Just because...

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...

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

Dangerously good that is.

I don't suck.

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 ...

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

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.