Third Wish

Don't forget! :)

2010-03-29T14:22:00.002-04:00

Please don't forget to update your reader/feed/whatever it is called. :)I'm blogging here. WOO!http://geniesjourney.wordpress.com/I hope to see you there! :)

12 Weeks Out Progress Pics!

2010-03-28T08:26:00.002-04:00

Morning guys!!! Yesterday was a bit of a mess, so I didn't get to post... but guess what?! I took progress pics... AND I'm moving!to HERE: http://geniesjourney.wordpress.com/Please follow me along and let me know what you think of the new setup. :)I wanted a cleaner layout and the ability to keep things more organized (recipes, progress pics, etc.). I'm not completely convinced that I like

Pom, Protein, & Patterson

2010-03-28T00:34:00.003-04:00

I had a lovely post planned today, mentally.Let us have a moment for my most favorite-ist Kentucky Wildcat team ever.We love our Cousins. I love Wall. Patterson is a saint... at least nearly one.POM review is postponed.Before pics are postponed. (I actually look okay!)Let's have a moment.I hope all these wonderful guys have a fantastic life in the NBA. I will cheer them on there.Best. Wildcat.

Some like it hot!

2010-03-26T10:58:00.005-04:00

PHEW! I drank about 64oz. of Kool-Aid (w/ Splenda) last night to wash down my meal. It was SPICY!Who needs salad dressing when you have these two bad boys? I love them both! As you can see, I drowned my salad in it...That's a blend of spring mix and baby spinach, topped with black bean & corn salsa, homemade mexi-hummus (as I so cleverly dubbed it! LOL!), red onions, chicken (of course!),

Naturally More

2010-03-26T08:27:00.003-04:00

What Peanut Butter Should BeUhm, they aren't lying! This stuff is AWESOME! Amazing!! So good that in just a couple days I have almost demolished the ENTIRE jar! I did have some help from my hubby. ;)Amanda over at Naturally More was kind enough to send me a jar to review! Thanks Amanda!! It's WONDERFUL! You may have made me a customer for life!My first impression... Lower in fat AND higher in

Chug-a-Lug

2010-03-25T11:29:00.003-04:00

Morning!!! (almost afternoon!!!) I have been a hangry chica today!! I'm sitting here chug-a-lugging on my H to the izzo (okay, that was lame), and chomping on my Cinnamint Orbit gum. nomnomnom.I had another crazy day yesterday... I finally got settled down after 11PM *cries*. Here's what we had for dinner...ZATARAINS!That's beans and rice, garlic chicken sausage (I chopped a couple up and left

Do we likey?

2010-03-24T14:56:00.001-04:00

I think I have decided on this dress for the races next weekend...Do we likey? I have an old cream vintage jacket/almost-a-trench thingy that I scored at Goodwill about 10 years ago that I think would look good with it! :)What's for lunch?!I had a blast meal prepping last night, since I got to test out my brand new sharp objects!I was a chopping machine...CHICKEN!Thinly sliced over a jagumbo bed

Foliage!

2010-03-24T11:30:00.004-04:00

Yo!! Today's usually a high stress day at work, so I came prepared with the foliage!I woke up bright and early and mustered through 30 minutes of easy cardio. I have issues with cardio, especially morning cardio. I need to start upping the intensity.Afterwards, I enjoyed a delicious Dymatize Vanilla + Berry Amazing Grass shake. It hit the spot!While it was scrumptious, it didn't keep me full for

BEE ZEE

2010-03-23T22:14:00.004-04:00

WOW! Today was totally busy. I did not get to sit on my sorry ass until... uhm... 10:00. Didn't I just say that I need to start making time to breathe? All aboard the #FAIL train, round two!Here's what I ate! I had a lot of frankenfoods today! They are comforting and easy to pack. I haz no shame.I ate these Apple Cinnamon Protein Mini Muffins before noon. They were supposed to be my pre-workout

Feelin' Good!

2010-03-23T08:15:00.005-04:00

I'm feelin' good for a change peeps! WOOTY WOO!!! I went to bed some time after 11PM last night (gotta get that under control), and I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to get my day started! Peed (I know you wanted to know that!), washed my face, brushed my teeth, then checked the clock... 1:30AM. FAIL! Hahahaa! Needless to say, I went back to bed... tossed and turned, dreaming of

Gone Fish'n

2010-03-22T21:50:00.004-04:00

I apparently can't follow a plan to save my life... not even a simple dinner menu.Switch it, change it, rearrange it.We had fish tacos! My tacos consisted of pollock grilled with lemon pepper, romaine, red onions, black bean & corn salsa, and cheddar flavored rice shreds. I slathered a mixture of olive oil mayo and lime on my corn tortillas prior to taco construction. Pollock may be my least

Apple Cinnamon Protein Mini Muffins

2010-03-22T16:11:00.004-04:00

Ugh. Today has been weird. Oh well!For lunch, I had some steamed cabbage and olive oil mayo (YUM!), along with a tuna pouch. Exciting, right? I know. ;)I also had some steamed broccoli to munch on...BUT, my pre-workout snack stole the show! Apple Cinnamon Protein Mini Muffins!APPLE CINNAMON PROTEIN MINI MUFFINS105g (1c) Oat bran2oz (2 scoops) All the Whey Protein Blend - Cinnamon Bun138g (3

Menu Planning Monday - 03.22.10

2010-03-22T11:37:00.005-04:00

Heya peeps! I'm hopping back on the menu planning train!Monday: Broiled pollock, red potatoes, broccoli (green beans for hubby)Tuesday: Chicken, chipotle mashed potatoes (<-- from a box) (brown rice for me), green beansWednesday: Zataran's red beans and rice (just brown rice for me), garlic chicken sausage, broccoliThursday: Buffalo chicken tenders, oven baked fries, side saladFriday: Pizza!

