you feel, what you think, and what you need. Accept that beyond that, you can’t control what other people think, feel, or do.
While it’s not possible or even desirable to eliminate stress, learn to manage it.
Practice forgiveness. Harboring anger and hurt is harmful and eats up precious emotional energy.
Be vulnerable. This deepens intimacy and frees you from the need to be perfect.
Seek coaching, counseling, or therapy if needed for emotional support and to build coping skills.

Your Spirit:

Practice mindfulness. Be fully present in whatever you’re doing—eating, talking, working, playing—to experience pleasure and meaning.
Renew and restore yourself through prayer and meditation.
Schedule time for your inner work. Know yourself, your values, and your purpose.
See your problems as opportunities for learning and growth.
Reclaim peace and joy even as you face challenges.
Look for the good in others; it’s there somewhere, just waiting to be nurtured.
Volunteer and give back to your community by helping others.
Write down all you are grateful for.
Practice kindness without any expectation of receiving something in return.

Remember, the purpose of eating is to fuel your healthy, balanced, fulfilling life.

Let's change, shall we?

2010-09-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a healthy weight.

I've been overweight.

I've been underweight.

Now, I think I'm at a healthy weight.

Notice I said think.

I still can beat myself up with the best of 'em when I eat the "wrong" things or miss a day at the gym. I still have days where I hate my body and think I'm fat. I am so good at beating myself up on a regular basis. I have moments when I think I could/should be smaller than I am. I still worry about what people are going to think of me now that I've gained a bit of weight. And oh my goodness, what is my husband going to think?

But...I'm working on this. I don't want to think I'm at a healthy weight, I want to know that I'm at a healthy weight and actually, truly feel good about my body. I don't want food guilt or gym guilt.

So...I'm a work in a progress.

I'm working on changing this inner chatter I hear every day, every hour, every minute...this inner berating of myself.

I'm working on changing how I view myself and what is behind the daily decisions I'm making.

I'm working on enjoying the life the Lord has granted me and not wasting it with worry, guilt and regret.

I'm working on eating to be healthy and not eating to be skinny.

I'm working on going to the gym and being active so that I can stay active for the rest of my life and be a healthy wife, mom, grandma some day....not so that I can fit into a size 0.

I'm working on believing my husband when he tells me he thinks I'm sexy. (thanks babe!)

I'm working on believing family and friends when they tell me I'm looking healthier than I have in a long time.

I'm working on believing myself when I say that I am feeling better, happier, and more content than I have in a long time.

I'm working on chatting with the Lord when the chatter gets above a dull roar in my head.

I'm a work in progress...and very happy and proud to be!

I hope we all can be works in progress if we have too much inner chatter that beats us down and is not truth. We are all beautiful, each in our own way. Let's work on reminding each other of this.

Thanks for letting me share.

Check out this video. It's crazy what is happening out in this crazy world when it comes to body image and advertising. Disgusting actually.

LIFE IS GREAT! ENJOY IT!

Another Hood 2 Coast down!

2010-09-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

A VERY looooooooooooooooooooooooong over due post.

Here are a few pictures from my 6th year of participating in Hood to Coast:
Our team, the Killer Snails!
The starting line up at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood
The 6 peeps in my van, the first van.
The hand-off
That's me.

Ryan showing off his fancy schmancy nike shoes.
two of the great and fun gals in our van.
My fave cyclist coming to cheer us on at the 2nd major van exchange.

I didn't take any more pictures til the beach...I think I was in too much pain...
(these are kinda outta order...just sayin)

My rad running mates for H2C 2010
My new shirt and medal to add to the collection.
the fab husband
crossing the finish line
My daddy-o
my blister.

There ya go and there ya have it.

Why must we watch this again?

2010-09-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

There are a few shows that Scott likes to watch that just don't make sense to me. To explain, he doesn't go searching for them or know the nights they air new episodes, he just watches when he comes across them while channel surfing which I think makes it all the more exciting to him. It's like discovering gold or something, I don't know. But I don't get them. At all. I'd rather read a book than watch them.

Please don't get me wrong though. I love my husband. I really, honestly, very much, madly, deeply, truly love this wonderful guy who loves me and is better at cleaning up than I am. But sometimes, I just don't get how or why he enjoys watching these stupid shows.

I don't know why we have to watch people do stupid tricks in a minute, or get beaten by large foam covered mechanical arm thingy's and fall into water a hundred times over, or watch as people drive around in a cab answering money for cash? This is good entertainment? Apparently to a whole lot of people out there, it is. The fact that these shows are on the air and have been for a while means that there must be other people watching. And I guess it goes back to the differences between girls and boys, girls playing with barbies and boys playing with trucks and little green military men. Girls playing house and dress up, boys playing war and pulling pranks. Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus ring a bell?

So when he pauses on one of these shows, I hope against hope that he truly is only pausing and will continue on to find something a little more involved, a little more challenging to the mind, a little more...interesting, perhaps. But, even though I sit hoping, I have to take note that the pause is growing longer and longer...and now he's watching a show that he enjoys, that makes him laugh, that lets him sit back and relax and let go of a long day. Ultimately, that is all that matters. I think I can handle that. Goodness knows I do and enjoy things that he finds ridiculous and a waste of time, and he handles that very well...probably a lot better than I do.

I will note, though, that I think he likes seeing my reaction every time he starts to watch one of these shows. I look at him with a "Really??" look...then when he hasn't changed the channel yet, I follow my look with "Really? Your gonna watch this? This show is stupid" (I'm terrible, aren't I?). This is usually said over his laughing because 1) something "funny" has happened on the tv and 2) he loves getting reactions out of me. He's such a stinker. This is all followed by one of us giving in and then teasing the other for while...it's a great little cycle.

PS. I KNOW there are girls that enjoy these shows too, it's not just for the male species. I am just not one of them. Nope, I'm not.

Take The Money And Run

2010-09-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

So, today was a big day.

Scott closed down his bank account and joined mine.

We now have a shared checking account.

And savings account.

We ordered checks with both our names on them.

One word I have for this: CRAZY!

Okay, it's not crazy, people do this all the time, I know this. But, like most of you reading this blog, I've always had my own account. That's how it goes when your single and living on your own. You do your own thing...worry about yourself, take care of yourself, pay for yourself. You (hopefully) know exactly what you'll see whenever you sign into your online banking. And no one else looks at it but you. Then you get married. You have to shift your thinking to know/remember that someone is going to be seeing all your charges and that you'll be seeing all their charges. You have to shift your thinking to remember to discuss large purchases with someone other than your other self. And that, my friends, is a bit of a shift to make.

To be honest with you, it kinda freaks me out...just sayin.

I mean, I was still working on talking about all the things we each were buying and fine with the fact that I didn't know every last little thing he bought and visa-versa. Now? Now...he's gonna know, I'm gonna know, all of us in this little two person family are gonna know. (God already knows so I'm not mentioning him)

I honestly don't mind this at all, I've been wanting and wishing to do this for awhile now. It's been hard having two accounts and not fun asking questions like "Are you paying?" or "Want me to write you a check for half?" I just don't like that and I'm glad to not have to deal with that anymore. We are married, for crying in the night! We have enough awkward moments as it is, let's not add to it, okay?

I know it goes with out saying but it's something that I think is pretty normal to worry about when sharing a checking account with someone and what I'm going to have to remind myself from time to time: Scott is not going to judge me and he will still love me no matter what purchases he sees. I mean, I'm not planning on judging him and I DEFINITELY will still love him no matter what I see (especially if I see a charge from Tiffany's or Nike).

