Holly and Alan Hoping to Adopt

Hello Blog World:

Please take the time to check out Holly and Al's website as they are an amazing couple that are hoping to adopt! Send to friends and family or anyone you know!


http://www.hollyandalnoy.com/

Lack of Everythingosis

I have been plagued. The disease: Lack of Everythingosis.

I have not been a creative blogger for a few months, I haven't even blogged at all. And as a matter of fact, I can't actually say I've had anything funny or random to say.

This long Minnesota winter and this rainy "spring" have not encouraged anything creative and funny from me either.

I can't really pin-point the onset of this "lack of everythingosis" as I do work 2 jobs --1 full-time another part-time and go to school--all of which I have brought upon myself invitingly and willingly. For me--the more busy the more productive.

I have copious amounts of "treatments" and "medications" for this illness, some of which include buying our first house, being super close to finishing my Registered Nursing degree, spending time with family, the hopes of having a garden (and at least keeping one thing alive), and celebrating births and engagements with friends (always amazing and exciting).

My lack of everythingosis however, is over taking my sense of who I am, or mostly who I thought I was, and making me re-think some paths I have chosen in my life. I truly believe in things happening for a reason, and without some of these "paths" I am rethinking, I maybe would not have met my prince charming, or shared some of my greatest memories with amazing friends. And as much as I can rationalize these great outcomes I have received for my "path" choice, I have been miserable for the last 6 months for 40 hours each week.

I have somehow managed to let myself destroy values of which I held highly and enveloped myself in drama that I, by any means, do not need.

The cure at this time is unknown. A positive attitude and outlook seem a good antidote, however one can only be broken down so much before not even these can be helpful.

I suppose the incubation period for this is my fault. I don't actually suppose, I know it is my fault. You(me), are the only person that can be responsible for your happiness and how you are treated. But how do I reverse this "disease"now? Why can't it work itself out on it's own!!!

As I said, the cure at this time is still unknown. Many different "paths" are being thrown around and one of which I am praying for daily.

So not very creative and not funny, I end this post with hopes and prayers for a cure....(sigh)

Done "sucking it up!"

I can't help but want spring to arrive.

I'm not certain if its the 2 feet of snow accumulating on our already shoveled ground or the tease of warmth and green grass we received last week. Either way, please spring, will you hurry up?

I realize I live in Minnesota, so as some say, "suck it up!"--But really how long must this sucking it up thing have to last? I've already "sucked up" -40 degree weather, I've already "sucked up" drifted roads with sneaky underlying ice skating rinks, and darn it, I've already "sucked up" almost 4 months of winter.....So AGAIN---when will the "sucking it up" STOP!?!?!

I am dreading my fearful drive home---white knuckles, squinty eyes and all.... The semi's and other larger vehicles cruising by me with there 4 wheel drive...and me in my little blue speck chugging away and praying to God I make it home.....

If you see me in the ditch on 169---please stop. I do have a little survival kit that my mother makes me keep in my car, I think the snickers bar is over 2 years old, and I'm not sure if I have a lighter to ignite the candle....But not to worry, I most definitely will not starve to death. ...

Sigh.

Today, I'm not so pleased to have a window view....I think I'm in a snow globe that some little kid hopped up on sugar shook crazy...

All I would like to do is crawl up on our couch with my boyfriend, OUR two cats..(he calls them mine, HA, didn't he know as soon as we moved in together that was a natural adoption!) and my snuggie that I received for Christmas.

(slap to face)--Reality check....I must have been dreaming, instead...I will work until 4pm, drive home and hopefully not die, and then work again until 9:30 pm...I need to do the dishes too...

Sigh.

Mother Nature-- enough already...I'm done "sucking it up!"

100 lbs and counting........

It isn't everyday that one can say they have had enough motivation to lose 100 pounds. Let alone do it in a year! As any of us that have struggled with weight know, losing 5 lbs is hard, but 100!!?!?

Molly has been a family friend for, well, forever..And I could not be more proud! For some of you that follow this blog regularly you may remember the story of her older brother Zach and his huge weight loss success as well! And as matter of fact, Zach and Molly's mom has lost a ton of weight as well! Way to go guys!

So for congratulatory and inspiratory purposes I asked Molly a few questions!

