An Odd Anniversary

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary. Tonia sent me a text at 10:30 last night saying, "Happy anniversary!" I turned to Kevin and said, "Honey, do you know what today is?" And he thought for a minute. Then it hit him. "Oh crap. It's our anniversary! Are you mad at me? I can't believe I forgot!" This is typical. Was I mad? No. You know why? I FORGOT, TOO!!!! I mean, what kind of a female am I, not remembering an anniversary? It's not like I had a lot on my mind, fresh off spring break, not a care in the world. I have actually been looking forward to it for a few months now!

This was our first photo ever taken together, probably a week or two after we started dating. 
Clearly, I am enamored ;)

I should have played it off like, "Of course I remembered! You have a lot of ass-kissing to do, buddy!" But instead, I was mature and admitted that I failed, too, and he was off the hook. It's surprising, because our anniversary is something he's actually very good at remembering. He can't remember my birthday, but he can always tell me the date we began dating. Being the master-celebrater-of-everything I am, I am honestly very VERY sad that I forgot. Now I have to wait a whole 'nother year for our next anniversary. Hmph.

Anyway, we know it was coming up but it just slipped our minds this week. We even had plans to celebrate it this weekend. We are going to Cedar Falls, mainly to celebrate my brothers turning 21, but also to celebrate the place we met and fell in love (warning: I'm going to start getting mushy in here). We have so many great memories in Cedar Falls of the beginning of our relationship, so I'm looking forward to revisiting those old places and being nostalgic. We're also going to go look at our wedding venues again!

I have a lot of thoughts about being together for two years. When I think about it, it doesn't seem like that long (that's a good thing, right?) I feel like I have known Kevin my whole life, it's hard to believe that it's only been 2 years! It's also weird for me to think that we're getting MARRIED and we only went on our first date 2 years ago. It's not weird in a scary way, but weird in a cool and reassuring way. It's totally true what they say, "When ya know, ya know!"

I feel so lucky that I get to spend all the days for the rest of my life with my best friend. How did I come to love this kid so much? I feel so happy and loved everyday. It's the best feeling in the world. I'm looking forward to many many more anniversaries spent with my boy. After next year, we'll have to start over with our anniversaries. Hopefully June 22nd will be a little easier to remember :)

The Mystery of MPH

I have very random yet specific memories from my childhood that I associate current knowledge with. For example, I remember the exact moment when I learned the concept of "miles per hour." I was camping with my family, and we were leaving the campground to go somewhere. I asked my dad how far away our destination was and how long it would take to get there, and he helped me figure out the answer by teaching me what "miles per hour" meant, a new concept for my young mind. We're talking 1st, 2nd grade here.

While I learned the concept when I was 7 years old, some people learn about this concept later in life. Like, in their 20's. I feel a little bad posting this video, as it is clearly a laugh at this girl's expense. However, it's too priceless not to share and god bless her husband for loving her despite her misguided attempt at doing math.

Life Lately

I had myself a nice and relaxing spring break. It felt rather unproductive until this weekend, but I was able to relax and read and get some things done around the house. Here is a glimpse into my last few weeks. [Warning: photo overload coming your way.]

I've been spending a lot of time on the patio reading as of late! (I finished The Help! Read my review here.)

I have been WAITING and WAITING for grapes to come into the grocery stores around here. This week I finally found some good ones and I will admit I'm onto my 2nd bag :).

I also bought a whole pineapple for the first time and I will never go back! It was sooo much better than the canned stuff. I know, I don't know why I sound so surprised. Yum yum yum.

The spiders are starting to creep in on my territory! Bleh!

Seriously, how does every wedding magazine/advertisement guide/photographer/venue find me?! I get so much damn wedding mail!

Went on a road trip to Webster City with Brian and Kevin over St. Patty's Day!

It was sooo nice out! We played ladder golf and drank a few. This was Brian winning and Kevin losing.

Any excuse to wear green shoes!

Came home and enjoyed some nice weather "laying out" (sans swimsuit) on the patio reading my book.