We've talked about a few ground rules that come along when two people are using the same account. We have chosen a set amount that we can't spend over without discussing with the other person first. We have discussed what to do when it comes time to buy gifts. We've chosen the bill payer. Me! Yay! Yep, I did just say yay about being the bill payer. I'm weird, what can I say. I especially love setting up online payments and going down the list once a month making sure everything is payed. Side note, I really hate writing checks with a passion. Hate it so very much, it's not even funny. Weird maybe, but not funny. For some reason, it stresses me out to write out the amount and make sure it's to the correct person and having to write my signature. Oh how I hate my signature...even my new one.

Back to the topic at hand. I suppose I just need to leave it alone for now. I mean, let's be honest, it has only been a few hours...and I'm still processing...and no one has looked at the account but me and no one has spent anything but me, so it's not that huge of a deal just yet (and not at all saying it will be). I just thought I'd share all the crazy thoughts in my head, be honest with the maybe 5 of you that actually read this. I'll keep you posted about the future of this shared checking account business. I'm sure (not really) that it will (won't) be interesting.

Funny little story to cap this boring post: when we ordered checks with both our names on them my name was listed over Scotts. For some reason (maybe you can chalk it up to the old fashioned girl in me) I thought it just didn't look right so I asked them put his name first. I probably owe it to him, anyway, since my name came first on almost all the wedding things we had printed or created. I also had them print out his middle name instead of just using his initial. He goes by his middle name, it should be printed out. I don't think the gal helping us liked me much after that.

A few more pearls of wisdom...that aren't mine.

2010-09-02T09:38:00.001-07:00

"True power is the ability to say no!" - from an email devotional I get daily. Too good, and true, not to share.

And another little nugget of truth that was too good not to share:

“Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment.”

― Iara Gassen

I sure do think he's great

2010-09-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

A short text conversation with my husband today:

me: So what are you up to the rest of the day?
scott: going grocery shopping.

How can I not love this guy? Seriously.

Do I havta?

2010-08-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Hood To Coast time.

And I am getting ready to head out the door to do my little part in the longest relay race in the world. I'm gonna meet up with the 5 other people that I'll be riding in a van with and cheering on for the next 24-30 hours. (There are actually 12 people on my team but the other six ride in another van...for those that aren't familiar with Hood 2 Coast).

But right now...I am so ready for this to be over. I love Hood to Coast. Ask anyone that knows me. I look forward to the running, the pain, the laughter, the cramped van, the random snippets of uncomfortable sleep, the cheering on of teammates and non teammates, the food, lines at the porta-potty's, the crazy outfits of other teams, the road kills...it's a fabulous time, honest.

But this morning, right now, all I'm thinking about is being done and being home tomorrow night in my bed with my husband. And the fact that I haven't been working out much lately and eating much more than I should be...I'm not in nearly the running shape that I normally am when I do Hood 2 Coast. It makes me a tad bit nervous. It'll be okay though, right? Right? Yeah, I know it will. It'll be great. I'll be sore, but I'll come home with more great memories to add to the old ones, new friends, and maybe even a renewed and refreshed self.

I'll catch ya'll on the flip side. Have a great weekend!

Mary, I don't know you, but I definitely like you.

2010-08-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

― Mary Wilson Little

Who came up with the idea of "being in a funk" anyway?

2010-08-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in a funk.

It's a little bit scary.

But ya know, sometimes funks are necessary...maybe that's why they are scary...

They are necessary for some folks because they make you stop and think.

and re-evaluate...

remember...

maybe mourn...

definitely slow down...

find or take joy in new things...

maybe find or take joy in old things...

Look...

Listen...

Learn...

Grow.

Move on.

That's where I'm at, where I'm going, & where I want to be. But while this process is taking place I will try to slow down, look around me, take it all in and enjoy life just as it is. Right. Where. I'm at. Right. Now.

Basically, I think I need to figure out, search and find out who this Tabitha Jones is.

There have been a lot of major changes in my life in the last year, wouldn't you agree? And I have a feeling that there are many more to come in the next year...and I don't want them to pass me by without being fully and completely enjoyed and learned from.

That's all I got for now. At least about that. I have lots of pictures from this past weekend that I'll be posting soon. Very soon. But first I had to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening friends. I appreciate it very much.

Two things

2010-08-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

1) It is National Ice Cream Pie Day. Honestly? I'd really like to celebrate this one. Just sounds good right now.

2) Found some rad pictures of Scott from the race Friday night and just had to share with my blog friends.

Racing, more racing, and wait...even more racing.

2010-08-17T10:15:00.001-07:00

This last weekend was a long one. But a good one. But a long one. Let's see it all in pictures:

Friday night, Scott raced in the Portland Twilight Criterium...and placed 5th! WAY TO GO BABE!!
My dad and I enjoying the beer garden at the event
Melissa, myself, and my crazy pops
I think that's him
A special prize for 5th place

the proud wife

The tired but happy racer

Saturday we got up bright and early, enjoyed a lovely breakfast then headed to Longview to officiate a day of races, called Longview Grand Prix Criterium.

Out of the mess...

comes blueberry and chocolate chip waffles.

the finished product: waffles, mushroom & fennel focacia bread with goat cheese, turkey bacon and blueberries = yum.

Don't ya love the mint green shirts?

all the computer screens that Scott gets to look at all day.

one of my many (read - few) jobs

Sally and Scott during a lull in the racing

Oh my gosh, check out all those bugs. They came out in full force...thank goodness they didn't bite. Just ultra annoying.

Sunday we watched Jeff do his first Triathlon. Talk about intense and highly crazy. But he made it through and we are so proud of him!
Ready to go!

Brothers.

Waiting for Jeff to get the show on the road

I can see him, can't you? They swim for just a little over 1 mile, I think. There are a lot of flailing elbows and feet, ya gotta be careful or you'll come out with a black eye or a broken rib...just from the swim.

Scott making sure the bike is ready

getting one last swig of water before jumping on the bike for the 57 mile ride.

Let's get rid of this ride and move on to the next and final part of this shin-dig, the half marathon length run.

One last stretch

getting the 13.1 miles started...poor guy...

getting a bit to eat along the way

Giving some encouragement and support

And here he comes, the end is in sight!

there he goes across the finish line (his time was 7 hours and 26 minutes, the time you see is from the start of the first swimmers). Not too shabby AT ALL!

a kiss shared between a proud wife to a tired and accomplished husband

all done and refueling

the matching tattoo's...I really do love this picture

Bein goofy in the car after a very long but very eventful and fun weekend.

Check out all the sun we got. Yikes!

And that's all finally all folks!

Yes, people, newbies can be cute

2010-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I do generally think that most babies when they are born are cute...I can be one of those people. I do know, however, that there can be a not so cute baby that comes down the pike now and again too.

This little guy?

FREAKIN' CUTEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN!!!

Oh, and I should probably mention that this sweet little angel is Kekoa (his mom is going to kill me for most likely spelling that wrong) and is our newest little nephew. He belongs to Becky (Scott's sister) and her husband Dustin.

I would like to add that my husband apparently has a gift with babies. We aren't sure what it was that he did exactly, but moments after the picture above was taken, that sweet little boy (who hadn't peed since arriving in this world not even 24 hours earlier) finally let out a good warm stream...all the way through his diaper, the onesie, AND the blanket and right onto Scott's shirt. Greatest moment ever. Not gonna lie. Sorry babe, but it's true. (Love you!)

He'd just gotten done telling us all in the room how Dakota (Becky's son, who's 12) never peed on him and that he knows all the tricks to the trade of changing diapers. I guess Kekoa wanted to show Scott that it doesn't always come during diaper changing time...and probably wanted to show Scott who really was going to be boss here, no matter the age. Poor Scott.

