High Five for Friday - Link up, Vol. 9

High Five for Friday time, with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk...

Here are my 5 favorite things from this week...


ONE. My new Vibrams & celebrating National Running Day

Pretty excited to own my 1st pair of Vibrams...still trying to get used to them, and running short distances as I continue to do that. But this week I got in a 5 mile run on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, for National Running Day, ran 2.5 with some gal pals. I can't tell you enough how much I am beginning to enjoy running (believe me, it hasn't always been that way). It is a stress reliever, and a time for me to clear my head. I don't listen to music, I just run! Anyone else feel me?? ;)

Just to share, the National Running Day website listed 10 ways to celebrate NRD and some of them are things you could be doing all the time (see 3 examples below)

TWO. Ordered some rainbow-colored kettlebell note cards via Cafe Press
You all can tell that I'm really into Crossfit now, if I'm buying kettlebell-related stuff, right?! ;)

 

THREE. Through work, I had the pleasure of hearing Lee Ellis speak - a POW survivor who has toured around, speaking about his book on leadership lessons and how he and other men survived Hanoi Hilton. He has a great story and spoke about some tough subjects...but "leading with honor" as he continued to remind us, is something we should all be doing if we are in leadership positions.

 *Got a free copy of his book too - can't wait to read it

FOUR. Got my new "The Shine Project" t-shirts in

 Have you heard about The Shine Project yet?? Um, if not, you HAVE to!! I discovered it a few weeks ago, and am a full supporter now. Daily, I'm trying to find ways to get more involved with it. Ashley (who leads it) is doing AMAZING things!!!!

FIVE. The Machine Gun Preacher movie finally came out

I have been waiting to see this movie for a really long time...it just struck me as something I wanted to learn about, since the movie is based off of real-life Sam Childers who has made it his mission to save/protect the children & people of Southern Sudan. The movie is intense, sad at times, but something I'd encourage anyone to watch. I also bought the book about Sam's memoir and can't wait to read it as well:

via

Alright, well Happy Friday everybody! Have a fabulous weekend :D

After re-reading my post, it seems as though I have a lot of reading to do, hehe!!

Crossfit, Warrior Dash & First 10k Race

*Warning: Kind of a long post...but keep reading!!* :)

CROSSFIT

KB. 21-15-9. KTE's.AMRAP.WOD.Tabata

If you've heard these terms/acronyms...maybe wondered what the heck they are...this is Crossfit. Most people have heard about it, and lots have already joined in on the "fun". I'm kind of a latecomer to it, seeing as it's been around since 2000. Nowadays, there are Crossfit gyms everywhere, there's even a National Crossfit Competition...and it's gaining more and more popularity all the time!

A typical whiteboard WOD

Basically, it's a short workout (as short as 20 min.) that can be described as "constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement" and involves anything from jump ropes and kettlebells, to gymnastics rings and tires. Tires, yes HUGE tires! :/

Tire sledges

But let me tell you...it is FUN & ADDICTING & MOTIVATING! Here's my story (the short version, I promise)...

I started running consistently a little over a year ago when I lived in Omaha for a short period of time. Didn't really enjoy it, but liked the results I was seeing. Over the years, I have gained some weight and my husband has heard me complain about it, way too many times. Since moving to Charlotte, I ran a few times, here and there, went to the gym a few times, here and there...nothing really worthwhile. I noticed though, that my pet sitter was looking awfully fit, each time I'd see her...so I asked her "Um, what are you doing?!" She told me her husband managed a local gym and that he had been training her & a friend with Crossfit-style workouts. I said, "Can I get in on that?" I honestly didn't know much about Crossfit, other than I knew some people who did it, it looked tough, and it was usually conducted in groups doing circuit-type rotations. Right at that time, her husband had decided to start a weekly group workout and I went Day 1. It left me limping for a few days (not joking), sore as heck, BUT I told myself that I was going to go back. Well, I did...and I've been going ever since!!