And then it was my spring break! Unfortunately, it rained. A lot.

 And stormed. I enjoy a good thunderstorm.

 So I read inside.

 I made breakfast for supper a few times this week. I just love breakfast for supper!

I got my ring cleaned at the jeweler! I looove when I ring is sparkly!

Kevin and I had a weekend long date and it was glorious! Friday night we went to a local wine bar for some live music.

I went shopping! But didn't buy anything. Kevin won a gift card to the mall at work and he is giving it to me :) but it won't come till next week. I was just scoping out my assault on Forever 21! Here are some of the dresses I tried on but painfully didn't buy. I also thought I'd photograph them to see if I still want them when I go back next week!

This is what I wore shopping :)

 We grilled out all weekend and had a nice dinner out on the patio. It was so nice out!

It was actually hot enough and I had enough outdoor time that I had to go buy SUNSCREEN! So exciting. I got a little color this weekend :)

I made a delicious veggie stir fry! I pretty much don't really like vegetables (except peas and raw carrots, and potatoes, everyone loves potatoes) so I went outside of my comfort zone and I must say I loved this! I would have added chicken but I was of course too impatient and too hungry to be bothered with that.

There you have it! It's been a wonderful few weeks but it was good to head back to the classroom today. I didn't realize how much I missed the kiddos! It was great to interact with them again and hear about their breaks.

This week I'll be subbing by day and working out by night. Hoping to get 8 miles in this week on top of boot camp! The extra running seemed to pay off last week so I'm hoping to keep it up again this week! I'm feeling great!

Hope you all have a great week!

Book Review: The Help

Though I was hoping to craft the crap out of my spring break, I actually spent most of it reading, and it was very relaxing. I love the feeling of being so enthralled in a book that it's the only thing you want to do. That's how I felt reading The Help.

I was engrossed in it from start to finish. It was a great book that really made me think, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. I couldn't put it down. It of course had a great message and would be a book I'd recommend to anyone.

The book is about a 23 year old college grad named Skeeter, who goes back home to live with her family and overbearing mother in Jackson, Mississippi. It seems everyone in Jackson has a maid, whom they call "the help." The controversy at hand is the treatment of the colored in that time period. Separate bathrooms, no legal protection, unequal education. Civil rights is a hot topic all around the country, but the people of Mississippi seem to be oblivious to it--except Skeeter. She starts writing a book with the assistance of colored maids in Jackson. Of course this is extremely dangerous and against the law--but Skeeter and her comrades are determined to do the right thing and share the perspective of the help. It turns the town upside down. There is a little love story, but it doesn't overshadow the issue at hand, which I appreciated. The characters are easy to identify with and spark real emotion from the reader. I loved it.

Immediately when I finished the book, I went off to rent the movie, which I hadn't seen yet. I watched the movie with a very skeptical eye, watching out for discrepancies and criticizing what was included and what was left out. Honestly, I am surprised to admit I also loved the movie. I thought they included the important information in the short amount of time allotted for a movie. Nothing significant was changed to make it a "better" movie. It certainly did not disappoint and I can see why it won so many awards!

I definitely recommend reading The Help. It gave me a new perspective on what life was like back in the 1960's and kept me entertained for awhile!

Next up: Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. This time, I watched the movie first (which I LOVED) so hopefully the book comes through for me, too!

Wrapped Headphones

I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought I'd give it my own spin. I first saw this idea here. I put my own spin on it to cut down on time and I looooove how it turned out!

Want to make your own? This took me a little over an hour, or one Jersey Shore reunion. It was very easy and it's a good project to put your own creativity into it without using too much brain power. Here's how I did it!

You need scissors, embroidery floss (any color combination will do!), a safety pin, and I also used clear nail polish to set the knots so it wouldn't unravel.

I attached a safety pin to a pillow to hold the headphone so I could pull the string to make it tight and so I could keep my sanity.

I picked two colors to start and tied a knot at the top of the headphone. I left a little slack and as I wrapped, I kept the excess close to the wire and wrapped it all up. That sounded real confusing. Essentially I wanted to wrap the very end into the headphone rather than tying a little knot and risk it unraveling.

