4 Month Countdown

Well, today marks 4 months until the wedding. Just 120 days now stand between me and a planning-free lifestyle!

I'm going to preface this post with: This is not intended for anyone specifically and I am not trying to be ugly....

Now, with that said: *Approach Soapbox* Here goes...

Wedding Planning, YOU SUCK! People say that this is supposed to be a marvelous time in your life and that it will all be worth it. Well, when people say that about pregnancy, I get it...you get a HUMAN BEING out of the 9 months of carrying, planning, etc. I understand that planning a wedding is not quite as physically daunting, but for the past 12 months, mentally and emotionally, it's putting me through the ringer. I do know that the day will be amazing...all 5 hours of it, I'm sure, but I don't know that I'll look back and say "wow, that was totally worth it all." Stay tuned as I'll be sure to write a post about it at that point, but like I said, I just can't imagine those words coming out of this mouth. I feel as if this has turned into Bride vs. Everyone.... All I want is for everyone to be happy, but wait a second...isn't this the one day in a woman's life that is supposed to be 100% about her? I'm writing all this down so that if I have a daughter I remember to come back and read what I felt at this time.
I pulled out my back this week (true story) and I did it from bending over backwards for everyone else (that part's just me being dramatic!). Really though, I feel like as if I am going out of my way to please my friends, bridal party, parents, in-laws, venues, vendors, dogs, cats, random strangers walking down the street....you name it! And I'm SO.OVER.IT!!!!!!

*Step down from soapbox*

Whew - thanks! Needed to get that off my chest! I resolved this week to just say ok to anything and everything. From here on out, I don't care what goes on the tables, what goes in the envelopes, what the bouquets are made of, what the people wear, etc. I'm just going to breathe, smile and remember that I am going to marry my best friend and go on a fantastic, adventuresome and relaxing honeymoon with him. Now I DO know why people take honeymoons now! That, you definitely deserve!

Little sisters, friends that have yet to get hitched and any random man and/or woman reading this....I have two words for you:
DESTINATION WEDDING!!!!!

Coulda, woulda, shoulda! ;)

Now for a little update:

1. We put an offer in on a house, but someone else beat us to it. :( But, we're going on a marathon hunt on Sunday with our realtor and I'm looking forward to it. Everything happens for a reason, so that just means there's an even better place out there for us! Hopefully the kitchen is just as amazing!!

2. Lisa's Likes: I came across a pretty cool website a week or so ago...it's called http://hungrygirl.com/. It's a website full of yumm-o healthy recipes and tips. I just love it and hope to make some of the recipes soon!
Going right along with healthy options, pinterest has given me a couple of great recipe options as well.... I made these two last weekend and they have both been fantastic, quick and super healthy breakfast options.
     ~1. Green Monster Smoothie: So Yum!!
           - 2-3 bananas
           - frozen mangos, peaches, pineapples
           - 2-3 cups spinach (I haven't tried other veggies yet but I hear carrots & cucumber work too!)
           - 1/4 cu. greek yogurt (optional)
           - 1 cup fat free milk (optional)
           - ice and water as needed for desired consistency
        Blend them all together and voila! You have a green monster. It's nutritious and delicious. Don't                 be concerned...if you add berries, nuts (another option I've heard used) or certain veggies, you'll get a         brownish monster. It should still be just as yummy!

I freeze them and pop it in the micro for about 1 min in the AM and have a delish breakfast! They're also great if you're craving ice cream or sweet treat!

     ~2. Egg McMuffin's (Not the McD way, but the clean way!)
          - egg whites
          - any seasoning and veggies you want (I used pepper, garlic, sea salt, spinach and onion)
        Mix egg white beaters with your veggies and seasoning. Spray down your muffin tin or use cupcake liners and then pour in mixture. I baked at 350 for about 20 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check if they're done: place toothpick through middle and if it comes out dry, you're good to go!

I don't even know where to begin with how fast, yummy and healthy this is!

3. We have some more engagement pictures...here's just a few...

Until next time.

Love,
Lisa

Couch to 13.1?

I took a hiatus from running the past few months. MISTAKE! I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with it, so in the mix of moving, wedding planning, etc., I pushed it to the back burner. Our puppy Timmy however, has re-motivated me... The kid has some energy and as I always wished Chloe would run with me, I decided that if I was going to turn him into a running partner, sooner would be better than later! I've somewhat initiated him into the habit of it over the past couple of weeks and he is getting the hang of it!

I have a couple of friends that are involved in Team in Training. I'd love to participate in a group such as that, but the fundraising aspect of it is difficult for me, time-wise. Regardless, my friends have been a huge inspiration and they somehow convinced me that I could do it. What the hell, right? ;) So - on January 1st 2009 I decided I'd sign up for a half marathon. How hard could it be! I'm sure many of you have heard of the "Couch to 5K" program, well - I jumped from couch to 13.1! I mean, I worked out pretty regularly, but I had never enjoyed running, let alone running long distances. I gave myself 2.5 months to prepare and that March I ran my first half marathon. I had bronchitis a week before and my lungs were still feeling it that morning, but my amazing friend Shannon stuck through it with me and coached/motivated me the whole way!