 In action with training ropes & squats

I can tell you that I personally saw results pretty quickly. I don't really base a lot on weight, but I've lost a few lbs., my clothes are fitting better, I have more energy, and I'm feeling some muscles starting to develop! :) I LOVE it! Now, that said, I still have a long way to go, I realize that, but I'm making progress!! Now, I also need to say that along with Crossfit, I'm still keeping up with my running & yoga, and have adopted a somewhat Paleo-style eating plan (which deserves its own post...so more on that another time). But it's great, I'm always looking forward to my next WOD: Workout of the Day!

WARRIOR DASH

Two weekends ago, I participated in the Warrior Dash that came to Charlotte. It is THE world's largest running series, consisting of a 5-6k course with 11-12 obstacles (e.g. jumping over fire, crawling through mud pits, and sliding down fire poles). It was just for fun, and all I wanted to do was finish...I knew some of what to expect, but also knew it was going to be tough. But I DID IT! Finished in about 55 minutes...seriously, I definitely struggled a little, but it was super fun once it was over! :P

Jumping over the fire & finishing the race out of the last mud pit

Celebrating - somewhat cleaned up...couldn't pass up the beer stein! :)

1ST 10K RACE

I took a mini-vacation last week to drive back to southern IL, (1) to visit family/friends, (2) to head up to our hometown Italian Festival that happens every year, and (3) to run the festival's 10k on Memorial Day. I've ran a few 5k's before, and have been running consistently (up to 8 miles on some weekends) for about 2-3 months now. I wanted to sign-up for a race and push myself a little, so a 10k it was. 

Me before the race...I even wore green, white & red, since it WAS an Italian Festival :P

And here are some actions shots:

At around mile 2 - this is where I had to mentally tell myself, okay, it's really hot, but you're almost halfway there, you can do this! I've ran a few long runs, but in a race, it surprised me how much you mentally have to keep yourself going. I took it mile by mile.

Getting ready to cross the finish line at 1:08:17 (placed 4th in my age group!!)

Worn out & rehydrating...even at 8am, it was SO hot out!

And here I am with my younger brother, an AMAZING runner/track star...he ran the 1-mile dash in around 5 min flat! :0

My goal was really to finish, this time around...and to avoid walking as much as possible. I ended up walking for about 10-20 seconds, just at the 4-5 water stations...so not bad. I kind of wanted to finish in an hour or less, but that's okay...close enough! ;) All in all, a great 1st 10k...now the question is, what race to do next?!?! Luckily, in Charlotte, I have many to choose from, seeing as there are races scheduled practically every weekend all year long.

Thanks for reading about my fitness fun going on right now, what are you doing to stay fit and get healthy? Have you tried Crossfit? Have you ever ran a Warrior Dash? I would love to hear about some of your experiences!! 

Comment below or email me at changeisnecessaryforgrowth@gmail.com

***Also, have you entered my Beauty Box Giveaway?? 
If not, check it out!!*** 

Stop & Smell the Roses Vlog: Week 9, Vol.3

It's time for another weekly link-up with Mandy over at House of Rose for:

So there you have it...isn't it great to have motivational support when you're working hard towards your goals, whether it's a fitness goal or any other type of goal. That motivational support really makes you feel like you can do anything you put your mind to!

The group I referenced in the video is called FitFace, currently at 271 members. Join their group on Facebook, leave me a message letting me know you want to join and I'll invite you! Curt & Traci (my BIL & SIL) put a lot of work into this group - connecting with people, training together, and even creating challenges and events that you can participate in from anywhere. The current challenge is a Plank Hold Challenge - doesn't that sound like fun?! :)

Check them out!!

*Representing FitFace and the slogan: "Make It Happen" (MIH)

Thanks for stopping by to find out what I'm smiling about this week! And thanks for hosting Mandy. Am excited to see what everyone else, linking up, is thankful for!

Until next time...

Get Your Rear in Gear

So, I started off Saturday morning by running my first 5K...well, technically I have ran one before, back in Southern Illinois. But I don't really count it because I ran it "on a whim", hadn't been running regularly at the time and ended up having to walk a lot of it. This one went a lot better!

