Highs and Lows of the Week

LOWS

Drive 4 hours to Jackson, Mississippi to get fingerprinted. 

And 5 hours back, with a slight detour. A lot of driving to end back in small-town Arkansas. 

Knowing that Spring Break is over. 

HIGHS

The detour resulted in me meeting up a journalism-school friend for lunch. Her kiddo was still at school. So we ate lunch together without needing to tend to little human beings. 

We even shopped at Old Navy and I hit Target up while she had to go pick her baby up from school. 

You know what mommas without babies talk about during their adult time? 

Their babies. 

I scored some cheap shorts and T-shirts for Lil' Man at Target. 

And scored that dress for under $7. 

Another high? That pair of pants is Size 6. 

Hard work is paying off.

 Next high?
We had Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. It was cool.
A crop duster drops the eggs and the bigger kids run after those eggs.

Waiting for egg hunt to start

He got 83 eggs in his basket. He wasn't thrilled there are more Tootsie Rolls than his favorite candy. 

What were your highs and lows this past week?? 

Weekend Round Up - Of Shopping and Eating

Monday: 1 mile
Tuesday: 2 miles
Wednesday: 1 mile
Thursday: 1.5
Friday: 0 - sick.
Saturday: 0 - sick
Sunday: 0 - went shopping. So I did a fair amount of walking.

Total Miles: 5.5 miles

Well, it was a slacker of a week. I was dealing with a scratchy sore throat and a stuffed up nose on Friday and Saturday and part of Sunday.  The body was a little achy and I just didn't do much. Will get back on it this week.

Sunday was great! A friend (also my boyfriend's research partner during college) texted me and asked what we were doing. Since Keith (the boyfriend) was working and resting, friend and I decided to go to the "big city" to make it a day of eating and shopping.

Baby Gap has a Labor Day sale kinda deal. So I bought some body suits that the now-boy Baby C could use.

Of course, we stopped at Orange Leaf for some frozen yogurt.

And at Whole Foods where I got a bottle of mint sparkling water. That stuff is good and refreshing for a hot summer's day.
I also got a bag of quinoa.
Recipes welcomed!

We bought Indian food home to eat with the boyfriend. And of course, they had to talk some shop and research and stuff that this pregnant brain has a hard time understanding.

All in all, it was a great weekend!

Weirdo and Lots of Goodies!

Morning was great! After sending Baby C's daddy to work, I went back eating my awesome fruit medley of strawberries, grapes, and kiwi while trolling around Pinterest. Then, Paddy Wag whined and whimpered and ran from the screened-in porch to the deck. I looked up and saw a weird-looking man walking around the backyard. Paddy Wag was tracking him. Anyway, weird man was white, in his 30s, in blue t-shirt with some white writing/print, long, disheveled hair that's not blond but not brown. Anyway, I stood by the glass door and watched him. He saw me watching. And he left.

Later, I leashed up Paddy Wag and went for a walk.
But first, we had to pass the mean, yelping weiner dogs first. They always try to sneak up behind Paddy Wag and nip her in the booty. Sleaze balls!

Here's Paddy Wag. She actually sits and waits for them to go away.

I had to carry a stick with me to scare those weiner dogs off and to prevent them from nipping Paddy's bottom.

Out on the highway.

I use a retractable leash but I keep it tight when we are walking by the roads.

I don't want Paddy to dash out and hurt herself or cause a wreck.

I also try to be very alert. If I hear an oncoming car, I would walk into the grass, turn around, and ask Paddy to sit.

We saw some spent blooms.

Paddy Wag all excited over McDonald's!

"Momma. I want breakfast!"

Honestly, it bugs me a lot to see trash littered all over the highway. Found 2 separate gloves, beer and soda cans, and just random trash!

We walked and at some point, I ran, jogged, wobbled with her for a while. I didn't have my Garmin on, but we walked for about 50 minutes. According to mapmyrun, this out and back route was 3.5 miles. We made frequent stops by the side of the road to let the big log trucks pass. But otherwise, I kept the heart rate up. I was panting just like Paddy Wag was.

I say this was a muy successful morning walk!

I decided to go to the big city/civilization to get my bestfriend her birthday present. I was going to order it but that would mean precious time waiting for shipping!  Instant gratification, anyone?

I got distracted and stopped by Baby Gap --- just because. 

Came out with these. 

I actually got 2 body suits for Baby C. 

The rest are a gift for my cousin. He and his wife are expecting their first daughter a few weeks before me.

Then, I got myself together and went into Sephora.

