Smooth-ie Operator

I've been on a smoothie kick lately.  Back in February, we had a Valentine's Day celebration at school.  Instead of celebrating with cupcakes and cookies, we asked that families bring healthy food and we called it Heart Healthy Day.  One of the things that parents volunteered to to was to make smoothies for the kids.  Three moms came in with blenders and frozen fruit, fresh fruit, and some veggies, and they each made different smoothies, but all of them were so tasty and good for you.  It got me thinking, "Dude, why don't I make smoothies at home?!"

So, I've been blending away ever since.  My fave is to mix some tropical fruit with berries and spinach.  Then as I started to train for the half, I stumbled upon this book on my Kindle called Smoothies for Runners.  I decided to buy it, since it was only $3.  It gives great recipes for pre and post run smoothies.  The author also gives good insight into why the certain smoothie ingredients are good for the before and after of working out.  He gives the breakdown on each fruit, veggie, powder, and seed he mentions.  Here are my key take-aways:

1. In the blender, you should put ingredients in a certain order to get the smoothest consistency.  Liquid on the bottom, fruit in the middle, ice on top.
2. Fruits and chia seeds pre-run.
3. Protein smoothies post-run.

But really, how can you go wrong with putting a lot of delicious fruits and veggies together?  Whether or not you're training or working out, it's a yummy and healthy way to get good nutrients into your body.

Bobbin' for Spring

I went back to my hair doctor Sarah B at Vain downtown.  My hair started to grow out a little bit, making me look like a suburban soccer mom in a way, so I decided to switch up the hair just a little bit.  Nothing too drastic, but enough to give me a little umph.  My hair was at its longest during the summer, and I've been going a little shorter and shorter ever since.  Sarah B noticed and pointed that out to me.  I've discovered that I'm just a medium length type of girl.  I've got so much hair that when it's longer, it's just too much to manage, but I also want to be able to throw my hair into a ponytail, especially when I run.  I'm thinking that maybe this will be the shortest I will go for now.  I'm not ready for the big chop quite yet.

The inspiration:  Nicole Richie.  The bangs, the length, it's fresh.

The results:  Maybe the only bathroom mirror picture I will ever take in my life.  I didn't know whether or not to smile.  It was such an awkward 30 seconds taking this pic.  Anyway, I am definitely no Nicole Richie, but I like to think I put my own spin on the 'do.   This is the hair wash-n-go style.

Turbo Kick

Every Mondays and Wednesdays G and I have been taking a class at 24 Hour Fitness called Turbo Kick.  It's a pretty intense kick boxing class, and oh so much fun!  We jab, uppercut, kick, and way more.  Each time I leave, I'm sore for the next 2 days (which means I'm either really really out of shape, or it's a really good class.)  It seems like there's a pretty loyal following because I see the same people over and over again, and the instructor knows a lot of them by name.  We've only gone 3 times so far, but we love it.  It's turbo kickin' our asses.

This is one of the moves we do.  We "Sumo squat" and jump like 8 times in a row in one round... and we do like 3 or 4 rounds. It hurts so good!

It's Time to Rock n' Roll!

My 12 week training program started this week.  I'm following the Hal Higdon Half Marathon - Novice 1 Program.  It's been so cold this winter that my running habits are struggling just a little bit.  I've only been running 3-5 miles about once a week, down from my 3-5 miles 3-5 times a week.  Now, just 12 weeks out from the race, it's time to really get my booty in gear.  As part of my program, I'm also incorporating a little kick boxing on Mondays and Wednesdays.  G joined the downtown 24 Hour Fitness club, so we are taking the Turbo Kick class together.  Today was our first day, and it kicked our asses.  But it hurt so good!  Back on the grind tomorrow!

I figured if I blog about it, I'm putting it out there and I really really have to hold myself accountable throughout this training process.  It's my first long race, and I gotta make sure that these little legs can go the distance. 

Parterns in Crime

A little glimpse into 15 years from now. . .

Roman:  Ok, so how do we work this?  Xavier:  Dude, hot girls 9 o'clock in the other car.

Roman:  What is that over there?  Look.  Xavier:  What's down here?  Look.

Roman:  What are you talking about down there?  Xavier:  What are you talking about over there?

Roman:  I think I know how to work this thing!  Let's go!  Xavier:  Dude, hot girls in the other car!  9 o'clock!

Monday Night Obsession

 

I've tried and tried to like Glee, but each time I try, I can only get through about 15 minutes of an episode before I want to change the channel.  Some people get so surprised when I say I don't watch it.  But this new show Smash has got me hooked!  I don't even care if it's at 10pm on a Monday night, and I'm grumpy the next morning.  I gotta have my Monday night Smash fix. 

I guess it comes as no surprise.  I love singing, dancing, and making music, and I love watching other people singing, dancing, and making music too.  It's been a long time since I've been glued to a fictional series.  Dare I say I've even been losing interest in the new Law and Order SVU season?  Gasp!

Bids for Kids!

The 4/5 Team (staggered from left to right):  Jeff, me, TC, Dana, Darren, Donna, and Kim

 

Last night I attended my school's annual auction.  As expected, we all had a blast.  It was held at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as it has always been since I've started teaching.  There was great company, delicious dinner, decadent dessert, and an abundance of wine.  You can't go wrong with that.  I wish I had a picture with Donna, Mark, and Rachel, but unfortunately the photography didn't seem to come around.  Boy, did we have fun.

I also had to give a quick speech in the middle of the program, something I hadn't done since I was the maid of honor at Tin's wedding, so I had to make sure to not drink too much wine (because I didn't want a repeat of my maid of honor speech.  Disaster!).  I will say that I had just enough wine to give me a tiny bit of liquid courage.  All went well, and immediately after my speech, we raised $17,000 (unofficially) in one round!  Thanks for all the generosity, everyone!  The children are so lucky to have support from a great community.