It was the Get Your Rear in Gear and supported the Colon Cancer Coalition. I love this message listed on the site:

Get Your Rear in Gear is bigger than just a message for colon cancer; it is a message for all of us to take action, lead longer healthier lives, go to the doctor regularly, to listen to our bodies when something isn’t right and to get the right answers, regardless of age.
~Kristin Tabor, President & Founder

I found out about the race about a week ago, figured that it was (1) for a good cause, (2) would get me outside and running with other people, and (3) it wasn't too far from where I lived, so easy to get to! Here's a post-race pic (believe me, I am quite embarassed to post this pic...but it's the only one I got):

I ended up finishing in 30:35 a new PR for me!!!! And I had a 9:50 pace :) It was fun and I can't wait to run my next one...there are a few coming up in April and May, so be on the lookout for more race posts!

The rest of my weekend included:

 
Rented "You Again" from the local Redbox...thought there were definitely funny parts. I mostly just enjoyed Betty White's role and I've always loved Jamie Lee Curtis, she was pretty funny in the movie.

Made a run to Borders and picked up this new read...I can't wait to see the movie too!

source

Tried out a new local breakfast joint...amazing!

And went and saw The Adjustment Bureau....I really enjoyed it. I am a huge Emily Blunt fan, ever since The Devil Wears Prada! :) But overall, I thought the movie was really entertaining! I recommend.

Well, I'm off to enjoy my Sunday (although it's rainy here - boo!) and run errands before the week begins.

Making Some Big Changes

Prior to 2011, I had begun to make some big changes in my life. So, I don't technically group these goals/changes as resolutions. In reality, these are changes that I had started to make in the past...but unfortunately, never followed through with. I would go with them for awhile, making some progress...then gradually let them fall to the waste side. But, I'm proud to say that I am doing well in keeping up with these changes, especially with the help of my wonderful and supportive hubby! He is one great motivator, let me tell you! So, I'll let you in on some of these changes...

• An easy one...take vitamins every day! Okay, some of you may be like, uh...okay?! But seriously, for some reason, I will take them for a few days straight and then just magically forget, which then turns into...I don't take vitamins. I know that I need to take them and am really trying to make sure it is part of my daily routine. Around November, I purchased these from GNC:

I bought these, in hopes that they would provide me with a bit more energy (something I seem to always be lacking). I'm not sure that the extra energy supplements really work, but at least I know that I'm getting all of the vitamins that I need on a daily basis. So far, I'm doing good on this goal.

• Do away with soda and drink A LOT more H2O! This one is going great! I stopped drinking soda mid-December and am proud to say that I have not had one soda since. And I haven't definitely up'd my intake of water! I've done this before...I've gone on a 'no-soda' kick for a few months and then I'll give in, have one when I'm out at a restaurant somewhere...and once again, I'm drinking soda regularly. But the fact that I'm looking to water, sports drinks, green tea as alternatives has definitely kept me on my 'no-soda' kick thus far. I can definitely tell a big difference too!

• Running regularly! So, again...in all truth, I've never been a big runner. I was never on the track/cross-country team...I would occasionally run on the treadmill while exercising throughout high school/college. But, definitely nothing over 1 mile or so. I started up running a bit when I was living in Monterey...got up to about 3 miles, but stopped because, yeah...it's tough! :P But see, the husband over the past couple of years has really gotten into running, has ran a few races and is still getting more and more into it. Once I moved to Omaha, I was running outside on various trails and increased my mileage to about 6 miles...the most I had ever run...and then winter hit! I stopped! Excuses, excuses. Since the beginning of December, I have been running very consistently on the treadmill...about 3-4 miles and have come down from a 14 min/mile pace to a 11 min/mile pace! However, the treadmill is definitely much harder than running outside, in my opinion. I get so bored on the treadmill and I really have to work extra hard to keep from looking at my mileage/time every 5 minutes! But, I'm doing it and I always try to remember how good I feel after a run. I think that's big for me...but I am definitely looking at becoming a regular runner and completing some races in the next year or two. I even got myself some new running shoes recently, which I was in desperate need of! They are working wonders!!