Ten steps back

2010-03-22T08:50:00.005-04:00

Ugh. What a gluttonous weekend. I'm definitely having eater's remorse. I feel like I took 3 weeks of progress away. I hit an all time low on the scale weight this weekend, followed by a weight I hadn't seen in a couple weeks. Diet #FAIL. BOO! What's done is done. I can and will do better from here on out! :-DI scored some major loot this weekend! My dad spoiled me rotten!WOO hoo!! Two

Fiberrific!

2010-03-20T11:16:00.004-04:00

I have been wanting Pad Thai for a couple days now. Dinner last night did not hit the Thai spot. Today's attempt was decent. It all started innocent enough...I thinly sliced a head of cabbage, rinsed a can of bean sprouts, and rummaged through the fridge to see what low cal options I could mix together. I pulled out a package of shirataki noodles, spicy mustard, and soy sauce. I threw 200g

All Aboard the Fail Train

2010-03-20T08:37:00.003-04:00

Exhibit A: Protein Muffin, a la Therese.I totally forgot to add the egg white.

Frugal Friday - Mock Syrup

2010-03-19T11:36:00.004-04:00

Whaddup party peeps! I am feeling better by the hour! WOOP! As promised, although late, here's my Mock Syrup recipe! I LOVE Walden's Farm pancake water syrup. I don't love the hefty price tag of $3+ per bottle... the bottle isn't even big! So, I attempted to make my own, with great success! I may try adding a thickening agent next time! I like gooey syrup better than pancake water!Ingredients

I'M LATE!

2010-03-19T08:40:00.005-04:00

OOF!!! I totally crashed and burned last night. I felt like I got hit by a MAC truck. I wish it were a M.A.C. cosmetics truck. The boys were hootin' and hollerin' watching the UK game (which you would have thought would have been a close game if you heard the raucous coming from the living room), while I took a hot Red Velvet Cake bubble bath. Afterwards, I laid in bed and Tweeted and caught up

Sniff, sniff, SNEEZE! & Amazing Grass Muffins!

2010-03-18T14:44:00.006-04:00

ACHOO!... can't. stop. SNEEZING!Last night I made some Amazing Grass muffins for today's pre-workout snack. Well, my grubby little paws ate them before noon. Meal Planning #FAIL! EFFBALLS! They are good! I definitely think they can be better, but it is what it is! Next time I'll use less grass and add in cocoa powder!Chocolate Amazing Grass Muffins2 scoops Amazing Grass Chocolate Infusion

When oops = awesome!

2010-03-18T08:48:00.003-04:00

MORNING PEEPS!! This morning was a struggle! I woke up congested, groggy, and my throat hurts like a mofo. I'm still thinking it's from sinus drainage. I love the warm weather, but man does it have me sneezing! and itching... you get the point. I woke up late, chugged down my coffee, and incline walked on the treadmill for thirty minutes, laptop in hand, planning my meals for the day.My girl

Allergic to Irish

2010-03-17T21:19:00.007-04:00

I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I actually have a bit of Irish in me... I think... not that it matters. LOL!Anyways, work was SO SO SO very busy that I wasn't able to get my sneezing butt in here to post my evening meals. I have been sneezing, itching, my nose is a faucet, throat is achey from snot drainage (LOVELY!)... you get the picture! I skipped my P90x date with the hubby (he wasn't feeling

Feelin' Fruity!

2010-03-17T10:37:00.005-04:00

Hey peeps! Long time no see! LOL! Guess what I got? :-D A handy dandy new memory card, because my old one died on me. I think I had that bad boy for about ten years, so whatever. I got plenty of use out of it! Anyways... back to my NEW memory card. Have you heard of the Eye-Fi?! So far, it's been awesome! I take pics and magically wirelessly, it transmits the pics to my computer AND to my

Oh Baby!!

