I Waddle When I Walk

So I did too many squats/lunges this week. I have a nice waddle that I'm trying to convince coworkers is "swag". I am not hardcore enough for that, so it doesn't usually work. 

We had some big changes up in our casa this winter. What might you ask? 

That would be my 3 pound lion head rabbit named Dean we rescued from the ARL. He is amazing, cuddly, mischevious, and adorable. 

That is his audition for rabbit Playgirl. 

I signed up for my first race for the spring on April 5. That means I should run a little, but it's still -7 today. So, I think I'll stay inside for a while longer. 

One more because you know you wanted it. 

Can YOU 24?

So the holidays have been a bit crazy, but a good kind of crazy. We have been spending some lovely time with our family and friends and helping as many people as we can with Advocare. We also decided to start eating Paleo for the new year. So, there's some big changes.

Paleo? I feel awesome. We are shooting for 80% and I've been doing the best I can. All prepared meals have been Paleo, and we are finishing up some food around the house that might not be Paleo. 

Last night we tried the new at home workout DVD from Advocare, Can you 24?  Um, barely. That was intense, sweaty, and hard. It is everything I've always wanted in an at home workout. I hope everyone has the chance to try it. You won't be mad.

Also, Alex is cooking stir fry tonight while I watch One Tree Hill over and over again on Netflix.

Oh yeah, we also cut Dish. Bring it, 2014.

Almost Christmas

One thing about me: I love the Christmas season. I love the music, the lights, the trees, even the shopping. I love it all. This weekend was Christmas cookie weekend with my mom, sister, and Alex. This is the end result.

There was also a giant tub of caramel corn. Be jealous.

Tonight, I have the third week of leadership training for Advocare. I have learned a lot, but in preparation today, this is me.

This book by Jon Acuff is changing my life. If you have any bit of desire for more out of life, read it. You won't be disappointed. I am ready for more, and I am excited to start.

It's Too Cold to Function

So I ran a race right before Thanksgiving in 15 degree temps. It was an off road race that took 2+hours. I thought that was cold. Nope, meet 4 degrees today. Why do I live here?!

Either way, it's cold. But it's almost Christmas and I have hung up the race bibs until at least April. I don't do runny noses well. 

So this winter I plan on a whole lot of strength training with our trainer and preparing to dominate the world this spring. Clearly you know I mean complete a Tough Mudder. Yes, I am about 2 blocks past crazy town, but it will be a great accomplishment when it's done. If I don't die from freezing/electrocution/falling from really high/drowning. But, what's life without risk right?!

We are also preparing another group to start the 24 day challenge and I can't wait to see the results! Last time people rocked some serious body fat loss, so I am expecting even bigger changes with the new year. 

Thanksgiving

So Thursday started our Thanksgiving feast. I always look forward to time with my cousins, sister, and parents. We all eat too much and then shop it off. 

I got all of our Christmas gifts by 11pm Thursday night. I don't think I have ever accomplished so much in so little time.

Friday night my lovely husband had a show downtown so we all rocked out for hours. It was fantastic and I am super proud of him.

Look at him all adorable and rock star like.

I have retained 7 pounds of water weight from Thursday until this morning. Should be all off by Wednesday, but no wonder I feel like a bloated whale. 

Back at the gym this morning. We did about a million squats, so I likely won't be able to sit down later. Oh well, the price for such a fine body as mine. Right. :)

Guess Who's Back..Back Again

If you didn't get that Eminem reference from high school, we can't be friends.

Either way, I let this blog slide this fall due to about 100 reasons, but it's a goal to keep going along. So far I have crossed 2 HUGE items off the bucket list.

In October I got to go to NYC to visit my BFF from college Matt. To say that his distance from me hurts my heart would be an understatement. Everyone has their person. He is my person. 

We had a lovely time and I got my small-town Iowa self acquainted with the "big city." Let's just say I am good with my commute, drink prices, and all around ease of transportation up in Iowa. But it sure is pretty.

Then, I came home and 5 days later ran my first half marathon. I did it in 2:31, which was 1 minute shy of my goal. But, I finished. It was hard. Real hard. But 110% worth it. I have proven a lot to myself this year, and knowing that I ran myself 13.1 miles is quite encouraging.

Alex and I are finishing up the Advocare 24 day challenge right now. I feel mucho better (man, I ate like crap on vacation). I don't expect to lose a lot of weight, but I am seeing some muscle definition in my arms for sure. I still have a long way to go to my Michelle Obama arms though.

Someday.

Life in Pictures

Cousin party time.

Yes, that is an albino peacock.

And those bunnies from Pinterest make me want a nap.