2010-08-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. I have to share with you what I just ate. It was ever so delicious and if you know me at all you'll know that when I like something I must tell everyone about it...and what better way to spread the word than through my blog. :)

I just enjoyed a little 80 cal White Chocolate Macadamia Luna bar. They have started making some of their popular flavors in smaller sizes and then packaging them up in boxes of 18 (which includes 3 different flavors). It's such a great idea and I wish more health bars would do this. Its the perfect size for a little snack along with some fruit or yogurt. Also you're not locked into only one flavor, you have options...and I am all about options! Anyway, Luna's White Chocolate Macadamia is not too sweet, not too waxy. The flavors of the white chocolate and macadamia are actually able to be tasted and enjoyed and not overpowered by that recognizable "this is healthy and supposed to be good for me" taste...you know what I'm talking about don't you? The other two flavors in my box are Lemon Zest and Peanut Butter Cookie and I can't wait to try them!

Today is National Polka Festival day and National Rice Pudding day. Um...yeah...I think I'll pass on celebrating either, thanks though.

Oh, and we got a Wii Fit this weekend. Yesterday (our lazy, oh so wonderfully lazy, day) we got it all set up and ready to go and try out some of the games and what not. After the not so fun weigh in/real age business they torture you with it was down right fun. Oh, except when I couldn't figure out how to jump and kept falling off the obstacle course and starting over...oh I was not a happy camper. The hula hooping is probably my favorite...at least to watch. :)

Read this quote the other day and it really made me stop and think...and slow down to enjoy the moment...

“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.”
― Bill Watterson

A few intriguing clips

2010-08-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

Random statement:

2010-08-06T14:40:00.001-07:00

I am not a sprint runner. I am a long distance runner. I do not enjoy sprinting or running all out. I enjoy running along at a nice reasonable clip (for me) and seeing just how far I can go.

Just thought I'd share.

Our first dance...

2010-08-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Very Thought Of You

The very thought of you and I forget to do
The little ordinary things that everyone ought to do
I'm living in a kind of daydream
I'm happy as a king
And foolish though it may seem
Why to me that's everything

The mere idea of you, the longing here for you
You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It's just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love

The mere idea of you, the longing here for you
You'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you
I see your face in every flower
Your eyes in stars above
It's just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (yesterday) TO SCOTT!!

2010-08-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Scott's little birthday celebration:

Here is Scott's present. He's already opened it so I can tell you whats in the bag. I got him a wallet thing for when he's out on a ride. It fits in his cycling jersey pocket and has spots for tools, a waterproof spot for his phone and spots for his ID and some cash. I also got him a grill scrubber thing...yeah, I like practical gifts, what's it to ya? I made us a picnic dinner complete with little bottles of wine and cute little mini cupcakes from New Seasons (SO FREAKING GOOD!)

Here was the view from our little seat
And here are some uninvited guests.

The birthday boy himself.

A little brownie bite dealy-bob from New Seasons.

They have all these yum little bite-sized desserts. Its great. I love it.

A man contemplating life, how good it's been and what possibilities lie ahead. Or maybe he's playing King of the Beach with the geese. I don't know.

After the picnic was done we decided to head over to Verdict to enjoy their happy hour drinks that are served all day on Thursdays. $3 Cosmos? Yes please. I think I'm gonna like it here(insert music from Annie).
Scott ordered a White Russian. Those are a very delicious drink...just sayin...
Oh, and we thought that we might as well try out their happy hour food menu too...since we were there and it was the right time...
Yes, darlin, I'm listening intently to the rights of cyclists...you keep reading, I'll keep enjoying my cosmo.

We also ordered their chocolate raspberry torte but ate it too fast to get a picture.

And yes, we had a picnic dinner with wine and dessert, then went to have drinks, more dinner type food, and dessert somewhere else...we like to eat good food on special occasions. So? I will say that that part of the evening wasn't planned. It just sort of happened. And I'm so very glad it did. We had a great time and I think Scott thoroughly enjoyed his 33rd birthday.

Happy Birthday Scott! I love you! Ever so very much.

The apartment is coming along

2010-08-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Here is our apartment in a much better state than you're used to...not sure what was up with my camera making it yellow but oh well (I kinda like the fun yellowy romantic look it gives our place). (I'm probably the only one that thinks that. I don't really care, it's my apartment and my camera and my pictures...I can think what I want. Um...anyway, here ya go.

Our larger than life living room (feels that way to me anyway)

To get the above living room shot to be as beautiful as it is (ha!), the bikes had to leave their lovely sanctuary in front of the fireplace and take up residence in the hall for a minute. Bicycles are such funny things...I am finding them to be rather endearing. (the fan had to move too)

Another shot of the living room...because I just couldn't get it all in on the first go around.

Ah...hi kitchen...I love you...and your beautiful black counter tops and all your many drawers and cupboards...you make me smile...

Oh, the dining "room" (or area, whatever). I love this little space too. We've actually been able to have dinner at that cute little table. I never really had a dinner table at my old place. We (I) ate on the couch. In front of the tv. Not anymore people, not. any. more...as often...

Just sayin...

Some fun quotes and a few hilarious video's

2010-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

“Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
― Robert Frost

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”
― Walter Bagehot

“Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.”
― Storm Jameson

Anyone seen this happen before?

Anjelah Johnson freakin' cracks me up! Here are a few more snippets for your enjoyment...or mine, whatever.

Jokes.com

Anjelah Johnson - Getting Hit On

comedians.comedycentral.com

Roast of David Hasselhoff

Big Lake

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Oh, and a picture or two from the home of the Jones'.
Getting ready in front of the mirror in our room...even though there are two perfectly usable bathrooms with large mirrors and lovely light. Yeah, I don't get me either, it's okay.

These would be my husbands massively muscular, shiny smooth calves...that apparently were quite tasty to some mosquito's. He's quite the leg model, don't ya think?

And just came across this video...it is probably one of my most favorite little clips from SNL through the years.

Bored much?

2010-08-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

The people that created the website the Inside Insides had to be really bored one day at work.

It's a crazy sight...and yet I can't seem to look away. Crazy, but fascinating. Check it out.

SO PUMPED RIGHT NOW!!!!

2010-07-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

I just watched this little trailer for the documentary about Hood 2 Coast. Oh my gosh, SO EXCITED FOR TO WATCH IT AND TO RUN IT (for the 6th time) THIS AUGUST!!!!

And you should know that every last word these people say about Hood 2 Coast is 100% true. And just like the guy says at the beginning, "I don't like Hood 2 Coast...but I need Hood 2 Coast."

Hood To Coast Trailer from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.

Yep, I'm a total junkie for this, it's not even funny.

Double checking a text

2010-07-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

I forget to do this all the time and get in so much trouble because of it. And I do love it when I get texts that clearly haven't been read over before being sent, kinda makes my day actually. :)

I just wrote a text to my man and what I wanted to say was "Hey busy boy." What I read when I was done texting was "Got bust not." Haha, makes me laugh every time.

I'm so easily entertained.

Last weekend

2010-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

was the Cascade Cycling Classic in gorgeous Bend, Oregon. Scott was asked to officiate the whole weekend (starting with a race Friday morning and ending with a race Sunday morning). We went, he officiated, we saw, we ate, we drank, we laughed, we relaxed, we left. It was oh so much great fun. Seriously, I think one of my favorite things to do with Scott is come along when he officiates...especially when we do the driving kind and I get to participate a little bit). FREAKING LOVE IT! And I think I love it so much because I get to see him in his element, being a part of what he loves and enjoys. He lets me come along and never makes me feel like I'm being annoying or in the way. :) And there is something about seeing your guy in charge...not gonna lie.

Here are some pictures to show you what we saw and did.

Here are the racers (Category 4's) from Friday's race, turning a corner.

The view from Linda's sisters back deck. SO BEAUTIFUL!
It was definitely night time when this picture was taken (see last picture)...not sure why my camera was being dumb. Oh well, still a cute picture.
A racer turning around at the Time Trial(or TT). He's got himself a wheel that has a name that I can't think of but it's supposed to help with going faster, blah blah blah. All I know is that it is very loud because it's just a thin sheet of carbon (not metal, like I thought...because yes, I was corrected).
Here is my attempt at getting quick succession pictures of a guy doing the turn around. Can you see all his aerodynamic gear? Well, the only thing that I'd like to really point out is the helmet? I won't tell you what they call them in the cycling world, but it's not a bad description.

