Day 27: This Month

Okay So I have been a little absent this past weekend so I am going to pretend that never skipped a day and start with day 27.

The beginning of this month was wonderful. I had new neighbors move in to the Apartment building who are apart of the Marine Corps family right after I came home from spending time with my Georgia Family. We have helped them get comfortable and all moved in. Brandi has been a life saver in those boring moments that cause me to go crazy and get slightly depressed.

After the Hills were settled in their new apartment. We planned to take them in our truck to Ikea the best Adult playground I have ever known. I love Ikea and was looking forward to the getaway (its a good hour drive), but on our way there the truck started making a strange sound and all of a sudden it felt like something fell off the bottom of the truck. To make a long story short, the truck's rear differential fell off and was towed to a Dealership in Gilroy. They were kind enough to help us find someone who would do the work for less, so now our truck is still sitting at that Tuck Repair Shop. Its been an entire month since we have had our truck. Thankfully the Hill's have a vehicle and have been able to help us out.

Other things this month. I started my Walking challenge and I believe that I was doing great. I felt strong I was able to do longer distances until last week. It started Monday with the four mile walk around the bay. I ignored it because I wanted to push through any pain like my husband does. Now I am paying for it. I am waiting for my new coverage to start but I will be going to the doctor to have my foot looked at. The pain is getting too back to deal with on a daily bases that I am stuck on the couch a lot of my day now.

Not much else has happened this month but I am looking forward to the month of September to be even better than August.

Day 26: My week in great detail

Monday: Was absolutely beautiful so Brandi and I when on a four mile walk to enjoy the sunshine, then after lunch we returned to the beach to lay out and soak in the sunshine because we did not expect the beautiful weather to last.  After than we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with the Hill's. Before watching TV and heading to bed. I also finished Week One of my Tri Fit Challenge. I am on my way to a healthier me.

Tuesday: Yet another beautiful day which involved opening all the windows in the apartment and doing a complete scrub down of place I call home. And then when the boys got off work we all headed back to the beach to enjoy some more Sun and fun. We ordered in Mexican and enjoyed a little TV time together before heading of to bed for some cuddle session.

Wednesday: The sun did not want to stay around for a third day so I spent most of my time cleaning my kitchen. But that only happened after I woke up with a bloody nose, a dry throat with a cough, and dehydrated. After cleaning the kitchen I attacked an army of ants that had taken over pantry. But after that I made dinner for my husband and I, which was cold by the time my husband came home because his PT session ran late but it was still good.

Thursday: This day was written about in the last blog and I don't feel like double sharing.

Friday: Today has been a simple day. My husband was on a field trip with his class so I had the entire day to my self and took some need time to relax and drowned in some Grey's Anatomy and chocolate. I was a little let down that we did not get our truck back today so we are once again stranded for the weekend but I hope that does not ruin it.

Day 25: My day is detail.

Since I am writing the day after I can fill in more, but sadly nothing really happened with my day. I had my friend Kristen and her dog Gunny came over. Then the boys came home for lunch which followed with  a wonderful Baby shower for Kristen. then I napped and watch Project Runway and went to bed.  We ordered in pizza for dinner because neither Christopher nor I wanted to cook dinner. (we were lazy). Here are some pictures from the baby shower but other than that I have nothing to say about yesterday.

Day 24: Whatever Tickles my Fancy

Today I wanted to use my blog to share some of the photos I have taken while in Monterey. I do not claim to be a photographer, but to love to take pictures and sit down with photoshop and play. Some people may love my photos and some may hate them but I just love what I do.

Day 23: A YouTube Video

I believe this explains its self...