1) Why did you start losing weight? Was there a breaking point?

I don’t think I really had a breaking point. It just kind of happened. I had been struggling to find jeans big enough to fit me and one of my roommates decided to lose some weight. Having someone to do it with was mostly what made me decide to do it. That and I was just sick of everything being so much harder than it needed to be. That friend never really got very far with the weight loss thing, but other people in my life have, which helps keep me motivated. So do the select handful of friends that know about it, my family, and my friends who are on weight watchers.

2.) What are you doing to lose?

I’ve been an online weight watchers member since the end of February 2010. A combination of following weight watchers and eating healthier all around, also I try to exercise more than I had been.

3.) What has changed the most?

Finding clothes has gotten a little easier, although I’m still just a little bit too big to be able to go into any store and find something, I’m close. I also feel better. I used to eat a lot of fast food and it left my body feeling crummy. Now I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, which just make me feel better and cleaner. I’ve also noticed that I know longer take up the entire chair at school, there’s a little wiggle room now. Things haven’t changed a lot, yet, but I’m at that point where changes are going to start becoming more apparent.

4.) What are you looking forward to the most with the NEW you?

I’m still a long ways from where I need to be. But I’ve made good progress in getting there. I think I was in denial about how big I really was, when I look at pictures now I see it. I really look forward to eventually being able to shop in a “normal” store (not a store that specializes in plus sizes). I’m excited to have a visible collar bone. And as stupid as it sounds I’m excited to be able to cross my legs when sitting without it being uncomfortable (I’m almost there now), it just looks so much nicer than my regular slouchy position.

5.) Advice for those maybe stuck in a rut, or what kept you going?

What keeps me going is how far I’ve come and how far I still have to go. I haven’t set an official goal weight, because it’s still about 100 pounds away, even though I’ve lost 100. Sometimes it’s kind of discouraging that I’ve lost this much and am still this big, but going from a size 28 to a 18 and 20 proves that I’ve come a long way. One thing I think that has helped is not depriving myself. Some people give up all the foods they love in order to lose weight. I still splurge sometimes, if I REALLY want taco bell every once in a while, I have it. If I have a friend visiting from home, I’m going to eat like a “normal” person, just less than I used to. It’s just about moderation and portion control. It’s too hard to eat nothing but foods that are healthy all the time, and it’s so not realistic. I’m only 21; I’m not going to never eat Chinese, pizza, or a cheeseburger again! However, I have found what my “trigger foods” are (those that I cannot just have one serving of). So I’ve learned to just steer clear of them unless I know I’m sharing, sometimes it’s easier to have none than just a little.

__________________________

Wow. I think Molly deserves a round of applause! clapping..clapping...clapping....:)

Keep up the great work Molly!

Oneida Culinaria Review

As the marketing statement clearly states from Oneida, I've now brought life to the table as well. We did in fact purchase a new table, when we purchased our first home just recently, but I'm talking about the accessories to go with our new table.

Oneida was gracious enough to let me try out some of their products which also led me to purchase some of their silverware as well...and lets just say, since I am the dishwasher, I thoroughly enjoy these products. I have also managed to drop, smack, and slam these products--with no worries!

I am most definitely an avid coffee drinker and I love these mugs that came along with my Culinaria 16 piece set in Cocoa. They are smooth and sleek, and although most likely in my mis-matched PJ's, at least my coffee cup is stylish!

The solid color pattern is great and it has long wearing durability. And very easy handling. One great thing about choosing a color like this is you can mix and match and that is one of the cool things about Culinaria's colors--its just for that reason!

I haven't quite decided if my 16 piece set will stay in the cupboard or be displayed in our built in buffet cabinets that are quite lonely at this time.

I love these dishes, and they are easy to wash as well. They are dishwasher and microwave safe!

Check out Oneida Culinaria today and see for yourself! And they are having a sale right now!! Even better!

Children's Advil Contest

Hey Readers!

As the cold and flu season is upon us, Angie Harmon, has teamed up with the makers of Children's Advil to launch, " Relieve My Fever"--a contest that invites parents and their kids to sing the Children's Advil rendition of the classic song "Fever" for a chance to win $15,000!! The kid-friendly version of the song tells the story of mommy fighting her little one's fever and making her child feel better.

