What a WEEKEND!

Hey there guys!!! Things have been good and busy on this end…kiddos,work, extracurricular activities….all that stuff! Hubs and I were finally able to get away for a weekend, much to the chagrin of this guy…Aidan can STAND  when we go way! At 9 (almost 10) he still thinks we all need to be together…all the time! I explained to him that this was a late Anniversary/early Valentine’s Day celebration for us. He said “Isn’t an Anniversary and Valentine’s Day just one day? Why do you need a whole weekend?“😂 #thiskid

This kid is usually like…“See ya!”

That’s a 15 year old for you! 😂

We slipped away to Epicurean Hotel in SoHo, in Tampa.  This is the second time we’ve stayed here and I can’t get enough of this place!!! My photos do not do this place ANY justice! 

Hubs and I settled in and had a light lunch downstairs at Élevage for a light lunch and a cocktail. We haven’t been drinking since October (with the exception of a few on Christmas and NYE) because of Hubs diet. 

Hubs surprised me with a beautiful story about us and our life together-how we started, where we were and where we are going. It was the sweetest story and then….…he gave me a ring. Why is this special, you ask? I stopped wearing my engagement ring about 10 years ago because the prongs shifted and I was afraid I was going to lose the stone.  He found my hiding place for my important and precious jewelry and had it set in a new band. The two outer rings are my existing wedding bands and the center ring is my new engagement ring in the new setting!  Total UGLY crying went on at that moment.  I can’t think of anything more special that my husband has done for me…and he has done A LOT of special things over the years! Truly from his heart (and his wallet,too!😂😂).

The special afternoon set the tone for a special dinner at Ulele. (You-LAY-lee). 

It’s a restaurant with a fusion of Floridian fare right off of the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

This is Ulele….and her story….

Pocahontas ain’t got NOTHING on Ulele!!! #FLwins

The food was nothing short of perfection! We had two wonderful appetizers of Pulpo Carpaccio (yes…octopus!!) and Lollipop chicken…

The octopus was new for me and it was GREAT!! 

Dinner brought even better food….

Miguel had the 10oz filet (sorry…no pic!) and I had the Crackling Pork Shank.

OMG!! Died!!!!!

We had a blast at this place! Please…PLEASE make this restaurant a place to go if you are in Tampa!! 

Leyva STAMP OF APPROVAL!!!

Sunday started out in the AM with a fitness center visit for the both of us. Hubs was on the DREADmill for a 3 mile walk and 2 mile run for me….(PS…this was the first time EVER that Hubs and I were in the gym together! Like in the 20+ years we have been together….#mindBLOWN)

I have a 8k in 2 weeks (Gasparilla) and a 10k a week after that (Promise Run). 

After breakfast, we did some walking around the mall…did a little shopping ( I may or may not have sneaked into Tory Burch and picked up an item) and before we knew it…lunch time!!! We stopped at Miguelito’s Taqueria y Tequilas.  Both of us have wanted…craving Mexican food.  This place did not disappoint! I’d never been to the place before but Hubs had and he always steers me in the right direction when it comes to food!! Sorry I have no pictures because I scarfed it ALL down! 😂

Hubs had another surprise up his sleeve for the evening.  At the Epicurean, there is a theatre where events are held, cooking demonstrations and so on. Hubs signed us up for “Love by Tipsy Candle Light“.  It was a candle making session, with wine and cheese, hosted by a local company, Tipsy Candle Company. This company uses 100% soy wax and essential oils to make candles.  All natural and all good!!!  Why the name Tipsy?? Because they recycle the wine bottles from the hotel and use them as the candle holder!! How fun is THAT????

We were able to make 4 candles- picking one of the 4 essential oils they provided and then making a scent of our own from the other selection of oils.  And…if they liked any of the original candles, they would sell it!! Hubs selected “Mimosa” and his special scent was a combination of Tahitian Vanilla, Bergomot, and ? (which was a mystery scent). I selected “Vanilla Mandarin” and my special scent was a combo of Tahitian Vanilla, ? (the mystery scent), and Georgia Peach.  Sadly we didnt win…BUT…we walked with four candles!!! #winning.  They all smelled so good!! 

Hubs had THE best weekend planned for us! I had a BLAST and it was nice to have the time away for just us!! ❤

Oh…let me just point out something. Remember I said Hubs and I have been on a diet since October? It started the last time we stayed at the Epicurean in October.  This is us that weekend….