Walking Challenge Update

So I went over my three mile mark but I was enjoying the sunny day and the beach scene way too much to turn around early so I pressed on for an extra mile just to feel the ocean breeze against my skin. Looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow and maybe an even longer walk. Now on to finish my Tri Fit Challenge this evening and I will be all caught up. Go me! Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 281 ft Location: Pacific Grove, CA, Elev. Gain: -4 ft Date: 08/09/10 Up/Downhill: [+442/-446] Time: 11:25 AM Difficulty: 2.3 / 5.0 Weather: Cloudy 57 F temp; 81% humidity 57 F heat index; winds NW 5 mph Performance Distance: 3.00 miles Time: 1:11:23 Speed: 2.5 mph Pace: 24' 00 /mi Calories: 399 Map Elevation (ft) Speed (mph) Splits Mile Pace (min/mile) Speed (mph) Elevation Gain actual +/- avg actual +/- avg 1 23' 26 -0' 34 2.6 +0.1 -289 ft 2 22' 48 -1' 12 2.6 +0.1 +112 ft 3 26' 25 +2' 25 2.3 -0.2 +167 ft end ** ** ** ** ** ft Versus average of 2.5 mph ** Insufficient data to calculate this split

Posted from bimactive.com

Day 22: A website

Well picking a website was an easy decision for me. My father, Glenn M., has been a hike for several years and has hiked portions of the Appalachian trail for a few summers now. Some of my greatest memories with my dad are when we would go out into the woods and follow the creek just so we could see where it would take us. He has always been one of a kind and creates his own path. I love my daddy very much and wish I was closer to him but alas the Marine Corps has me on the other side of the country. A few years ago my dad decided that he wanted to start dehydrating his own food, which in turn was the start of his Website, The Backpacking Chef.

That's my Dad taking a dip

This website has dehydrated recipes for anytime of day for Hikers interested in eating different and need to lighten his or her load. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, and even Dessert, you name it my Dad has an idea for you. And if you have a good recipe you would like to share he has a place for that too. My dad also lends a few of his helpful menu planning tips with his fans.

Another great thing this website has is my Daddy's Trail Journal. It takes the readers though the days of his hikes and the experiences of being on the Appalachian Trail. This website was created by my dad's pure love for the outdoors and I believe anyone with an itch to get out should make a stop by my daddy's site and sign up for the free newsletter and check him out. I love him so much and wouldn't want him to change a thing. As my daddy would say Follow your hunger.

My Daddy and me at my wedding

Day 20 & 21 Hobbies and a recipe

Day 20
Why do I always have so much fun on the weekends? Doing two days in one again. My hobby is pretty simple and a joy for anyone who can hold a crayon. Who doesn't love to color. All my greatest memories. Here is a picture that i colored with my wonderful niece Ansley helped me color while I was home hanging out with the kids.  Can you guess who did which one?

Day 21
Once again I find my self combining days so this is the most recent recipe I tried by my self. I did mess it up a bit but it was an easy fix and my husband still ate it. The recipe comes from my Better Homes and Gardens Easy Everyday Cooking book.

Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

Nutrition information per serving: 331 cal., 9g total fat (2g sat. fat), 108 mg chol., 1,092 mg sodium, 37g carbo., 23g pro.

Ingredients
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound uncooked ground turkey
1/4 cup bottle sweet and sour sauce
4 canned pineapple rings
Shredded spinach
4 hamburger buns

In a medium bowl combine egg, bread crumbs, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add ground turkey; mix well Form into four 3/4inch patties.

Place patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 14 to 18 minutes or until done, turning once and brushing sweet-and-sour sauce the last 5 minutes of grilling. Meanwhile, place pineapple slices on grill rack. grill for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

To serve, place shredded spinach on the bottoms of buns. Top with hamburgers. Brush the burgers with sweet-and-sour sauce and top with pineapple slices.  Replace bun tops. Makes four servings.

This was mine. Pretty Good, right?

I also wanted to share that I successfully made three separate batches of muffins today; blueberry, banana, and strawberry/banana. I am so proud at how far I am coming with my cooking and baking abilities. Soon enough I will be kicking my husband completely out of the kitchen and I will be all on my own.

Strawberry/banana

Day 19: A talent of Mine

Okay this is my best talent. I have always loved to tie-dye. These are my most recent finished project. I have had a lot of babies enter my life recently (none of my own) and I wanted to do something for each of them. I know it may be a simple talent but it makes me happy and lately I have really need happy moments. I do not like to use gloves though. Tip: if you are just starting out with tie-dying where the gloves or your hands will look like mine always do.

