I'm reading...

When I stepped away from blogging, I also stopped reading the zillion blogs I subscribe to with Google Reader.  If you don't use Google Reader....you should.  I can enjoy a wide variety of blogs without having to open up each individual site.  It's amazing.  Of course there is also an app so I can read my favorites on the go as well.  Anyhow, I've been trying to catch up on some of my favorites and thought I'd share:

http://runawayranchwife.blogspot.com/

My sister.  I had to include her because she can still kick my ass.

http://www.journeytotherun.blogspot.com/

A bff.  I had to include her because I can't outrun her.

http://skinnyrunner.com/

This girl is amazing.  Running her 15th marathon of the year. She also gets credit for my love of Mizuno running shoes.  Don't you love how I talk like we are friends?

http://www.runnersrambles.com/

Reading about others pushing themselves to the limits is inspiring.  She is training for an ultra!  Also, I identify with her story and it gives me hope: 

"I always hated running.

I grew up playing basketball where running was our punishment. It wasn’t fun, it hurt, I was not a fan.  I wasn’t that great of an athlete, but I put my heart and soul into it while I was playing and loved every second of it.  I loved being an athlete and having a purpose to what I was doing with exercise...."

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

The very first blog I ever subscribed to.  Amazing photos, recipes, and daily recollections of a busy ranch wife.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

Super neat tech ideas for teachers and lots of free stuff!

Why do I enjoy reading about other peoples' lives?  Simple...so mine doesn't seem so absolutely crazy and lame all at the same time.

Goodbye 34

In addition to having a fabulous Thanksgiving break, I turned 35 Saturday.  I'm not old enough that it's depressing and so far my 30s have ROCKED! Disclaimer:  I hereby reserve the right to have a meltdown when I turn 39.  Anyhow, following are some highlights of year 34 in pictures, which I'm sure are much briefer than my words.  I can only HOPE that 35 is as awesome!!

A lil target practice at our redneck gathering this summer. 
I'm officially licensed to carry!

LOVE my 2nd job!!

Sledding in Wyoming

World Ranch Rodeo Finals in Amarillo, TX

Got to do a lot more of this last year.
Looking forward to even more this year!

Branding Camp '12

Love taking these two to vb, bb, soccer, swimming, rodeos, etc!

Starting running last Nov. and ran a half marathon 5 months later!

That's what I'm talkin about!

Superficials

I didn't do the posting of the thankfuls this year.  Of course, I'm thankful for all the obvious reasons...friends, family, faith, food, shelter, work, wine.  I thought it might be more interesting for my readers (all 35 of you) if I were to make a list of all the more superficial things I'm most thankful for.  You know... the things you don't want to proclaim on Facebook for fear of looking shallow.  I have no fear.

1.  My beloved iPhone.
2.  My Kindle Fire.  Since my husband seems to get somewhat jealous of my computer but is completely technology stupid, I can browse the internet on my Fire and he thinks I'm reading. Don't judge.
3.  Coffee along with a dark chocolate peanut butter Vi shake in the morning. 
4.  Skinny jeans.  Two years ago I proclaimed you would never see my ass in skinny jeans.  Now I love love em.  Next best things to leggings.
5.  Tunics and long sweaters......so no one actually sees my ass in skinny jeans and I can still enjoy being comfy and wearing cute boots.
6.  Running clothes.  They are so comfortable and I'm sure people are sick of seeing me wear my running tights on the weekends.  I can never quit running cause the clothes are too comfortable.
7.  Head bands.
8.  Frozen pizza. Lately I feel like I run a damn bread and breakfast with all the company we've had (Please don't stop coming). While I resemble Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart while my house is full, when they all leave, I break out a pizza. 
9. Hair products to control my fro.
10. Cute boots in any form. Kick ass boots distract from bad hair.
11. iPods.  They keep my kids occupied in the car so I don't go bat shit crazy. 
12.  My pistol. It's quite empowering packing even if I never have to actually use it.  No worries, though.  While running I frequently "practice" using it after various cars have zoomed pass.  If they were to look in their rear view, they'd see a crazy white chick practicing her quick draw.  Hey, it's important to be comfortable....and my stance is bad ass.
13.  My LQ trailer. Call me high maintenance (and my husband does) but having my own toilet even at a fricken jackpot is completely worth the $.  AND, since we are completely redneck enough to pull our trailer to the lake, it did serve multiple purposes last year.
14.  Rednecks. There are so many redneck reality shows right now that my kids are entertained with good family fun for hours. Duck Dynasty might be the only show we all watch together.
15.  Fishing.  While I don't fish, Shane and the kids go frequently which equals "ME" time.
16.  Hats.  I maybe fix my hair 10 times a summer.
17.  My Garmin.  Even though I run slow as hell, it's still fun to see the stats and try to beat em next run.
18.  My iPod.  Love when on a run, and I feel like I'm about to die and then that ONE song comes on and I throw my hands in the air and sing out loud pushing through the utter despair.  Yes, I really do that.  Don't judge. 
19. Coffee pot timer. I have not time to spare in the mornings getting my kids out the door in an attempt to be at work on time.
20. Multiple TVs.  While I enjoy hunting, I do NOT want to watch it on TV 24/7 as my husband does.
21. My new (to me) Subaru.  It's saving me enough gas money to pay for my truck.
22.  A big house so all my family can come over today yet still have a place to escape to if needed.