2010-03-14T22:04:00.007-04:00

I know, I know. I have been slacking in the blogosphere -- horrifically! Time just seems to be becoming more and more limited! BOOOOOO!I wanted to share with you this WONDERFULLY FABULOUS protein bar recipe! I follow Jamie Eason on Twitter, and she posted a pic of her eating her delicious "Oh Baby!" Carrot Cake Protein Bars at the Arnold. I was inspired to make them, but I altered them so that

Menu Planning Monday - 03.08.10

2010-03-08T11:40:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a whirlwind weekend filled with many failed adventures. Ayayaya. My Arnold experience was a big ol' Flop this weekend! Yep, that's a capital F right there! Anyways, live and learn. If this would've been my first Arnold weekend, I would have been highly disappointed, but it wasn't, so it's all good!Monday: Chicken, saffron rice, Brussels sproutsTuesday: Pork tenderloin, wheat buns OR

Menu Planning Monday - 03.01.10

2010-03-01T08:35:00.003-05:00

OH YEAHHHH!! I love new months, especially when they fall on Mondays!! YEEHAW! What perfect timing to get back on a blogging schedule (I hope!). I am not making any promises, though! LOL! I'm BAAaaad with sticking to schedules!This menu is kinda sorta short! We are going out of town this weekend -- ARNOLD BOUND! Are you going?Week of 03.01.10Monday: Garlic chicken sausage, Ezekiel bread,

Thrifty Tip Tuesday: Earn Cash by Shopping Online

2010-02-23T08:07:00.005-05:00

If you are anything like me, you are constantly ordering something online. I feel like I am always forgetting supplements and needing to order more, and with the home improvement fire lit under my bum, I'm ordering these items constantly as well!Some of my favorite places to shop are eBay, Vitacost, Hotwire and Priceline (for travel), and so on.How would you like to make your regular purchases

Sneak Peak

2010-02-22T06:57:00.005-05:00

I worked all day yesterday on the bathroom! Hard labor was interrupted only by the gym, cooking, and eating. There were many MANY speedbumps along the way, but here is a sneak peak!It is not 100% complete yet. My shelves did not work out, so I still need to find art for above the commode. I also need some simple decorative towels and a new trash can. I decided not to repaint it. Instead, I

A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish

2010-02-19T16:45:00.001-05:00

My goal is to compete. However, I do not want to just waltz up on that stage, unprepared in heels and a sparkling bikini. I want to bring a better package this time around. I’m sure you’ve heard the famous quote, "A goal without a plan is just a wish." This afternoon I mapped out my plan. I don’t want to be lost, spinning my wheels, with no direction. I want to know where I am going. I

BodySpace

2010-02-18T14:08:00.003-05:00

Are any of you all on BodySpace? I just "discovered" it this week. Okay, I've known about it since going to the Arnold in 2008 and signing up to get a free t-shirt... but I never made a profile until now! LOL!I am so busy at work, yet I find myself going gaga over member pics, playing in the charts and graphs (I LOVE charts and graphs), and I even wrote my first blog post over there. :)Last

Budget Busters

2010-02-18T09:56:00.005-05:00

I spent a lot of money this week... on things that I don't budget for...1) New suit. Yes, I did it. I wasn't planning on it, but I saw it on Diva Exchange... and, well, it was love at first sight. I hope it fits.2) Our Foreman bit the dust. The non-stick surface was no longer non-stick, no matter how much Pam I sprayed on that mofo. I ordered a replacement/upgrade through Amazon. Wouldn't ya

Swagbucks! Gotta love it!

2010-02-16T08:51:00.003-05:00

I LOVE FREE STUFF!That. Is. All.Sign up for your free stuff by clicking the banner below!

Chandelier Sparkle

2010-02-15T13:22:00.005-05:00

This is the color I recently chose for our bathroom. It looks pink here, but in real life it has a hint of yellow... just a little warmth.Chandelier SparkleI picked up several swatches on a recent trip to Wal-Mart, and this was the one that I liked best in the room. There is one speedbump, though. Our trim on our ceiling is white, which does not match the wood in the room. This is

Menu Planning Monday - 02.15.10

2010-02-15T10:52:00.004-05:00

Hi guys!! I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day! Seth and I had a nearly perfect day! I was sad to go to bed, because I just didn't want it to end!It's been a while since I have menu planned. I'm in an organizing mood, so I decided to pick it back up today!Week of 02.15.10Monday: broiled lemon herb pollock, baked potatoes, roasted asparagus spearsTuesday: turkey burgers (light wheat bun

18 Weeks Out (rounded down)

2010-02-11T13:21:00.003-05:00

From and including: Thursday, February 11, 2010To, but not including : Friday, June 18, 2010It is 127 days from the start date to the end date, but not including the end dateOr 4 months, 7 days excluding the end dateAlternative time units127 days can be converted to one of these units:10,972,800 seconds182,880 minutes3048 hours18 weeks (rounded down)Junior Nationals will be here in a flash. EEP!

Bathroom time!!

2010-02-09T08:57:00.003-05:00

No, not going to the bathroom time. LOL! Time to redecorate the main bathroom.Our home is 60 years old... and our bathroom definitely showed it when we first moved in.Who am I kidding?! It still shows it.Here is a before pic from the listing...Do you see how dinged up the vanity was?! OMG! And check out those lovely plastic knobs! Please ignore the mess. These pics are over a year old from when

I LOVE THIS STUFF!