Day 18: A little lonely tickling

I don't know what it is about this week but I can't not get my feet on the ground. I have been on my butt all week and yesterday I just snapped. I guess the built up since the truck breaking down Sunday afternoon just got to be too much. Oh if you don't know our truck (Black Beauty) decided it wanted to break down. At the time I didn't know what was wrong, all I knew (all Christopher would tell me) was that something fell off and it had something to do with the four wheel drive. The truck was towed to The Dodge Dealership in Gilory because thats as far as it could be towed for free. On top of that I was sick all day Sunday which did not help me deal with everything else.

On Monday Christopher got a call from the Dealership and the said it would cost $280 just to figure out what was wrong and then on Tuesday they called again saying it was the rear differential (Sp?) and it would cost $3600, that is money we don't have right now. What was I suppose to do? I stressed out. Not having the truck has put a strain on us. Thankfully we have our wonderful neighbors and their car. Hill and Christopher take the car in the morning and once again I am left stranded at the house to sit an ponder on everything going on. That is not a good think for a girl like me, I don't handle stress very well and when I am left alone with it, it just builds and builds till I explode.

(Thankfully Christopher found someone who can fix the truck for cheaper, and hopefully something will be done this weekend or early next week)

I have noticed old habits creeping back because of it too. Almost every day this week (minus today) I have slept till at least 10am and I have use excuse after excuse not to go walk. I just sat on the couch watching Grey's Anatomy DVDs. I thought that I was in the clear because I recognized the signs already and forced myself up and walked. I am impressed with my time too, I can feel the improvements in my body and I am on the right track with my Tri fit Challenge as well. I never thought I would ever be able to do a push up let alone five.

But then I get home and my apartment is cover in ants... I hate ants and we didn't have them until after I spent two months in Georgia. And I know that at this moment many of my other Marine wifes are all together socializing. I am not mad, just upset that I don't have the ability to even get there (Stupid truck) I am feeling more lonely by the second and I am getting the creeps that makes me feel like I cover in ANTS!!!! I need more social gatherings in my life, I need a job, I need something to keep me busy. Help! Does anyone have any advice? Does anyone else ever feel that way? Someone please help me out. Thanks. This week sucks! So glad its almost over. I like this picture though....

Walking Challenge Update

I did it. I braved the fog all by myself. I am very impressed with my time and the improvements I am already seeing, on to the next challenge. I can't wait to walk again. Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 250 ft Location: Pacific Grove, CA, Elev. Gain: +4 ft Date: 08/19/10 Up/Downhill: [+446/-442] Time: 10:45 AM Difficulty: 2.3 / 5.0 Weather: Fog 59 F temp; 77% humidity 59 F heat index; winds CALM calm mph Performance Distance: 3.01 miles Time: 0:57:54 Speed: 3.1 mph Pace: 19' 21 /mi Calories: 391 Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Day 17: A piece of Art.

I was planning on uploading two pictures created by my Niece and Nephew, but my scanner is giving me the run around I will try again before the end of the day, but if anything I will take a picture of the pictures to be posted later. Till then Check out everything else.

Well the scanner has decided to hate me all day, looks like I will be making a call to Geek Squad in the near future. I know its not what most people would call art but when I am miles away from my family these pictures are what help get me through the harder times.

Old Monterey Farmer's Market

Peaches

So yesterday Brandi and I went to the Farmer's Market in Old Downtown Monterey. Its every Tuesday, 4-8pm, rain or shine.

The Farmers Market was established in 1991 and is comprised of three and a half city blocks full of arts and crafts, homemade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international food, organic produce, flowers, and pastries. During the summer it is the largest gathering in Monterey County, attracting more than 10,000 locals and tourists.

The vendors come from all over Central California for produces and the world for arts and crafts. Food vendors serve up local as well as international products ranging from BBQ to Pastries from around the world and every where in between.

Here are some photos of the fruit I bought.

Day 16: A song that makes you cry

I'm Already There by Lone Star is a song that made my cry long before I was a Marine wife. For everyone"s enjoyment I have shared the video and lyrics. I don't think I have to explain why this song makes me cry.