This is the view I had for about 4+ hours Saturday morning. We were sitting at the turn around, making sure every rider came through.

Here is a picture of the pro's racing Saturday evening. Specifically, this is a picture of a certain pro that had some doping issues a few years back and is now clean and trying to get back into the cycling world. Can't remember his name, though...maybe Scott will let us know in the comments.
Racer's lining up Sunday morning
Scott (the guy in yellow) giving the group the rules and lettin' 'em know who's boss (he can kinda sound like a drill Sargent, it's great)
Us and the duck, following the peloton...which, in French, literally means little ball or platoon
Jordan and I were asked to give out the medals to the winners of the kids races. They were so stinkin' cute racing their little bikes and trikes over the finish line...some with a little help from their parents (or we would have been there all day, seriously).
Okay, they aren't that heavy, it was just super hot standing in the direct sun on the asphalt.

This and That and then some...

2010-07-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I like today's quote from Real Simple:
“Always do what you are afraid to do.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Certainly something I can remember and work on.

Today is National Ugly Truck Contest day. Yep, I do believe the Chevy Avalanche is the ugliest truck to date...well, with exception to the hummer truck. Ick!

Today is also National Lollipop day. Lifesaver lollipops have always been my favorite.

I don't love that our new apartment complex 1) doesn't allow visitors to park in the parking lot, 2) doesn't even assign at least one parking spot per apartment, and 3) has gates all around and offers only the back entrance for you to walk through if you have to park on the street. However...I will say that my trek to the car through the mist on this fine Oregon morning was quite pleasant and a great little extra added exercise bonus before I sat in the car on my 30 minute drive to work.

Thank you Lord for the unassigned parking spots.
You gave me a nice peaceful walk that stretched my muscles and cleared my head for the day.

Sunday night Scott and I did some grocery shopping and brought home a new item to try. Now, I know you may want to judge when you first see the picture...but I'm telling you now: It is not bad, not bad at all. Especially when you realize that it's organic and has no high fructose corn syrup in it. Okay, okay, here is the item we tested out this weekend...Yes, Organic Batter Blaster. Seriously. No joke. We had breakfast for dinner and the pancakes were not too shabby. I tried to stick to the 4 inch size that they mention on the back and actually, they turned out very decent. These by no means will be the pancakes we'll make on a regular basis. I think we'll stick to my personal fave, Fiber One Pancake mix...yum! It is nice to know, thought, that we have options that aren't bad and aren't that bad for you...and that don't create any sort of extra dishes to wash. I sure do love taste testing. Maybe Scott will share with you guys what he thought of the pancakes in the comments.

And look how cute this little dude is...
Um...
Okay, look how cute he is now.

Jeff and Dawn's little boy, Brady, and our very sweet, precious nephew.

I think that is all for now. Have a great day everyone!

No title today...

2010-07-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today, July 15 is … National Tapioca Pudding Day and Respect Canada Day.

I can definitely get behind both of these.
Tapioca pudding, in all it's strange textures and mouth feel, is quite delicious to me (plus that was a name the kids thought would be funny to call me back in elementary...not very bright, were they?). Here are pictures of two flavor combo's that I'm pretty darn sure my husband would start salivating over
Pomegranate & coconut tapioca
Thai coconut tapioca

And how can we not respect our northern neighbors up in the beautiful country of Canada? They are there, they aren't going away, they are nice folks and they are an officially bilingual country...not gonna lie, I think that's kinda cool.

Also, I've been collecting these great quotes from Real Simple and now I've finally decided to share them with you...

“Life is all about timing...the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable...attainable. Have the patience, wait it out.”

― Stacey Charter

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.”

― Bernard Meltzer

“It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy.”

― George Lorimer

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou

“You never know when you’re making a memory.”

― Rickie Lee Jone

National Nude Day.

2010-07-14T14:40:00.001-07:00

Um...no thank you, I think I will pass on celebrating this day. Well, at least on the outside of my apartment. And all curtains must be closed tight...and the only other person around can be my husband, since we are married and all...

Sorry, that might have been too much info for you. But hey, that's me. :)

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

2010-07-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Seriously? This is what we've come to? I'm actually very saddened by this. And grossed out. Seriously grossed out.

Is it a joke? It has to be. I mean, the more I look at this picture...they can't be serious right?

Local establishment

2010-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Scott and I love to support our neighborhood and the local establishments contained there in. We love to find new places to eat and new things to try and just being out and about in this great city. So, when Sunday evening rolled around we decided to began the sampling of what our new surroundings have to offer us. Before I show you the picture of where we ate, let me just say that this is not a place that either of us would ever normally desire to go. We were in a strange, beyond exhausted, not wanting to cook kinda mood and it was just right on the way home and yes, a local establishment.
It's true folks. We ate at HomeTown Buffet. I do not regret it...but I won't be eating there again any time soon. I don't care if the deals sound out of this world. It made for a fun memory...but not happy stomachs the next day.

New favorite, easy vegetable.

2010-07-13T09:53:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I was at the Portland farmers market and decided that I would be adventurous and buy a vegetable that I had never cooked before. The particle stand that prompted me to make this decision had prepared some of their vegetables into nice little dishes for people to try and see how easy they really are to prepare. Well, I tried the sauteed Kale...and was instantly sold! SO GOOD! So I bought it right then and there. I took it over to my friend Rachel's house and we gave it a try together. It was so easy and quick to make, delicious too! I was even more adventurous the next day when I created this little delicious creation.

Chicken on a bed of tomato's, sauteed kale (with garlic), sauteed mushrooms, feta and a sprinkling of fresh basil.

Seriously people, this is so easy! And delicious! And healthy for you to boot!

We moved!

2010-07-12T15:08:00.001-07:00

We did it in 2 days with the help of some amazingly wonderful people whom we can't even begin to thank enough. You know who you are and, seriously, we CANNOT show you enough appreciation. Without you we would have never been able to consider ourselves moved today. We'd still have tons of stuff at the old place and my new kitchen would not...well, just would not be.

Thank you! We love you!

So, yeah, 2 days and 95 degrees. Talk about choosing the hottest weekend to move. Sweat definitely dripped off my nose a couple of times and I think Scott had to change his shirt about 4 times. Can't complain though, I think I'd rather have heat than rain.

Moving on to pictures...

This is our dinning area...filled with all our kitchen stuffs.

Oh look, and there is the kitchen, also filled with our kitchen stuffs...we have a lot of stuff.

And the living room. Told ya we have a lot of stuff.

This is the guest bathroom...notice the double sinks? Love it!

Here is our bedroom, not that exciting...yet.

the second bedroom (yep, you read that right, we have a second bedroom). We called this the staging area for dressers.

Scott enjoying our new hallway and starting the laundry using our new large, non stacked washer and dryer...that have their own closet!!

Next day, looks like we've gotten a little more work done...only one dresser left.

And we really do have a living room under all that stuff. Check out that fire place. :)

Oh people reading this blog, it is so nice to be in a place that we picked out together and that finally fits all of our wedding gifts and all of our stuff...and us! It has so many things that we wanted and things that we didn't even know we wanted. Just to put this fantastically fabulously great apartment into perspective for you (because you might be wondering why I'm singing such high praises), our old apartment was my apartment: a 1 bedroom, 575 sq ft postage stamp that I had lived in for about 3 and half years before Scott joined me...this August would have made 4 years in one place for me. That is a VERY long time for this military brat. I mean, really, it was more than time to move on. And who better to move on with than Scott, that handsome guy doing the laundry.