I just realized I may have did this same thing last year.  Awesome, my blog now has an annual tradition. Have an amazing Turkday Day all!!  I plan to end my day by running just 1 mile as Tara has inspired me to join the Runner's World Holiday Running Streak.  That's gonna be fun come New Year's Day I'm sure. 

RESET

I'm going to be frank (yes, I know, not a big surprise).  I haven't been feeling all that great the last couple of weeks.  I'm tired, bloated, anxious, negative, and my husband would pry like to add bitchy. This puzzles me as just a few months ago, I'd never felt better.  So, in pursuit of my happy place, I thought back to spring and summer when I felt fabulous.  From this self-reflection, I deduced that five months ago:

• I was in the best shape of my life.  I was pushing my body and mind to do things (like run 13.1 miles) that I'd never before thought possible.  

• I was starting up a new and exciting business adventure with Visalus promoting the 90 day challenge.

• I was eating clean and healthy along with my Body by Vi one a day shake and vitamins. 

• I was sharing my passions with my BFF's.  I miss our group runs, strategy talks, and basically any excuse for some time away from our lives as moms, wives, chauffeurs, maids, cooks, etc. 

• I had a somewhat organized and clean house.  I find this ironic because I was spending so much time training and promoting my business; however, I had more energy for household chores. There were NO excuses.

• I was shooting my pistol frequently at various objects.  I'm not sure this is related.  All I know is that  I haven't shot my pistol in 2 months trying not to scare away the deer.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Shooting shit is great therapy. 

• I was spending time with my friends/family doing things that weren't work or school related.  Snowmobiling, Hunting, Barrel Racing, Fishing, Running,  etc.  My kids aren't getting the best me right now.  Seriously, sometimes after the 20 minute drive to/from school and their constant arguing, I want to play hide and seek and not be found.  Don't judge.  All moms feel this way at times.....right?

• I was spending less and saving more.  Or maybe I was earning more "fun" tickets through a second income.  Either way it felt great!
• I was blogging.  While I never quit blogging in my head while driving, running, riding, whenever; I did quit publishing.  Blogging is fun.  Blogging is also a very vulnerable thing.  I am a mom, wife, teacher, etc.  While I love small town living and wouldn't trade it for the world, the pressure is sometimes overwhelming.  Being teacher/coach Jamie is sometimes a 24/7 job, and it's exhausting.  I found myself not publishing my blogs in fear of offending some.  So, a few things about me. When I'm not teacher Jamie, I curse on occasion (who am I kidding, frequently).  I vow to use a "lesser" word, but  I may occasionally say something you don't like.  Sorry.  I'm also somewhat more liberal (GASP) that many in our area. Take it as you wish. My kids are amazing, and I will brag on them, but I will also never believe them and always question the whole story.  I like drinking a beer (or six) with a friend or having a glass of wine before bed.  These are just the tip of the iceberg I'm sure, but I'm getting waaaay off track. 

Sadly, this list could go on and on.  Regardless,  I have a plan: 

That's right, folks.  I'm hitting the RESET button!  This isn't always as easy done as said.  To hit the reset button you have to be willing to put it all out there.  Change is not an easy task.  We have all attempted it over and over in our lives.  The amazing thing is that we all have the ability to hit reset and start over or get back on track.  Sometimes, happiness is a mindset and luckily, we have the power to write our own story.  So, stay tuned, as mine is about to get FABULOUS!

