Catering Temptations & Run Results

Since beginning the new job, it has been someone's birthday.  Every day.  Cake.  Every day.  I declined all but once.  I don't want to be rude! :)  There has also been muffins, bagels and danishes almost every morning.  I've been eating breakfast at home so I'm not really hungry until 11:00, when I'll have an apple.  Bleh.

I did cheat the other day and on my lunch break, grabbled a marble pound cake slice from Starbucks.  It wasn't worth the 350 calories.

For those of you who work somewhere that orders out or has catering almost daily, what are your tactics for "staying away?"  It's especially tempting because we don't have to pay!  Eek.

They did have a nice spring salad today with goat cheese crumbles, which I helped myself to.

I work across the street from a park so I am thinking about bringing sneakers and walking for 30 minutes (after eating at my desk).

My run results from last night:
Distance: 4.5 mi
Pace: 10:23 min/mi
Duration: 46:40

I'm supposed to do 3 miles OR cross train today... I'm going with cross training.  Tomorrow is supposed to be 4.5 again PLUS strength.  I'm skipping it and resting until 7 miles on Sunday.  I no longer experience muscle pain in my thighs (I guess because I'm "in shape")  but now I feel extreme tightness in my shins and calves.  I need to stretch better after running.

Have a good day - tomorrow is my Friday :)

2nd Post Today!

I had some unexpected free time tonight so I wanted to share our favorite rooms in our house  - the dining room and living room.  Here are some pictures:

View from our back entrance.

View from fireplace.  Do you see our cat, Tux?

 

Panorama and Murphy :)

We definitely spend most of or time in here.  It's a nice sized room - long and narrow so we feel this is the only way to arrange the room, but I'm not a designer so who knows.  I'm sure there are other options.  Where you see all the curtains, we really want to get custom window treatments - when we get a few thousand dollars, ha!  So those are temporary.  We usually have the curtains behind the couch down because we live on sort of a busy street and it's a corner lot.

Hope you enjoyed a peek at our home....enjoy your evening!

Have you tried cashew cream?

My friend over at www.liveleanclean.com introduced me to using cashew cream rather than heavy cream.  It's cashews soaked in water for atleast 8 hours and then blended with water.  I decided to try it last night with one of her recipes - chicken with "vodka sauce."  Head over to her page and check it out.  It came out REALLY good and flavorful.

I ran a 5K on my own yesterday and finished in just over 30 minutes.  I seem to be getting quicker until the knee pain kicks in - LOL.  I just switched insurances so I'm going to see which local doctor can help me.  I'm not sure if an ortho helps with joint pain?  We will see.

We took Murphy to the dog park on Saturday and he really loved that!  He was pooped afterwards.  He slept for about 12 hours, ha.

Other than that - nothing much to share.  Have a great week :)

Frenzy Friday and Where is Spring?!

Not really but this week was a little hectic, but exciting with starting the new job.  I definitely like it a lot so far.  Everyone was super nice and helpful, knowing I'm new to this business.  I'm definitely a creature of habit so when my routine changes, it's a bit stressful - not necessarily in a bad way though.  The week FLEW by.

Tonight we're just relaxing home with Saro's daughters.  Tomorrow I'm off so we'll find something to do.  I desperately need a bang trim and have to return a few things to the mall.

On another note, I'd like to know where the heck Spring is.  It's FREEZING outside right now.  I'd say 30.  On the news this morning, they were comparing March 2012 to March 2013 and March 2012 had 13 days in the 70s last year in NJ.  It's so crazy how the weather patterns change.  The good part is that we have a fire going in the fireplace...super relaxing.

I plan on having a glass of wine and calling it an early night.

4 Miles - Best Time & Liebster Award

First, I wanted to share my running results from last night.

Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 40:26
Pace: 10:06 min/mi

I'm very happy with these results!  The knee  has been a lot better but now I'm having left hip/lower back pain.  It's always something!  I'm glad that this coming Sunday is only a 5K run.  Ha, to think that 3.1 miles is now easy...interesting.

The half marathon is only 6.5 weeks away.  I'm getting nervous (now because of the hip pain).  Maybe not everyone is meant to run?  Maybe my running career is just short?  Either way, I'm proud of how far I've come.  I take glucosamine with black cherry for my joints.  I have bone density scans done regularly for a condition that I have...the doctor wants to keep an eye.  Anyway, though!

Angela nominated me for the Liebster award.

HERE ARE THE RULES FOR RECEIVING THIS AWARD:

• Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
• Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
• Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
• Go to their page and tell them.
• No tag backs!

11 Things About Me:

1.) I was born on 12/21 and came home on Christmas Day.

2.) It's cliche and a lot of people say this but Forrest Gump is truly my favorite movie - I love Tom Hanks!