SO...this lovely apartment that we are blessed to call home is 915 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath, fire place, closets all over the place, ceiling fans, a small storage closet on the patio, a huge kitchen with black countertops and double sink...wow...I mean, wow! We have a dinning area that has more than enough room for a table and that we can actually use for a dinning area instead of being overtaken by all of Scott's clothes and bike stuff. We now have the privilege of eating our meals at the table now, instead of on the couch and in our laps.

AND did I mention that its OURS? WE picked it out TOGETHER.
I just LOVE that about this place!!

More pictures will come as we make more progress. :)

In the couch

2010-07-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

So, a few weeks ago I got ambitious and decided to vacuum out the couch. As in, shove the nozel into all the crevices and everything...something I personally haven't done since the couch was put into my own personal care 4 years ago, and which I discovered hadn't been done since 1999. Wanna know how I figured that out? Take a look below.

Yep, this is a Michaels receipt from 1999. Needless to say, Scott was a bit disturbed by this. (not me though, I just thought it was pretty hilarious). I also found a few candy canes and a mechanical pencil - no change thought, bummer.

The first weekend of June...

2010-07-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Now that June is over, why not start blogging about it...right?

FRIDAY
Friday night my bro got himself hitched. My dad did the wedding, Scott was the "ring bearer" and my sister and I gave her away (her family is all back in the Philippians). It was a lovely little ceremony. Then we had dinner and cake and champagne at Shenanigans at the Red Lion.

SATURDAY
Saturday morning/day I accompanied Scott to the Mount Hood Cycling Classic and went along for the ride while he officiated...

About 9 miles into the 90 mile race, these two guys broke away from the pack...and we stared at their rears for the next 4 hours.
Here's Scott doin' his officatin' thang...
and me doin mine...I'm so helpful.
just havin some fun...did you catch the part that we were in the car driving around Mount Hood for 4 and half hours? Actually, it wasn't bad at all. Loved it. Beautiful day, wonderful view, fantastic driving buddy...can't complain.
After the race, we drove home and got all ready for a fun date night out on the town. We started at Noble Rot where we had some yum cheese and wine. We were so hungry and it was so tasty we didn't even have time to click the camera before it was almost gone...oops.
Hey, Scott, look at that beautiful view! And is that basil?
Oh, can you bring us some of that lettuce on your roof? Yep, at Noble Rot, they grow and sell lettuce right from their roof, and they use other fresh grown goodness in dishes on their menu...love that place!
awe, ain't we precious...
Then we found a restaurant downtown called Candy that we'd never been to (we love trying new places) and had a lovely dinner as the parade marched by...we'd forgotten about the Starlight parade...which made parking 1) not easy and 2) no where near where we ate) It was a lovely night, we love walking and there were lots of Portland people out and about to watch.
On the walk back to the car we ran across a fun looking gelato coffee shop. We just to go in, ya know, to end our date on a sweet, tasty note. I got this yummy little sandwich cookie (the cookies were from Trader Joes!) and Scott got two scoops of gelato...of which I cannot remember the flavors. Ps. I just remembered that I enjoyed two sandwich cookies, not just one...and the other had chocolate cookies.

And honestly...I can't remember what we did Sunday...wow, the mind is already going...we probably slept in...went to church...I bet Scott had a softball game that night...oh sheesh, I'm done trying to remember...

Hey, I'm a busy girl, but here's a quick update.

2010-06-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been gone for a bit friends. Honest. It kinda eats at me when I can't make time to post even a little bit. But let me tell you, I. Have. Been. Busy. We had VBS at our church, which meant 12 hour days. It also meant over 200 kids every night! It was AWESOME!!

Scott and i also have found a new apartment and are moving into our new 2 bed/2 bath/fireplace/so many new and better things apartment in less than 2 weeks. People, our apartment right now is 575 square feet. This new apartment is 915 square feet. SERIOUSLY!!! And this new place is ours, not mine that Scott moved into. We went and looked together and loved it at just about the same time. It's so great! Plus it's right off the Max line and walking/running distance from our gym. Oh, and it's literally right across the street from the mall. Can't beat that right? Only about 5-10 more minutes to work for me and about 25 minutes less of a drive for Scott when he starts school in the fall. AND now I get to legally change my last name and we finally start using our wedding presents. Almost all of them have been sitting in my parents garage just waiting patiently for the day that they could move into a larger space with us. More on this later.

Let's see, what else...Rachel and I made homemade tortilla's, that was amazingly easy and so FREAKING good! Also, we tried our hands at making sauted Kale. Also very easy and FREAKING good!

So many other things have happened and I want to expand on what I've already mentioned but I have to get back to work. Just wanted to give my readers (who love me, they really love me) encouraged me to post again because (sigh, tear) they missed me. I feel so special.

I leave you with this little tid-bit...yesterday I found a reciept in my couch from 1999. I've only been in possession of this couch since 2006. What does that tell you?

2010-06-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Love her!(She seriously has the most rockin body)

Love this show!

And now LOVING this one too!

I really gotta try her 30 day shred dvd...I hear they are pretty good. But how can they not be. I mean, HELLO, it's Jillian we are talking about here.

Oh, and the reason I wanted to write this post tell you that Jillian is born the day after me. We are almost birthday buddies. Almost. And yes, I do realize I'm a big nerdy freak who actually got a little excited that Jillian's birthday is a mere 24 hours after mine.

Random and honesty...maybe too much

2010-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

1. Why is it that some days, even weeks at a time, my willpower can be off the charts fantastic and other days it's...well...not?

2. Yesterday I finally discovered something I do that bugs my husband to no end. I guess he just couldn't take it anymore and had to share what had been on his heart. Apparently he doesn't like my parking jobs. I park crooked and not always centered...and this is nonsensical in his world. I will say that he is a very careful parker, always striving to be straight between the lines so as not to allow other cars to park to close in which case they could carelessly open their door too fast and with too much force and ding Eileen (his faithful vehicle. Mine is Sugar). Me on the other hand, doesn't have a care in the world when parking, except not hitting the cars on either side as I pull into a parking spot or the wall in front of me as I come to a stop. I am not really thinking about others and how they handle themselves and their car doors...I don't know, I guess I'm selfish that way. As long as I'm in the spot and hopefully not on the lines, life is good and I can go about my business.
Ps. I do think my husband makes great points here and I also do believe my husband to be a much better driver than I. Just thought this was funny and had to share.

3. The cyclist in my life showed me a picture this morning.

Then I found this one, showing how his tire just bounced back to it's original form...AND the moment right before impact...yikes...

You should also watch this video, which shows the whole incident...in slow motion and everything

WOW-ZERS!!! It turned into just one massive pile up. If you watch closely you'll see a guy go over his handlebars, and then people just falling all the way back through the peloton.
This is why, according to my cyclist, that you do not cross the line...you hold it!

4) I find it rather exciting to Map My Run as soon as I get home after pounding the pavement. I actually look forward to it as I start getting closer to home (that and when I get to stop running). It's so fun to see how far I've gone.
But, I'm ashamed to say, when I haven't gone as far as I thought...I can get a mite upset.
I should probably work on that part. But it also makes me push myself farther the next time...interesting how that works.

5) I know it's about to be summer time because Panera Bread has brought back my favorite EVER salad. The Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken salad. It has all kinds of fresh fruit, pecans, chicken, a good dressing...what is not to love? It's so very tasty AND good for you...I ask again, what is not to love?!
Next to the salad rolls from a Thai restaurant near our apartment, this is my favorite thing to eat. Ever. I just wish they would add it to the menu year-round...except then the fruit wouldn't be as fresh...but they could make it seasonal fruit...hmmm, wonder if they've thought of that? I might have to write a letter.

6) I love Real Simple magazine and their daily quotes. Here is one of my recent favorites.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”
― C.S. Lewis

7) Today is National Smile Power Day. I guess that means smile a lot and at everyone you see and check out how something that small and easy is to do is so powerful.
It's also National Lobster Day.