Also, for EVERY entry and vote at RelieveMyFever.com, Children's Advil will donate money to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals!

This time of year parents often need to treat their child's cold and flu symptoms, and many times those symptoms include fever. In fact, a recent survey of doctors showed that fever is the #1 reasons parents call their child's pediatricians office. The good news is that nothing reduces fever faster or keeps it down longer than Children's Advil. Children's Advil is offering parents a fun way to tap into families' creative energy and spend some quality time together while supporting a worthy children's cause!

To Enter:

Parents can visit http://relievemyfever.com/ to find easy-to-follow instructions, lyrics, music and a sample video that will help them create and submit their own little superstar's video performance!

As a part of the contest, the makers of Children's Advil will donate $5 for every entry submitted and $1 for every vote cast to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals!

These donations are used to provide charitable care, purchase life-saving equipment, and fund research and education programs that save and improve the lives of millions of kids each year!

How awesome to do something like this, even if its just voting for the video's already existing!

If you and your family post a video, share it with me on Facebook too, and I will also feature you on my blog as well as share with other bloggers!

Good Luck!

Home Sweet Home

Finally...

After much anticipation, it is finally ours! We have been busy updating the bathroom, painting, painting, and more painting! We are all moved in and our furniture arrived yesterday!

Many thanks to family and friends! The updating the house process has flown by and we could not have done it without them!

So now to the decorating and getting organized ( I heard this takes years!!)

Holiday Feeling

As all of the holly jollies are coming to an end, and snow is on the horizon AGAIN, its nice to take the time to reflect on the ever so fastly moving Christmas holiday.

For me, this Christmas was different from the 24 I have had in the past. A good different, a scary different, a different that was bound to happen at some point. ... This was the very first year I did not wake up Christmas morning at my parents house with my only 4 years younger brother waking up at the crack of dawn to open presents. (Any other day, it may take a glass of ice cold water to the face to wake him up!)

This year I spent Christmas Eve at my boyfriends parents and we spent Christmas day at mine...And as different as it was, its a grown up feeling that this is how life is supposed to be, and change will happen, ready or not...

Its so different to see the traditions other families have started throughout the years, and very exciting thinking about someday starting our own and/or carrying on the same ones. Fonduing on Christmas Eve, sleigh rides and a fulfilling breakfast on Christmas day. Board games and laughing, and maybe drinking a little too much. As stressful as I make all the gift giving and shopping , the where are we going and when's, making new traditions and doing old ones with our families gives me that holiday feeling I felt years ago when I still believed in Santa.....

Tis the Season

Christmas time..For me, my most favorite time of the year...

It all starts on Black Friday. What better way to get sucked into the Christmas spirit than standing in line at Target for 4 hours in the freezing cold, 50 yard dashing to the cheap TV's, battling hundreds of people packed into stores like sardines, and not even sleeping because now Walmart has this bright idea of starting its deals at midnight...

Then there is decorations...Christmas lights, some extremely tacky, some extremely tasteful...some just so hideous you can't help but stare. Oh and don't forget those blow up decorations..

My mom has this special way of decorating their house..Full of snowmen and garland, lights and candles...normally smells like evergreen trees or baked apple pie....ahhh, amazing..

And snow...No worries this year in Minnesota. There is enough snow to go around....and around...and around...and apparently more coming on Christmas.

But with snow comes bad roads, and with bad roads come BAD DRIVERS. I mean really...how many years have you lived in Minnesota? Drive like it then...We should all be familiar with blowing snow and roads we could ice skate on...so start acting like it okay?!?! If you are going to drive 10 miles an hour, just stay home, and if you are going to drive 80....well when I pass you and laugh because you are stuck in the ditch...hehe I won....

This year a bunch of us rocked out an ugly sweater party as well...

The best part is Christmas isn't over yet, and the are many good times yet to come!

Have a great holiday season!

Homeowning 101

Overwhelming one could say, flat out frightening is maybe more appropriate. HGTV makes buying your first house look so easy.....

Don't be naive people, the television show Property Virgins, should be called, We will only show you 2 of the 1,298,435 steps of owning your first home.