I went in for one thing BUT came out with 3 different things.

Seriously, who can resist buying just one item from Sephora?

I tell myself I am stocking up Christmas presents....

Yeah. Spread the cost. Stocking up.

Then, when I got back, the UPS man left me some presents.

Baby C's godmother went a little too happy shopping at Target online and bought goodies for her. 

Spoilt rotten already?  

All in all, my Monday was quite a blast! :)
How was yours?

Phew! Momma's tired!

I am glad I got my walk in in the morning before life flashed across me.

Yesterday was an exciting day. I had a lunch date with a former grad school classmate. She has moved to Tennessee post-graduation and would make trips back to Louisiana to visit her family. Whenever she is in town, I will make the 2-hour drive to visit with her. 

We had a sandwich at Pickle Barrel. 

And I ate my sandwich up before I remembered taking the picture.

My friend, Brooklyn and her husband, bought this spice for me. 

It is peppery and delicious! 

I went to Target, trying to look for a pair of dark maternity jeans. 

This pair has those flap thing that goes over the week 22-belly. 

I was trying to get comfortable in it. 

I didn't buy it though. 

Bought these instead. 

Flat comfortable shoes.

I went to an Indian restaurant to grab a bite during supper time.

This chicken is delicious. 

Spicy and wonderful! 

Other random bits

- My legs and hips are sore. 

- I was tuckered out by the time I reached home. 

- I can't seem to be full, no matter what or how much I ate. 

Weekend Round-Up: Long Run and Good Food

I wished I have pictures to show you of my run Saturday morning. But they were blurry like this.

We ran out to the neighborhood I used to live. And out again to this highway. That was about 3 miles.

Along this highway, I counted at least 10 beer cans in less than a span of 1 mile.  Littering is bad.

But drinking and driving and littering?
Oh no!

Running Friend had it at 5 miles so we cut short our run and walked/jog back.
He said his insoles or shoes are giving him trouble.
It was a timely call anyway because it started to sprinkle.
I headed home and ran the remaining miles.
At 11 miles, I thought, well, I can do 12.

At 12 miles, I thought, well, I can do 13.
At 13 miles, I thought, well, I can do a little bit more to finish this movie I was watching.

That's it.
13.22 miles in the bag. 

I am proud of myself.

Sunday, I went to church to see this little sweet baby cousin get christened.
She had fallen several days ago because her 2-year sister tried to be helpful and picked her up the steps and dropped her. 

 

 I was just glad to be part of this sweet baby's milestone in life. 

I love my family. 

I went to the grocery store again to pick up not-good-stuff but rather yummy stuff.

There is reason for this madness.

Well, they are mostly for the boyfriend.

I usually just get one of those mini cones and will be plenty satisfied.

 

I came home and got busy with bread.

I made stromboli - kinda. 

This is made with home-made bread. 

Roll out the dough.  Place cheese, Canadian bacon, olives, mushrooms and a little pizza sauce.

Roll it up and let it rise a little more. 

Bake. 

Yummy mess!

For the rest of the dough,
I rolled it and made a hearth-kinda bread (whatever that means).
I like bread that looks like this instead of loaf.
Sprinkle some cheese, Italian herbs and seasoning.
Pop it in the oven...

Sheer delish!
I am about to open a bottle of wine and just read a book and enjoy the rest of my Sunday night.
I LOVE MY FABULOUS WEEKEND!

Push-Ups: 15 (graduated from counter push-ups to girly knee on floor pushup and 1 real push-up)
Push-ups for This Month: 185
Push-ups Left:215
 



Push-Ups and Shopping

Week One of the 100 push-ups a week didn't turn out superbly well. I did 70. I got a little confused on the criteria too, so if anyone can offer some enlightenment, please.
I thought it is 100 push-ups per week and that means a total of 400 for February. But if I didn't hit the 100 on Week #1, does that mean I am out? Or does it mean I am still in the game, as long as I hit the 400 for the month?
Am I overthinking this?

Next, want a somewhat good bargain?
I just ordered a few items off Road Runner Sports and who doesn't love a good bargain? Plus, I have about 360 miles on my Brooks Adrenaline 11. So, it's time to buy another pair and have it handy. 

If you are already a VIP member, there's a coupon code out there that is in good working condition.
Type Coupon Code: CX12J120  when you check out to save 25% on everything during VIP Appreciation (expires 2/8/2012).  I believe first time VIP member costs less than $2. BUT you are set up to do the automatic renewal annually, which costs $24.99 or something like that. Anyway, I got "automatically renewed" for 2011 and realized I haven't bought anything to "offset" my membership fee, that's why I ordered a pair of Brooks Adrenaline and some other stuff that I will need before I cancel the membership. 
P.S.: I wasn't paid or solicited to write this blurb. Just spreading some bargains among friends.

