iPhone photo fun

I've seen bloggers post their last few photos or random things of that nature. It's my turn to copy the idea because it's brilliant. 

Today's breakfast included this taco and watermelon. And a giant unsweet iced tea. 

Last nights fire was bomb. I totally smell like smoke. 

Last nights dinner from Big Truck tacos did not disappoint. #alltheprotein 

And of course Chomps makes his appearance on my blog. He's my little angel! 

News and food

I managed to get a new position at work! 

Which has nothing to do with these photos but I like sharing food. 

I had grand schemes of blogging everyday. And then I didn't blog all weekend long. 

#life. 

Running exploits

This past weekend, I ran the Remember The Ten Run in Stillwater. It's about an hour north of Oklahoma City. 

Pre-race selfie with the flag. We opted for the 10k, which was the perfect taper run for the memorial half coming up this Sunday. 

Sunday's weather is looking good so far!

I look ridiculous in this photo because my arms are not long enough. I swear I don't have a double chin! We were close to my pr, with a finish time of 1:24 (pr is 1:21). I'd like to do a few more 10ks to work on speed but there's not a lot of races that offer that length. 

Post race lunch was delicious but I was wishing there was more avocado. Tonight is the veggie dinner at Picasso Cafe! Check my Instagram for photos of each course and each wine. 

#esthernorinedesigns and a shoe saga of sorts

So my creativity has fallen short but it's still early. I'm really just trying to take photos of everyday life and trying to find new perspectives. I created the hash tag for my own purposes but anybody could use it. I don't know why you'd use it though. 

The shoe saga continues. I left the other pair in the truck bed because they still smell from stepping in poop. Unfortunately, it rained last night. Now the shoes are wet. I'm attempting to dry them with the truck heater but I may have to resort to the back up - back up pair. Tonight, I'll run the 3 miles with pack pint run and red coyote. Tomorrow will be two miles. Then...gasp...it's race day. Sunday will be here in no time. 

Tip Tuesday

At this time, I am pondering how I can make this blog better. I love interacting with all of my blogger friends but I have not found enough time to put out quality posts with quality photos. Plus I haven't participated in any blog hops or swaps and I am finding not enough time to keep up with everyone's posts. Bloglovin has not been kind to me.

What time of day is the best time to work out?

First and foremost, basic movement is so good for you. Trying to walk everyday should be your goal. Morning workouts are excellent for boosting metabolism and burning more calories throughout the day. At the same time, adequate sleep is critical to weight loss success. So if you aren't able to get a good nights sleep with a morning work out, you are better off with an afternoon or evening gym date. I have read in Cosmo (clearly not a strictly fitness resource) that evening workouts help you to have a better nights sleep.

As an athlete, I workout 6 days a week in the mornings. I know that my metabolism has never been fast but I can keep it burning more with these regular workouts. I am up to 3 days a week of strength and 3 days of cardio, with one intense cardio workout a week. Last Saturday, I went 9.01 miles in 2 hours and 16 minutes. That's what has been working for me. Do you workout regularly?

Serious Sunday - Hawaii Edition

Welcome to Serious Sunday. Today's story comes from Hawaii, circa Fall 2001. While attending the University of Hawaii Hilo, hubby and I lived in the dorms on campus to cut costs. We also got rid of the TV, for the same reason. Dorms are created with concrete blocks and do not get good reception for anything including a radio. I don't think we had a phone either. It was semi-backwards living for us. On September 11th, we were awoken at 5am or so by a ton of knocking on the front door. I dragged my butt out of bed to find out that school had been canceled that day. The Resident Advisor didn't go into the details but said the tv in the common area was turned on to the news. I grabbed my handy radio to listen to the reports and was quite shocked (as the rest of the United States was.) I dragged R out of bed to tell him what happened. After staring for multiple hours at the tv in the common area, I was convinced having no tv was a bad idea. We bought a tv that day. We also took a hike up Rainbow Falls to decompress a bit. I felt trapped since all planes were grounded. Not a good feeling. We finished the semester and left Hawaii for a different school. Semi-funny story from that same time: We had a film camera and was waiting on film to develop. The cheap version is to ship it off to Honolulu and get it processed there. (Seriously, I have no idea why that was cheaper.) Our photos didn't come back for an extra week, since planes were grounded. I couldn't tell you what happened to those photos, so here is a photo from Honolulu our second attempt at living in Hawaii. I'm linking up with Nicole of Local Sugar who currently resides in Honolulu Hawaii and has great pics of the island. Please stay tuned for Make a Difference Monday.

Photo above is from Denver Colorado Botanical Gardens.

 

Serious Sunday - a bit about me.

