I'm Back

Yesterday, in an attempt to have a leisurely day for at least a part of my vacation, I didn't blog.  I did, however, get my hair cut.  She did a great job of straightening it and made me feel like Nina Dobrev for a day, but it's not quite so straight today.  And I'm not quite as pretty as Miss Dobrev (I just really love her hair!).

And in other good news, regardless of how I ate at my parents, which included...

the travel did not ruin my running or weight goals.  And though the cake looks amazing, you should know that the raspberry mouse tart that was in my hand only lasted a few seconds.  It was so good.  I'm pretty sure I have to learn to make raspberry mouse now.  I will update if I find a good recipe.

I got home Thursday night on the smallest plan I've ever been.  No overhead bins.  I was the only one of the 6 passengers assigned to the back of the airplane.  When the pilot saw this, he asked two passengers to come sit near me so the plane was balanced.  Ha.

Last night my dear husband took me to Chinese for dinner, followed by The Hunger Games (which for me included a Belgium chocolate mocha and peanut m&ms!).  Now he is reheating our leftovers so we can eat while we watch a Netflix movie.  He takes such good care of me :).

Dad!

This morning my run was a shorter version of the first one so there aren't any cool pictures of that.  I did, however, enjoy my run much more than the previous two here.  The elevation is quite a bit higher here and I was running out of breath a lot faster than at home.  Today, I am finally acclimated.  Tomorrow, I'll be treadmilling at a hotel and the next day I will be home.  I wonder if I will have a record run on Friday or if changing elevation will mess with me again.
When I got home, this little one was waiting at the front door for me.

This is my dad.  He just trimmed his mustache from a longer, downward direction to an upward "handle bar" direction.  Yesterday, while my mom and I were looking through and organizing old pictures, we found the funniest pictures of my dad. He has had a mustache all of my life.  When I was in elementary school my dad was out of work for a while because of a neck injury.  So he would walk me to the bus stop (the end of the drive way) every morning.  One week, he decided to freak out the bus kids.  On Monday, he had his full mustache.  On Tuesday, he had shaved off the right side (so, he had a long and at that time dark mustache on only one side of his face).  On Wednesday he shaved the other half.  My dad spent an entire day with half of a mustache just to embarrass me.
He has always had a great sense of humor, or at least I think so.  Maybe that is why my jokes don't get laughed at a majority of the time.  He is almost always telling a joke, but you have to be paying attention to catch it.  On one long road trip he started telling me what I thought was a serious story about a sheepherding dog contest to only finish it hours later with a really lame punch line. 
He worked while I was here because he wants to make sure to have plenty of time off for the upcoming concert in April, a visit to SD in the fall when another piece of mine is played and Christmas. 
My dad is also a very giving person but he's very sneaky about it.  I've always marveled at how smart he is.  He is my daddy and I love him very much.

Tomorrow, I'll be on a plane headed home.  If you think of me, send a quick prayer for a silly concern of mine.  I am switching from a major airline to a minor one in Denver.  The minor one doesn't allow early online check-in and I only have an hour layover.  I can stay in security since I don't have checked baggage, but I am still worried I might not get on the plane.  I don't want to be left in Denver!  I miss my husband and puppies too much!

Mom

Traveling home starts tomorrow so today was my last full day with my mom.  We spent a majority of it with Diana (my sister) and the cute niece and great-niece again.  It wasn't exactly what I had originally intended for my vacation but it's been fun so far.

 My mom was nice enough to come with me to my next running site and even took my picture as I was about done with the 4-miler.  I ran to those mountains and turned around before the first big hill.  Yup, I'm one of those lazy runners who avoid hills when I can.

 I'm glad I ran, because for lunch I had more carbs than is usual.  A chicken BBQ pita and sweet potato fries.  I only ate a few fries after the monster of a pita.  But I can't deny I also ate a bit of my mom's BLAT (Bacon lettuce avacado tomato.  What a funny name).

 After lunch we looked through pictures and the little ones ran the house for a while.  I was exhausted by the time they left.

 Shannon--I'm hooked.