And this is Hubs now…

70 pounds lighter (or later)!!! Can you believe it??? I am so proud of him!!! 

Hope you all enjoyed your Valentine’s Day! 

What did you all do to celebrate??? ❤

****DISCLAIMER- I have not been compensated for anything included on this post. All of the opinions are my own.

5890

Happy New Year!! At what point do you stop saying that?? I mean….I haven’t seen you guys since “last year”, so it’s only appropriate that I greet you this way, correct? This blog hiatus was not on purpose (I know you weren’t DYING to know what I was up to!)….life just got in the way!! But I miss blogging and slowly moving my way back to regular posting! 

I forgot my Blogiversary during my hiatus! 3 years has gone pretty fast since I started this little venture.  

I realize now that just being me, (I think) is what people relate to and keeps you guys coming back to read. I hope that I am also inspiring some of you to know that you CAN do it…with all that life throws at you!! I strive for this every.damn.day!!! 

What have I been up to??

In my endless pursuit of weight loss, I started changing my eating habits with Hubs. He started a diet plan called Shake it Off.  (***DISCLAIMER: No compensation was received for this post. These are my own opinions regarding this plan.). Essentially….proteins, low and correct carb selections, lots of veggies, no sugars, no ALCOHOL (wahhhhh!!)..you get the idea.  He has a plan different than mine because right now, he’s not working out because he has a lot of weight to lose.  I wanted to support his weight loss and to help make the transition smoother for him.  This is the first time Hubs has been serious about his weight and how it can potentially worsen his health in the future. His “why now?” was he was tired of being overweight.  He made a committment to lose it and keep it off!

 My “plan” is just a few things that I have cut out and continuing to work out. 

What have I removed?

• Sugars
• Alcohol
• Awful snacks (oh…Tortilla chips, how I have missed THEE!)

What have I added/changed?

• More veggies
• Eating every 3-4 hours
• More water
• Less snacking 
• Learning how to substitute items in meals (HELLOOOO…cauliflower rice!)

As of today, Hubs has lost 60 pounds! We had to clean out his side of the closet because his clothes looked RIDICULOUS on him! 😂

Before….

Now…I’ve always thought (and STILL think) he’s handsome! I just think it is even more handsome that he’s taking care of himself…all by himself!! He will be at his goal by March.

I have lost 12 pounds as of last week. I weigh tomorrow, so I’ll see! I have 8 more to go….🙏🙏

This morning was my first race of 2017……around beautiful Lake Hollingswoth in Lakeland,FL.  This race was a 5k hosted by Run4One, to raise awareness about human trafficking.   I did this race last year- another great race for an GREATER cause.  My friend, Katelyn and her BF, joined me for this race. They CRUSHED it!! I had a PR at this race at 30:05.  I would have been sub-30 this race, but I felt like my tank was emptying towards the end. I should have/could have pushed on through….but I am happy at the prospect of sub-30 again! I’m coming for you next time!!! 

Thanks for staying and coming back on my mishap adventures! Thanks for celebrating the busyness of motherhood. Thanks for watching my miles getting bigger, faster and making me stronger!! 

How has your Saturday been?

Oh…it’s basketball season!! We are watching a crap load on this house!! My Gators lost today to Vandy😢😢.

But some others are pretty happy about an up coming game tonight..It’s Hubs versus Julian! Who’s gonna win??? 

Kick in the PANTS!

Hello Tuesday! So glad Monday is gone! Poor Monday is like the leftover Halloween candy that no one wants!! 😂

My first day back to exercising since HHI vacation. I had one WOD at CrossFit when I got back, but that doesn’t count because I didn’t do anything the rest of the week! #slacker

Yesterday, I decided (after skipping my youngest’s basketball practice intentionally! Yeah..I’m THAT mom) to go home and run. I hadn’t been in almost 3 weeks. I went out around 6:30pm…still HOT!! 

I managed to get 1.5 miles in, but that run felt so HARD! Like haven’t done this before. I’ve managed to do it again…off the wagon…on the wagon!  Wait…one minute….I’ve heard this speech before! It was just the kick in the pants I needed to get me going….again!

Tuesday, I got to the gym, like a bat out of hell, because I was running late!! The WOD looked fairly “easy”:

3 rounds:

400m 

21 burpees

Time- 15:13

First….the whiteboard LIES! You think it’s easy and by round 2 you wanna curse some one out! 