8) Why is June National Turkey Lovers Month? Anyone else think that should be saved for November? Just sayin...

9) I really hate it when my dad answers his cell phone in the middle of or right before his services start (He is a pastor for several different nursing homes around the area). Gah!! That is what voicemail is for, people!

10) I feel that since I made my way all the way to 9 random things I should be able to find a 10th lying around somewhere just waiting to be shared. I believe the only tissues that should be used on a runny nose is Puffs. They are the best. And the slogan is what puts them over the top in my book. It's so easy to remember. Makes it great when your at the store and picking up a new tissue box because you just ran out and your nose is raw and peeling AND running all over. Ouch...and gross. So, their slogan...
"A nose in need, deserves Puffs, indeed."

Yesterday I discovered a few things...

2010-06-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

1) My email is a creeper. Check out this message it gave me when I tried to send an email.
I mean, yes I did forget to send the attachments I had indeed written about in said email and was grateful for the message but holy WOW creeper email, your reading AND talking to me about what I'm writing and doing/not doing? Hmmmm...just not sure what to do with this. I'm torn. I'm creeped out and then thankful...such a funny place to be standing.

2) Riding the MAX makes me feel like a kid again. My feet don't touch the ground when I sit in the seats, so of course I swing them around just like I did when I was little. Also, I am always a little more timid than usual, kinda like when you were little and around people you didn't know so you would hide behind your mom's legs or something. Ha! I do still love riding the MAX, though. You just really never know who/what your going to see, hear, smell.

Side note for emmy-pie lovely and all my other non-portlanders): The MAX is my city's light rail transportation system (yes, I said my). MAX stands for Metropolitan Area Express...we are so creative, right?

So far this week...

2010-06-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Monday, Scott took me to Edgefield, where we had our first date, to have dinner to celebrate. We were even able to sit at the same booth that we sat at a year ago...yep, cause we are those kinda people. Oh, and I can't forget to tell mention that he wore the exact same outfit (minus the green shirt) that he wore on our date, even the same shoes. Oh my gosh, I love this man! (I wore the same shirt, too, btw). Here we are playing with our food...something we learned about each other on our first date, I think.

Scott's OCD coming out. Something I encourage, though, so it's all good. :)

You are ruining my design!
And seriously, how could I resist this guy sitting across from me,
lookin all good and being so sweet?

A combined artistic effort...
a couple that plays with their food together, definitely stays together...right?

Tuesday, my friend Holli and I ventured out to PIR (Portland International Roadway) to watch Scott cycle in his second race of the season...and my first race to ever see him in. It was SO GREAT and so fun to finally see another little piece of his world, meet people that he's talked about and cheer for him as he sped by (I sure do love the sound of all those bicycle wheels flying by). I also love seeing him in all his cycling gear...it's kinda like seeing a guy in uniform - just sayin. :) And on top of everything he did great in the race. He placed really well for someone who has ridden his bike only a handful of times since before his carpel tunnel surgeries back before Christmas. It makes my heart happy seeing him doing something that he loves so much. Who knows, you may see me out there some day...maybe...or maybe I'll just stick to my running.
There he is. In all his cycling gear...and lookin' good.
"Hey hot stuff."

There he is. In all his cycling glory...and kickin' some major rear I might add.
(how nerdy am I that I put an arrow on the picture, haha!)

Donut Day Deliciousness!

2010-06-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

I must let you all know what doughy goodness Scott and I enjoyed on this wonderful day called Donut Day.

I, after much deliberation, went with the No Name. According to the wedbsite, it raised yeast doughnut with chocolate frosting, rice krispies and peanut butter! De-licious.
Scott went with his favorite, the apple fritter.

However, he did not go with just any old apple fritter, it was the Anything Goes where they basically put whatever other fruit they have lying around into it. It of course had apples, but I think there were some blueberries and mango's and, well, who knows what else. What I do know? It was GOOD!!

Yes, we do know how to celebrate, don't we?

June 7th!!! First Date-iversary!

2010-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

A year ago, June 7th '09, was the day that Scott and I had our first date. Wow, it DOES NOT feel like we've only really known each other and been together for a year, one that has been filled with all sorts of ups and downs and crazy rides. I don't think I would change one second of it, though.

I am just so thankful we both listened to the Lords quiet promptings: Scott deciding to go ahead and ask me out by calling me from a retreat (this the day after he had opted to not ask me out because he got a little nervous after hearing I had dated another cycling guy); Me deciding to go out with him even though I was dealing with THE worst headache I think I have ever had (I mean, what do I say "I'm sorry, we can't go out because I have a headache"? I might as well just say I have to wash my hair, about the same level on the lameness scale). But he called, I didn't cancel, we went out, had a great time and have been together ever since. It was easy and fun on that first date, and it's been easy and fun every day since. Life with Scott has been amazing, I know that it's only going to get better.Here is the earliest picture we have, I think this was almost 2 weeks after our first date, we were helping Carolyn Sharpe move into her house. We like to thank Carolyn on a regular basis for being the one to officially introduce us and for being the first to suggest I take a closer look at this guy named Scott). We love you Sharpie!!
And this is a picture from the next day, the Saturday before Father's Day, where Scott met my family. (ps. that was the day of our first kiss too...just sayin...)

I love YOU, Scott. My love, my best friend, my confidant, my gym/running partner, my mirror, my husband, my blessing from the Lord. Thank you for always making me feel like the only, most beautiful girl in the room, since day one.

IT'S DONUT DAY! and National Donut Day, too...

2010-06-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

And I don't care about diets or workouts or anything from Hungry Girl today. Just. GO. CELEBRATE!

Seriously. I mean, I KNOW donuts are not the most nutritious thing for you and I usually do not eat or suggest others eat these little round sugar coated, doughy treats of yummy goodness, but when I read about where this little day of celebration originated from I felt I had to do my duty and celebrate like a true American.

(I think Scott and I might take time tonight between work and other engagements to hit up this wonderful little Portland delicatessen...mmmm...bacon maple bar, here I come!)

So, are you curious this days origins? Well, let me share with you the dealio (yeah, I just typed that, get over it)...

According to wikipedia, where I go to answer all of lifes little questions, Donut Day is the first Friday of every June and was started by the Salvation Army (gotta love that group and their cute little outfits) to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. And National Donut Day (which, yes, is actually different from Donut Day but is still celebrated on the same day) is to honor the donut, that little round doughy goodness with a perplexing hole in the middle. But, I mean, why not celebrate the donut. We certainly don't want to leave It out when there are days of the year set aside for poisonus blackberries and tapioca pudding. Oh, and rubber eraser day and pop goes the weasel day...oy, people...oy.

My friend Rachel's birthday, March 26 is … Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. I think that is pretty stinkin sweet. Next year, I think I'll make that day National Surprise and Celebrate Rachel day, she'll so hate that. Haha!

My birthday, February 17 is … Champion Crab Races Day - yeah, kinda not that exciting.

(OY! I just looked at the menu at VooDoo...they all look so good! Now I can't decide... Do I get the Neapolitan? The Double Chocolate? Apple Fritter? The Portland Cream??? Do I get cake or raised? Filled or not filled? I mean, if I'm getting a donut, might as well go all out, right? HELP!?!? Any advice would be much welcomed)

And that is all I have for now. Maybe this weekend I'll post a picture of the oh so delicious donut that I imbibe in tonight. And if you would care to share, what donut did you or are you going to enjoy on this great day of celebration?

2010-06-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

My husband is so helpful

2010-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

This morning he sweetly, kindly, lovingly, reminded me that the appropriate color of attire for a memorial service is black...not the green and brown I was thinking of sporting. Not the green and brown I always find myself wearing as I walk into a sea of black . Yeah, because this would not have been the first time it's happened...seriously, what is my deal?