I's Already There - Lonestar

He called her on the road from a lonely cold hotel room

Just to hear her say, "I love you one" more time

But when he heard the sound

Of the kids laughin' in the background

He had to wipe away a tear from his eye

A little voice came on the phone

Said, "Daddy when you comin' home?"

He said the first thing that came to his mind

I'm already there

Take a look around

I'm the sunshine in your hair

I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind

I'm your imaginary friend

And I know, I'm in your prayers

Oh I'm already there

She got back on the phone

Said, "I really miss you darlin'"

"Don't worry about the kids they'll be alright

Wish I was in your arms, lyin' right there beside you"

"But I know that I'll be in your dreams tonight

And I'll gently kiss your lips

Touch you with my fingertips

So turn out the light and close your eyes"

I'm already there

Don't make a sound

I'm the beat in your heart

I'm the moonlight shinin' down

I'm the whisper in the wind

And I'll be there 'til the end

Can you feel the love that we share?

Oh I'm already there

We may be a thousand miles apart

But I'll be with you wherever you are

I'm already there

Take a look around

I'm the sunshine in your hair

I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind

And I'll be there 'til the end

Can you feel the love that we share?

Oh I'm already there

Oh I'm already there

New Challenges

I don't know if any one has noticed yet or not but I have add three new challenges to my blog. 100 push-ups, 200 sit-ups, and 200 squats are three separate 6 week programs that allows you to work out your body to be able to do those numbers of movements by the end of the program. This is me pledging to start my own Fitness Challenge, the TriFit Challenge. Neat little pocket programs can be found on each of the websites located on there pages on my blog. I hope every one has a fun time going through this challenge with me.

Day 15: A FanFic

Okay I am going to admit that I had no idea what a fanfic was until I looked it up on Urban Dictionary.


Fanfic is short for Fan fiction. Fan Fiction is fiction that is written by fans about an extant fictional universe, I guess like Star Wars. 


Because I have never read or wrote a fanfic I am going to skip today. 

But to check up for the day I didn't get to walk today because I am a woman and mother nature wanted to make herself known with pain from a horrible place. So I will make up for it tomorrow. I have been doing some research on a few other challenges for Fitness on my road to a healthier me. More to come on that.

Truck broken down yesterday and we are still waiting to whats wrong and how much it is going to cost. As of now it is $280 just to figure it out. Hoping things work out where this doesn't get too expensive. In lighter news, I still love my couch and plan on drowning out the world for a few hours while I revisit my love for Grey's Anatomy DVDs

Day 14: A Non-fictional Book

Okay So I don't remember the last time I read a non fictional book. Probably while I was still attending KSU in my freshman orientation Class. I believe it was a book about human trafficking. So needless to say I tried to block that from my memory. Not that I personally don't care about the affects of human trafficking on the world but it is not something that I would think about very often. Not for Sale was the title and It took us through the inner workings of the human trafficking ring. This book has now turned into a world wide movement with campaigns, events and even a blog, NFS. Well that is all I have to say about that. See everyone for tomorrows Fun adventure.

Picnik It Sundays

A wonderful Marine friend of my has started her own meme Called "Picnik it Sundays" and I wanted to show her some love this week by participating.



So here is the photo that I picniked to support her because thats why I started blogging in the first place. Jessica, I love you so much and have been the greatest support to me.

Let me know if you love it.

I have found an easier way to post my Walking Challenge Updates. Go me, If you haven't checked out this website then you really should. BIM Active is incredible. Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 251 ft Location: Pacific Grove, CA, Elev. Gain: -3 ft Date: 08/13/10 Up/Downhill: [+439/-442] Time: 11:00 AM Difficulty: 2.3 / 5.0 Weather: Cloudy 59 F temp; 73% humidity 59 F heat index; winds W 4 mph Performance Distance: 3.01 miles Time: 1:01:02 Speed: 2.9 mph Pace: 20' 41 /mi Calories: 397 Map Elevation (ft) Speed (mph) Splits Mile Pace (min/mile) Speed (mph) Elevation Gain actual +/- avg actual +/- avg 1 19' 36 -1' 05 3.1 +0.2 -272 ft 2 22' 59 +2' 17 2.6 -0.3 +62 ft 3 22' 48 +2' 06 2.6 -0.3 +210 ft end 16' 40 -4' 01 3.6 +0.7 0 ft Versus average of 2.9 mph

Posted from bimactive.com

Day 12 & 13 Tickling a fancy with a fictional Book

I can't believe that I have so many great days this week that I have not wanted to get on the computer. So yet again I am reworking titles. Brandi has been a life saver to me. She makes time go by so much faster. Yesterday we did our three mile walk. I am so excited to have a new couch.We use to have two horrible, broken futon couches but now thanks to the surprising skills of my husband I have a beautiful new couch. Pictures coming soon...