Passion

Do you ever get tired of hearing the same people talk about the same shit relentlessly?  Are Sally's kids the best damn ping pong players in the world or is Meg in the most fantastic marriage of all marriages?  My answer to your grief --  Get over it!!  Kindly smile and turn the other cheek.

Having passion in one's life is essential. I'm fortunate to be passionate about many things.  I am passionate, like all mothers, about their kids.  I'm so excited when they accomplish even the most little of things, and my heart breaks for them when things don't go their way.

I'm passionate about my health.  For me, this all goes back to my kids.  I not only want to be there when Payton runs her first 5k, I want to run it with her.  When Grady rides his bike for the first time or lopes around the barrels, I want to be able to run beside him cheering him on. By promoting Visalus and the Challenge, I'm not only taking steps toward my own health, but hopefully helping others do the same.

I'm also passionate about my life in general.  I'm so excited to be able to financially offer alternatives that weren't there before.  I'm so grateful  that I don't have to sit and pore over my finances to try to discover what hole I'm going to pull money out of to pay my tuition for grad classes.  I've made a choice to stop dreaming and start doing.   Like many others, when I'm passionate about something I like to share it.  You're damn right I'm excited that I'm half way done with my Master's, that I'm earning extra income for my family, and that I'm in the best health of my life!

 If you don't like listening to people talk about something then tune out.  I can promise you that somewhere at sometime you've annoyed someone with your incessant rambling about something.  Let's not begrudge someone for being passionate.  And, if you don't have something to be passionate about in your life, then PLEASE find it!

Bliss

I think I'm possessed.  I'm not normally one of those life is grand type of gals; however, lately, I've been feeling fabulous!! 

FAMILY: My family rocks. I've been married 12 years and MOST of the time I still like my husband and children.  My husband is definitely on my nice list this week.  He gave me a whole day alone in my house and yesterday he took his mother shopping.  I'm really looking forward to spending the summer with my kids.  I love watching Payton help her Dad with ranch work.  She's quite handy and is getting that cow sense that Grandpa talks about all the time.  Grady, well, let's just say he keeps us all on our toes.  DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to revoke all happy thoughts about my family at all times:)  Tomorrow they might drive me bat shit crazy again. 

HEALTH:  I'm 34 and in the best shape of my life.  I ran 13.1 fricken miles and finished feeling like a rock star.  I was really singing and laughing.  Even when I thought I was in great shape I couldn't run 2 miles without feeling like dieing.  I've learned to push my body past the limitations of my mind and I'm proud of me for that!  My family does NOT have good heart genes, and I'm determined to do my part to conquer that.  I CHOOSE to be healthy. 

PROSPERITY:  Shane and I are both blessed with jobs we love.  Although I was more than happy for the end of another school year, I'm already planning for the next one.  I ordered a new textbook series that I'm giddy with excitement about.  I'm a nerd like that.  I've also been blessed with the opportunity to be a Visalus distributor.  I'm using this summer to establish a business that will help my family with the "extras".  Because I feel so AMAZING on  Body by Vi , it is easy to share the products with others.  It also excites me to see my husband losing weight and getting excited about being healthy.  My team and I are going to ROCK it.  Ladies, I see a girls trip in our very near future!  The possibilities are really endless!!

Enough of my happy thoughts for today.  We will be spending the next week camping out (really, in a tent, not my LQ trailer) and helping with branding.  Quite possibly, I won't be so happy by Thursday.

This and that

Lot's going on in my world:

• I finished another grad class. Half way there!!
  
• Passed a class to get my conceal and carry permit without shooting any innocent bystanders, myself, or the instructor.

• Today is my daughter's last day of 3rd grade.  Damn I'm getting old.

• Next week is our last week of classes.  BRING on summer vaca!!

• I recently signed on to be a Body by Vi promoter and I'm SUPER excited about it.  It takes a lot to convince me to take on such an endeavor so that should tell you how much I love their products.  I started the program myself about a month ago and am amazed at the noticeable difference in my energy levels.  I love being able to share my passion of living a healthy lifestyle with others!

• Sunday I'm running a half marathon.  That's right...me who was just recently worried about getting through a 5k without collapsing is running (wogging) 13.1 miles.  Who'd a thought?  I'm pry not as ready as I should be but so be it.  I've read the rules of race etiquette so I don't get mean looks from the fast ppl, given up (cut back) my beloved Ultra, charged my iPod and Garmin, drank so much water my phone calls are being forwarded to the bathroom, and  packed outfits for every weather scenario.  So, I'm as ready as I'm going to be!  