So thanks smart and well mannered husband of mine. I love you and love how you are helping me be better out in public and society. ;)

The cool get-away car

2010-05-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

that really didn't go very fast, but sure was fun to ride in. :)

A Few Good Videos

2010-05-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

A digital short featuring Andy Samberg

A really sweet/fun birthday surprise

Oh, trunk monkey, how you make us chuckle

Organ Hero!

Our dog

2010-05-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

No, no, we don't have a dog. HAHA, riiiiight...like anything else would fit in our postage stamp size of an apartment right now.
But, if we ever got a dog, (Scott), this is the one I want.
Ain't he just the sweetest lookin' creature?

Did you know that animals fought for our redemption?

2010-05-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

This video is so funny...and very true to cyclists

2010-05-19T09:04:00.001-07:00

It was made by some guys here in Portland...you should recognize some of the scenery if you live around these parts. Another funny thing about this video, and just point proving that the cycling world is very intimate and VASTLY different from the running world, is that Scott knows the guys who made this video AND all the girls "dancing" in the background. They all race - therefore he knows them.

Oh, how I do love and enjoy my cyclist husband.

Enjoy the video!

(I must tell you that this wife understands and appreciates the shaved legs...just sayin)

PS. Today is 2 months since Scott and I were married and did not utter those two special words, I do. Yes, you read that right. My dad, the preacher man who has done PLENTY of weddings, forgot that section of the vows. So, when I see my dad I like to remind him of this by saying, "Hey Dad, how's it going? We are still living in sin thanks to you...but whatever." Anyway, 2 months. What fun we've had and how fast they have flown by. And what a better count up than the previous countdown (not that it wasn't fun in it's own right).

We sure do love to kiss, don't we? No complaints here!!
Sorry to bombard you with pictures, I just love them all so much...and this is my blog...so there! ;)

What should the caption read?

2010-05-18T13:55:00.001-07:00

And don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings. Now, I have to say that I think Scott looks pretty darn good in this photo. Me on the other hand? Well...that is where the captions can come in. :)

This weekend

2010-05-17T15:15:00.001-07:00

I saw two different men pee off the side of their bicycles.

Yeah, I know. You feel dirty just thinking of that, don't you? Just imagine SEEING IT!!! So gross and wrong! Seriously, so shocked was I.

If your curious, the reason I was "lucky" enough to catch a glimpse of something I would like to never, ever see again, is because I was with Scott while he did some officiating at a cycling race in Silverton , Oregon. I sure do love doing that with him. I like watching the guys to see if they are crossing the yellow line or littering...gotta keep 'em in line ya know.

My favorite Scott quote from yesterday yelled from the car to a rider - "STOP DANCING ACROSS MY ROAD!" You do not want to mess with this chief official! :) But that's his way of telling the guys to stay off the yellow line (they get a warning if they do and can be penalized if they keep it up). Love it!

I think I'm gonna talk with Scott about the idea of warnings being given out to people (women included, by the way...just ask Scott for that story sometime) when they pee off the side of their bike. Seriously, anyone ever heard of indecent exposure?

two of my fave's

2010-05-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

A few wedding photo's

2010-05-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

more to come... :)

This morning

2010-05-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

I found this in my bathroom sink.
Not to worry folks, an animal did not die in my sink. This is what had happened...ain't he adorable when he's all clean shaven? (well, I think he's adorable all the time, but that's just me)

Oh, just so you know, he did clean up after himself. Yeah, 'cause he's great like that.

I told you we made pizza

2010-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

mmmm...so tasty.

And see that lovely pizza stone it's one? Yeah, when I took it out of the oven a piece (you can see this in the above picture) popped off. It wasn't like I dropped it or held it only on one side...my conclusion is it must have had a small crack in it already and when it got all hot and bothered it just couldn't stand it anymore and jumped right off. Ps. it melted some of the lamenant on my floor...awesome. All in all, it was delicious pizza and we had a fun time using our pizza stone - once.

Cinco de Mayo date

2010-05-12T08:56:00.001-07:00

For Cinco de Mayo, Scott and I went out to this fun little joint called Salvador Molly's (which I like to always call Molly Salvador's...not sure why). It was quite fun. If you live in the area you really need to check it out. They have a very fun and eclectic menu...and tasty Sangria if I do say so myself.
We started with: THE NEW DELHI TRIPLE-DIP...which is Baigan Choka, Smoked Onion-Sesame dip, and Cucumber-Mint Raita served with grilled flatbread, Tandoori chips & BereBere chips. Oh my goodness, so stinkin' good! Oh my word, those crispy chip type things were SO GOOD!! We should have just stopped there but oh no, we were celebratin'!
For Scott's dinner, he ordered the PAMPAS CHIMICHURRI STEAK (from Argentina): Fire-grilled blade steak with Argentine Chimichurri sauce. Served with garlic spinach, black beans, ‘dirty’ garlic mashers and charred tomato.
For my entree I went a little different (and not very Cindo de Mayoish, oh well) and ordered the DJIBOUTI INJERA PLATTER (from Ethiopia): Richly spiced African sauce simmered with fresh vegetables and slow-cooked lamb. Served atop Ethiopian Injera bread with curry red lentil dahl, peanut-ginger roasted sweet potato and garlic spinach.Sadly, we did not have dessert...would have, but my husband was strong and said no for the both us...both our body's and our bank account thank us, btw.

This and That

2010-05-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

1) So, this morning I went on a fantastically long run...I think it's been several months since I've done anything close to the 8.7 miles I ran. If felt good...minus when my foot, around mile 6, decided to let me know in no uncertain terms that it was beyond time to get some new shoes, especially since racing season is finally back (for me at least). Also, both my iPod and heart rate monitor decided to act up at the beginning of my run. Thankfully the monitor got it's act together and figured out that my heart rate was not actually beating 200 beats a minute when I'd only been running for 30 seconds...just in case your curious, I am not in fact a Porsche 911. My iPod was the worst though. It wouldn't play what I wanted, wouldn't let me scroll, and wouldn't keep playing...just annoying. Sometimes I love technology (don't get me wrong, I love love love my iPod and heart monitor ever so much) but it can be so freaking frustrating at times. Seriously, if only we could live simpler lives again, when people ran without all this help and all these gadgets.

ALL that to say, it was good to get out and do a long run. Thank you God for the ability to be active, for the air to breathe to keep me going, and for the wonderful weather that gets me motivated to run.

2) I have taken on the task of updating the bulletin weekly. Let me tell you, that can really mess with your head. I am having to look to stuff happening next week and then someone comes in or calls wanting to talk about something this week, and I can't even being to think what day it is right now! Oy! But I do love doing it. It can such a challenge some weeks, and then other weeks it's a breeze. And since I get to decide what goes on the cover, I get to stretch and grow my creative skills (or lack there of).

Thank you Lord for giving me a job that stretches, challenges, encourages me to grow.

Life is from the Lord and it IS beautiful.

2010-05-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Love...sweet love...

2010-05-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed.

2010-05-10T15:12:00.001-07:00

Here's an email I just got...

"Thanks my love! Thank you for always believing in me and having my back. It's such an honor being your husband.
- Scott

Hilarious Sienfield routine

2010-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

mimed by two super cute and funny kids

Today I...

2010-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

am listening to Mercy Me on Grooveshark. This makes my ears and heart happy. Plus, I hear their new album "The Generous Mr. Lovewell’ is doing quite well this week (it's aparently going head to head with Godsmacks album...who else finds that interesting?).

am focusing on and praying through these verses.