I mean who would of thought that saving up money in your underwear drawer cannot be used for a down payment! They, (they as in the knowers of owning a house people) call this mattress money. And apparently since you technically cannot "track" this money, it cannot be used for your house down payment because it could be considered mortgage fraud..(apparently, the seller could actually give money to the buyer so the seller could get the house sold!) I know right..wish I would of thought of that! hehe, just kidding....

And again you don't just look at 3 houses, like on the show, you look at as many as it takes for you to either a)give up b)find one you like. For us, we looked at 10. At first it was so exciting...looking online for houses, thinking about how you would arrange your furniture....All too good to be true..

Note to self: Pictures are deceiving.....

One house we looked at was most likely used as a meth house at one time. I got a headache in the 3 minutes we were there and my first red flag should have been the leather jacket hanging from the electrical wire...not even joking..

And the approval process----First you get pre-approved..Yes this is basically saying you may or not be able to actually get the house you finally choose, but we will give you this letter to get your hopes up either way.... On the up side it really wasn't alot of paperwork, pay stubs, length of employment, bank statements.....not too bad...

So then when you do decide what house you want you sign something called a, "Purchase Agreement." This is basically saying, you now chose this house, we will cash your earnest money check if you and the seller agree on a price, you will pay more money for an inspection and appraisal, and maybe after that you will actually get the house...

Offering: Not when you give money at church, but the offer and counteroffer process...It can take weeks, back and forth, back and forth...I was so glad to finally, somewhat agree on a price, of course I would of always been okay with something lower.....

Inspection: First, it will always be worth the money you spend on it. Our purchase agreement was contingent on the inspection, basically saying we can walk away if anything is wrong and the seller won't fix it....okay not a bad deal, we would still be out the inspection, but not buying a money pit!

Back to overwhelming...Our inspector was great, very very educational especially when I'm someone who walks in to the house and starts thinking of paint colors and furniture......

I learned....
A) Caulk will be our best friend
B) St.Peter's ground is mostly sand, good for old foundations
C) To check a leaky toilet put food coloring in it...(could be kinda fun, see what colors we can make)
D) It is good if snow is still on the roof, meaning it is properly insulated.....
E) There is a right and wrong way to put in a furnance filter (what?!?! there are furnace filters!?)
And F) Toliets flush a certain amount of gallons, get the most energy efficent one..

Overall, the inspection went well, and now we are on the final stretch.

Closing date is supposed to be 12/10...and I can't wait. I'm scared and most likely will be broke.... However, I can't wait to do things my way and put stuff where I want...or I guess what we agree on anyways...many first times lie ahead and I couldn't be happier!

Hunting Opener Success

Every year I get so excited for hunting season. No, no, I'm not a hunter. If any of you know me, you may know I cried once because my mom killed a daddy long legs spider....(eek! and I hate spiders!) So the idea of me shooting a living thing is, well, just not... However, I have over come my sadness for killing spiders....

Okay, back to the point. Hunting season...My hunting season consists of getting together with my mom, aunt, and family friend to shop and craft!! This year we had some new additions as well, and I think we may even let them come next year! (kidding girls, you are wonderful new additions!)

The festivities begin around hunting opener and continue through the weekend. So normally a Friday-Sunday thing...This year we changed things a bit due to scheduling conflicts and such, and started Saturday and ended sadly on Monday.

Saturday I met the ladies at a garage sale around 10am. Boo! It turned out to be a flop....with good advertising skills...So moving on, we normally do the thrift store thing then moving on to places such as Hobby Lobby and Kohl's....We enjoyed lunch at Red Lobster where a few of us also enjoyed a few margaritas on the rocks! mmm....and who can go wrong with the Cheddar Bay Biscuits...delectable...

We took our time from store to store and before we knew it we were shopping at Kohls at 11pm!!! And we still had to go to dreaded Wal-Mart...Sore feet, slight hallucinations and hungriness later, we decide to hit up Taco Bell before our drive home...The lobby was closed, so bummed and starving we made our way through the drive through, parked, and inhaled our food...

We finally made it home, and I could not go to bed fast enough, or at least put my aching feet up..14 hours of shopping...wow! Currently, I never want to go shopping again.