• Counting calories/eating healthier! I know, this is on everyone's resolutions list/goals for the next year...but I am actually doing this! It started in early December...I began drinking a whey protein shake for lunch. This cut my calories big-time and I have not been eating out during the week (which is a big change). The husband and I are counting calories together, which is very helpful in keeping each other in-check. And, I mean, we are in no way starving ourselves. But, keeping a list of what we are eating each day allows us to keep track of what we're eating and how much we're eating. The hubby and I still treat ourselves, using the weekends to go out to eat...but I am so much more conscious of what I am ordering at a restaurant and what kind of foods I am putting in to my body.

*I don't want to get too hung up on weight or size, but in general, I just want to get back to being "fit" and working out regularly...in general, just taking care of myself. I have noticed a big difference in my energy level and my attitude towards making time each day to work out. And clothes are definitely starting to fit a little bit better (which is always a plus). :) 

• Find a job related to my degree/skills! So, a little background...I have an advanced degree in Applied Experimental Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial Organizational Psychology (a mouth-full, I know!). Basically, I have a background in areas such as: statistics, survey development, program evaluation and applied research practices. I was lucky to find a position in Monterey that allowed me to at least practice my skills analyzing data sets and working with a professor on his research projects...but a lot of my other skills that I enjoy were placed to the side. Moving around ( being in the military) doesn't really make things easy...and I have had to take temporary positions, which I am not too proud to take. I realize that with the economy as it is, I should be thankful to be given work and I will do anything I have to do to help support my family. But, I also really want to be doing what I paid to go to school for and enjoy practicing. I've been working my butt off, applying for jobs...working on my resume. Man, it is not easy and it's exhausting! Hopefully things will work out and I'll let you know if I hear anything :)

Well, those are some of the changes I have been making and are continuing to make in my life...and I just thought that I would share them all of you. My main goal each day is just to try and stay motivated!! It is an easy concept, but a challenge for a lot of people, including me...and I am really just taking it one day at a time :) Alright, well I am off to fix myself some dinner...hope everyone has a great week!

If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.

~Martin Luther King, Jr., speech, Detroit, Michigan, June 23, 1963.

Re-Cap of 2010

Well, 2010 was definitely an interesting, enjoyable...but difficult year. A lot happened and when thinking about some of things that I accomplished, I am pretty pleased! :) But I still feel like I can do more and I intend to in 2011! So, here are a few things that stand out to me when thinking back on 2010:

• I started off 2010 by becoming a vegetarian...well, more like a pescetarian (I still ate seafood)...it wasn't very difficult for me to do and I felt like I made much better choices for the most part, incorporating a lot more fruits/veggies into my meals.

• I started my blog and began writing posts related to food, crafting and events occurring in my life. I still struggle with posting regularly, for some reason I just can't post everyday...and I definitely feel as though my blog lacks focus. I have brainstormed a few ideas and, who knows, maybe the blog will change with the new year! ;)

• I learned how to crochet...I was taught how to knit back in the summer of 2007 and have knit ever since, but just this past year I picked up crocheting. I would still say that I prefer knitting, but it's great to know both because they both create very different-looking end products.

• The hubby bought me a sewing machine and I began learning how to use it, attending sewing class with my friend Jenn and knitting up various items: zippered pouches, knitting handbags, and even an apron! I am still learning but it is a very fun hobby to have!

• My sister got married in the summer...in Seattle, WA, where they live. I got to see and spend time with all of my immediate family and we had a great celebration to be remembered for sure!

• We moved from Monterey, CA to Omaha, NE in the early months of Fall...BIG change, but it felt great to be back in the Midwest. Said goodbye to the ocean, some awesome restaurants/seafood and some amazing friends...and said hello to flat land, cold winter months and steak. But we are closer to family and we really like it here, so it was a good move.

• Ran the farthest that I think I have ever run in my life...began running on outdoor trails behind our apartment complex in Omaha and worked up to a total run of 6 miles! It wasn't easy and I ran very slow at first, but it felt like a big accomplishment...now that it's cold outside, the treadmill is unfortunately, my enemy! :/

• I started eating meat again, after a few months in Omaha...it was a decision I thought about for quite sometime. I still eat more seafood than anything and only occasionally eat red meat.

Some difficult things I endured in 2010:

• I spent 6 months apart from my hubby when he left Monterey for some military training (before our move to Omaha, NE). I wouldn't wish time apart like that for anyone...we would talk almost every day and I tried to keep myself as busy as I could, but it was still one of the hardest things about this past year.