Prov 8:33-34
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

Philipians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

went to the gym and had my butt kicked by both the treadmill and my husband. For me, that equals a great start to the day. :)

am emailing students asking them to volunteer to help serve at Stu Weber's appreciation dinner on Sunday, May 16th. Fun times, gotta love trying to sound cool but not too cool...yeah, I am so already not cool for just typing that.

am excited to have an evening in with Scott. Boy do I LOVE spending time with that man. Seriously. Best times ever!! And we are going to make pizza for dinner. Yum! And who knows, we might just walk on down to the cute little town of Troutdale of which we reside and check out their little monthly Art Walk. But who knows... ;)

give out one HUGE THANK YOU to Trader Joe's for making a whole wheat pizza crust. I heart you and all your wonderful, tasty, decently priced products.

am LOVING sauerkraut. Let's face it, I love it every day...but today...mmmm...it is hitting the spot something fierce. I can eat this stuff straight from the jar...oh, and look at that, I am!

am eating too much garlic. I know this because 1) my taste buds are telling me so (and Scott probably will tonight too) and 2) Zach just opened the door and said "Garlic, huh?"

am thinking about and excited for what our future holds...

Choices

2010-05-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

There are lots and lots AND LOTS of choices to make every day, pretty much every minute of the day in fact.

I'll make my choices and you make yours.

I will not make your choices for you nor are you expected to make my choices for me.

I will look to the Lord to lead me and help me make my choices and hope and pray that you do the same.

Prov 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

HIGH-Larious video!

2010-05-04T15:46:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vUyObQxV_o

Seriously, check this out ASAP! It's not only funny, it makes a fantastic point at the end.

A good - no GREAT - reminder

2010-05-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Scott just sent me a text and all it said was 2 Timothy 2:22. When this happens, I don't question, I just go and read (Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart). Good verse, definitely need to remember that, thanks for sharing that with me babe. Well, then I got a little curious, so I decided to read the following verses. Wow. I quickly realized the Lord was trying to talk to me. This is stuff I struggle with on a daily/moment by moment basis. I could just hear the Lord talkin to me.

"Tabitha, stop being so stubborn and resentful. Oh, don't give me that look, don't act like I can't see into your heart and hear your thoughts at all times. I need you to be teachable so you can turn around and teach others. Let My name be glorified, help others grow and know Me like you are growing to know Me."

"Tabitha, don't engage in stupid arguments. You know exactly how they'll end up, because it happens every. single. time. There's no resolve, everyone's upset, resentful to each other. Not exactly a fun place to be, huh? Oh, you can pretend to shrug it off, but I know you, you ain't shruggin' off nothin. Don't get trapped in by the devil darlin. His will only leads to destruction. Flee him, and help and encourage others to flee him too. Stick with Me, I am where the party is at."

Yep, He will talk to us, He will get through to us in His sometimes crazy feeling ways...but are we always ready to listen? Also, if you think I missed the boat here, please let me know, I don't want to get the wrong message from God. ;)

Here are the verses I read...if you want, you can let me know what you got out of them. I'd love love love to know. :)

2 Tim 2:22-26

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

First facebok moment and thinking

2010-05-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

So, I receive an email from Real Simple every day with a "daily thought." When I had facebook, I would use these daily thoughts as my status update. Well, today's was a good one and I wanted to put it on my facebook for others to see and read and maybe get a little chuckle or a "yep, me too." As I was copying it to take it over to post on facebook I had the DUH! moment and remembered that I no longer reside on the "book of face" as Scott likes to call it. It's gonna take sometime to change my mind frame...back to how it should be, but that's okay. I can do this! (like it's some huge deal or something, sheesh). And how cute is my husband, this morning when I asked if he saw that I had taken the huge step of getting off of facebook he says, "yeah, I know, now all my profile says is married."

So, since I know you are all so curious as what Real Simples Daily Though was, here ya go...it's a good one:

"I run so my goals in life will continue to get bigger instead of my belly." ~ Bill Kirby

Also, on a total side note, my two favorite thinking places/times are when I'm running and when I'm in the shower. Seriously, those are the times that I am having to be in my own head space and makes me think about things that I may not take time during the busy day to think about. I have a lot of talks with God while running and in the shower...is that weird? I don't really think so, I mean, he knew when we were in our mother's womb for crying in the night! But yeah, best thinking times, best times to debate and wrestle with myself and with God, best time to epiphany's and aha moments, best time to get ideas and even to write blog posts...all in my head of course. Anyone out there care to comment on where their favorite thinking spots/times are?

No more facebook stalking for this one

2010-05-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

I did it folks. I have disabled my facebook account. Yep, it's true. I have been thinking about it for a few weeks but just wasn't sure I could pull it off on my own. I mean, that is a big step, ya know? I have a lot of "friends" on facebook, and a lot of people I stalk, er, I mean follow, and I have put a lot of pictures up...but oh my word, is that thing a time sucker like nobody's business! And I was so tired of stopping someone mid-story to say "oh, yep, already read about that" or "Oh, I know all about you. And oh my word, your little girl is so CUTE! Where is she, can I meet her?" I mean, seriously, talk about awkward moment (hello, every moment of my life). Like my friend Holli said, it's face connecting (I may have slightly paraphrased) and I think I'm done. But, I knew I could not let go of facebook on my own. I needed back-up. I needed someone to pry my fingers from the mouse so I wouldn't be able to click from on person's backyard bbq picture to another person's girls night out picture to another person (whom I've never even seen before) photo album of their honeymoon in Greece (oh yeah, that was fun to flip through...gotta go there, and maybe I can ask these people where we should eat at while we are there because it looks like they had...WAIT, stop that, stop right there crazy lady!). I needed help because this was gonna be a tough habit to break. In to my story walks my wonderful husband Scott. As I am ranting to him about how tired I am of facebook being such a stealer of my time and how I wish I could just get out of it completely, he throws out the easiest solution of "well...why don't you just do it then?" Well, but, well, but...yeah, basically that was my response, in a nutshell. For some reason, I was also worried about all my pictures I had downloaded...I meanted that to Scott to. "You have them on your computer, right? Well, yeah, of course I do. Then whats the problem. Other people won't be able...to...see...them...anymore... So, do you feel as ridiculous reading that as I did saying it and realizing exaclty what was holding me back? Yeah, probably not. I apparently was worried about people seeing ME and all the fun things I was doing, people facebook stalking me. What the crap is that Tabitha? I think I was/am looking for people to approve of me and what I am doing and, I don't know, like me or something. It's interesting, I wasn't thinking of some of this stuff til just now as I type and process. And I kinda can't believe I just put all this on here but I feel I should be honest, even brutally if the case calls for it, with myself and also with you out there reading this. I mean, how am I gonna learn if I can't face things, right? Another thing that strikes me is that I am tired of people reading things about me before I can tell them. I know, I know, it's my own fault because I put stuff on there, and I shouldn't be putting things on there that I don't want people to see or to read. But oh my word, it is such a temptation when I have that little post box thing and it's empty and I'm reading about what fun things others are doing or thinking...it's hard not to want to join in on the fun and have people pay attention to you. I mean, am I completely off here? Am I the only one that does this? I know, I'm a crazy girl, but hey, I'm also an honest girl. Well, most of the time. :)

Now, don't think I hate facebook and look down on anyone that is a part of facebook. I think facebook is great, I love it, if I had a time log you'd realize just how much I loved it...it's just time for this girl to take a break and stop stalking everyone and looking for attention in the wrong places. I also am now going to hopefully be able to not tell Scott "oh yeah, yeah, already read that on your post this morning. I could not believe he said that!" and "Yes, we totally need to hang out with them soon. What? Yes, I already saw their comment on your post. Hardy, har har, yes, I'm stalking my own husband, blah blah blah, your hilarious." Um...yeah, and I'm crazy, that's why this works so well. Actually this works so well because he loves me so unconditionally inspite of my craziness but that is a whole nother post.

Well, I'm so totally done typing and thinking. I don't know if post even flows in a pattern that is comprehensible, kinda don't care right now. But I hope you enjoyed it and I hope it makes you stop and think a teensy bit.