Revived and refreshed we woke up Sunday for crafting. Sanding boards, preparing our paints, and deciding really what we wanted to create always has to be accompanied by some sort of alcohol. Some enjoyed Mojitos, some enjoyed Bloody Mary's, some enjoyed a few too many beers and had trouble with the steps...but at least managed to keep MOST of the paint where it was supposed to be!

We created a few more than pictured, however they are going to be gifts, so they cannot be disclosed at this time.

All and all, it was an amazing hunting season opener again, and I already cannot wait till next year.

To my feet; you're welcome

Dear Feet,

I hope you are really pleased with me at least, because I am not so pleased with myself. Instead of running you to the bone tomorrow, I have opted out of the 1/2 marathon. You are welcome for keeping you from prune-looking, blistery, water- soaked madness.

See here is the thing. In the last month, you and I haven't done much running. I've been busy, you've been busy trying to keep up with me, and as we both know, we needed our sleep. You and I have visited about 10 houses, and you have done a great job checking the floors for cracks, scratches, etc. So maybe this is somewhat of a thank you.

I feel pretty bad about it letting myself down and all, but better to be safe I suppose.

I only ask one thing from you. How about we hit up the roads again soon? Maybe try to make it a regular occurrence once again?

Thanks for always being there for me, you really hold me up when I need it.

-Me

Rims,Tires, Valve Stems, Oh My!

I apologize if this offends someone. If any readers' brothers' girlfriends' moms' friends' son works at Tires Plus, again I'm sorry..But here is the thing...

About a month ago, my tire had a boo-boo, of which I thought a simple patch would fix. However, this was most certainly not the case. Instead, I was there for about an hour and a half, while a new, $100 tire was placed on my car.

Okay fine, put the damn tire on, and send me on my way....

Well, apparently if you have aluminum rims after about 60 miles you need to get the lug nuts tightened...(so i guess your wheel doesn't fall off?!) Okay fine, I'll come back and get them tightened...

Well, for about the last month (after my FIRST Tires Plus visit), my tire kept going flat..

Really?

I mean, really?

Okay fine, so I have to go back to Tires Plus...F...

So here's the thing, I stopped in, made an appointment, and then later arrived at my appointment time...actually 5 minutes before my appointment time.

I waited....15 minutes....30 minutes....my car was in the same spot that I parked it in, it never moved...45 minutes...the nauseating smell of tires filling my nose....1 hour....they finally moved my car...1 hour 15 minutes.....I was pacing in the waiting area..( a waiting area filled with tires, hard metal chairs, 10 waiting people, a water fountain, a 25 cent candy machine (damn it, I have no quarters), and a TV you cannot even see from the ridiculous chairs....1 hour 20 minutes...I finally approach the counter, trying to remain calm, and hold back the steam shooting from my ears," Do you know where you are at with the blue Nissan?" "2 minutes," the worker replies..Okay fine, I'm okay with 2 more minutes....

1 hour 25 minutes....I approach the counter again, "Is the blue Nissan done yet?" "2 minutes," the worker replies...Are you kidding me? Is this the only time frame you know dude?!? The last thing I want to do on my day off is spend time pacing your raunchy waiting area!!!!!!

1 hour 30 minutes....the worker tells me that he ordered a new sensor for my valve stem....Are you kidding me? I have to come back here? F..

And the best yet.....my stupid aluminum rims...after 60 miles...well you know...Are you kidding me?!?!

When this stupid sensor comes in, I'm dropping my car off at 7:30 am, so that hopefully by 4:15 pm...it may be close to done.

Caught on Camera

Oh my. Saturday.

Saturday I/we partook in a lovely couple's bachelorette/bachelor party...

Saturday I/we drank beer.

Saturday I/we drank tequila.

Saturday I/we drank tootsie pop shots.

Saturday Boones farm was poured into my mouth.

Saturday I/we ate cheesy turkey sandwhich after cheesy turkey sandwhich, with whole pickles.

Saturday I danced on a cooler.

Saturday I fell off a cooler.. (no pictures to be displayed..)

Saturday I/we played tippy cup.

Saturday I/we sprawled across a big white stuffed ape...

Saturday THEY ate the groom-to-be's underwear...

Saturday created amazing memories with some of my favorite people (thank god for cameras!)