Now on to the real star of the post-- my mom.  This is us about to walk to the mail box, about a mile away.  We do our best talking while walking (probably because I talk to my mom while I walk to work almost every morning).  She complained that this wasn't the best picture-- but I thought we looked cute in our hats and such.  My mom, Betty, is an incredibly giving and caring person.  To take it a step further, she downright spoils me.  I never come to my parents house and leave without something new.  She's also a killer sales and clearance shopper, able to claim most of her wardrobe for under $10 (most of the tops are under $5).

My parents never really verbally "built me up" growing up and it used to really upset me.  My parents never told me I was pretty, or smart, or talented.  But my mom can count on her left hand how many concerts she's missed (because she's made it to almost every single one).  They bought me brand new instruments when I was learning so I had the best chance at success.  And my mom, this weekend, set up for me to play at her church.  I don't know how many times I over heard her say "that's my daughter, she's going to play flute for us today" in a tone that only a proud mother could use.  She also suggested a few times, once by handing me my flute and music, that I play for my sister and nieces.  She has been willing to drop everything for me since I was born and it hasn't stopped yet and I am incredibly blessed to have her as my momma.

I love you, mom!  Thanks for letting me crash at your house, make you my favorite meals and shop with you!

Day 2

Today is day 2 of my mini vacation.  Though we woke up to a small snowstorm, I was able to get in a run in the afternoon.  The promised picture of what I saw on my run this morning will be first and foremost.

 Followed by a picture of my mom Saturday.  More on her later!  But isn't she just cute!

 Above is my great-niece (yikes, that makes me sound old!  I'm only 24!) and my niece at McDonalds for lunch today.  Not being a McDonalds regular, I ordered a fruit and walnut salad, expecting an actual salad with fruit and nuts in it.  I was really dissapointed to get just fruit and nuts, but I guess that's okay.

I still got my veggie intake for the day with an amazing batch of Sweet Potato Soup.  In case you are interested, I apologize that the picture isn't that appetizing, but it really is good, the recipe is so simple and so versatile you'll love it.

Today's rendition had:
1 Sweet Potato, skinned and cubed.
1 Yellow Zucchini, cubed
1 Green Zucchini, cubed
1/2 onion, cut up
2 cups frozen vegetable blend of choice
Pacifica Creamy Tomato Soup Box (basically, a can of tomato soup and a can of milk)
 Approximately 1 1/2 TBS of Cumin.

Most times I also add black beans and chunked tomato and call it chilli.  Add all ingredients to the crock pot and let it sit anywhere from 4-8 hours.  It's delicious!

The Trip So Far

Saturday evening, my sweet husband drove to Denver to drop me off at the airport.  We stayed at the Days Inn near DIA (It is NOT recommended, in case you were interested).  On the way to Denver, Jim requires that we eat at Carl's Jr. every time.  To be honest, it's not my favorite and never has been, but he doesn't ask much of me so Carl's Jr. it is.  They did, however, have a cute saying on their cups that some people will get a particular kick out of.  Think the Open Range Grill, St. Patrick's Day.

My parents picked me up bright and early at the Salt Lake City airport and we went right to work on a day of shopping.  You may not know this, but my mom is a major shopper but doesn't ever buy anything over $10.  We came home with a huge pile of clothes, some were mine, others were "Christmas gifts".  But we spent hours in Sears, Shopko, Target (I forgot how much I LOVE Target), Whole Foods and Maurices. 

The drive to their home is 4-5 hours across the Salt Flats and sage brush. 

 Funny story:  My mom bought a "mini banana tree" a couple years ago.  Doesn't look so little now, does it?  But it still doesn't produce any bananas, darn it!

 Lilla and Cola, Rory and Gray's mom and dad are part of the family here in Nevada.  They are about twice as big as our pups in both height and weight... maybe three times in weight.  The lighter one, Lilla, is so pretty I can't stand it.

 Because I only allowed myself a carry on I didn't even pack a purse.  But I saw this (which is technically a grocery bag, but I don't care) and had to get it.  So I have an over-sized purse to give my poor hemp bag a break this summer!

Today after church we drove my running route and it's going to be gorgeous.  I will try to pack my camera along so you can see!