I cut a looong string to start, about an arm's span. Then, start wrapping! I kept the two colors together and wrapped around the wire, pushing it up and keeping it tight as I went.

When I got to the end, I tied two knots and pulled it real tight.

Then, cut off the excess, ensuring your knot is good to go.

 I put a dab of clear fingernail polish to make sure it wouldn't unravel.

Do the same with the other parts of the headphones. The side of the headphone that had the volume adjuster in the middle was simple--I just stopped and started as I did the other strand. 

Here's a close up!

And here I am rocking my beautiful new headphones. I was a little nervous the string/nail polish wouldn't hold and it would unravel. I went on a run today and so far, so good! I was also a little nervous the thread would make the headphones heavy and they earbuds would fall out of my ears. Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference. Another benefit of this little craft is that my headphones don't get tangled! Gotta love practical crafts ;).

I hope you guys all have a great weekend! The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend and I'm looking forward to it. We have absolutely no plans and I am very excited to spend some quality time with my boy :).

Progress

I have been going to my boot camp class for almost 3 months now. I genuinely like working out and look forward to this class everyday. I have not once skipped it in the 3 months I have been going. My class is Monday-Thursday, and Saturdays are also available. Whenever I'm in town, I go on Saturdays. Boot camp is intense. We burn about 500 calories in a 40 minute session. We also turn in food logs to keep accountable about what we eat during the week.

My first day of boot camp in January was hell. I couldn't believe how weak I felt. It was very discouraging. I was so sore that whole week. Now I realize I am in a constant state of sore, but it's a good sore, a healthy sore. Now, I am successfully completing all the exercises (even though they SUCK!), and my coach even gives me "modifications" as he calls it to make the workout more difficult. I am so happy with the strength I've achieved through my classes. I really feel great. I feel healthy.

When it started getting nice a few weeks ago, I thought I'd give running a go to see how far I needed to go to be in running shape. To my surprise, I ran two miles with ease and never felt better. Boot camp is truly a well-rounded workout. Since it's stayed nice, I've started working running into my routine. I've been able to run a mile before class (as a "warm up") and a mile after class (just because.) I must say, I am very proud of myself for pushing myself to run the extra miles on top of the workout. I thank my competitiveness for that drive. Having other athletes in the class who are just as competitive makes me push myself even harder.

It all sounds great, right? Well, there's just one thing. I haven't lost any weight. In fact, I have gained 2 pounds since beginning. "Muscle weighs more than fat!" is probably what you're all thinking. Yes, you're right. I'm not upset I haven't lost weight. My clothes fit better, I can physically see the change in my body. I feel good and I feel healthy. It's so much easier to stay on the healthy eating track when you are seeing change! It just took a little time.

Why are you telling us this? Three reasons.

1) I have been working out consistently forever, even through college. But, not as consistently as this. I really kicked it into high gear, and that's what it took to see change.
2) Even though I'm still the same weight, I can see and feel the change. I know lots of people who work out get frustrated because they don't lose weight right away. Don't focus on that scale! That was my biggest mistake. If you want a number, look at your body fat %.
3) I didn't see success until I changed my eating habits. I had to fully commit. I have myfitnesspal to thank for the change. Seriously. Use it. I'm not talking about going on a diet. Don't do that. Diets don't work. Look at the foods you are putting into your body.

I guess there is one more reason, but it's more of a personal reason. If I put it out there that I'm making a change, I will be more motivated to keep up. So here I am. Thanks for keeping me honest, people! Going to San Diego in May, Mexico in November, and getting married next June are also good motivators :).

Now that I have given you my "inspirational" story, here is the annoying part that you ladies can relate to. Kevin just finished up his busy season and started on his own healthy lifestyle this week as well. He's been running a couple miles each night and asking, "Is this healthy? Is this healthy?" when we go grocery shopping. How annoying is it that he has already lost 6 pounds since starting this week and I have gained 2 pounds since starting 3 months ago? Infuriating. Whatevs. I FEEL GOOD!