---------------------------------------------------

Sunday I had a heart to heart with 2 friends, one of them being while I was in the shower...(Thank God for NO pictures!)

Sunday I/we were up until 5ish...the time is still unknown.

Sunday I took 2 naps.

Sunday I/we found bruises.

Sunday I/we had headaches...

Sunday I/we had hickeys...........

The wedding is going to be AMAZING! October 30,2010

23,25

23 days until the half marathon. I'm not sure if I am prepared.



I 'm not quite sure if it's the heavy breathing with an increase in pace, the feeling of death and relief when I finally see my house again, or the extremely soaked with sweat clothes I try to pull off my body, which by the way is an awfully hard task when your muscles feel like jello.



And the worst of it is my right knee is killing me. At some points in my run I'm almost afraid that my next step is going to be a face plant into the payment due to lack of my knee working. (This is why I run at 5am.) So if anyone from work is reading this, if I wouldn't show up to work without calling...I'm probably face planted into the payment, tears down my face, laughing, bawling, and not moving. --great image.



It must be this..See I turn 25 tomorrow. Really I was excited about this..at one point. I mean my car insurance goes down and I'm growing up. I have a wonderful family, friends, and I have met the man I want to marry....a good job, and we are currently on the house hunt. However, this whole body aching, hard to breath thing isn't working out for me.... and what is with the awful hangover thing anyways??? 1 year ago I could drink 2 bottles of wine, beer, jello shots, and tequila and not feel a thing the next day! And the worst part is I have put all this effort into getting healthier and this is what 25 has to offer me!! I think not!



So I think I might just stay 24 until I'm ready.



And ready or not here I come 23 days.

Oooh AHH, I've got a new BRA

Yes. It is true. I have a new bra..sports bra that is..

Lyoness Sportswear sent me a Rhythmbra.. No it doesn't boost you into dance moves or make music by its self. However, it has a handy dandy little pocket in the center for various things...

You can stick money in it...

a credit card..

an Ipod..(not the old one but the newer skinnier one..)

chapstick..

chafe stick...(yes, this works great..)

cellphone..

house key..

The neat little pocket provides you with a hands free workout ...and great support I may add! It is also stylish if you are a only sport bra runner..(not me, not yet..) You have to try this out if you are having a not so hands free workout..It is nice to get rid of those things I was always carrying in my hands...And it doesn't get too sweaty!!

Thanks for the hands free workout Lyoness!!!

And readers...what would you put in your handy dandy pocket?!?!

Watch Out Ladies...

Everyone needs inspiration...I know I do. Daily I struggle with weight. I want pizza and pasta, give me all the carbs I can take! But....I want to be healthy..So I don't get all the carbs I want...all the time....I run...and I do my best to take care of myself.

So...

Today I bring an inspiring story from my best friend, Zach. And I am so so proud of him!!

Let the inspiration begin......

What was your breaking point, the one where you decided to change?

I can’t really say that I had a “breaking point” per se. A couple people from work approached me to join a team for a promotion we do here at the paper (Waseca County News) called “The Big Waseca Weigh-In.”

I was actually kind of hesitant in joining just because everything time I’ve tried to lose weight in the past it’s failed and just been frustrating. But I joined thinking that I’d just play along more or less and maybe try to drop a few pounds.

Well, it started going well right away so I decided to just keep going. That was in January and I’m still losing!

What is the biggest difference? Clothes, people, etc?

Well clothes obviously. I guess if there’s a downside to losing a lot of weight it’s having to buy new pants every couple months but I guess that’s probably a good thing.

I don’t think people really have changed much. I get a lot of compliments and stuff, which, in a weird way, I’m a little uncomfortable with just because I’m not used to getting positive attention about my appearance. But, again, it’s a good thing.

Any inspiration?

Not really anything too out of the ordinary. Just want to look better and feel better about myself.

What keeps you motivated?

There are a couple things that keep me motivated. The first is probably just my progress to this point. I’m well over halfway to where I want to be so I can’t help but think, ‘I’ve gone this far, no sense turning back now.’

Another thing would probably be the fact that I’m NOT telling anyone how much I’ve lost to this point. I realize this might sound like a weird motivation tactic but, obviously I’m excited about my progress and WANT to tell people, but if I tell myself that I can’t tell anyone until I’m done it just sort of gives me a little extra oomph. I have told just one person just so I have someone to keep me in check if I fall off course.