2010-02-02T16:43:00.005-05:00

I love fruit, yes I do!I love fruit, how 'bout YOU?!Ya'll like my cheer, I just know it. *insert cheesy grin here*One of my most favoritest (hehe) things right now...BARE FRUIT SNACKS!! Get your hands on them! Seriously! You might remember my previous review here. Well, guys, here's another goody... Cinnamon Apple Chips!You can read for yourself. I don't have to tell you that there are NO

January in Review

2010-02-01T10:12:00.005-05:00

Yo!!!How did you all make out in January? I did... eh... okay. You can find the original goal post for January here. January 2010Spend $50 per week (or $250/month) on groceries. - Uhm, fail! I was depending on Mint, but the delay bit me in the ass. We ended up going over. In February I am setting the same goal, but I will write my grocery totals in my planner to make sure we stay under budget

Clean & Seal

2010-01-29T21:08:00.008-05:00

Almost done with the kitchen floors! WOOTY WOO!! All that's left is one more cleaning (This is taking forever. I have lightly mopped a few times! We were told not to mop it hard until it was sealed!), then we will apply the spray sealant. We will finish first thing tomorrow morning!We went from this:to this hideousness:And finally, we are HERE!!!The bottom pic shows truer colors.I want to find

Wordless Wednesday - Motivation

2010-01-27T13:09:00.005-05:00

Okay, so this isn't really wordless, but I stumbled across this video of Linda Fodor training for the 2008 Arnold. WOW! WOW! WOW! This seriously lit a fire under my ass. Talk about motivation!

Menu Planning Monday - 01.22.10

2010-01-25T10:23:00.003-05:00

Morning!!Wow, what a weekend. I have ate so much junk that I have really been paying for it the past two days. Ugh! Our kitchen is still under construction, which means I STILL have no stove. :( Luckily our fridge is still plugged in... even if it is by the bathroom! Hopefully they will finish up today! I'm not holding my breath.Here's my menu for the week! We have SO MUCH food in the house

Kitchen Progress Pics

2010-01-22T08:23:00.002-05:00

Progress is being made in the kitchen! WOO HOO! Unfortunately, their saw broke yesterday. They have to rent one now. Apparently it is not as good, so they are moving slower than they expected. The saw rental is also an extra expense for us. BOO!Here are the "progress pics"! It looks better already!! I need to start shopping for drawer pulls next. I'm thinking brushed nickel cup pulls.For before

Cuttin' a Rug

2010-01-21T08:47:00.005-05:00

Uhm. Yeah. So, last night was another lack-o-sleep night. We were forced to stay up until the wee hours of the morning to clean up a disaster area. Carpet and laminate floor removal ended shortly after ten. Seth's uncle then left and asked us to clean up so that he and another contractor could lay tile in the morning.Please ignore the mess. This was sort of a last minute project. We have been

I'm blushing!!

2010-01-20T22:53:00.004-05:00

Good evening folks! I've been doing kitchen reno crap all night. I was wrong when I said I was spent earlier. Now I am supah dupah spent!Anyways, I thought you all might want to read my interview on a great blog which promotes female athletes, bodybuilders, figure athletes, bikini competitors, MMA fighters, etc. Jason works really hard to make this blog what it is. Hop on over there and check it

Spent

2010-01-20T13:34:00.008-05:00

Lack of sleep is prevalent in my life this week. Monday I fell asleep during my lunch break. Tuesday I fell asleep amid an IM convo w/ a dear friend (who does that?!), and this morning I fell asleep while sipping coffee in preparation to do The Shred. I'm not one to nap often, especially ON ACCIDENT and DAILY! LOL! I'd like to blame a seemingly subtle work schedule change that has thrown my

I Challenge YOU!

2010-01-19T08:48:00.006-05:00

I spend way too much time on Twitter. Late last week a challenge was posted...So, now, I challenge YOU!Head on over to NU Fit and check out the quick Metabolic Conditioning workout dubbed METCON.So, take a couple minutes and challenge yourself! Don't forget to time yourself and post up the results! I'd love to hear how you do!Here are my results, fasted and mildly hungover. LOL! (What? It was

I like 'em tart!

2010-01-18T18:59:00.004-05:00

Hi friends!!!Lori from Lärabar sent me several bars to try and review! I love the ingredients on these wholesome natural bars. Simple ingredient lists make me happy! These bars are basically fruit and nuts. No added chemicals or preservatives... if stranded without a meal, these are a great option.Let's start with the Tropical Fruit Tart bar...I have to be honest, this was a bit of a

Menu Planning Monday - 01.18.10

2010-01-18T08:05:00.002-05:00

Hi guys! I've been lucky the past few weeks and have been able to buy mainly sale items at the grocery store. Unlike my usual make a menu then grocery list type of shopping, I have only been buying sale items that I don't necessarily need at the moment and restocking on essentials as I go. This has been working well, because I still end up with plenty in the pantry and freezer to make meals

Heroes in a Half Shell

2010-01-17T20:28:00.005-05:00

I'm a Shredder! Remember this guy from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?! I used to LOVE that cartoon!No, but for realz, because I have a girl crush on the beautiful Jillian Michaels, I bought the 30 Day Shred. I started today! So far I really really like it!! It was FUN! and the mini circuits kept me from getting bored. It wasn't the most strenuous of workouts for me, but I did level one. I

Love at first bite!

2010-01-16T23:23:00.004-05:00

It's way past my bedtime, but I just had to RAVE about a product I was lucky enough to sample. A few (short) months ago, Sally at Newman's Own Organics, sent me an array of products to try. The stash included an assortment of chocolate bars!Bloggerfam, meet my new favorite chocolate bar: Newman's Own Organics Mocha Milk Chocolate bar. Smooth, creamy, perfectly sweet, and wholesome ingredients

Eating Healthy on a Budget!