Thanks for letting me share that part of my life with you :)

(See other fitness posts here and here. The first is when I started boot camp in January and the second is a motivational workout post!)

This is my fitness coach, Pin, who has helped me stay motivated and reach my goals! This is a little taste of what our classes are like. But a 40 minute workout and indoors. For now. :)

Ugly Puppy

So my family has a cute little Shih-Poo named Shiloh that is pretty much the only dog I like and am comfortable with. If you know me, you know I'm not a big animal lover. For example, Kevin and I are going to San Diego in May with his sister Heather. They are both very excited for the zoo (who wouldn't be?) but I am much more interested in hanging out at the beach and soaking up the San Diego culture (and sun). Kevin told Heather this and they were both outraged of my lack of excitement about the San Diego Zoo. I believe the phrase "character flaw" was even thrown out there?! (That's right, Heather, I'm onto you!) ;). Anyway, to prove I don't hate animals, this post is for you.

Shiloh is a cute little curly haired fur ball and has the ugliest underbite, but she's so ugly she's cute. I actually really like her and look forward to going home so I can see her latest trick. She can clap, dance, sit, roll over, shake, walk, and when you say "Who let the dogs out?" she'll bark. She's pretty talented and someone in my household has too much time on their hands. Just saying.

Shiloh got a haircut today and mom sent me the before and after pictures and, let me tell you, it's shocking. So shocking that viewer discretion is advised.

How ugly is she now? She just looks sad. Mom said she waited to long for a haircut and she was too matted and so they had to shave her. But why leave the pom pom tail and mutton chops? Poor puppy. I prefer the chewbacca look to the half cat/half old man look.

She's Done It Again

That's right, a new blog design. I don't know what it is. I make a design and I LOVE it then a few weeks later, it's time for a change. I like keeping it fresh, but I know I need consistency, too. I'm not going to say I'm going to stick with this one, because I said that the last time! I think I'm just finding my niche in the world of blog design and I like trying out my new skills. It's also a creativity thing. Even though I'm not using my hands and it's nothing physical, it helps me get all those creative juices going! And I love doing it! So, maybe changing it up isn't such a bad thing?

What do you think about this design? I like the clean look of it as well as the bright fun colors. I think it's a good design for springtime.

I am also in the process of updating all the links on my sidebar! I'm hoping to finish them up tonight and tomorrow. I think it will allow for easier navigation and it won't be so hard for me to keep up to date. Check out what I have done so far, I think you'll like it. :)

DIY Menu Planner

This may be one of my favorite crafts to date. I have been wanting to make one for awhile, and Kevin and I have started a little health initiative, so I figured this was as good a time as any! I also always have a hard time remembering meals I know how to make, so this will help with that as well. I present to you, my menu planner!

I bought a frame from Goodwill for $1 as well binder clips from Target for $2. Everything else I had on hand. I used spray paint, acrylic paint, a fabric quarter, fabric paint, bottle (ok, beer) caps, and sharpies. 

First, I spray painted my binder clips.

Next, I painted my frame. I let the clips and frame dry while I did the rest.

I measured out my fabric and with a 1/2 in allowance along the sides.

I used fabric glue to glue the fabric to the cardboard back of the picture frame. I discovered hot glue does not work well with fabric.

Once the clips were dry, I used a sharpie to write the days of the week.

I decided half-way through to use bottle caps as well. I just spray painted the tops and wrote "menu" with a sharpie.

I cut up some strips of paper to write the meals on. Rather than turning this into a dry-erase menu using the frame's glass like many I've seen, I wanted to be able to remember the meals I've made since I am such a terrible cook and have no imagination :). I made a little pouch out of fabric to put extra paper to write new meals on, as well as store old meals. I also thought it'd be a good idea to write recipes (when needed) on the back so I don't have to search through a cookbook.

Using fabric glue again, I cut out circles using the same fabric I used on the pouch and glued them on the frame, then I glued the binder clips on top.

I'm looking forward to planning my meals in advance which will hopefully lead to healthier choices! :)