Now on to my Fictional book of choice. I have already said that I love Nicholas Sparks but another one of my favorite authors is Jodi Picoult. She is an amazing author who takes her readers through some very controversial topics. The most recent book that I have read of her's is Handle With Care.

Handle with Care is about a six-and-a-half-year-old girl who has Osteogenesis Imperfecta or better known as Brittle bone Syndrome. Willow O'Keefe's parents (Sean and Charlotte) love her and try to take care of her the best they know how. This book is not only about the breaking and rebuilding of bones, but also of family bonds. In this story, The O'keefe  family will be put through the ringer has they fight for one daughter and absentmindedly forget another, Amelia O'Keefe ( Willow's older sister). This story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I loved every minute of it. I am looking forward to continue reading her books. I still have so many to go

Walking Challenge Update

I forgot to post my Wednesday walking challenge update. I walked 3.01 miles at a pace of 2.7 mile per hour. I finished in 1:05:20 ( I knocked off 6 minutes from the first walk) burning 395 calories. I also counted my steps for the day and almost got to 13,000. Making big improvements already. Weigh-in is a week away. I hope to keep up the improvements. This time I am going to do this steady and slow. I walked the same route from Monday and had a great time. I think if the weather is good I will take the beach route on Friday. 

Planning on adding in a Zumba and Yoga session to the activity log in the weeks to come. Looking forward to the changes in my future.

Day 10 &11

Here I go again combining two days because the day before was so much fun I didn't want to get on the computer. Brandi and I decide to do some more running around which involved an intense game of "Yellow Car" and "Bug Punch Buggy". So this will be day 10 and 11 for your enjoyment.

A photo from 10 years ago

Its not the best quality but this is a photo of my sister and I from about Ten years ago. I think this is during the fall in front of our childhood home. My sister and I are two years apart a probably hated each other through most of our Tween Years. But know that we have grown up we have a lot more in common and more to talk about. I love my sister and wished I lived closer to her.

A photo I have taken recently

Do you remember when I said I had bought a bamboo bookcase at Costco? Well this is it and I took a picture of it to show how proud I am of putting it together all myself. Not much else I can say about a bookcase other than the fact that I still don't know where I want to put it in my apartment.

Day 9: A photo that I took

The Lone Cypress

This photo was taken while my In-laws came into town for a visit. Christopher and I decided that Barry and Ann should see Pebble Beach at least once, So we took them on the driving tour. really fun for people who like scenic drives with some history thrown in. This Tree is over 250 years old and can be seen along the drive. It has become the logo for Pebble Beach Golf Courses and Resort. IF you ever have the chance to drive 17 mile drive, Do it. Its a great time to stop and take pictures, have a picnic, or stay and watch a beautiful west coast sunset. Just remember there is a Toll to take this drive if you are not a resident of Pebble Beach. If you take the drive come back here and tell me all about it.

Busy Bee

This is my third post today but I had to show what I have done with my husband "bedroom." After my rewarding walk and lunch with the hubby I decided it was time to conquer  the apartment. I am very proud that my husband kept the place clean while I was gone. Only a few things when undone, like laundry, sweeping, mopping, nit picky things that usually only a wife would think of. But today I decided I would tackle his bedroom. His space wear he keeps things I don't want to see. You would not believe how horrible it was. So I am going to show you. I am very proud of myself.

Before and After

       

So what do you think? I wonder what I should conquer next. Maybe I will steal my neighbor's Floor steam cleaner and finish cleaning the rest of the apartment's tile floors. I feel so motivated to clean now and I am looking forward to having a clean, put together apartment again. (^-^)