2010-01-16T11:17:00.004-05:00

It can be done folks!!! I made an extra run to Kroger today, even though I knew it would set us over our weekly budget (we are still ahead of the game for the month, though!). I wanted to use up some coupons on a sale that was ending today. I know, I know, it seems like most coupons are for junk food -- it's true! but not all of them are. My biggest penny pinching tip is to pair up coupons

Daily Log

2010-01-13T10:37:00.011-05:00

TUE 01.19.10AM: 30 Day Shred - Lvl 2MON 01.18.10AM: 30 Day Shred - Lvl 1, run 1/2 mile, pullups (187)SUN 01.17.10AM: 30 Day Shred - Lvl 1, pushups, stretch (133)PM: Legs (hamstring & glute focus), stretch (265)

Click

2010-01-11T08:31:00.002-05:00

FINALLY!!! My mojo is back! I woke up yesterday morning and felt that click. I had been half-assing "plans" on and off since my show. I'll blame the holidays for that! Just kidding. It's all my fault. If I am on, I am ON. I just have to want it! I plan to cut this week, concentrate on cardio first, weights second, then hopefully by next Sunday I will start a slow building plan. After just

Fitness Freebies!

2010-01-08T13:18:00.007-05:00

Hola! Hello! Yo! Yerba Mate!I've gone a little crazy here in Genie Land!I have been playfully perusing the wonderful world wide web this morning, and I managed to find some deals and freebies that I thought my Bloggerfam would enjoy! Seriously, I haz a massive list compiled. Free EAS Bar or ShakeHead on over to EAS and register! Afterwards, ya get a printable coupon for... you guessed it!... a

Blogger FAIL!

2010-01-07T08:00:00.006-05:00

Good morning Bloggerfam!! Man, have I been MIA or what? Apparently 2010 is my year for blogging brain farts! LOL! I have things to blog about, but the words are at the tip of my tongue fingers and are stuck! So, this is just a random blog, filled with a mish-mosh of random info, in an effort to get back in my blogging groove.Since it's a new year, let's start with resolutions.Spend $50 per week

Ready, Set, Goal!

2009-12-29T13:27:00.003-05:00

Am I a cheeseball or what?! :-DI was Tweeted a FREE handy little goal sheet weeks ago! Now I am sharing it with you! I printed out two copies... because I do not like writing with pencil... and I don't like things marked out on my page. A little insane? Perhaps! Download yours here!From the site (www.isetmygoals.com):Your 5 Steps for setting goalsDownload, print, and fold the bookletWrite down

Beer & Babies

2009-12-22T22:01:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post, while I sip on a loverrrly Coors Light.I briefly touched on life plans in my earlier post today. I had a feeling this would happen... Rest assured, Seth and I aren't talking about baby making just yet!! I just wanted to clear the air there. I know there was some wondering goin' on. :)Have a great night, y'all! It looks like I will get Thursday (and Friday, of course!) off

Phat to Fat?!

2009-12-22T08:33:00.004-05:00

Happy holidays Bloggerfam!!! I was just looking at my blog and I realized that I have not really posted anything in quite a while... any substance, at least. I'm doing okay over here in Genieland, enjoying holiday treats and festivities, watching my shoulders grow, feeling my back get bigger, and inevitably feeling myself get softer. We all know it has to happen. Being 5'6" and 111.8 pounds

Menu Planning Monday - Christmas is almost here!

2009-12-21T11:06:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post... Since this will (hopefully) be a short work week, I have to fit five days of work into three days. AHHHH!Monday: Chicken thighs, baked potato topped w/ 2% Fage, lots of broccoli, and shredded cheese (rice cheese for me)Tuesday: Baked crab cakes (using Ezekiel bread and egg whites, recipe to be determined), salad, soup (from pantry)Wednesday: Chicken soft tacosThursday:

Amazing Grass

2009-12-17T16:09:00.002-05:00

Yeehaw!! Amazing Grass is having a sale!! 25% off! Just enter code "HolidaySale" at checkout.Seriously, guys, this stuff is GREAT! I use it every day, and I even got my dad hooked! I just ordered him some for Christmas. He's not the epitome of health and fitness, far from it, so it's not just us health nuts who like it. Good stuff right here!Click the pic below to purchase! :) Of course, I

Booty Busters!

2009-12-17T13:52:00.004-05:00

Just a quick poll. :o) I've been slacking in blog land. What is your favorite exercise that targets your glutes?Currently, my favorite... STEP-UPS! I grab some DBs and a flat bench, and I'm good to go. Funny, I used to hate them."The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." -- Chinese Proverb

Snarky, but I like it

2009-12-15T16:10:00.002-05:00

Today I will do what you won't, so that tomorrow I can do what you can't. -- Jerry RiceI found that quote today while going through an old notebook. I just had to share! I hope you all are having wonderful fulfilling days! :) I'm excited because tomorrow I am trying a new method of journaling, a la Melissa Cunningham! Find her blog and amazing journey to the Pro stage here. Just out of

Menu Planning Monday - Trying new things

2009-12-14T11:50:00.004-05:00

I'm feeling uninspired! Here's the menu for the week. I'm trying to cut down on after work/after workout cooking, so my Monday through Friday meals are super quick and easy. I'm trying several new budget & time friendly recipes this week. I hope they are good!Monday: chicken breasts, baked potatoes w/ sour cream and cheddar (rice cheese for me!), broccoliTuesday: adobo chicken, rice, Prince

Gear

2009-12-10T10:58:00.004-05:00

Thought this was hilarious, so I had to share!! Ignore the incorrect "your".

