I am going to kick depressions ass this in 2015!!!!!

The last couple of days have been extremely exhausting.  I am trying to get back to where I was, running.  2014 was not nice to me.  Started off with a trip to the VA hospital for severe depression New Years day, broke my tailbone March 10, another trip to the VA hospital for a week for major depressive disorder, pulled my hamstring, lost several toenails, and in October an 11 day stay at the VA hospital.

I had a lot to overcome just to get back to running.  It was not easy and it is a struggle everyday.  Yesterday by the grace of God I made it 20 miles, not a great pace, however my ultimate goal was to hit 20 miles and I did.

Rewarded myself with a venti white chocolate mocha.

It was so cold outside, and I was sweaty so the first thing I did when I got home was of course check on Zachary who was still asleep at noon.  Jumped in the hot shower until the hot water ran out.  Then for the rest of the day I sat on a heating pad.  

Got up this morning, no where near as sore as I thought I would be.  Decided to go for a short run three miles at a 758 pace with a one mile walk at the end.  Not too shabby.  I'll take any progress no matter how small.

I am trying to decide how to ring in this new year.  Champagne, wine, Kinky, fireball?  Lol

My first race of the year is on January 3, 2015 it is an 8 mile run in the Shelby Meeman Forest, the Hill and Dale 8 miler.  My goal is to finish in a respectable time.  

Some New Years quotes, and humor.

As I was typing this blog, I witnessed, a hawk swoop down towards my birdfeeder trying to get lunch.  The birds at the birdfeeder sensed his presence and were able to retreat to safety.  

How are you spending your New Years?  I'll be at home, with an adult beverage.

Have you  made any resolutions/goals?

What have you been doing?

Spending some much needed time with Zachary and early running

Most mornings I clean the house do laundry and wake up completely before I head out for a run.  At night I have to take medicine for PTSD so it takes time for me to be completely alert.  This week I have Zachary at home so I have to head out earlier.  Today sucked I'm not even going to put how many miles, not many but under an eight minute mile pace.  Have to just keep telling yourself that good days come from bad days.

The first day of vacation is always fun, then it wears off, the countdown starts at day two. I often wonder why they need such a LONG vacation, they are just kids.  At least I don't have the constant fighting I used to have with my older two. 

We have a lot planned movies, cookie decorating, puzzles and just being lazy. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas movies.

I like funny movies!!!!

I have just a few small gifts to get and I will be done with Christmas shopping.  I dread going anywhere because of the crowds of rude people.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Have you baked anything? 

PIYO works, recipe for Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake

I'm so excited that I get to go to Eat Well today, I love sushi.  They have these delicious scallops in scampi sauce. I worked out extra hard this morning to make room for dinner.

I started my PIYO workout yesterday, and it works!!!! I was sore this morning which is always a good feeling. After my PIYO workout I went running. Seven miles at a 7:43 pace. Getting back to where I was.

I must admit I am an overpacker, I pack too much. Way too much.  For example a three day trip=10 pair of socks, seriously??? I can never decide what to take so I take it all just in case. I mean it is New York City what do you pack?  I have to take dress clothes, running clothes, and the usual wear. 

This will be me in the airport, lol

As I promised here is the recipe for OOEY GOOEY TOFFEE CAKE they are the best I have ever made!!!!

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix (I used Butter Recipe Yellow)
1 large egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup toffee bits (I buy a bag of Heathy toffee bits in the baking section.  I use 1 cup in the filling and the remaining toffee bits sprinkled on top of the cake.)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9 by-2-inch baking pan.

For the cake: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well. Pat into the bottom of prepared pan and set aside.

For the filling: Still using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Dump in confectioners’ sugar and beat well. Reduce the speed and slowly pour in butter. Mix well. Fold in toffee bits.

Pour filling onto cake mixture and spread evenly. You can top the cake with the leftover toffee bits.  Bake for 35-45 minutes. Don’t be afraid to make a judgment call on the cooking time, because oven temperatures can vary. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don’t bake it past that point!

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares. Just remember that these wonderful cakes are very, very rich, and a little will go a long way.