A few things I quickly learned:

- TMI, but running jostles things up a bit and between carb loads and being in constant motion for 13.1 miles, it's a good thing pit stops are placed along the way! ;)
- Do not, I repeat....DO NOT go stagnant after a long run. Stretch immediately! It's going to hurt and it won't be fun but 2 hours later, 24 hours later and above all, 2 days later your body will appreciate it. I half-assed stretched after my first 13.1 and I was definitely sorry!
- Walk or take an easy jog the next day. Your body will thank you!
- Do not be intimidated by other runners. Marathon runners come in every shape, size and/or age. People 300 lbs and/or 75 plus years may pass you. Smile as they pass and push yourself to keep up!
- Thoughts that may go through your mind while running a distance run:
1. Adrenaline: Holy crap...lots of music, cameras, cheering...let's do this! SO MUCH FUN!
2. Crowd spreading out some, get your running groove, no problem.
3. Hmmm, my body is feeling it, but I've trained for this, so I know I can keep going...let's go.
4. If I have to run up one more hill....$&^#(&
5. Ah, downhill! ;) Make up some time.
6. I'm hungry...
7. I'm thirsty...
8. Biofreeze anyone?
9. Oh - only 3.1 miles left? Got this!
10. F! F running! F moving! F chatting with your running buddy! F the music coming from iPod! F signing up for this thing in the first place! F!F!F!!!!!!!
11. I'm hungry...and thirsty...again
12. So close to finish line! So happy!
13. ONLY .1 to go. Should go by fast!!!
14. Really....I haven't gone .1 yet?!?!?!?
15. OMG!!!! SEE FINISH LINE!!! SPRINT!!!!
16. I finished? I'm alive?
17. I finished!!!!! I'm alive!!!
18. Nice medal!
19. Let's eat.
20. Let's sleep!

The second half I did was over my birthday weekend this year. Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon! Traveled to Orlando and ran through disney world! ZOMG!! So amazing! I had a better idea what to expect, but this race was packed! Half-way through I ran through the castle at Magic Kingdom. Definitely a highlight of my life! :) Mostly a women's run, but there were a few gentlemen dressed up in their princess gear. There was even a guy in a full frog suit with a sign on his back saying "accepting kisses from princesses!" There was plenty to keep me laughing and going the whole way!

My cheerleader! :) (Don't judge me...it was 4am)

About mile 6 - about to run through the castle! Just a few  thousand people around!

I have 2 medals hanging up on my wall now! In March, B and I did a 5K together. He's never really run much, but he did great and we had a fun time together! I'm still trying to work him up to run a half with me, but he still laughs every time I approach the subject! haha. We'll see! I plan on running another race in a couple of months. Another 1/2. Everyone keeps asking me if I'll ever do a full. My response?

Really though - I don't know that I'll ever take on a full. I'd like to...but running really is hard. And time consuming (which is great motivation to run faster...ha). I feel pretty decent after a half. Sore, yes but able to move. I really think I might die if I tried to run 26.2. We'll see though. Honestly, 2 years ago I'd never even think I'd be able to say I could go 13.1 miles...at once!

Again - it is hard. Hence the "hate" part of the relationship I have with running. It is excellent for your health though and as long as you stretch and take care of yourself, your body will adapt to handling it. A little motivation/humor regarding running....

AMEN! If I can get myself out the door, then I'm good to go and always grateful that I did it! 

This makes me feel better when my iPhone app chimes in my min/mile! ha

No caption necessary!

And last, but not least...my current "like" to go along with the theme of this post:
www.rockmyrun.com
Free (like no catch kinda free) playlist downloads. Great fun running music! Can't wait to listen to mine tomorrow morning!

Go run people - the weather is cooling off and you'll be happy you did. And when you wake up to head out the door for your run - call me to make sure I'm up and on my way out as well, please! ;) ha. Thanks and gig 'em!

Until next time,

Lisa

Chloe & Me (and the past couple of weekends)

We decided to have a lazy Sunday. The weeks have been very busy lately and the weekend was great, but jam packed with family and friends, so we decided to really just relax today. We sat down to eat lunch and decided to watch Marley & Me, which B hasn't seen. Before we started it, he said "aren't you going to cry though?" and I responded with "no, I don't think so. I've seen it enough..." WRONG! And to make it worse...as I'm trying to hold in the sniffles and tears, Chloe looks up and stares at me, which only causes me to cry a little more.

Chloe is my #1!! I got her as a birthday present for my 20th birthday. She's been with me almost 8 years now and they have been the craziest 8 years of my life, full of finding my way and growing up. She's been the biggest constant throughout it all. If you're not a dog person, Marley & Me does an amazing job of portraying the relationship between a dog and its "owner". And if you are a dog person the movie and book alike will surely hit home! Regardless of how many times you've read or seen it. It also resonated a little more since our addition of Timmy to the family! He's been known to be a little terror from time to time but he sure is a lover and it was just a reminder that he could be a lot worse.