•  I finally had my tonsils taken out...this has been on my to-do list since 2008. I have had numerous problems  with them over the years and decided to just get it over with. It was a ridiculously awful recovery, but I had great friends who visited and brought me liquids...and I got through it! (And yes, this occurred after the hubby left! :0)

• Living so far away, I didn't get to visit home very often...11 months, in fact, before I made it back to Illinois = home. 

********************************************************************************************

The hubby and I were able to spend the holidays visiting our families in Illinois...and it was so great to spend time with everyone!! There were lots of presents, tons of food and too many sweets! :) My favorite gifts were: a book I've been wanting: Breaking Night, the Eclipse movie (I know, right?! It's crazy that I hadn't bought it for myself when it came out), a Keurig one-cup coffee maker and some gorgeous new red dishes (that we have desperately been needing/wanting)...and lots lots more that I am enjoying! :) 

And then the hubby and I spent New Years Eve back in Omaha...it's crazy, because this is the only the second year (since we met) that we have spent both holidays together. It was nice!

Goals for 2011 to come...

I've Been Tagged...

Alright, so I was tagged by my good friend Jen, over at A Little Blue to share some information:

 

1. four shows that you watch: 

(1) vampire diaries

(2) one tree hill

(3) gossip girl

(4) greys anatomy

2. four things you are passionate about:

(1) my marriage

(2) my friends

(3) helping others

(4) crafting

3. four phrases you say a lot:

(1) I love you!

(2) No freakin' way!

(3) What the...

(4) I'm tired.

4. four things you've learned from the past:

(1) don't sweat the small stuff

(2) there are definitely things worth fighting for

(3) communication is the key

(4) patience is a virtue

 

5. four places you would like to go:

(1) Ireland

(2) Italy

(3) Australia

(4) Bora Bora

 

6. four things you did yesterday:

(1) worked out/ran on the treadmill

(2) read another chapter of Atlas Shrugged (long book, not easy to get through)

(3) looked for jobs

(4) took a nap

7. four things you are looking forward to:

(1) Christmas

(2) 2011

(3) our 2nd wedding anniversary in March

(4) turning 27 (okay maybe not, but I'm trying to be optimistic)

8. four things you love about winter:

(1) watching snow coming down to cover the ground

(2) wearing lots of hoodies, scarves and cute hats/gloves

(3) drinking lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows

(4) winter activities: ice skating, sledding, snowball fights

 

9. four bloggers who should share their list of fours:

(1) jenn

(2) angie

(3) curt

(4) devan

Rockin' the Playlist

I just got back from, what's now becoming, my usual Saturday run. This morning was pretty chilly, but the sun was out which created a little bit of warmth. I bundled up (I hate being cold on a run), turned on my playlist and proceeded to run 6 miles. Here's where I hit each of my miles:

Mile 1: 12:14
Mile 2: 25:01
Mile 3: 37:17
Mile 4: 50:09
Mile 5: 1:03:18
Mile 6/Total: 1:16:24     <--------I ran a different trail (to the end and back) so I didn't run as far as last time
Avg. min/mi: 12:42        <--------MUCH better than last time

It wasn't easy...the wind in Omaha is ridiculous. It literally felt like it was pushing me back and I really had to work hard to keep on going. But, it feels so good now that it's over! :) I thought I'd share my "run" playlist with all of you, which is mostly new (and some old) hip hop/rap...yeah, anything upbeat keeps me going!

