Its been awhile...

Long time no blog and happy new year to you all. These last 4 weeks have flown by in a blur it seems. Between our engagement and spending as much time with one another as possible, Adam and I had a busy last few weeks. Throw in a couple of holiday's, a new job and other committments in life, this blog has been neglected to say the least.

I wanted to share the great workout Adam and I completed a few times while he was home. When I visited Adam in Novemeber in Minneapolis, we ran this great set of stairs that was right down by the Mississippi River, two different times. I could barely walk the next day but it was definitely worth it. Nothing is better than the sunshine beating down on you with your best friend encouraging and pushing you (while you feel like dying!). If that isn't teamwork, I don't know what is!

Anyways... Because we like to mix up our workouts and push ourselves, Adam suggested running the stairs off of the 12th Avenue exit. I was thinking, okay, no big deal...This shouldn't be too bad. Well I should have known I was in for a butt beater when Adam's idea of a warm up was to run virtually straight up hill. While the view was worth it, I could have done without the inability to breath 30 seconds into the workout. Thankfully he slowed it down to a walk when I was almost in tears...Like I said, we like to push ourselves :) Nothing like the feeling of a heavy chest as I huff and puff. I thought to myself, "I workout 5 or 6 days awake and I am in this kind of shape??" Thankfully Mr. Athlete reminded me this was a completely different kind of workout that I ever do.

If you are all still reading, you probably would like for me to get on with the story. Below you will see the various levels of the stairs that we ran. While it wasn't a long workout, it was very challenging. The first time we did these stairs, we walked down the stairs in between each set. By the time we were done, I was waddling like a duck. In between each set we would do squats, push ups and/or calf raises. I have definitely noticed improvement in my time and ability to push myself through the whole set and not walk in between.  We discovered a loop during one of our runs and decided to start running down the hill instead of tortouring ourselves down the stairs. Yesterday I finally timed our sets and I averaged about 1:20 per each set; Adam about 50-55 seconds. He is such a baller, that man of mine. I also brought my iPhone and turned up the volume so we had a little motivation to keep us going.

I can be pretty hard on myself but thankfully I have Adam to encourage me and remind me to be easier on myself. It can be pretty intimidating working out with a superstar :)

We have really enjoyed doing this workout (we do 5 sets...4 running and usually the last set we walk but take the stairs 2 at a time...or 3 at a time in Adam's case). I'm hoping to get back down here to do this some more so the next time he and I go, I can whoop his cute butt :) Any takers??

Afterwards, we have been heading down to Whole Foods in the Pearl where I spend half my paycheck (just kidding...sort of) and we get a delicious sandwich to share. I have finally gotten Adam to tolerate coffee and he even sneaks sips of my latte now...So we usually grab a latte (well a tea latte for him) as well as a sweet treat...Because what is life without treats? (Oh hello UU and Ben & Jerry's, you guys were definitely not neglected over the holidays!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Big News!

I thought that this past Saturday would be like any other Saturday.  I figured I would get in a good workout, lounge and enjoy the day off of work.  While this did happen...my day was DEFINITELY not as I expected!


Saturday morning Adam and I went to a spin class.  We got in a great workout and then headed to Market of Choice for an early lunch.  Afterwards, we picked up little Boo Bell who was coming to spend the afternoon at my house.  Adam wanted to go to the mall to check out a coat for the upcoming Minnesota weather, but I really did not feel like going.  I thought we could just go on Sunday, when we would be out in the area...But nope, he wanted to go then!


Our trip to the mall was quick and Adam found just what he needed. We had parked across the street by a Barnes and Noble bookstore, as well as the Starbucks we met at.  Adam had been saying all morning how he wanted a fraapucino, so we headed in to get a quick drink before heading home.  We ordered our drinks and went to the same table where we first sat together, almost exactly 3 years ago.  We spent some time talking about our time together and details of our first date.  Before I knew it, Adam was reaching in to his pocket, got down on his knees and proposed to me!! It was a complete surprise and a very special moment for us! (Thank goodness I convinced him to let me shower before our errands!)

Needless to say, it has been a pretty great last few days around here :) We were able to celebrate with my family that evening and have been so grateful for all the love and well wishes.


We are very much looking forward to this exciting new adventure ahead of us.  I will never be more thankful to Starbucks than I am now :)

What I am..

...Most grateful for.  This time of the year encourages people to think a little bit harder about the things or people they are most grateful for.  While I say a little prayer for each blessing in my life each day, here is what is standing out in my mind at this time.


My family & Adam

Memorial Day 2011

My health

Cheesin it in Central Park

My new job

My friendships

Old friends...We pick up right where we left off

Linds and I in Boston

Melissa and Michelle...The best :)

 Travel opportunites

 Beautiful weather

United States Troops

The joy of the holiday season 

Christmas 2009 

True holiday joy

Happy Holiday's!

Long Time No Post!

It has been a busy week since I last posted.  As I mentioned, I started at my new job. I am loving it there and am so blessed to have this opportunity.  I work with a great, young group of people who have been very friendly and welcoming. I am also excited about this job, because some of my good friends work just down the street at Nike.  The company holiday party was on Thursday afternoon at the zoo. Pretty neat to get out early your first week of work to celebrate the holiday's :). It also didn't hurt it was a beautiful day out!