3.) Chocolate and peanut butter ANYTHING is my weakness.

4.) I'm an only child.

5.) I look like Jodie Foster and/or Meryl Streep..?  Note: I'm atleast 20 years younger than them though!

6.) My favorite city besides New York is San Francisco.

7.) I like brussel sprouts but not how they smell.

8.) I went to school for elementary education and my work has nothing to do with that field.

9.)  I student taught 26 first graders.

10.) I've met Jay-Z.

11.)  My first job was at TCBY when I was 15.

Questions from Angela:

1. What, if anything, are you afraid of? CT scans/MRIs
2. Favorite type of food?  Italian, Mexican, Chinese, something else? Mexican.  Enchiladas to be specific!
3. Why did you start blogging?  As a journal, I guess.  To keep track of running, how I felt that day, etc.
4. If you could go anywhere on vacation right now where would it be?  I always go back and forth on whether I'd pick Ireland or a more relaxing place in the Caribbean.  I definitely want to go to Ireland someday but it's more tiring than the beach :)
5. Are you an early bird or a night owl?  Definitely an early bird.
6. Do you workout?  If so what's your favorite type of exercise?  Yes.  Running, pilates and yoga.
7. Favorite pizza topping?  Peppers.
8. What is your current favorite song being played on the radio now?  Couldn't even tell ya.
9. What is the last book you read?  Ooof... it has been a while.  This needs to change!
10. Favorite sports team?  The NY Giants.
11. If you didn't live where you live right now, where would you be living?  In or near San Francisco, I think.  But,  I'd probably go and get extremely homesick and come back!

I only have two followers (come on, people - LOL) and one is Angela so that only leaves you, Silva!  If you feel like posting :)

Questions for you:

1.)  Where were you born?
2.)  What's your favorite movie?
3.)  What do you like to do in your free time?
4.)  Have you traveled out of the U.S.?  If so, where?
5.)  Where would you like to go?
6.)  Do you like to cook?  If so, what's your specialty?
7.)  How would you describe your personality?
8.)  Are you outdoorsy or do you prefer to stay at the nearest hotel?
9.)  What's your dream job?
10.)  What's your favorite season?
11.)  Did you ever play sports?

Goodnight - it's late for me! ;)

I Said Yes To The Dessert

So at the new job, they get breakfast and lunch catered a lot.  Eek.  This morning I made one egg and coffee and had a yogurt.  I made more coffee when I got to work and they had a ton of bagels and muffins set up.  Good thing I was full!  My breakfast held me over until 11:00.  Then, my stomach started to growl.  I was in training so I just ignored it.  Lunch was leftover chicken.  Snack was some nut trail mix and half of an apple.

We decided to go out for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow we will run, Thursday we both work late and Friday, Saro goes to pick his daughters up in PA.  I had a grilled shrimp salad and tiramisu.  Oops.  It's my fave and hard to pass up! 

The new job is going well.  I have a lot to learn about the financial world but I plan on studying on the side and perhaps eventually getting my Series 7.

Sorry, no pictures to post today!  Goodnight all :)

Beer and a Six Mile Run

This weekend was nothing short of amazing and fun!  I had a half day at what is now my old job on Thursday.  I went for a four mile run and got a green manicure for the weekend ahead :)

Friday night my two close friends had a joint birthday party at a local firehouse.  That was where the beer comes in (and again Saturday night) oops.  It was a lot of fun!  They had a DJ, beer pong, food and kegs.  Yes just like we were 21 again!

Murphy let me sleep until 10:00 on Saturday morning which was nice.  I met Mean Ang at the mall for some lunch and shopping.  Saturday a bunch of us met at a local Irish bar for some more beer and good times.  The band playing was really good!  I hadn't gone out much the last two years between working weekends and being on a low budget.  But, sometimes it's better that way.  Then it's more fun when we actually do go out!  My friend Ashley was very excited that I stayed out until 1:40am ;)

Sunday morning I made homemade waffles.  We didn't have regular milk or vegetable oil so I used vanilla almond milk and coconut oil instead.  Was great, if not better than the normal recipe.  Saro cleaned the house :) while I visited my Gram and food shopped.

We went for a six mile run and finished in just over an hour.  The damn knee started to feel funky at mile 4.  I had to reschedule my doctor appointment so hopefully that'll be this week or next.

Today I started my new job.  So far, so good.  A lot to learn but everyone was very friendly and helpful.  I'm excited now that I broke the ice.  Today I'm resting from exercise.  The hip is now bothering me.  Oof.  I'm only 29!  I guess adding mileage is doing not such nice things to my body.. Ha.

Have a nice night.  I'm having some ice cream and watching The Following tonight.  Creepy but good and I'm NOT a TV person.  Which shows are your favorite?