Strip Me - Natasha Bedingfield  <--my new favorite song

Not Afraid - Eminem

Love the Way You Lie - Eminem/Rihanna

Like a G6 - Far East Movement

Airplanes - B.O.B./Hayley Williams

Lips of an Angel - Hinder

Tattoo - Jordin Sparks

California Girls - Katy Perry/Snoop Dog

I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

Just Dance - Lady Gaga

Lollipop - Lil Wayne/Static Major/Kanye

Secrets - OneRepublic

Disturbia - Rihanna

Umbrella - Rihanna/Jay-Z

Dynamite & Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz

Don't Trust Me - 3OH!3

Streetwalker - Delta Spirit

Piece of Me - Britney Spears

Uprising - Muse

Whip My Hair - Willow

Can't Be Tamed & Who Owns My Heart - Miley Cyrus

Take It Off, Tik Tok, Your Love is My Drug & We R Who We R - Ke$ha

Boom Boom Pow & I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas

And then mixed in with all of those are older rap songs from a mixed CD I made years ago and uploaded to my iTunes...includes Yeah (Usher), Bump Bump Bump (B2K), Right Thurr (Chingy) & Dirt Off Your Shoulders (Jay-Z).  Hehe, don't laugh...these songs all get me pumped up as I'm running, but okay, sometimes make me want to stop my run and start busting a move! ;)

Anyway, I just made some Trader Joes 'Reduced Fat' Brownies, ate some lunch and plan to enjoy the rest of this fall afternoon. I'm also hoping to get some sewing/knitting done this weekend, I have been missing my crafty time! Don't forget about Daylight Savings Time...so glad we get to add an hour onto sleep (I always enjoy more sleep) but not so glad about it getting dark so early in the day.

Happy Saturday

Run, Forest, Run!

About a month ago, I started running. Running and I usually have a "hate/hate" relationship, but surprisingly lately it's been lovely. Haha, I say lovely, but what I mean is...I don't really like to run, but I do it because it feels really good afterwards! :) Honestly, I am extremely slow...I used to start off pretty fast and then I'd get side stitches or start breathing funny and have to stop. So, I've been starting out slow and staying consistent throughout my entire run (but STILL slow).

We have some really nice trails behind our place and they actually run all throughout Omaha (total distance of trail = 24.10). The hubby, believe it or not, has been running about 12-14 mi. every Saturday...I don't know how he does it, but I'm always so proud of him. He will definitely run a marathon in the next year or two!

Me, I started out running about 2 miles when we first moved here, and just kept increasing my distance each week. This past Saturday was the 2nd time I ran 6 miles!!! 6.2 actually. Here's my time when I hit each mile:


Mile 1: 12:24
Mile 2: 25:58
Mile 3: 39:56
Mile 4: 54:35
Mile 5: 1:09:21
Mile 6: 1:23:58
Total time: 1:26:25
Avg. min/mi: 13.59


Told you I was slow! :) But, I'm still pretty proud of myself...and I intend on keeping it up. I don't know if I'll be running my hubby's distance anytime soon, but my goal for now is 8 miles. What has really helped me is having a "running" playlist on my iPod...without it, I would have wanted to quit so many times. It's amazing how much music can be motivating! Most of my playlist consists of rap and extremely upbeat songs. And my husband has introduced me to Gu which basically just energizes a runner before/during a run. I take some 15 minutes before I run my longer runs and I really think it helps to get me going.

Oh, and the hubby surprised me with a SPIbelt which carries all of my necessary items (phone, ID, key)...it's awesome, it doesn't move around at all while I'm running and it's black/hot pink! :)

So, get ready for some more running updates as running continues to kick my butt!

Time for an Update

Well I figured it was time for an update...things have been a little crazy around my neck of the woods. Hopefully they'll calm down here in a few weeks. So here's what's been going on:

• All of our stuff arrived from the movers...I opted to unpack it (when the military moves you, you can have the movers unpack your boxes for you) so that I could go through everything and put things where I wanted them to go. Here's the aftermath of the unpacking:

It was madness I tell you!!

• My mother came to Omaha again to help me unpack...she was a godsend! She is amazing at cleaning and organizing...she did so many loads of laundry and loads in the dishwasher. Thank you MOM! :) Anyway, we got to explore a little bit more around the greater Omaha area...I took her to Garden Ridge (it's one of her favorite stores). If you don't know or haven't ever been to a GR, it's basically a large decor store (frames, mirrors, pictures, pillows, candles, holiday decor, etc....at REALLY good prices)! Plus, we checked out Texas Road House (Mmmm!) and the Nebraska Brewing Company (the beer was awesome, food was so-so...I'm eager to try it again with the hubby).