Rock

2009-12-10T09:21:00.005-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to crawl under a rock? That was my day yesterday. I won't get into it. It's over (thankfully) and behind me. I'm declaring today my fresh start! and not just on the fitness front. Man, isn't it nice that you can have one of those each day that you need one?!Be the change you wish to see in the world. -- GandhiThis is my favorite quote at

Anything is Possible

2009-12-09T10:22:00.003-05:00

"The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. " -- Richard M. DeVos

Tortoise & Menu Planning Monday

2009-12-07T13:42:00.003-05:00

I ran my first mile this weekend.How lame does that sound? LOL! My goal was to do it in 10:00 or less. I managed to finish it in 8:36. I can't wait to bring that down. I definitely could have started off faster, but I was scared I wouldn't be able to finish. I have always been FAST, but I can't go fast for very long. I'm looking forward to improving!Now on to this week's menu.Pork and

Thank You!

2009-12-04T13:59:00.003-05:00

Thank you all for your comments and views regarding the Arnold. You pretty much confirmed what I was feeling. While I was really looking forward to it, I knew that I needed time to build to bring a better package to the national stage. When you aren't completely content with a decision you've made, it really helps to hear that others have very similar opinions. So, thank you for that, and

A Penny for Your Thoughts

2009-12-03T15:29:00.004-05:00

Guys. I don't know what I'm doing.FACT: National Qualifications are only good until the end of the following calendar year. It used to be two years.I have been very excited about the possibility of competing at the Arnold Amateur... just to say I did it. The Arnolds are in March, if ya didn't already know.PROBLEM: That leaves very little time to build, and I feel like I lost quite a bit of

Crumby not Crummy!

2009-12-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

Hi guys!! Shoo yesterday was hectic, as is EVERY SINGLE WEDNESDAY. Heck, every day, but I can usually take 3-5 minutes away from work to post a blog. It's a nice little outlet that keeps me from going loony at work.Confession: I ate all of my Newman's Own Organics Chocolate Chocolate Chip Champion Chip Cookies (say that 5 times fast) without snapping a pic of them. I ate the LAST cookie only to

Cheapskate

2009-12-02T13:15:00.004-05:00

Oh yeah. I am totally a cheapskate. I have been racking up points and redeeming them for gift cards... to use for Christmas shopping. WOO!I just redeemed some SWAGBUCKS points for $10 worth of Amazon gift cards. SCHWEEEET!Swagbucks is a free site that lets you earn points by searching through their search engine, you can trade in old phones for points, all kinds of stuff!!If you check it out,

Not Your Granny's Apples!

2009-12-01T14:36:00.004-05:00

I am a master procrastinator. Oh yes. I am procrastinating, again!Yesterday, I came home to a delightful package from Peggy at Old World Enterprise Group, the makers of Bare Fruit Snacks. Thanks Peggy!! My husband and I are both CRAZY about the Granny Smith bake-dried apples.Yes, I was so excited that I didn't even snap the pic before ripping open the bag. These are SO TASTY! OH MY GOSH!! Go buy

Becoming Sane

2009-12-01T09:35:00.004-05:00

Morning Bloggerfam!! I hope you had a WONDERFUL night's sleep. I forced myself to bed early and woke up to a 1/2 slice of Ezekiel bread, some ANPB, and some coffee. Then I hit the treadmill for some 5k training action.Actually, I didn't hop on the treadmill as quickly as I would have liked. I was a bit pissy. I have started a couple 5k programs MANY MANY times, and I simply do not stick with

Didn't live up to the hype!

2009-11-30T21:05:00.002-05:00

Do you ever look forward to a meal... I mean, REALLY REALLY look forward to a meal? I was excited about dinner tonight, but it was missing something.Spinach and mushrooms sauteed in garlic and olive oil, topped with garlic & herb goat cheese and grilled chicken. On the side, spicy sweet potato fries. I could eat those all day long! :)Dessert?HERMITS! Newman's Own Organics chewy soft molasses

False Start

2009-11-30T15:10:00.004-05:00

Leave it to me to not jump into my challenge as strong as I would have liked. I woke up this morning at 3:36... not because I was gung ho and ready for cardio, but because something had my guts twisted and up in my throat. I ran for the restroom, spewing my guts out. WTF?! Who does that? I laid in bed until it was time to get ready for work... cold and sweating, the room spinning, all while

Menu Planning Monday - No Leftovers!