 Have an amazing weekend everyone!!

Denial

Houston, we have a problem....in the form of a shiny skinny can:

 

Went for a run this afternoon after the wind finally went down after blowing for what seems like a month.  To say I was sluggish may be an understatement.  I stopped several times to adjust my holster when really I was pry just looking for an excuse to take a breather.  

A lil nagging voice in the back of my head has been warning me of the dangers of over indulgence, but I've remained in a state of oblivious denial.  However, as May 5th comes upon me like a bad dream, I have to face the light and set some ground rules.  It pains me really to say this, but I'm enforcing a 2 can limit of my beloved Ultra.  Please don't judge me.

To further convince myself, I googled the effects of alcohol on athletic performance.  I found an interesting study published by Princeton University and the NCAA.  To summarize:

1. Alcohol use cancels out gains from a workout.

2. Alcohol causes dehydration and slows the body's ability to heal.

3. Alcohol use prevents muscle recovery.

4. Alcohol use depletes your source of energy.

5. Alcohol use constricts endurance.

In less than a month I'll be running a half marathon.   While I have no delusions of breaking any speed records, I would like it to be as enjoyable as possible and crawling across the finish line in front of the thousands that arrive before me does not sound enjoyable.  That being said, I'm going to need the support of each and every one of you.  Thanks in advance.  Sincerely, Me.

Sisterly Love

My sister and I do strangely same things on a regular basis.  It's embarrassing, really.  Our husbands call us Bipsy and Bopsy.  Annoying.

We frequently show up places wearing either the same outfits or the same but different outfits.  We coach and play various sports together, and I can't tell you the number of times we've showed up at practice wearing the exact same outfit.  Sometimes in different colors but sometimes the exact same.  Our players have come to expect it and mock us accordingly. 

 Last night we had a family birthday party for our oldest children, and she showed up wearing the exact shirt I had on only in a different color.  Beotch.  Funny thing is that no one even made fun of us.  That must mean we're getting predictable.  To be on the safe side, we now call each other before going to any major event so we don't look like we coordinated our outfits. I'm sure they do the same.

Last month, I wrote a blog about what a complete nerd I was.  On the exact same day she posted a blog about being a geek.  I quickly commented on her blog that I had not read it before people naturally assumed I'd gotten my great idea from her. 

Last week, I showed up at the local pub sporting a cute new top, and she informed me she already had it.  Note to self: call Heather before buying cute new tops in the hopes that she already has it, and I can just borrow it from her (and forget to return it). 

It's not always all bad being the younger sister (hey, if 2 random high school students assumed this then so be it).  Sometimes, when I go into the local grocery store in the town over they think I'm her and just assume I'll be charging 'it' to the ranch.  I'm thinking I could really take advantage of this situation.  Groceries and diesel are pretty expensive........

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy f'n Valentine's Day.  I'm not a fan.  Once Shane bought me flowers and I told him how silly it was.  I explained that that they just end up dying, and I could have spent that $$$ on clothes or beer or shoes, which is what I did yesterday.  

Yes, I have a problem.  Still searching for my soul mate of running shoes.  They are Mizuno Wave Riders.  After reading the reviews, I wanted to try the 15s but the sale price of the 14s lured me in.  I'll let ya know how they pan out.

Back to this sickening day of love.  I really don't "feel" it.  I tolerate love my friends and family every day.  Why do we need a day for people to post loving annoying tributes to their loved ones (which make me throw up a lil in my mouth) all over Facebook and desktops everywhere.  Ugh.  

Is it sinful that I'm not going to spend the evening professing my love to neither my husband or my kids but am instead traveling to a basketball game with friends?  Me think not.

Catch-up

While I haven't blogged for nearly a week, I have been writing intriguing exciting posts in my head.  I've also been racing around like a crazy woman and I think this is the first time I've had to just sit.  Ahhhhh.....

So, to play catch up:

Thursday - home with sick kid:(
Friday - SNOW DAY:)!!   Home with sick kid:(  Did get in a 4 mile run though.
Saturday - Met up with some friends and took kids snowmobiling/sledding.  Fun times.
Sunday - Ran SIX, that's right SIX miles.  Very big deal for me!!
Monday - Won first round of JH BB Conference Tourny.  Did hours of makeup homework with my daughter. 