Four Rainy Miles

Well, by the time I started jogging, the rain had pretty much stopped.  It was extremely damp and a little drizzly.  I started off at a local middle school track. 

I did two miles there and then two miles around the neighborhood.  Here are the results:

The knee and toe were okay (knee is currently hurting today) but my calves and shins were extremely tight.  After about 2 miles, they loosened up a bit.

We had spaghetti squash with meatballs for dinner and then watched Paranormal Activity Four.  Silly but still scary. 

Today is supposed to be 2 miles or cross train, tomorrow 4 miles PLUS strength, Friday rest, Saturday cross train.  I might just stretch, strengthen & XT until the 6 miles on Sunday.  I want to see what the doctor has to say on Friday morning or what he suggests.

Have a good one!

Weigh In & Shopping Trip

Happy Tuesday, all!

I'm still *around* the 16 lbs lost since a year ago but more importantly, yesterday I found that I'm down 2 dress sizes.  Yes, the shopping spree happened.  I spent quite a bit but I got five pairs of pants, six blouses, four sweaters, two camis, two tees, one pair of jeans, & one skirt.

I shopped at Loft (thanks for the suggestion, Silva!) and White House Black Market (thanks for the suggestion, Ang!).  The ladies were very helpful at both stores and they weren't crowded which was nice.

It felt good to clean out some of my drawers and closet last night.  That will probably continue tonight.  Why do I have 20357390258 pairs of socks?!  I will be donating some of the clothes that I don't wear anymore or see if Saro's girls would like anything first.

Nice clothes are indeed pricey but I got almost everything on sale and I had coupons, so I didn't feel as bad.  I'm so out of the fashion loop!

I'm also digging our new pillow cover which I ordered from Etsy.  I already had the pillow but I believe she sells them also, or you can buy at a craft store.  If you'd like the name of the shop, let me know!  It was $15 and she can do any state with a heart near where you live.  A cute idea is to get one with your favorite place on it.

On a running note, I'm supposed to do 4 miles today.  My knee is feeling a lot better and after talking with someone who's "in my shoes" literally, I think it might be runners knee.

Cupid's Chase 5K

The long awaited 5K finally arrived on Saturday!  It was pretty chilly when we got there around 9am but we quickly warmed up.  The course had a couple hills but nothing major.  It was a lot of fun and we had good results.  We came in #104 and #105 out of about 155 people, finishing in just over 31 minutes.  I'm happy with that pace.

Yesterday was 5 more miles per the half marathon training schedule.  I'm really feelin' it today.  Yesterday, I had the toe numbness again as well as some knee pain.  Driving to work this morning was pretty terrible.  I almost had to pull over, that's how stiff and painful it got.

So, to the ortho I go on Friday.

Here are some pictures from the 5K.

Short and sweet post today.  Have a good day!

5K Curse

As of now, the 5K is still on for tomorrow (rescheduled for the THIRD time due to Mother Nature).  We have about 4 inches of snow on the ground...AGAIN.  However, it's supposed to be 52 degrees & sunny tomorrow so I'm really hoping they still have it!  The snow is still falling but is supposed to slow down around noon.  This is a view from my office.  I was bummed we didn't have a delayed opening. 

I woke up with a wicked (I'm not from Boston) horrible headache and sooo wanted to stay in bed.  I feel better after eating breakfast.  Food.  It seems to always help.

No major plans this weekend.  Saro's daughters will be here so I'm sure we'll figure something out.

On another note, I'm cutting my hours pretty much in half at my part time job.  So about 8 hours versus the 16 I was doing for the last 2+ years.  This is a relief.  I'm going to see how it goes with the new job and eventually I'm sure I'll "retire" from said part time job, but I'm not ready yet.  It sounds corny, but I've been there since high school and have made some great friends PLUS that's where I met Saro, so I'm grateful for that job for many reasons.  Yes, it's a pain sometimes but yes, it has also helped me pay my student loan this whole time.

Have a great weekend! :)

Shopping Spree & A New Job

I'd like to go on a spree, that is.  I start a new job on the 18th and I'm nervous and excited.  I want to buy some new clothes to wear.  What are you favorite stores for business attire?  I will be in an office setting - similar to now. 

Before I shop 'til I drop, I NEED to clean out my closet - again.  Somehow, I take up the whole dresser and the closet in our room.  Saro uses the 2nd bedroom's closet for all of his stuff...lol.  Hey it was his idea. 

I always end up wearing the same things over and over... whatever is on top of the drawer...Anyone else do that?

I recently found a pair of Lauren Conrad dressy skinny pants at Kohl's so I bought 3 pair.  They were on sale for $20 something each.  You can dress them up or down.  I like Express but their pants can be kind of pricey...and the newest pair I bought from there around the holidays, the pant hem came undone already so I need to get them tailored.  Kinda crappy for $60 a piece.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to starting the new job.  It's a completely different field, so there is lots to learn and more opportunity.  I feel that I can definitely take skills I've picked up at my current job and apply it to the new job.