• I finished a knitted pair of socks...my first ever FINISHED pair of socks! I have attempted 3 other pairs and have yet to finish any of them...I have the '2nd sock syndrome' and just couldn't seem to get over it. But, the knitting group that I was involved with in Monterey had started a sock-a-long (basically a version of a knit-a-long in which a group of knitters start a project together and vow to finish it in a timely manner). The deadline is at the end of September so I'm proud to say that I finished in plenty of time! :) Here they are start to finish:

 I even used some of my yummy Sunshine Yarns yarn that I've been dyeing to work with...this one is called 'Bella'

• The apartment is coming along very nicely...I know I've promised pictures and they are coming. I just want to surprise the hubby when he gets to Omaha, and since he's a follower of the blog, I don't want him to see anything that might ruin the surprise! ;) But, I promise, I can't wait to show you guys what all I've accomplished with it. It's so much more homier than when I first got here and is really starting to come together.

• Speaking of the husband...he is finally done with his training. He left Monterey 6 months ago for some training and other than seeing him a few days in May...it's been a LONG, LONELY, HARD couple of months. He is done and I will be seeing him in a few days...and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to see him and for us to be back together. 

• And, I am happy to report that I've been working out pretty regularly. And it feels great! There's a small fitness center in the clubhouse of our apt. complex, so I've been running on the treadmill, riding the bike and working my arms out a bit. I've also been alternating that with running outside about 1-2 miles. I hate running...but I know I should do it and after awhile, it won't be so hard!

That's about it for now...just mainly working, watching TV (I think DVR is the greatest invention ever...this is my first time having it), and hanging out with the pups. Happy Hump Day!

Done, Done...and Done

1. Find a place to live in Omaha (moving in the next couple of months)
So we have picked out a place for us to live in Omaha...an apartment close to base and really feels like the whole package. Plus, we'll be able to focus on saving, at least this next year! :) I am so relieved that this task is complete!!

2. Schedule movers from base
This is pretty much done...all the paper work has been filled out. I am just waiting to hear back on final dates for packing and delivering. It is such a wonderful thing that the military will move families for free!!

3. Go through clothes, papers, and anything else...GET RID of stuff we don't need!
Yeah, I am totally proud of myself for doing this one...I went through all of my clothes and had a stack of the hubby's as well. Took them to Plato's Closet first, then the rest went to Goodwill. I have also been a "throwing away" machine...for stuff that seriously needed to be thrown away and have organized the heck out of the place. I mean, it'll continue as the move gets closer, but I'm on my way.

4. Apply for jobs (tired of doing this already)
This will have to be a continuous thing...

5. Start new knitting project for expecting mother/friend
Yeah, I've had NO time between taking my trip to Omaha, catching up on sleep over the weekend, and work...hopefully, I will begin this over the weekend or next week.

6. Keep running (ran Sat. = 1 mile; Sun = ran 1 mile/walked 1 mile)
Yeah, I wish I had better news on this one...I'm not giving up on it yet. But, I've just been super busy and tired the past few days, so maybe tomorrow I'll run again! ;)

7. Start cooking dinner with things I have at home instead of buying more
Yeah, I don't like this one...it's so hard cooking for one person. But, I have cleared a few things out of the cabinets by using them for meals. I may end up having to give some stuff away...especially condiments!

8. Try not to be so stressed and overwhelmed and emotional about the move ;)
So, I feel like this is a tough one...I mean, I'm gonna continue to be stressed and overwhelmed up until the move, I'm sure. BUT, I definitely haven't been as emotional as 2 weeks ago when I wrote this...I was a wreck that week! I just got myself so worked up...but now that things are falling into place, I'm calming down and realizing that things are working out and everything will get done in time (I hope)! :)

Goal-Setting for the Following Week

1. Find a place to live in Omaha (moving in the next couple of months)

2. Schedule movers from base

3. Go through clothes, papers, and anything else...GET RID of stuff we don't need!

4. Apply for jobs (tired of doing this already)

5. Start new knitting project for expecting mother/friend

6. Keep running (ran Sat. = 1 mile; Sun = ran 1 mile/walked 1 mile)

7. Start cooking dinner with things I have at home instead of buying more

8. Try not to be so stressed and overwhelmed and emotional about the move ;)