Today - Won the second round of BB tourny.  It was a GREAT day.  The girls have made huge strides this year, especially in the mental aspect of the game.  Our goal today was to control the pace of the game.  We had our moments of getting carried away in the frenzy, but each time the girls calmed themselves and reaped the benefits!  Yay us!!  On the way home two girls told me that their favorite part of the game was looking over and seeing me smiling (and maybe jumping up and down).  Another girl, who is normally very quiet, told me that she was, "just happy".  It was for sure one of those coaching "moments" when you feel like all the drama, criticism, and self doubting that tend to go along with coaching adolescents are worth it.  We'll play our last game for this season Thursday and I'm super pumped.  The girls made a special request that I wear the exact same clothes Thursday that I wore today.  Apparently, Heather did that for them once so they expect nothing less from me.  

Gee, thanks.

Nerd Alert

I've come to the conclusion that I am a complete nerd.  

Allow me to illustrate:

•  I love getting new classroom supplies.  Books, pens, hand sanitizer (yes, that's right), calendars, etc...It's like my first day of teaching all over again.
  
• I love taking classes and adding to my endorsement.  The other day I was checking my grades during English 12 and was so excited to see I got a 50/50 on my first paper this semester that I shared my success with 12 seniors.  They laughed....and called me names.  I'm okay with that.
  
• I'm obsessed with data and charts.  I love hooking up my garmin and seeing my times and maps.  Same for daily mile.  It thrills me to know I've powered x number of tv's through running.  Really, sometimes when I'm debating whether to run or not, I imagine the thrill I'll get when I get to hook up my garmin and analyze my workout.  Also, I love to graph my students' test scores and use the data to pat myself on the back or kick myself in the ass, whatever is needed. 
  
• I love trying new software.  I recently switched from Quickbooks to Quicken (after trying out a handful of freeware offerings and spending hours making my ultimate decision).
  
• Today I spent two hours previewing a new textbook I want to use next year.  Once again, I expressed my excitement to my students and they laughed....and called me names.  Still okay with that.

I totally do this!

In an attempt to embrace my inner nerdiness, I consulted Google who pointed me to Urban Dictionary for further explanation:

Nerd

A person who gains pleasure from amassing large quantities of knowledge about subjects often too detailed or complicated for most other people to be bothered with. Often mistaken for Geeks, who aspire to become nerds, yet lack the intelligence, and end up giving nerds a bad name due to their poor social skills. Non-nerds are often scared of nerds, due to their detailed knowledge, and therefore seemingly high levels of intelligence - and subsequently denegrate them as much as possible as often as possible. Nerds exist covertly within the fabric of society, often choosing to 'nerd it up' in private or in the company of fellow nerds. It is for this reason they are feared the most - unlike geeks, who are easily identified, nerds can only be found out when casual conversation reaches a subject that they like nerding.   So, there you go.  Release your inner nerd!

Zero to hero

It's amazing how fast one can go from zero to hero.  Monday I ran with Tara and Katie and I sucked.....wind.  I was an utter failure.  Tuesday, Tara and I ran a shorter distance and it was OK.  Today I ran with Tara again and, BAM, went farther than I intended and wasn't scaring small children with my heavy breathing.  It's great to feel confident before my long run this weekend.  Thanks, Tara!!

On to total randomness.  For supper Tuesday night I ate a handful of fries, 2 bites of a cheeseburger, 3 bites of a grilled cheese and a bowl of cereal.  Tonight I ate 2 scrambled eggs, toast, 3 hershey kisses, and am now munching on dry fruit loops.   

Have I mentioned I have a student teacher this semester for 2 of my classes?  I should be loving it....  sitting around watching someone else do the work.  It's torture. She's doing a good job, but I'm so worried about scores and content and if she's better than me what they might be missing.  She is probably super tired of me looking over her shoulder all the time, so today I subbed for another teacher and got out of the room.  Not going to lie, though, I did stand outside the door and lurk out of sight several times.  Aside from the teaching aspect...I really miss those students:(  And, I might have a slight major control issue.

One last thing....Often during a run or workout, I feel as if I might die.  I've found a very simple solution to forging on.  SMILE.  Do you know how hard it is to feel miserable when you are smiling?  I'm sure I look like a complete idiot, but I'm fine with that.  Try it and let me know how it works for you.

How dare he??

Tonight I invited the girls to run with me after school.  We took off like a streak of lightening a bit faster than normal (for me) and I even attempted to join in the conversation.  Yep, that's right, I was feeling like a rock star....until mile 1.5 where the cramping started and that evil lil bitch witch in my head started messing with me.  I put on the brakes and nearly abandoned the girls and headed back for an easy 3, BUT I kept going...cramps and all.  Reminder to self: DO NOT eat a marathon bar and drink 24 ounces of energy drink an hour before running.  Lesson learned.