2009-11-30T10:28:00.002-05:00

Anyone else sick of turkey?! I know I am!This week I went to the grocery store without a shopping list or any idea of what I was cooking. Dangerous! We were also quite low on many essentials. Oh well, such is life!Monday: chicken breast; sautéed mushrooms and spinach topped with garlic & herb goat cheese; sweet potato wedgesTuesday: beef & broccoli over brown riceWednesday: chicken & brown

2009 Holiday Challenge - Day 1

2009-11-29T08:14:00.006-05:00

It's HEEEeeeeere! Are you Crazy Cool Cats ready to reel yourselves in from the gluttony that is Thanksgiving? I know I am.Do you have your daily or weekly goals ready? No? Get to them!“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” - Alan LakeinHow's that for today's motto? :)Today I will:Eat whole, unprocessed foodsLift (heavy legs day!)Cardio -- nothing strenuous, but I have to get this body moving!

When I met Sally

2009-11-26T17:59:00.007-05:00

Words are not coming to me today. I must be in a food coma.Dinner has been served. I have eaten at least four times my bodyweight. It only sounds like a lot. I don't weigh much. Bwah! I am sitting here unwinding with my dad, father-in-law, mother-in-law, husband, and a glass of my favorite egg nog... Evan Williams pre-mixed is where it's at. I think this is the fourth (or fifth?) open bottle

2009 Holiday Challenge

2009-11-25T10:33:00.006-05:00

Sleighbells ring, are ya listenin'?In the gym, sweaty guys are whistlin'. It's a beautiful sight; Our guts our still tight.Walkin' in a winter wonderland.Bet ya'll didn't know I was such a lyricist, huh? LOL! I crack myself up sometimes. :PToday work has been AWESOMEnot. *channeling Borat* I still do not know if I have Friday off. I guess I will find out as I leave. Have I mentioned that I

Weak Week

2009-11-24T10:42:00.004-05:00

Shooo. I feel like a GIRL at the gym this week. :-D I am glad to be back on track, though. Hopefully this little holiday we have sneaking up on us won't be too detrimental to my progress. I've jam-packed this week w/ weights so I should be done by tomorrow! It's times like this that planning ahead really pays off.Anyways, I wanted to post yet another Oikos review!! I love LOVE this stuff, and

Menu Planning Monday - Cleaning out the fridge!

2009-11-23T12:06:00.002-05:00

Oof! I have been a busy bee this morning. I must get organized. I keep thinking of blogging ideas that slip my mind. I just can't find time to write.The name of the game this week is CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE! Gotta make room for the Thanksgiving feast and leftovers. Monday: Spaghetti w/ a lean ground turkey and lean ground Italian turkey sausage combo, whole wheat noodles for the hubby and corn

Shakin' in mah bootz!

2009-11-22T20:30:00.002-05:00

Gah!! Nationals this weekend... WOW!!First, let me announce that I would make a terrible, terrible NPC judge. LMAO!Second, holy macaroni, I would have got my ass stomped, then trampled, then kicked to crap at Nationals this weekend. I was sad that I wasn't competing, but yowzah! These girls look ah-mazing! Phew! I got my work cut out for me... but that is okay. I like having goals and having

Orange

2009-11-20T14:23:00.005-05:00

Orange ya glad it's Friday?TGIF Bloggerfam!!I had to quickly snap a pic of the food I packed this morning. It made me giggle -- everything was... ORANGE! I apologize for the poor pic quality. My digital camera was dead, and I made due with my crappy camera phone.I must say, I have totally fallen off the wagon. Last week I went to the gym one time. I was battling the stomach flu most of the week!

Wordless Wednesday -- Awards Pic! Finally!

2009-11-18T17:41:00.002-05:00

Yum Yum Gimme Some!!

2009-11-17T09:20:00.003-05:00

I had the most amazing breakfast Friday. Yes, I am just now telling you about it. I'm a slacker! :-D Actually, I just didn't want to bombard you with a ton of Amazing Grass and Oikos posts, like I was some sort of brainwashed broken record... but, actually, I am. I can't get enough of either!!BEHOLDOikos and Amazing Grass unite!!! for an Amazingly delicious breakfast.I mixed together two of

Menu Planning Monday

2009-11-16T22:45:00.003-05:00

What what what? I haz resurrected the blogging schedule... for today anyways. Bwahahaha.Oh guess what guys, I woke up late this morning and desperately needed to wash my hair... but I had no time. I broke out the dry shampoo, which I normally hate, but today it worked WONDERS!Okay, that has nothing to do with menus.Here we go!Monday: leftover banana bread muffins, bourbon balls. Don't judge.

I am a Compulsive Liar

2009-11-16T19:46:00.007-05:00

Yeehaw! I feel special. And cold, but that's not the point.It's that time again. The beautiful Alyson at "Nourished Fitness" and my twinnytwintwin Becca at "A Mile in These Shoes" both awarded me with the Honest Scrap Award. I have to divulge 10 truths then tag seven bloggers who I think will also tell the truth.1. I had a muffin and bourbon balls for dinner. Diet FAIL! but it was tasty, and

Two Casualties...

