Is there anything better than...

I am just compiling some of the simple things that make me happy

IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN

The smell of fresh laundry out of the dryer?

The smell of a great candle?  I am currently in love with the pumpkin caramel swirl from Bath and Body Works.

The feeling you get after a great workout?

Accomplishing goals?

Knowing your children are happy and successful? I am proud of my sons ALL the time.

Christmas holiday? I love the way everything sparkles, children's eyes, ornaments and lights.

My list could keep going there are so many little things that make me happy.

What little things make your day better?

Do you feel awesome after a great workout? I DO

What is your favorite scent of candle?  Right now mine is pumpkin caramel swirl

Welcome December

I love December, I guess it is because of Christmas.  I love the way stores smell. I love the way kids get so excited about Christmas.  This year is going to be the best, because I will be in New York City for four days. I don't plan on sleeping the entire time.  I want to run in Central Park and across the Brooklyn Bridge.  I am beyond excited.

This year Christmas shopping is super easy for Zachary, he only wants one thing.  For months he has been asking for the same thing. Usually kids change their Christmas lists daily, so I am not complaining.

Last week was my best week of running in quite awhile. I logged 51 miles. I can no longer make excuses.  I feel better when I run both physically and mentally.  So I am running in the rain today. 

I have so many races scheduled in 2015. This is going to be my best year running. Scheduling races makes it easier to stay on track. I had to miss a lot of races this year which really set me back.  I am praying that my injuries are over for while.  

We have so many leftovers, kinda grossing me out when I open the refrigerator.  I ate a small amount of turkey on Thanksgiving which tasted ok but not like I remembered it.  I am back to my pescatarian way of eating. I do not miss eating meat at all. 

Is anybody else excited to send their kids back to school? I felt like this when he left today:

How was your Thanksgiving?

Are you happy that December is finally here? Why/why not?

What is your race schedule for 2015?

Friday catch up

Pre-race

Yesterday was a great day. Started off with the Memphis Turkey Trot.  I have a difficult time in the cold because of Raynaud's disease.  It was 39 degrees, I sucked it up and did better than I hoped. The only part of me that was affected by the cold was my ears.  They came back to life after about thirty minutes.

Stopped for a hot coffee on the way home. I only place I drink coffee from is Dunkin Donuts. America RUNS on Dunkin, seems fitting.

After I got home I was in the kitchen for hours.  I don't think I was ever as happy to be out of the kitchen as I was last night.

I slept ALOT.  I knocked out a quick seven mile run right at sunset today, it was beautiful. There was no way I was going anywhere other than running.  The greediness of people never ceases to amaze me.  Black Friday is a perfect example.  I would never fight over anything other than my children.  Seriously to fight over a bra at Victoria's Secret?  

I have two long runs scheduled for this weekend, and a whole lot of relaxing with my friend wine. 

I got mail today, two months late, my prescriptions from the VA. This is an example of why the VA has such a horrible reputation. When I don't have my medicine, I actually withdrawal off of it, which is horrible. I have called and complained a number of times. This is what came in the mail (multiple bottles of the same medicine) 

I guess I should be happy???

How was your Thanksgiving?

Did you spend too much time in the kitchen? 

Did you brave the crowds today?

Gratitude,, procrastinaters

Does it drive anyone else crazy when people wait to the last minute to do things?  I have always shopped, planned, and prepared for all holidays.  People act like the holidays have never happened.  Then you see the same people get mad because they can't find a parking space or they can't  get what they want.  Seriously???

As I was defrosting my turkey, I noticed the following tag attached:

I was shocked to see that an average serving would be 1 1/2 pounds.  That seems like a lot of turkey, doesn't it? Plus all the sides. 

Having my usual pre-race meal Mac and cheese.  I always get nervous before a race no matter how much I have prepared.  I'm the kind of runner that does not run for fun, I run to win.  I am too competitive.  

What are you having for Thanksgiving dinner? We are having turkey, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, roasted vegetables, stuffing, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes.  

Are you shopping on Black Friday? I'm not

Are you competitive?

Last run before race, prepping meal

I had my last run before The Turkey Trot on Thursday. I'm pretty confident that I will do well.  This will be the first "real race" I have run and felt good about. 

I have set out the ingredients for each dish I am making for Thanksgiving dinner. My menu-list of demanded items-includes grown up Mac and cheese, corn casserole, sweet potatoe casserole, roasted vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey and pumpkin pie.

This is a short blog my head is killing me

Turkey humor, awesome runs

Just a little turkey humor:

I've included a how to on cooking a turkey correctly:

I had to take a trip into Memphis, to get my BOBOS oat bars. Memphis is such a run down city, which is why it is ranked third in the nation for its dangerousness (new word).  I will never understand why they chose to put Whole Foods right in the middle of the city.  Picked up a case of the maple pecan flavored bars and headed home.

I hear people always commenting on other people's success. It is usually negative, like it was just given to them.  I can tell you that nothing comes easy and without perseverance.  I have worked so hard to get back on track with my running.  If you are not willing to work your ass off for something then you really don't want it.

I logged more miles last week then I have in a long time. 

Looking forward to spending time with Zachary this week. We may go to the Memphis zoo, which is the only attraction this city, has gotten right.  There a lot of interactive things for kids to do.  Plus they have there Christmas lights up.

How was your weekend?

Do you have to drive far to get the things you love?  How far?

Have you started to defrost your turkey?

Flours Banana Bread recipe

This is the best banana bread I have ever had. Super easy to make.

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed
2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift together first four ingredients. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy. Drizzle in oil. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in flour mixture and nuts. Pour batter into a buttered 9" x 4" loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 12 servings.