Never A Dull Moment

Monday, I walked home from work like usual.  I couldn't shake this weird feeling that something was different.  Perhaps it was this thing bouncing off my rear end as I walked.  Finally, a couple blocks from home, I finally reached behind me.  The store's cordless phone.  I'm so glad that was the end of the day and not the beginning!

Here are some other kind of funny things that have happened lately.

 David, who is always happy, has our cold.  He has been really enjoying wiping his nose on us.  It's a new game.  This picture, thank goodness, was taken pre-cold so his nose isn't disgusting.

 Gray, our really shy and serious dog, saying good morning.

Having a conversation over breakfast.

Chasing Leprechauns

Or at least, chasing a lot of green clad runners.

In support of the social action unit in Danielle's English class, I dawned a green running top (complete with thumb holes!  I am a thumb hole addict.) and green running shoes for the Leprechaun Chase 5K set by two students in her class.  Instead of running what would be my first 5K of the year, I decided to walk it.  Jim has not had an opportunity to train and I didn't want to leave him in the dust.  I was also sick and would hate to ruin my average at 5K's with what would be probably my slowest yet (okay, so I don't really care about averages but it's a good excuse).  So, we leashed up Rory and walked the route.

It was a really relaxing walk, even though Jim had to continuously blow his nose and I felt dry.  We got back home to decide it was probably too much and skipped out on the rest of the day.

But, unlike other races I've been to, it was the first I've seen color themed.  There were so few in anything but green that it was nice to see such a fun group of people.

Skunk Runners

A couple of regularly mentioned people on this blog are in a band called the Platte Valley Skunk Runners.  They play primarily blue grass.  Danielle sings, plays guitar.  Bob sings and plays guitar and kazoo (yup, kazoo).  They also have a 16 year old who can play almost anything with strings on it and his uncle, who I'm pretty sure can play anything with strings on it.
Last weekend, as I awaited Jim's plane landing at DIA, I watched them among other performers.  This evening I got to watch them play at the Open Range.  I played a couple Irish tunes to get the crowd going.  Okay, that's a lie, I am pretty sure no one was listening at that point.  But, got to play Danny Boy on the flute and make it sound a bit more Irish than usual so that was kind of fun.
Because of my sore nose still being sore and Jim having hints of starting the same cold, we came home after only a few songs.  But it was fun to listen to them.
Another fun fact of the evening; Jim ate two whole meals.  He bought a burger with fries.  Ate it.  Bought another burger and fries and ate it.  And he says he's "comfortable" now.  It's like I don't feed him.

Oh, fun fact 2.  The gentleman with the beard... doesn't normally wear overalls.  Nor does he have a beard.  Or a hat like that. 

Little Red Nose

My husband loves summer.  He scoffs at those of us who would even consider moaning at a 90 degree day.  I am a spring girl, myself.  I prefer the more subdued temperatures of spring.  I would rather smell flowers as they begin to grow or rain showers than the lawn clippings and dry grass of summer.  I enjoy the new beginnings and hope that spring brings.  I enjoy the Holidays.  St Patrick's Day is my favorite "silly" holiday (it's right along the lines of Halloween and Valentines Day... celebrating for the sake of celebration, to me anyway).  I have loved Ireland since I was little and love it even more since Jim took me a couple years back.  I love Easter, too.  What it stands for.  Easter is the best holiday there is.
I haven't been able to enjoy this hint of spring weather we've had this week because with it came my first cold of the whole "school season".  I may be out of school, but I base my year on school anyway out of habit.  I haven't had as much as a sniffle since last summer and now, out comes the spring cold in full swing. 
So, with a slightly red and sore nose, I am finally on the mend today and use that as my excuse for not blogging for a while.  I skipped everything Thursday and spent the day reading and watching TV and napping.  I left work early Friday.  I still sound like a man on the phone, but I can definitely feel that I'm on the mend.  I'm not stuffed in my head anymore, I feel like part of the waking world again.
Which is good, because tonight I will be doing a little tin whistle for the Platte Valley Skunk Runners at the Open Range Grill.  I'm pretty excited.  This is my first tin whistle gig other than the "tip songs" I played one St. Patty's Day when I worked at Cold Stone.  I don't know if people were impressed or freaked out that this girl behind to counter whipped out this little, shrill sounding thing.
Jim has been home a full week and I can not believe how great it is to have him back.  Don't get me wrong, I knew it was going to be great.  But he has seriously been my champion this week.  I haven't cooked dinner since Monday night.  Jim has fed us, cleaned the house without question, drove me all the way to the lake on Thursday when I was feeling gross from being stuck inside all day.  He bought me a root beer float to have while I watched the sun go down over the lake from inside his car.  He took me to a movie last night, The Vow, a romance and snickered with me at the aw's and oo's around us when Channing Tatum (who is really good looking, don't get me wrong) did anything at all on screen. 
I am one blessed lady.  Every time I'm sick I remember that.  I have puppies who feel when I'm sick and love me to pieces because of it.  I have a husband who takes care of everything, bosses that send me home to get better, a running partner that is ok with me meeting at the half way point and panting pathetically the whole way and no doubt a bible study group who prayed for me when I didn't come on Thursday morning.