Needless to say, at the end of the run I wasn't really feeling that high I normally get.  Katie even told me I looked sad:(  My husband comes home and I'm soaking in a HOT tub as I always get the chills after a run because I sweat like a pig.  Really.  Of course, he asks why I'm in the tub at 5:30 and I snap that I SUCK  at running.  He wisely walks away.

It pisses me off that my husband,  a FORMER runner (as in high school) can still to this day run like it's second nature...beer belly and all.  He can hike sandhills while hunting and never breathe hard.  I used to think his friends were lying (because they drink twice the Budweiser he does).  I even bragged before deer hunting this year that I'd have no problem keeping up with him when in reality he was standing at the top of the FIRST hill smiling down at the rest of us trudging up behind him.  

Being the bigger person, I put my pride away and ask him, seriously, how I can build up some wind.  My body has no problem with running, it's my lungs.  I told him I feel like a smoker.  He responds, quite seriously, "Well, dear, you ARE a drinker.  Perhaps it's the beer?"  How dare he??  A serious runner NEEDS those (low) carbs!

Do any of you have a more practical approach (other than giving up Ultra, or wine) to solving my breathing issues???  

 

Grrrrr.......

With my new addiction fascination, Pinterest, I've felt inspired to try some new recipes.  My family, however, is not on board.  This morning I made biscuit cinnamon rolls.  

I thought they were amazing.  Shane said they were good.  Grady ate half.  Payton had a bite and declared her dislike and settled for a bag of dry fruit loops.

A couple weeks ago I made a spaghetti casserole to which my family asked, "What's wrong with regular spaghetti??"  Tonight I branched out again and made a casserole from a friend featuring hamburger, potatoes, green beans and a cheese sauce.  What kids don't love anything smothered in cheese?  Mine!  I liked it.  Shane liked it.  Both kids opted for cold cereal.  In my frustration, I had a minor bitch fit meltdown and declared that I was done cooking and they could all eat cold cereal and PB&J every damn night.  Apparently, I'm the only one in this house tired of eating the same 'ol stuff week after week. 

Can anyone help me??  How do you get your family...especially your kids....to try new foods????

Looking the part

I’ve decided that all my “hobbies” lead to a very expensive wardrobe.  Call me vain, but I think that whatever activity I’m involved in is so much more fun when I look the part.

Example A

Hunting.  This year was my first year hunting deer so I invested in some 'She' camo.  I even paid extra shipping to get it here in time for opening weekend.  Turns out it was a great investment as I wore it again a couple weekends ago in my first coyote calling contest.  I mean, really, I have jeans I've only worn once.  I firmly believe that camo made me a more confident hunter:)

 Example B

Sledding.  At my husbands urging, I finally agreed to accompany him on a snowmobiling trip last winter.  I bought some cheap ass snow pants, wore his old helmet that was 2 sizes too small, borrowed gloves from my sister and rummaged whatever else I needed from Shane's closet.  My cheap snow pants left me with a wet ass and the helmet was painfully uncomfortable.....thus distracting me from having as much fun as I otherwise would have.  Since I really did enjoy the trip, I've now invested in a new coat, snow pants,  gloves, socks, helmet, goggles, and even a snowmobile.  I know.  I have problems.

  Example C

Rodeo.  Although a lifelong hobby, it still requires new boots for me, new boots for my horse, new ropes, and other various gear updates.

 

 Example D

Running and other sports.  Yes, it is probably silly that my 5 mile max should propel me to buy running tights, socks, shirts, headbands, shoes, etc, etc, etc.  Oh, can't forget my beloved Garmin.  But, c'mon, it's for my health.  We can't put a price tag on that and besides, I did wear my camo jacket to run my first 5k (in the snow).

In retrospect, I should be adding up how much money I'd be saving if I (we) didn't have so many "hobbies".  BUT, I'm not.  Know why?  We are having fun.....as a couple and as a family.  I've spent more time with my husband in the past year than since before the kids.  We take our kids with us hunting and to rodeos.  We are planning a family snowmobile trip.  My daughter was SO excited to "get" to run the mile in PE.  Maybe the old saying of  "the family that plays together stays together" is true.  (That is a saying, right?)  Anyhow, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Sledding Fun

This weekend we went on our first sledding trip to WY.  We were a little worried we wouldn't be able to find snow....especially from the looks of the highway parking lot.