Lastly, apparently running 10 miles is easier than trying to get pregnant - you know, when you just put on the shoes and go and the 10 miles will happen! Oh well, I guess I will go drink some wine and have some diet Mt. Dew. :)

Stink Stank Stunk.

I have been tired and sleepy and while I did my runs, I just haven't blogged about it because I am tired. I really just want a day or two of doing absolutely nothing with nothing to worry about, but just sit and read a book, and drink some hot tea. That's all. Do you have days like that?

On Friday night (bordering Saturday), I ran 4.5 miles in 49:16 minutes. 
After that, I took a nice hot shower and slept like a baby.

On Saturday, I slept in. Like, really in. Then, it was time for me to hit the "big city" to do some grocery shopping for Chinese New Year (which falls on Monday). We always get new clothes, shoes, underwear, jewelry for the new year, so I decided to go get a new top or something. 

 I ended up getting a coral dress, a white sweater, a pair of black pants and a striped shirt. 

These are mostly for work except for the dress,
which I plan on wearing it to a friend's wedding in March.

I bought everything from Forever 21 except the black pants which I got at TJ Maxx.
I don't spend a lot of money on work clothes because I work with pre-K kiddos and I do scoot my bottom across carpets and get Play-Doh or paint or marker marks all over me.

 Also at TJ Maxx, I needed 2 round cake pans because I have lost my round pans during our move 

and I needed more wine glasses.

I also shopped at some Asian grocery stores
for ingredients that I can't get at your usual regular grocery store. 

 

Not shown are wanton skins, baby bok choy, ginger garlic paste and some Chinese vinegar. 

That aloe drink is tasty because it has corn syrup. So not exactly your health-food. 

I love sardines. I know, they smell bad. But I love them. I love anchovies too!

That canned longans - those are really tasty canned fruit. 

I love canned fruit - peaches, fruit cocktails, tangerines. It is like eating dessert but not quite as bad. 

The jar with the yellow lid is some chili pepper concoction - smells bad but taste good.

The jar with the blue lid - that is gold!
It is Thai and it's called Tom Yum. It is a base/paste for tangy, spicy, lemongrass soup.
It's also really good to do a shrimp stir fry.

Ok, did I freak you out with all these stinky Asian food? 

Also went to a regular grocery store to buy regular grocery.
It was 10 deodorants for $10 and this is the ONLY brand the boyfriend likes.
Trust me. He is not stink, stank, stunk!

There is something about cereal in a big bag and I always fall for it. 

I just love BIG BAG cereal.
One time, pre-Paddy Wag days, I bought a big bag of brown chocolate balls cereal because it resembles dog food and I so wanted a dog so very badly.

 

Today (Sunday) was 6 miles on the plan. Once I got to 6 miles, I realized I needed another 0.4 mile to round it up to a weekly mileage of 20. So I did another 0.4.
The entire run was set on a 1% incline.
I felt good, even though I had to stop the treadmill a few times for a sip of water. 

I watched "The Secret Life of A Bee" (Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah etc were in it).
I don't think it was a tear-jerker, but man! I cried and cried.
It wasn't easy running and crying at the same time!

I also found a sticker-worthy spot (finally) for this sticker sent to me by Secret Santa.

Hate it that it took me so long to find THE right place for it.
Duh!!

 

 

This makes 57 miles for January!
Got another few more to hit 100K for this month!

My Running Loves Yoga

Saturday was absolutely fantastic.
I ran not only 8 miles but 8.5 miles. And I didn't get a headache after the run (which means I drank enough fluids and didn't get dehydrated).
Knees felt good.
My bottoms are a tad tight, especially the sciatica area, the ankles are tired.

Sunday called for three easy miles.
The sciatica area acted a little funky.
I expected some kind of soreness since the weekly mileage was a lot higher.
I decided to take Monday's rest day on Sunday, and run Sunday's 3 miles on Monday.
I also helped the boyfriend at work.
While I didn't get my 3-mile in, I definitely got more than 15 minutes of move.

We had a helper, but she was loafing around.
But I got to spend a lot of time with her.

Looks like I wasn't doing much work either.
Pardon my "braces smile." It's hard to smile with those braces.

When Paddy Wag and I got home, she got on the floor and did a very nice downward dog.

What do you know?
I got INSPIRED by a dog!