Now that Chloe is getting a little older it always makes my heart drop a bit when I see her struggle to get up after laying down for a while, when she slides on the hardwood floor and can't catch her balance or when she needs a boost into my car or up onto the bed. I think Timmy has definitely pepped her up a bit, which was the hope, but I just felt like watching that movie again was a good reminder of how I sometimes take her for granted sometimes. She's so mild mannered and chill these days that I think Timmy gets the bulk of the attention lately. I know most people will read this and say "does she realize she's talking about a dog?!?!" and I get that, but they are definitely my fur-babies! And I don't know what I'd do without them, especially my Chloe!

She stole a kiss! ;) 

She's a beaut!

Chloe's post! She's our watch dog!

Timmy idolizes her! He wants to be every where she is! Kinda cute and she tolerates it so well!

See above caption! ;)

It wasn't long before he had moved onto her bed with her!

So - Chloe will be snuggling in bed tonight instead of sleeping on the floor. I think she deserves a little extra special treatment! Give your dog/pet an extra little pet, treat or belly scratch when you can!


Life Recently:

Went to China Springs, TX a couple of weekends ago to see Chris and Kayla tie the knot! Ah yeah! It was a lot of fun and we're super happy for them. Chris and Kayla definitely get the dog thing...in fact, Rowdy, their Golden Retriever was IN the wedding as the best man! Haha. He was so handsome and well behaved (Rowdy, that is).

Notice Rowdy? :)

the happy couple! Ah yeah!

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay for very long as we had to get back to Dallas, but it was great getting to see the happy couple and Rowdy! 

B and I went to Arlington this weekend to spend time with the fam! My Poppy Bear and Aunt Mary Beth were in town from Philly. We laughed so hard all weekend! My cheeks were kind of sore even yesterday from smiling and laughing so much! It was a very nice treat and it was a great reminder of how hilarious my family is! Turner-Rosso Wedding Guests - be prepared for a crazy fun time because my family is a HOOT! 

Our family pic with Poppy Bear! He's so cute!!

Also went to see The Help this weekend. Read the book and loved it, but of course the movie is never as good as the book. It was still a pretty good movie and I'm glad I got to go see it finally. I love watching books brought to life by movies, even if they aren't ever as good. It's fun seeing if the characters look like what you picture them as and the things they change, omit and/or add. Currently reading the Hunger Games Trilogy (which would be my "latest like"). Finished the first one in a day more or less and already about half way through the second one. I absolutely love it and can't wait to see where it all goes! I love reading for pleasure and am super grateful I have a little extra time to do so right now. Well, I take that back, I don't really have the extra time, but I'm adjusting well to the additional lack of sleep, so it's ok! ;) 

About to go read a little more right now and then prep for the upcoming week! Lots going on and Mary's 2nd baby shower is next weekend in Houston. Still a few more things to get together for that, but so excited!

Have a great week!

 

Catching up on Everything but "THAT"

"That" being...wedding talk. I am wedding'd OUT right now!!! I spent a large portion of yesterday doing wedding stuff and then went to the Dallas Bridal Show with my mom and two sisters today. So - I'm going to doing a little wedding detox before thinking about it again...at least for a day or two! ;)

So, in other news I'm also planning a baby shower (or 2). Mary's first baby shower is here in the DFW on Saturday. I'm super excited because I got one of the best presents she's going to get. Mary - I know you'll read this...and no, it's not on your registry, but I hope you love it (and I'm pretty sure you will!!). Still working out a few last details on her Houston shower at the end of August! I'm pretty excited about it and can't wait to see how it all comes together. It's nice to have a distraction from the wedding planning.

I think I'm going to start a new topic when I blog. It'll be the "new cool thing" of the week or month or whenever I find something cool. I REALLY need to come up with a catchier nickname for it, but for now we'll go with "Lisa's Latest Likes." I already mentioned instagram a week or so ago and the latest is Pinterest. Website: www.pinterest.com. You download the application to your bookmark tool bar and then when you're browsing the internet and see something you like, be it an arts and crafts project, a fun date night idea, a DIY project, wedding decoration ideas, etc. you can "pin it". It saves the picture to your page and you can follow others and browse the pictures they've pinned and then visit the websites if it strikes your interest. It's harder to explain then it is just to go look at the website, but I'm a little addicted now and it's a GREAT way to share ideas! There's also a phone app for it! What did we do before smart phones?

SYTYCD: Just have to say that I'm loving the direction it's headed. Melanie and Sasha are phenomenal and there's no doubt they'll be the top 2 girls with Tad and Marko most likely being the top 2 dudes. I'm about 98% positive Melanie is going to win though. She's incredible! Why is reality tv so addicting? We're also sucked into Master Chef right now too. Definitely entertaining, but I can't say that I'm quite as invested into who wins that one.

Exciting things coming up this week:

Brandon's best friend James is moving back to Dallas. So excited for him and pretty excited about seeing less super hero movies! ;)
Also - Brandon's bday is a little over a week away. I am SOOOOO ecstatic about what we're doing, but it's a secret, so you'll have to wait until after his bday to find out what it is!
Nothing much planned, meaning I can get back into my normal workout schedule! Pushing the AM workouts again and although an adjustment, I'm enjoying having the evenings back!