2009-11-12T09:12:00.007-05:00

Two casualties occurred in my kitchen early yesterday. After a brief mourning session, I composed myself and picked up the pieces. Let me start off by saying that I LOVE Oikos Greek Yogurt! Love it! However, it is HARD TO COME BY around these parts. And, when I do run across it, I never find any fun flavors. In comes Kristina from Stonyfield Farms (they make this wonderful yogurt!) to save

Raising the (Protein) Bar

2009-11-11T13:16:00.004-05:00

Boy oh boy!! I quickly ran drove home over my lunch break to grab some chicken and rice, and much to my surprise, there were packages on my doorstep! YEEEEHAW!!! Of course, I busted those bad boys right open. Teri Jo from Amazing Grass was kind enough to send me a plethora of samples! Thank you so much, Teri Jo!! I can't wait to try them all out. You should have seen my eyes light up when I

Late July Organic Snacks

2009-11-09T20:00:00.004-05:00

Yum yum gimme some!!!Jessica from Late July was kind enough to send me some of their mini sandwich cookies, in both Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate flavors. Thank you, Jessica!! The verdict? Absolutely delicious!! In fact, so much so that neither box survived the weekend. These mini sandwich cookies are so tasty! and you can be confident that you are consuming whole grain goodness, calcium,

2009 Monster Mash Recap

2009-11-04T07:16:00.011-05:00

OMFG! What a wonderfully fantastic weekend!!! I will try to cover just my "side" of the story, since I know that Bec and Jes will probably want to post their own experiences. :)Sooo.... as y'all know, I worked half a day Friday. I come home, change clothes, and LOW AND BEHOLD, I have freaking abs. I'm all excited. I snap a cell pic and text it to my Monster Mash buddies, as well as my friends

ZOOOOOM!

2009-10-30T12:05:00.002-04:00

This week has flown by! I'm tying up some loose ends here at work and getting ready to hit the road to meet Becca, Jes, and Tasha!! How excited am I?!! WEEEEee!! Comp? Pfffffft! It's girl time! I haven't had a girls weekend in... ever... seriously, maybe 10 years. LOL!One day out and three pounds down from last show. I'm at 111.8. YIKES!Have a fantastic weekend you all!!! I will have more time

Wordless Wednesday - 1st Place Open Class C!

2009-10-28T08:36:00.002-04:00

I'm Shrinking!!!

2009-10-23T13:37:00.004-04:00

AHhhhhh! I woke up at a measley 114.6 this morning. The boss is trying to feed me back up, so we are not sticking to the original plan. Honestly, the little extra bit of food makes me nervous... but he knows his shit, so I shall follow along.I'm SO EXCITED! I'm ready to go!! Prejudging starts at 11:00. Boy oh boy, and I looking forward to the food tomorrow... steak, white rice... YES!!Happy

Stiff!

2009-10-21T09:47:00.005-04:00

Woo! I am stiff this morning. I decided to do stiff legged deadlifts for my last legs session on Monday. This chick is still feeling the stiffness -- I didn't even go hard or heavy. I hit some poses to send to my coach, and woah, it was tough. I have been having some issues with my back pose. I need to practice, but, hehe, I keep putting it aside. Oopsy. I hope it miraculously 'clicks' on

How Many Days Out?

2009-10-20T15:39:00.003-04:00

Peak week, peak week! WOOO HOOO DAWGGY! (don't know how to spell that... )I feel like I have a LOT to do. Today I finally got around to booking the hotel room. We aren't staying at the host hotel. I did not see the point when the host hotel was still 2 miles away from the venue. Also, I thought about how pooped I was after pre-judging last time... I mean POOPED... so I booked two nights on

Pumpkin Spice Meringues, Sweetened with Splenda

2009-10-16T09:44:00.004-04:00

Yo! :)After battling a sweet tooth a couple weekends ago, I finally caved!! I attempted to whip up some sugar-free meringues. It was a success! I ate them pretty much straight out of the oven... all 48 cookies. I didn't even let them cool completely. It's just four egg whites, right? I can't wait to try these with other add ins, after the Fall competition season, of course!Pumpkin Spice

Guess Who's Back?!

2009-10-15T08:53:00.005-04:00

Guess who's back. Back again. Genie's back. Tell a friend.BWAH! I am running at about 80% today... I'll take it! WOOT! Energy is great (yesterday I was a lethargic piece of poo!), my throat still hurts a bit, and congestion is still slightly present... but whatevah! My cardizzle has been lacking, but today I managed to do slow jog + walk intervals. I felt like I climbed Mt. Everest... except

Never tell evil of a man

2009-10-13T08:25:00.004-04:00

"Never tell evil of a man, if you do not know it for certainty, and if you know it for a certainty, then ask yourself, 'Why should I tell it?' " - Johann K. LavaterHave you ever read a quote that just grips your heart? For me, this is one of them, so I just had to share.

Ain't nothing gonna break my stride

2009-10-12T09:31:00.002-04:00

Ain't nothing gonna break my strideNobody gonna slow me down, oh no I got to keep on movingI have been O. U. T. out! Sick as a dawg! The last few days I have been a bloated, tired, freezing, snotty, icky mess. I called in sick today, am feeling MUCH better, but still not near 100%. I sound like crap... talking is kinda fun, because I don't sound like myself. LOL!The bloat that comes with

Wordless Wednesday - 3 Weeks Out Pic

2009-10-07T10:52:00.001-04:00