What changes have you made?

Again, nothing too out of the ordinary. I take longer walks with my dog, Homer. I workout beside that once in a while but not too terribly often. I have changed my eating habits quite a bit, though. I RARELY snack and when I do it’s usually vegetables rather than chips or something like that. Other than that, I just try to eat smaller meals and make healthier choices. But, another thing that’s helped me keep going is not being a total food Nazi about it.

Once in a while, if I want pizza or buffalo wings, I eat pizza or buffalo wings. I just do it much more in moderation. I think if I had tried to completely cut-out things like I would have cracked long ago and put myself in a greasy food coma.

What is your favorite new habit, if you have one?

Eating breakfast. I was never much of a breakfast guy but now I try to eat a little bit every morning just to jumpstart the old metabolism a little bit.

Favorite new food?

Can’t say I have a favorite really. I have kind of become a creature of habit in terms of eating most days. I always eat two large eggs for breakfast and usually a turkey sandwich or turkey salad with for lunch. Supper is really the only meal I really deviate much on. I will say though, Subway has definitely benefited from all this.

Favorite new activity?

It’s not really a new activity but more of a modified one. When I walked Homer in the past, I used to usually just go a little ways and do it sometime in the afternoon. Now I usually try to take him for at least a couple miles and go at night. It helps me clear my head right before I go to bed and usually the temperature is much more comfortable.

Ladies....you better watch out!! Way to go ZACH!!!!

I guest posted!

Hey guys! I guest posted! Check out my weight loss story at Big Mama's One Change Weight Loss, her blog is amazing and hilarious!

Happy Tuesday!

Trashy Running Shirt...Yes Please!

My very first review!

After a two week break from running, flat out laziness, and eating pretty much anything and everything, yesterday I'm back on my running game!! And what better way then to try out my new recycled running shirt from Atayne.com!

What is Atayne? Atayne is an online outdoor and athletic clothing company with a point of view! They don't just make the outdoor clothing, performance apparel, or workout clothes; they make it from trash! (or some may say, recycled materials...) Not only is it recycled clothing, they make it with a voice, with hopes people will promote values not a make of a billion dollar brand! These items aren't only for running, but biking, hiking, paddling, and yoga too!

I chose the Womens Running Grind T, size Medium, color Apline Lake, and my point of view was Run Hard, Tread Lightly. Other point of views where things like, Recyled Runner, Bio-Fueled Runnner, or Run with Nature!

I love this top! In my sweat dripping, heavy breathing, running madness, it kept me cool and I was focused on my run rather than being HOT! It didn't show much sweat either! (Which is nice when running next to someone casually walking on a treadmill thinking you are crazy!)














Product Description from Atayne.com

If you lead with your values, this is the performance running top for you. Made from 100% recycled polyester (from post consumer plastic bottles) and treated with naturally derived Chitosan, the Grind T is high on performance and low on negative environmental and social impact. Plus our running point of view graphics allow you to promote your values, and not just the mark of a billion dollar brand.

So if you are looking for something new when it comes to performance wear, why not save our environment while doing so! Check out Atayne today!

Back on Track

Ugh..this cold windy weather has me wanting to crawl in bed and hope for warmer weather tomorrow. It is never just right, when it is so humid you can't breathe I want cooler weather and now its so cold and windy I want warmer weather...Catch 22.

It has been awhile since I blogged last, I was busy studying. I am doing an examination based RN accelerated program through Excelsior College in New York. (Even here in MN!) So basically I study study study, and then go to a Pearson's Testing Center (such as the same place I took my boards) and I test the class per say. So last Friday, I passed my first test and earned 3 credits! Only 6 more tests left!!

Anyways, I'm back on the blogging track! I have some upcoming reviews and Onemoremile.net is offering my readers 15% OFF their merchandise! All you have to do is visit their site, simply key in the code RUC1326 when prompted and viola! They will also be at the Mankato Marathon Expo so any locals can check them out there!

If anyone buys anything off the site let me know, I'm still browsing, but can't wait to find something!

Happy Tuesday! Don't blow away!