So, little red nose, thanks for reminding me of how much the Lord has given me.  And also, for reminding me how great it feels when you aren't so red and sore.  I appreciate the reminders very much.

But, I think I can remember until next year this time.  K?

The Return

For two weeks, I have been living on my own.  My husband has been speaking with customers in China and meeting with his parent company in Japan.  I have spent the time deep cleaning my house, attending concerts, finishing major projects and trying to create a less stressful environment at home.  I tried my best to get rid of unneeded things and go to a more “minimalist” lifestyle.  I don’t think I succeeded as much as I had hoped but every drawer is organized and most things have a place. In the past I have had a tendancy to get rid of too many things only to find later that I could have used an item I junked.  I am trying to be more reasonable than the “everything’s gotta go!” mentality I had as little as a few months ago.

The nice part of being on my own for two weeks, other than having time to do all of that organizing, was witnessing some very giving and caring people blessing me because I was lonely.  At every concert I attended I had someone to sit with (mainly Shannon), Rachel, the Josjors and Helzers and Karla included me in dinner plans.  Danielle kept me active with the longest run ever (until next week, that is), Karen included me on some special music and practiced with me, Bible study ladies kept me in their prayers while Jim was away.  I had at first hoped for two weeks of isolation but instead was given much more love from the people around me than I could ever deserve.  I’m very blessed here in Ogallala, even when my husband isn’t here. 

I am also very blessed when my husband IS here.  Not only is he an amazing husband, he is also a kick-butt gift giver.  I scored on his trip!  A beautiful Chinese dress (to be pictured at a later date, when I have an occasion to wear it) was the first to be presented.  Then I got to open an adorable cell phone charm that means “too cute”.  This was followed by the big gift of the trip—silver earrings from Akita, Japan.  He also came home with gifts from the plants and customers he visited.  Wall hangings, a miniature kite, golf balls and a clay tea cup in a box.   So much for going “minimalist”, right?  But I am so glad to have him home and to enjoy our time together for the next couple of weeks before I leave for my “getaway”. 

Weekend.

Jim will be home in less than 24 hours.  Less than 12 hours, even.  I am going to brush the dogs, vacuum, clean a bit (just a bit), make homemade cookies (so the house smells awesome when he gets home), and go try on these jeans at Repeat Boutique that someone insisted I try on ;). 
Yesterday morning I discovered my favorite pair of jeans were missing.  At this moment they are still missing and I wonder if I didn't throw them away with some old jeans that had holes.  I hope not, but just in case I bought a new pair at the other clothes stores, Clothing Closet.  I'm excited for the new pair but totally bummed about the mystery disappearance.
After work Karla picked me up for our ladies date night.  We went to Taste of Texas BBQ, where Haley, a sweet high school girl from church, was our waitress.  Then, when we got to talking, we decided to go to the Lorax movie. 

Karla was one of the few people who kept me entertained while Jim was away.  I love spending time with her, she is a fun loving, light hearted woman, great mom and great friend.