Plus, it's only a 3.4 mile commute whereas now, it's 20 miles one way!  That was a big plus.  I'll have an extra hour or so in the morning to either sleep, make and eat breakfast at home, or even exercise and get it out of the way :)

I went to school for teaching but never got into the field.  It's okay though - everything happens for a reason...which is what I tell myself every time I log on to Sallie Mae to pay my student loan.  I saw this earlier and it made me LOL.  I'm sure some of you can relate:

Dogs Are Babies Too Link-Up

I'm linking up today with Laura, Kate & Kara today to talk about being a dog Mommy.  I know I've posted about him before but I'm not sure if I shared the details.  It suffices because it's almost a year since we adopted him (March 16, 2012).  We had been living in our house for a year and decided we wanted to adopt a puppy.  We already had a kitten and we hoped they'd be friends. 



Saro & Tux.  He was soooo tiny.



Tux, the kitten.

After searching for a couple months on petfinder.com, we came across a shelter in North Carolina who had a TON of puppies.  We found out that they transport the dogs up north, once per month and they come right to your house. 
So no, we didn't meet Murphy before we adopted him.

He arrived on a Friday morning (I was working from home that day).  Here is a picture from that day:


About 20-25 lbs, 3 months old.

He is a German Shepherd/Collie mix and was found down south, with his brother.  They were named George & Kramer by the shelter.  Cute, but I have a friend named George so that would have been weird.  We decided on Murphy because it was around St. Patrick's Day.  This was around 5-6 months old - his one ear was still down lol.

We definitely treat Murphy like a baby.  I talk to him as if he's a baby, often using the term "puppy boy",he goes to dog camp, etc.  He brings so much joy to our lives.  We love Tux, too (when he's not biting or scratching people or things - lol) but I find that dogs have much more of a personality.  He listens when we say "sit", "come", "down", etc.

He sleeps on his bed in our bedroom now (not in the crate at night) but is still crated during the day when we are at work.  This will probably continue until he's at least two.  He's a pretty anxious/nervous dog, so I think he'd act up if we left him loose and went "missing" for 9 hours.  Slowly, but surely.  We are thinking of leaving him out for an hour or 2, then 3, then 5, until he knows that yes, we left - but we'll be back!

Being a "Mom" is definitely a lot of work.  We can't just get up and go somewhere for the night without thinking about what we will do with him, can someone stay with him, can he come along, etc. but we wouldn't change it for the world.  Here is a recent picture of him yesterday:




15 months old & 80 lbs.

That's his big ass crate in the background.  Kind of an eye sore in our living room but it is what it is... it won't be there forever I hope!

Murphy is NOT allowed on our relatively new couch.  At his size and weight, it would get ruined very quickly with him jumping on and off and with those nails - eeek.  We aren't high maintenance people BUT we worked hard and saved for that couch before we moved in - ha.  He doesn't even try to jump on it.  Only if the cat is taunting him or if he has to go "potty" and is trying to tell us - he'll try to jump on our laps.

By the way, he and Tux ARE good friends.  Sure, Tux swats at him but he's 65 lbs. heavier and much taller!  They lay next to each other and "kiss" sometimes.

I love being a Mom to my pets! :)

Monday Blues

I really don't mind Mondays but I'm feeling otherwise this morning.  Yesterday, I ran near my Mom's house (it's more flat) for 5 miles.  My time was a little over 53 minutes.  Around mile 3, my right 2nd toe and my "bad" knee started to hurt.  I kept going but slowed down a bit.  I iced it a few times last night, took Motrin, glucosamine, etc. and woke up feeling pretty crappy today.  The knee is super stiff and sore and I think I have a slight cold.

Saro ran later in the afternoon and finished in 47 minutes which is amazing.  I'm very proud of him.  He's now 195 lb. (from 220ish a year ago) and looks great.  :)

Another thing annoying me this morning is that yesterday before my run, I took my car for a wash and now, my driver's seat is pushed ALL THE WAY up to the steering wheel and is stuck there so needless to say, it as pretty uncomfortable and probably NOT safe, driving this morning.  I'm heading out of work early to get it looked at.  I'll take my lap top home and work from there.

Vent over...  Things could always be worse!

Last night, I made a Skinny Taste recipe - Sheperd's Pie with turkey meat and yams (instead of white potatoes and beef).  It came out really good and is a good comfort food for a chilly day.  I entered all of the ingredients in MFP and it came up with 494 calories per serving (6 servings) but I think it was closer to 7-8 servings so it was probably closer to 400 calories which isn't bad for dinner.

I hope you're off to a better start this Monday :)