View from the parking lot

Thanks to the veteran sledders we tagged along with,  we found ample snow to get stuck repeatedly for great adventures.  

First minor wreck

Tara and I were very fortunate that our "guides" had the patience of saints as this trip was quite different from those we went on last year.  We had to really ride, not just coast along.  We both have new to us sleds and it took us about half a day (and many near disasters involving trees) to find our groove.

 I'm proud to say I only got stuck once the second day after attempting a stupid daring climb with jumps and Tara narrowly avoided death by her husband after crashing his sled by tree.

Tara and I

My shoulders and back are crazy sore so I've been super lazy today.  Sadly, I ate like a horse and drank like a fish so I really need to get in a workout today.   I'm off to do some yoga in an attempt to loosen my muscles up a bit.  I was in a running funk last week and really need to get back at it this week. 

Total Randomness

Prepare yourself for total randomness, folks.

Last week I increased my miles in an attempt to get a stronger base.  I'm not worrying about my pace right now because I really need to focus on my distance.  I'm feeling good with the running; HOWEVER, I thought one of the perks of all this running would be seeing the scale go down.  Not so much and I always seem to be starving...especially at night before bed.  I've never had this problem.   Someone please tell me this is normal?

In other news...I'd like to share the mantra of my yoga lady.  It goes something like, "I have a nice ass.  I have a nice ass."  Yes, she really says that on the DVD.   Well, she is a liar.  All I have is a sore ass.  Really.  I felt every step of my run today.   I don't know if it was the yoga last night or the coyote hunting on Saturday but moving my legs was a challenge today.

Speaking of butts...check out this Nike butt ad.

On the work front:  I love being a teacher, but you know what I don't love?  Concession stands.  Sponsoring the concession stand is close to torture.  Apparently I was in denial and totally missed that I'm on concessions for this Friday.  Yes, it's Tuesday and I had nothing planned.  No worries.  I've got people.  It's a good thing because I'm supposed to be on my way to the mountain with some peeps for a great sledding adventure.  Momma got a new sled and is scared anxious to try it out:

 

UPDATE:  My most awesome mailman left a small pistol for me to try out today.  It is bad a**.  I'm going to stalk some police message boards now looking for the perfect something to carry it in while running.  

 

To Share or not to Share??

I'll admit.  I used to think that "those" people that shared their every run or workout via Facebook, Twitter, etc. were extremely annoying.  Like I'd look at their update and tell them through the computer "who the f*** cares?" 

Today I ROCKED my first 5 mile run....and I "shared" it via social networking.  I know some of you probably rolled your eyes and contemplated blocking my updates or even defriending me out of utter annoyance.  I know...I used to occasionally have those thoughts myself.

Well, now I get it.  Although I've always been very active and consider myself "fit", I seriously couldn't run a mile without collapsing, and I'd laugh and make sarcastic jokes about running in general.  TODAY I RAN 5 FREAKIN MILES!!   This is huge, people.  It's newsworthy in my world, especially considering the fact that I turned down free beer last night so I wouldn't feel crappy during the run today.  It's like I don't even know myself:)

I really am not bragging about my milestones nor am I obsessed, but am I proud?  You're damn right!!  TODAY I RAN 5 FREAKIN MILES!!   

You can expect me to continue "sharing" an occasional milestone workout.  Trust me....if I can EVER arrange my body like the instructor on my Yoga DVD, I'll be giving the same fist pump I gave after my first mile. So, please be patient and bare with me until the newness of my latest journey wears off. 

Sound off:  Do you "share" your workouts or do you find it extremely annoying??  

Pistol Packin Mother Runner?

My husband and I seem to be in disagreement (big shocker) about me running on the highway....some nonsense about my safety and such.  I assured him my lightening speed would get me by???  Really,  if I want to go farther than .8 miles, I have to (a) run on the highway or (b) run through a pasture that will soon be filled with protective momma cows and big ass Sandhills that I'd rather avoid. 

I proposed that the only logical solution is for him to buy me a very small pistol to carry while I run...thus the title of pistol packin mother runner.  Catchy, huh?

Today my husband was a VERY brave man.  Even my Dad said so.  He entered a coyote calling contest with me as his partner.  To some, the coyote may appear cute and loveable.  To a rancher, they are the pain in the ass that eats baby calves, sometimes before they are even fully born.  Therefore, we shoot them.  Take that, PETA. 