After a fun night, I woke up this morning for something fun but not anywhere related.  My first 15 mile run.  I felt great until about mile 14 and then I hated it.  Then I hated it for about a half an hour afterward, but now I feel pretty good for doing it.
Afterwards all I could think about was making a smoothie.  I was soo thirsty.  And, as always, I was happy to try my Ninja!

Peaches. Strawberries.  Peach Yogurt.  Water.

Blend 1
Blend 2
Blend 3

and

News

Multiple post day.  I have to get caught up on my pictures.  At the moment, before this post, I'm sitting at 65 pictures on my blog and I am on day 77 of this blog.  *Click my tongue*  I'm behind.

One very exciting thing that happened this week that I have yet to mention in the blog world is some music news.  I am going to be a performed composer for the fourth time in my life.  GoldDiggers is about to make it's comeback as a new and improved version, performed by Ogallala High School.  Mr. Schlake took some time to look through the piece and talked me through a few range issues (because a clarinetist like me doesn't know that a certain progression of notes is near impossible on the french horn.  I assumed everything was near impossible on the french horn.).

I have been very fortunate to have willing band directors open to subjecting their students to an untested piece of music.  I am very fortunate to have such talented kids play my piece and I am so, so excited to hear it live in April.

Time With Friends

I apologize for the lack of posting lately.  I have had some great experiences that deserve being shared but unfortunately, even having the camera on me, I didn't get pictures.  I guess when I'm having fun I forget that I should take pictures to share later.
The above picture is of the Rastrelli Cello Quartet.  I was invited to write the review for the Arts Council here in town for the concert.  I sat in between Rachel and Shannon and enjoyed all sorts of genres by these Russian performers.  The third one in, Kirill, was kinda cute. Don't worry, I didn't mention that in my review, though I'm sure I would have gotten a laugh out of someone.
Wednesday night Bob, Shannon, Nate and Danielle invited me to join them in their weekly dinner outing.  We went to Mi Ranchito.  It was a lot of fun to laugh with friends.  Tomorrow night I am out with Karla.  Saturday morning I run with Danielle.  Saturday afternoon I go to a local talent night concert.
So I've been much busier than I had originally anticipated for this week.  It's been good, however, to be busy.  Even though I've been busy, I have had time to do a few of the things I love.

For instance, I baked.  I attempted Naan, an Indian flatbread.

 I also made a one minute chocolate cake for myself.   I used this recipe.  Except, I switched a lot.  I used only one packet of Truvia for sweetener.  Almond Milk.  Dark chocolate cocoa powder.  Hazelnuts.  It was delicious. 

I promise to be a more diligent blogger in the near future.

Online "Friends"

A few weeks ago I made a comment on facebook.

"Considering another break from facebook.  But who would stay in touch if I did that?  If you would (seriously), I'd like to exchange email addresses.  Please PM if interested."

Notice the one kind response.

I received one PM.

I have 99 friends on facebook.  2 responded. Ten or twenty are from Ogallala and see me regularly and wouldn't really need to keep in touch via email as they know where I work and where I live and know my number even if I never gave it to them... it is Ogallala, after-all.  A handful are cousins or family who don't correspond regularly with me but could find my information if they had to.  A few had already given me email addresses my first disappearance from facebook and most likely didn't think they needed to again, which is true.

But with all of that, about half of the people who are my "friends" did not respond or show any interest at all.  Most of them I haven't spoken to, though they have "liked" a comment or picture here and there.  Some have even written a few sentences in response to something within the last couple of years.

So, I've decided that while I may keep the account open for the occasional person who has no other way of getting a hold of me, my presence there will be very, very minimal.  Because while there are some dear people on facebook, they can be dear friends in the real world, too.  Because I know what real friends are, and our messed up "like" and "dislike" society is NOT friendship.

My mom talking to me everyday about anything and everything is a friendship.
My husband and I playing games together or dancing in the living room is friendship.
Rachel driving across the country with me, or inviting me to spend a whole afternoon with her is friendship.
Mary Jane and her incredible gift of making me feel welcome and safe to open up is friendship.
Karen and I sharing our music is friendship.
The amazing and unique friendship that comes with being Danielle's running partner (the one person I'm not totally freaked out to have see me sweaty and gross!).
The ability to pick up and get to know each other again and again with Alicia is friendship.