Welcome to Serious Sunday. Since I have new readers, I thought it would be great to introduce myself. I like to write, take photos, play piano, read, and stay generally active/healthy. My hubby and I have been married for 13 years (basically since we were kids). We don't have kids but we do take care of kitty cats: Chomps (gray kitty) and Kirby (brown kitty). We love to travel and you can check out where we've been on my Travels page. We have lived in Denver Colorado twice, Hawaii twice, Anchorage Alaska, and now we live in Oklahoma City. Originally, I am from Portland Oregon and that's where all my family lives. I miss the liquid sunshine, the ocean within a short drive, and my family. I plan on staying 29 for as long as possible and maybe longer than I can get away with it. It sounds like a good age to me. Final little random tid bit: I am allergic to chocolate and I don't care. (Its a quick sneeze and back to indulging in chocolate goodness.) If you have any questions or comments please post them below and I'll cheerfully email you back. Please stay tuned for Make a Difference Monday.  

High Five For Friday

Welcome to High Five For Friday! I trust your thanksgiving was filled with good food and good company. Ours was a pirates thanksarrgving, complete with a seafood feast and crab shrapnel everywhere. I'm glad it wasn't at our house! Haha! Please enjoy my iPhone photos from this week and stay tuned for silly Saturday. Linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk.

Serious Sunday

Its a serious Sunday. I believe this blog to be an entertainment blog, especially with all the fun photos I post. I also have used this blog as a form of therapy and at times find that I still need assistance with stress relief. "Don't be afraid of failure"Have you heard that phrase or something similar? I most certainly have. My question to the universe is, how can I be afraid of failure in the midst of feeling like a failure?There I said it. I feel like a failure. I spent three years studying and working on an MBA in Finance. Once I graduated, I couldn't find a job with my degree but I already had one and knew that I would be moving within a couple of years. Then I moved. The best job I could obtain was a customer service/sales job. What was all that work for? Why do I have to pay a mortgage sized student loan payment with a baby paycheck? My boss keeps telling me that my paycheck can be better if I sell more. I'm not impressed, interested or motivated any longer. After securing this job, I continued the hunt; actively and aggressively looked for a new job. I was ignored by every company. I paid hundreds of dollars for a streamlined professionally written resume and found nothing but more sales jobs. I found a placement agency that is looking for work for me and has sent me on some interviews but still nothing has transpired. I can't do it on my own.I can't find a job with a placement agency.I need a miracle from God. If God can erase three of my sister's medical bills, couldn't he also erase student loans?Dear Lord, I know you have a plan. I know its your timing. I know that I am getting tired of the depressing view in my life. Please come. Please show me your miracles. Thank you and Amen. Dear Bloggy Friends,Please come back tomorrow, where I promise to be more positive for Make a Difference Monday. Thank you!

High Five for Friday

It's high five for Friday! Woohoo! Made it through another week. I would like to say congratulations to everyone who made it to Friday and thank subway for the nutritious lunches. Now for my top five: 1- I finished the race for the cure and that felt good. 2- I donated a photo to an art gallery for an auction and that felt good. 3- I had communion with my church on Wednesday and that felt good. 4- I had a successful week in the kitchen and that felt good. 5- I enjoyed a Gingerbread Chai from Starbucks in my first red cup of the season this morning and that felt good. I had some trials this week too but today's energy will be spent on positivity. So what's your top five? Linking up with Lauren From My Grey Desk

Liebster Blogger Award #2

  As I briefly researched this award, I found out its very similar to a chain letter. There are a couple of reasons why I think it's better though. Reason One: This is an excellent tool to meet other bloggers. I prefer this method over the "If You Really Knew Me" posts circulating the blog world. Reason Two: bloggers nominate each other because they want to get to know each other. To me it's akin to a compliment from one blogger to the other.   

 Without further discussion, here's my post about me, (which sounds weird to me.)

 

The Liebster award is for blogs that have 200 followers or less and lets us little blogs have a great change to network and get to know each other (oh and hopefully grow into bigger blogs!) 

Here are the rules:

1. Post 11 things about yourself
2. Answer the questions that have been posted by the people who gave you the award
3. Create 11 questions you want your nominees to answer
4. Pass this award on to a maximum of 11 blogs.
5. Let them know that you've given them the award!
   
   
   I have been nominated by two fabulous bloggers! Joanna at Be Creative Mommy and Mercedes at Cozy Pink Cottage Please do me a favor and check these ladies out. They have wonderful blogs!
   