 Anyways, only a brave man would spend the entire day with his armed and dangerous wife.   We both came out unscathed.  We even won 2nd place and I rarely never felt the urge to shoot him.  Yay, us!! And I got to wear my rockin She camo for the 2nd time. 

Even after his our huge success (yes, I did shoot one today.....at about 40 yards out:), he was reluctant to accept my pistol packin suggestion.   Naturally, I decided to take matters into my own hands.  To get our winnings tonight, I was stuck in a room full of gun crazed men for over 2 hours.  I innocently mentioned my strategy and within minutes I had tons of suggestions.  I'll soon be hitting Google up for final decision making help.   

Consider this a warning to all the crazies that drive on my rural highway!  I'm soon to be a pistol packin mother runner.  Wait, what the hell does a mother runner pack her pistol in?  I swore off fanny packs a looooonnngg time ago.  Help??!!!

Sneaky??

Sometimes I feel like such a sneak. 

Example A:  My Mom watched my kids while I worked Monday and I told her that I had tons to do and not to worry about bringing them back until 1/2 hour later than I knew I'd be done so I could sneak in a run. 

Example B:  The past 2 nights I've rushed home and put supper in the oven and then found something riveting for the kids to watch on TV so I could get in a workout.  Tuesday night was running and last night Yogalosophy.  Shane was gone so during this time I threatened to beat them (not really) if they interrupted me.  Yep, mom of the year there.

Example C:  Payton had BB after school and I let Grady run wild at the gym and snuck in a run before fetching them both.  Aunt Heather is the coach so I can kind of get away with it. He wasn't TOTALLY unsupervised.  I mean cousin Knight is like 7 now?  I'm sure he had complete control. 

Many moms would pry feel guilty about such sneaky actions, but me, not so much.  Yesterday, the highlight of my 8 yr. old daughter's day was her 10 minute something mile she ran in PE.  Would she honestly have been so excited had she not seen her mother give a (double) fist pump after completing her first nonstop mile on the treadmill?  I think not. 

What's your style?

My health and sanity aren't just for my sake.  My family health history is a prescription for disaster, and it's no big secret that I get very bitchy without my "me" time.  I'm thankful that my family (after much training) "gets" this. 

Do you ever sneak in some "me" time and then almost feel guilty about it?

Helloooooo 2012

Seems like the thing to do in bloggerville is talk about all my resolutions for 2012.  I don't really make resolutions (really, no one sets out to have a worse year than the one before) but I can definitely come up with a list to help with becoming a better me.  

• Clean out my inbox more.  It's ridiculous the number of emails I accumulate.  Pure laziness, I know.

• Don't hit snooze (so many times) in the morning.  If I get up even 10 minutes late, my house is pure chaos in the mornings.  I end up yelling at everyone to hurry up, threaten to leave them at least 5 times, make 5 trips back and forth to truck, etc.  

• Eat healthier...especially in regards to sugar, white flour and processed foods.  I seriously believe we are putting toxic waste into our bodies with all the processed foods now a days.  Another soap box for another time.

• Pack my gym bag the night before.  I hate forgetting my sports bra or the perfect socks.  I do NOT look hot in my gym shorts with the socks I wore to work.  

• Drink less beer wine soda.  I have no desire to give it up but I think one Diet Coke a day is better than two. 

• Take a lunch to work.  When I don't I run to the store and buy shit while spending a small fortune a month at the local grocery.  

• Be a better teacher.  I mean, really, I'm in charge of shaping young minds:)  I'm actually very serious about this.  I find tons of great ideas (many on teaching blogs) and I file them away (bookmark them) and never actually try them out.  I inherited a new reading class today that I'm so excited about and we are starting a "Reading around the World" project.  It's going to be super fun!!

• Shop less and save more.  I love clothes and I'm not lacking in them, but I often find myself staring at the closet saying, "I have nothing to wear."  Hey, some are emotional eaters...I'm an emotional shopper.  

• Hug my kids more.  Ask anyone.  I'm not really an affectionate person.  I cringe when others get in my "bubble".  Even my high school students joke about my bubble. 

• Try something new and adventurous (because we reeeeallly need some more hobbies, NOT).  Last year I added hunting and snowmobiling and love them both!! 

• De-clutter....from my house to my car to my classroom to my life.  Interpret as you wish.  

To be continued......Who knew my list would get so long?  Bring it 2012!!