I got my mat out and did almost 45 minutes of yoga.
I started with a series of dragon poses on YouTube.

And another few more by her.
My sciatica and hip area aren't as tight or as achy as it was after that.
Score!!!

Goody bag came in this morning.

There is a reason why the higher power told me to take a rest day yesterday and run today. 
Just so I can run 3 miles in my fancy Lululemon capris today.

Heck yeah!
I will be running 3 miles later today!

Spankin' New!

So, I griped yesterday and it was great! 

Thanks for reading and crapping with me too. 

With that, I tai-chi'ed away all the negative chi and welcome the new, energized chi. 

Well, more like "Spend some money and make me happy!" 

It started out innocent - just a drive to make me feel better.

Then, I got to thinking about what could possibly make my knee hurts.

Then, I was toying with the idea of buying running shoes. 

So I drove myself to the running shoe store. 

It was quick too. 

I walked in. Told the sales dude that I am looking for a pair of running shoes. 

Told him I am wearing Adrenaline 10 and I *heart* it! 

He told me the 11 is out. 

I tried it on! 

and BAM!!! SHAZAM! 

I was out of that store in less than 30 minutes!

Check out my goodies 

 Adrenaline 11. 

These babies are gonna make me fast and keep me injury-free. 

 Adrenaline 11, Adrenaline 10, and my Asics Gel 3050.

I don't wear the Asics for running anymore - more for walking the dog or for exercise classes. 

 My current Adrenaline. 

See how the black part of the sole is virtually gone? 

Maybe that's part of the reason? 

I have had this pair since September 2010.

I logged about 350 miles since.
How often do you change your shoes?

 New kicks: See how the black part of the sole is still rather thick? 

I also picked up Body Glide and my favorite yummy Chomps. 

Then the sales dude recommended this Stinger Waffle. 

He said there's honey in the middle. 

He had me at "honey!"

Just in case the new kicks fail to kick the March's running blues away, 

I bought this baby! 

 

Nothing fancy. Just a cheap bike from Wal-Mart.

I am not really a biker and haven't see myself as a biker. 

I just want something to ride to my mail box or to the bank instead of taking my vehicle. 

I think this will suffice. 

And if these didn't make me a happy girl. 

I came home to this sweet baby girl....

The boyfriend gave her a bath to make me happy.

Ok! 

April.... you are up and I will take you down!

And this little piggy went "wee! wee! wee!" all the way home

In the morning, I went for a 1-mile walk with Paddy and Buttercup.
We went and got the mail.
Took some pictures as we walked down the drive way to the mail box.

Got home. Showered.
And went to the BIG CITY this afternoon by myself. 

Kinda impromptu trip.
Love it! 

Here's some things I wanna share that's so not running related. 

You know how you'll inevitably find random pennies and dimes and quarters when you are doing laundry? 

So, last year, I decided to put all these random "laundry tips" into a piggy bank.

The last time I counted, Ms Piggy has about $10 in it.

Don't even think about robbing me.

I used that money and bought laundry detergent in bulk at Sams. 

You know you are all grown up when you save money to buy laundry detergent.

Also at Sam's, I bought all these goodies. 

Thirty-three gallon trash bags in bulk cos' we're trashy like that. 

Five pound bag of navel oranges. 

Apple pears - delicious when you chill them before eating. Crunchy. Juicy. 

Veggie straws. Thirty two straws only add some 150 calories or so. 

Doritos - for the boyfriend.

Baked Tostitos - perfect for nights when I make chili or taco soup. 

Also bought $10 worth of chicken breasts for $1.90/lb.

And a 52-lb bag of Pedigree dog food. 

Before Sam's I went to Target. 

Welch's Fruit Snacks. Love gummy candy. 

Stickers so I can bribe kids. 

Some face wash and moisturizer. 

And I was starving by the time I finished shopping. 

I went to my favorite Japanese restaurant and order some sushi and sashimi.

Too hungry. Completely focused on eating. Forgot the pictures. 

After the Japanese restaurant, I went a few doors down to an Indian grocer. 

Bought these

Soam Papdi: An Indian confection made from sugar, gram flour, flour, ghee, milk, and cardamom.

Gulab Jamum - Sweet dessert balls made from milk solids, in syrup and rose water. 

And Spicy Ginger and Garlic paste for cooking.

For me?
No. It's for the boyfriend. 

That boy likes his Indian food even though he is from Arkansas.
Great! I don't even have to brain wash and convert him into liking Indian food.

I had a wonderful day! 

How was your Saturday?