One of the nice things about where I am working now, is the options to eat around my building. Even at my last job, I usually brought my lunch 4 days a week and treated myself one day a week.  This week was no difference.  On Friday I was supposed to meet Michelle at Cafe Yumm but she unfortunately had to cancel.  I decided to still go on my own and had a delicious original Yumm bowl on top of mixed greens and garnished with tortilla chips. It was very good! I do enjoy the Yumm sauce, but only like a small amount.  I love that this meal comes with brown rice, black beans and avocado; these are some of my favorite foods.  After lunch, I was dragging and decided to try out Edge Coffee, located next to Cafe Yumm and across from where I work. I had a soy latte that was very good. Since it was so beautiful out, I decided to soak up the sun and walked around my building a couple of times.  Now that I am back to working and spend much of the day sitting, I have gone walking either inside (there is a big loop) or outside on breaks and lunch.  Usually at break my co-workers go to and it has been nice getting to know them.


Besides work, not too much else was on my radar. It took a little adjustment getting back into the full time work routine, but I haven't minded it. Despite having to take 217 each day to get to work, I have been pretty lucky traffic wise. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling top notch this week and felt like I was getting sick off and on throughout the week.  I was more than ready for Friday to arrive and have spent this weekend resting, working out, babysitting and celebrating the holidays at my family's annual Christmas brunch.


Each year it has been tradition for Big Jim and I to go get our Christmas tree.  We usually chop it down and then get Starbucks together.  Because the weekends have been busy for my parents, it worked best for my dad to go get the tree himself this year. He did a great job picking out a TALL tree.  We have put it in our family room this year, which is a nice change.  We spent Friday evening decorating it and once I get a picture, I will post for all to see.


Workout wise, I have tried to stay active despite not feeling well.  I have done some circuit workouts, HIIT workouts and a mix of other cardio/weights.  Today I covered 4.25 miles on the treadmill in 35 minutes (30 min. running, 2 1/2 min. each warm up and cool down).  For the first time in I couldn't tell you how many years, we haven't made any Christmas cookies... This has been good for the waistline!  However, ice cream consumption has not been deterred and I actually just returned from the store to re-stock our ice cream supply!


I hope this week flies by because on Thursday, Adam finally arrives home!!!!


Have a great start to your week and thanks for stopping by :)

I have a case of the Monday's...The GOOD Monday's!

Hello All! 


I hope you all had a great weekend. I did...It included helping Holiday Bazaar at the church I grew up at.  My aunt once again selflessly organized the entire event and Mama Bell recruited the vendors. Way to go! I was also able to do some Christmas decorating, had coffee with Melissa (at the Starbucks Adam and I met almost 3 years ago!) and got to see my little Boo (and my brother and sis as well, always a treat!). I was able to get in a couple of great workouts as well. I rounded out my weekend with a trip to New Seasons for a delicious Black Bean burger.

Little Boo earlier this week, aka my mini-me.

Grandma Patsy, Mama Bell, myself and Aunt Cathy at the Holiday Bazaar. 

(Don't worry, I didn't miss the red memo, I was sporting my favorite red patent leather flats!)

The mantel decorated. It looks even prettier in dimmed lighting.

Ditto for the dining room

And...the Starbucks Adam and I met at. 

Best.day.of.our.lives :)

For those of you in the Portland area, you are likely familiar with this store.  New Seasons has 12 stores in the Portland metro area, with one store that recently opened in Vancouver.

This is my local New Seasons store

While New Seasons is definitely more expensive than your typical grocery store, they actually have some pretty great deals and they carry a generic brand, Western Family.  They have wonderful, local organic produce.  The New Seasons employees are extremely friendly and very down to earth.  From the photo above, you can see they have a grand floral and garden area.  Adam used to live across the street from this location and may or may not have eat there....4 or 5 times (at least) a week!

Because I was ravenous last night, I missed out on taking a picture of my burger.  However, I will describe it to you.  One thing I love about getting grilled sandwiches here is that there are no limit on the number of toppings and there is no additional fee once you go over a certain number.  

My burger:

Whole wheat rustic bread

Black bean burger

Hummus

1/2 slice of Tillamook cheddar

Leaf lettuce

Tomatoes

Grilled mushrooms

Grilled red pepper

Avocado

Cucumber

And yes...this all fit on the burger wonderfully :) However, I decided I should probably watch my intake since I knew I would be enjoying a big bowl of Umpqua Vanilla Bean ice cream with chocolate chips while I watched 90210 (very stimulating, I know)...So I dumped the makings of my burger onto a big bed of mixed greens and cut up a little of the bread. It may not sound or look very appetizing but it was delicious!

I also picked up a variety of Balance bars (only 99 cents- great deal!), fresh produce (a yam, avocado, tomatoes, mixed greens, a head of lettuce, bananas, broccoli and a variety of apples). I grabbed some great crackers (on sale!) as well. 