This isn't an exhaustive list, and if you aren't  on it that doesn't mean you aren't a true friend to me.  I am blessed with many amazing people in my life who fill special places of my heart.  I recognize in myself that I am selfish in my friendships,  wanting friends that involve me instead of focusing on involving them.  I hope to be a person that fills a special place of a friends heart someday.  I hope that someday I can bless someone as much as these people have blessed me.  I don't want to just be a status update, or someone that some person I graduated is curious about.  I want to be a true friend.

Brands

Bear Naked is a great granola brand.  Sometimes their ingredients make me raise an eyebrow, but they are a great company.  If you send their packaging back they recycle it into different items.  Their granola tastes awesome.  I love the chocolate and the vanilla, but the fruit and nut isn't bad either.

Terra is a great vegetable chip brand.  I particularly love their sweets and beets.  Sweet potatoes, beets and a little sunflower oil.  That's all the ingredients.  It's pretty amazing.  And I love sweet potatoes. 

Just a couple of things I keep handy when I'm hungry enough to eat but not hungry enough to cook.  :)

Yo Yo Society

We live in a yo-yo society, especially health-wise.  Yo-yo dieting and exercising equaling a yo-yo waste-line.  I hear more about how we go through "seasons of life" than I hear about being dedicated and steadfast.  The media can never make up it's mind on anything and the whole country follows suit.  We are in a constant battle of extremes never finding a happy and medium balance.  And I for one am so tired of no one ever being happy about anything. 
Just a few years ago, coconut oil was bad for you.  At the moment it's the best thing in the world.  Eggs were bad, then good (I can't say where they are now).  Milk has been bad and good.  Cheese.  Spinach.  Broccoli.  Chocolate.  Running.  Yoga.  Cushioned shoes.  Minimalist shoes.  Fruit.  Carbs.
A few things remain the same.  "Eat a healthy diet and exercise" is the most commonly accepted weight loss, fitness and health advice.  I hate hearing it, though, because it is so mysterious.  If everything has been deemed good or bad at some point or another, what do you chose as being "healthy"?  And if running and yoga have been considered "bad" at some point, how do I know they are "healthy" decisions?
And, with 30 day programs more popular than actual lifestyle changes, how long do we avoid the may or may not be good for you carbohydrates and how long should one religiously follow the Jillian Michaels DVD?
Whatever happened to everything in moderation being taken seriously?  What ever happened to understanding that there isn't a perfect food or perfect work out, but that both good/healthy food and exercise is good?  And why is fitness considered a "season in life" instead of a lifelong goal?

I don't know how many times I've been told that I will eventually give up running because it's just a season, or that someday I'll revert back to my old eating habits.  I don't know why when diet is discussed there are people who get angry by the things I avoid or don't avoid.  I can't believe how many angry vegetarians attack a meat-eater, or how many people have complained because I choose to avoid processed foods.  I'm surprised that the goal of most women is to lose weight or be thin but the minute someone becomes thin they are told they are "too thin" or accused of things like anorexia (which is completely disrespectful to both the person and the people who struggle with the actual illness).

I admit to allowing these things to dictate my decisions sometimes.  I have fallen victim to a miracle food or two.  I have allowed "too thin" to slip from my lips before.  I have secretly clicked my tongue at the occasional vegetarian.  And I allowed myself to gain 30 pounds after high school.

But I would like to suggest that we stop allowing yo-yo into our lives, especially in relation to others.  Stop dieting for a goal weight instead of just eating healthy all the time, stop taking 30 day challenges.  Stop falling for every health food fad (no matter how hard they try to sell it, unless it's Jesus himself telling me it's true there isn't a perfect food).  Stop claiming a season and start a lifestyle.  Stop lumping people in the "fat" or "big" group or the "too thin" group and instead encourage each other in all areas of our lives to live better without judgement or rude comment.  And to pray that we can come to live better in all areas of our own lives as well.