   
   11 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME
   1: I don't like sports really but I am cool with watching basketball. 
   2: I like rainy days, it reminds me of home. :o)
   3: Pumpkin is my newest passion.
   4: I have tons of energy and not always enough places to expend it.
   5: I am allergic to chocolate but still eat it. (I only sneeze so its no big deal to me.)
   6: I huge craft beer fan in a desert called Oklahoma.
   7: Breakfast is the best meal ever and its great at dinner too.
   8: I have two Bengal cats and they love to talk and sleep and eat.
   9: I have been married for over 10 years and I was young when I got married.
   10: I am not old and never will be; ever.
   11: I like to bake sweets but since I'm always trying to lose weight so I don't bake often.
   JOANNA'S QUESTIONS
   1: Where is your ideal place to live?
   Key West, Florida
   2: What is your favorite post you ever wrote?
   As I look back over my work, I have no favorite but my favorite day is Top Pick Tuesday. This is the day, I post one of my favorite photos. I am not a professional but I have some great photos. Please let me know if you'd like one sent to you, signed by me the artist. :o)
   3: Would you rather watch TV or read a book?
   I need more time in the day so I can do both. I love both!
   4; What is your favorite holiday?
   I love Christmas!
   5: What is your favorite lesson you learned from your parents?
   That's a toughy because nothing along those lines stands out for me. I would say that I am very similar to my dad and I have so much energy and smarts from him. I love it! My personality is a lot like my mom and we have a great time when we get together. Loud and rambunctious!
   6: Do you like art?
   I consider myself an artist and do enjoy art. Photography, music, painting, baking, and writing are some of my faves.
   7: Are you open to other cultures?
   Yes and I love to travel. We have been to Australia, Egypt, Greece, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia and can't wait to get out again.
   8: Do you talk about yourself?
   Generally no, but I am job hunting and have to "sell" myself. Its tough!
   9: What is your favorite food?
   Hard to say since I love so many foods. I'll say pizza right now.
   10: Do you like your job?
   Definitely do not like my job but there are some aspects that I enjoy such as problem solving and knowing the answers. I like being an expert.
   11: Are you happy?
   Generally, yes.
   MERCEDES' QUESTIONS
   1: Name one thing on your bucket list?
   Visit all the countries in the Caribbean.
   2: What is one article of clothing you could not live without?
   Most times that would be a scarf. I love scarves, even in the summer!
   3: Who is your favorite woman of all time?
   My mom is my favorite. I love her so much! My sister would be second because she's also awesome!
   4: What is the worst TV show you have ever seen?
   Married with Children is the worst but I'm sure hubby thinks everything I find is garbage. I love tv!
   5: If you could go back in time and witness a historical even in person what event would you want to see?
   I would want to see Mozart in concert. I love classical music!
   6: If you could meet anyone in the world who would you meet? (living)
   Bono from U2. I'd like to ask him about his faith.
   7: If you could change one thing about your country what would it be?
   The system for voting in presidents. We need to dump the electoral college and go to a popular vote, just like America's Got Talent and American Idol.
   8: What's the furthest you have ever been from home?
   Australia
   9: What was the last song you listened to?
   Margaritaville. I'm trying to learn how to sing harmony for the band I'm in.
   10: If you could buy anything regardless of cost, what would you buy?
   I'd buy a sweet house in downtown Key West, Florida.
   11: What's the last thing you ate?
   Pickle
   MY QUESTIONS
   1: Name one thing on your bucket list?
   2: Where is your ideal place to live?
   3: What is your favorite food?
   4: What's the furthest you have ever been from home?
   5: If you could buy anything regardless of cost, what would you buy?
   6: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
   7: Where was your favorite vacation?
   8: How did you come up with your blog name?
   9: Are you a night owl or early bird?
   10: What is your favorite season?
   11: What is your favorite pick-me-up drink in the morning?
   MY NOMINEES
   Angie from Womanhood with Purpose
   Melissa from We Play Cottage
   Jacqueline from Beauty and the Budget
   Christine from Viji's Odds and Ends
   She from She May Be the Song The Summer Sings
   Elizabeth from Until Only Love Remains
   Megan from Unique and Chic Creations
   Victoria from Confessions of a Canadian Wallflower
   Stephanie from Confessions of a Bookworm
   Jennifer from Too Goodin To Be True
   Hannah from Thirsty World Designs
   TOKEN PHOTO
   
                                                                                                                               Secretly, I can't wait until I have over 200 followers because this award takes too much effort.

Swap Reveal Day

Today is swap reveal. I have participated in two swaps and I'm excited to share the goodies I've received from my bloggy BFFs. First is the scarf swap from Allie at A Day In A Joyful Life.  I received two lovely scarves from Hannah at Thirsty World Designs. Go check her blog out today to see what I sent her. It was super cute and I need to go buy another scarf for myself. 

The next swap was called "I made it for you" sponsored by Libby at Its Never Too Late Although I'm Always Late and Danielle at The Ordinary Wife Blog. You need to check what I made for Melissa at We Play Cottage because I made something really cute. She did a fantastic job for me. I am proud to have hand warmers perfect for walking to work. I have a ten minute walk from my house and I am truly blessed because my last commute was an hour. I also have an adorable hair clip and it matches my work uniform: black.

These swaps came at the perfect time of the year. Literally, three days ago the weather did a 180 and got cold on us. Brrr! END

Images from last nights Halloween party

Images from last night's Halloween party. The food was fabulous. The costumes were epic but I will not post photos of the costumes. It's to protect the innocent.

END