Today was an exciting day for me. I started my new job! Of course I had pre-job jitters last night and couldn't fall asleep. Then I woke up, waiting for my alarm to go off. When it didn't, I checked my phone and... it was only 12:55. I happily turned over for 3.5 more hours of sleep.

Mama Bell and I were at the gym before the doors opened and I hopped on the treadmill to do the same HIIT workout I completed Friday. I only did a 2 1/2 minute warm up and cool down each. I covered 3.2 miles in 25 minutes.  I then did a Tone It Up Pyramid workout. It looked like this:

10 pushups

20 dips

30 bicep curls

40 second plank hold

50 tummy tucks (plank position, bring knees to chest)

40 second plank hold

30 bicep curls

20 dips

10 pushups

I was satisfied with my workout and headed home to hurry and get out the door by 6:45 am. I wanted to be a little early to orientation today...and I was (7:10 arrival for 7:30 start time. Thank goodness for my iPhone to keep  me occupied!)

While I won't go in to the nitty gritty details of my day, I will tell you it included a "build your own sandwich" bar and all the presentations made me very, very excited for the opportunity to work for this incredible organization!!

Our facilitator ended the day with this video, that was made by employees at one of the main hospitals. I had seen it before and I had a big smile on my face the whole time.  Take a few minutes to get "Down" to a little Chris Brown.  

Pink Glove Dance. This will make you smile AND appreciate Breast Cancer Awareness.

Have a fabulous Monday evening and thanks for stopping by!

And...a countdown until this guy comes home to me: 10 days

Sorry ladies- he is happily taken by moi :)

Friday Five

Happy Friday, all!


Here are some of my top 5 favorites of this week:


1. Spending time with these two (and Mama Bell) on Wednesday...Never a dull moment with little Boo Bell and watch out for Miciah- future NBA player! :)

This past summer...Lookin' fly!

2. Starbucks Soy Latte... Delicious!

3. Getting UU Yogurt with Kendra. Adam thought I would get 17 ounces worth of wonderful goodness. I proved him wrong by getting only 11.4 ounces (so much less, I know)

4. Sunny weather almost ALL week in the Portland area. Give me cold weather and sunshine any day!!
FridayPartly CDay: 47°
5. The arrival of my new Kindle... I need suggestions for some great reads. I am currently reading 'The Help' (better late than never) and am really enjoying it!

WOD- Workout of the Day


30 minutes of cardio on the treadmill. This workout was followed by a lower body workout.


5 minutes warm up- 1.0 incline, 4.5-5.0 mph fast walk
20 minutes HIIT- 1.0 incline


Minute      MPH
0-1            4.5
1-2            9.0
2-3            4.5 
3-4            9.0
4-5            4.5

5-6            9.5

6-7            4.5

7-8            9.5 

8-9            4.5

9-10          10.0

10-11        4.5

11-12        10.5 

12-14        4.5

14-15        11.0

15-16        4.5

16-17        11.5

17-18        4.5

18-19        10.5

19-20        4.5

5 minute cool down at 7.5 incline and 4.5 MPH.

In 30 minutes I covered 3.5 miles. I was pleased!

I then went on to do a lower body workout courtesy of Gina. I did this two times through and made a couple of adjustments on the second round. 

Spring Leg Workout

1. Split squat (15 on each side)

2. Jump squats (15 w/ a 10 lb. medicine ball)

3. Calf raises (15)

4. Bench hip raise (15)

5. Jumping lunges (30 seconds)/ 2nd round: Jump off and on bench 

6. Sumo deadlift (15)/ 2nd round: Squats with barbell

I then added in 2 sets each of leg press (90 lb. total/ 2 plates of 45 lb.; 15 reps) and squat jumps on the Bosu ball (20 reps)

I left nice and sweaty, ready for my latte, a shower and a bowl of DELICIOUS oats...Recipe to come :)


Enjoy your day and TGIF! 

Burn Baby Burn

And by burn baby burn...I mean burn those calories!

My goal is to try to get in a workout 5-6 days a week and most of my workouts last 45 minutes to an hour or so. However, there are some days like today, where I had to make it a quick 30 minute sweat session.  I like to sweat and you may often find me leaving the gym a sweaty mess (delightful image, right?); today's workout was no exception.

I followed this workout as it was listed for my first time doing it. However, I wanted to step up the challenge today, so I made some easy adjustmemts for today's workout (seen in the parentheses).

WOD- Workout of the Day
25 minute stair mill workout (via Women's Health, December 2011)

Minute                   Level
0-4                     2/3 (5/6)
4-7                     8 (gradually increased to level 10)
7-8                     5
8-16                   Repeat min. 4-8 twice
16-17                 10 (level 12 today)
17-18                 5   (8)
18-22                 Repeat min. 16-18 twice (increased to 15-17)
22-25                 2/3 (8-5)

This workout can be easily modified to your level of fitness. I came away sweaty and ready to take on another quick cardio burst cycle that I had planned. However, I had to get back to work so I finished with:

50 jumping jacks
20 pushups on the bar
20 squats with a 40 lb. bar.

All in all a good workout for this beautiful, sunny Thursday!