Second…anything with THAT many burpees, you are just ASKING for trouble! (See above)

Third….why did I feel so out of shape? I mean I “only” missed a week???

Wednesday will be either a rest day / stationary bike day. I also have to tally my virtual tri times and submit for my bling!

Hubs and I are still on out weight loss goals.  I got to a stand still on vacation, but I’m back! Weight weigh…go away! Come back…NEVER!!  I sure did get kicking right square in the pants on all of this! I won’t take this much of break again….

Thanks for reading!❤️

RunGAB

Happy Hump Day!! It’s STILL my favorite day of the week! 
If we were running today, I’d tell you….

….I am FINALLY seeing some changes! 

I am down 3  from last week compared to Hubs like 6 or 7! I’m just happy I’m seeing the number go down for the first time in a while! I am more aware of the choices I make when eating. I basically go back and read my information from Swim Bike Fuel program that I did in November. It’s a great program and if you are interested sign ups are NOW for the session starting July 1st. 

….my BLING came in from the Disney Virtual Running Shorts.

If you remember, it’s a 5k series during the summer; your own time, your own pace, your own pace! And…you don’t have to feel embarrassed when you submit your time because you don’t HAVE too!😉  There are four runs and if you also remember from last week’s GAB, I had an epic FAIL moment when I found that the rest of the races were sold out!!

….I made popcorn in the microwave! Yeah…this isn’t Earth shattering news. But I’ve been doing some reading on microwave popcorn and how some of the stuff in it that’s not good for you! There are some chemicals worth long names and long initials that cause a multitude of health issues.  As a PA, I believe in medicine that is fact based.  Meaning there is a study to support the claim.  I don’t see one in particular, but my thoughts on this particular issue….if I can’t freaking PRONOUNCE it, I don’t think I want it in my body! Simple,right? So I am going to go back to air popped but I don’t have a machine. That’s where the paper bag comes in and all the fixins’ come in…

1/2c of popcorn with 1/4tsp of OO

A pinch of salt

Vent the bag…but hopefully BETTER than this….

…because you get THIS!!

..et VOILA!!

It turned out GREAT!!! It’s a tad bit more laborious than just opening the bag and putting in the ‘wave. Hope you can try it!!

…..I made it to 75# for my overhead squats (OHS) at CrossFit! Even at my best, I didn’t have that! I’m pretty stoked!

Great gab! What have you been up to this week??? ❤️

Challenge ACCEPTED!

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☝️Challenge #1

On Sunday,after the birthday weekend celebration, Hubs reminded me that in 6 weeks (or so) we will be on the beach. As a gal that never is bathing suit ready, I shuddered! He decided to challenge me to lose the weight I’ve been griping about for a while. What’s a while? Like since I turned 40…almost 4 years ago!😂. I’ve been b***ching about the same 10-15 pounds since I changed the decade! Challenge #2…both of us lose the weight before beach time!  Well, if there is any chance of winning anything, I’m ready!! Folks…it’s game on!!  He wants to lose 20 and I said 18-20 as well, but with the hopes of losing the 15! If you do the math, that’s 3 pounds a week. ( I’m a PA, and safe and healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, and that’s what I’m shooting for! )

Over the next few weeks, I will be doing my same posts, but hopefully with some numbers from the scale that show some progress. 

I started my Monday morning out with an early run, just a smidge over a mile. I figured I could get more mileage if I added an AM run.  As I progress, I will have more mileage in the same amount of allotted morning time to run. 

Better than NOTHING, right??

Week 4 at CrossFit greeted me with A CRAZY WODStrength: I was able to increase my back squats by 5# for a max of 100 # for 5 sets of 3 reps. Whaaaaaa? Me, the hater of squats got to 100#?? What will they think of next??

The Metcon…that’s what they thought of next! It had a strict 30 minute time cap. Meaning in 30 minutes, you are done even if you aren’t DONE! 😉. I managed 2 rounds and 5 burpees (into round 3).  I knew I wouldn’t make it, but I still felt motivated like I could! 60 (kipping) pull ups lead to…

….and this

Ahhhh…the sweet ripping of the skin from the pull up bar! It’s great to be back! 😂.  

Challenge #3….diet!! I can’t say enough about the how and why my diet has to change.  I don’t eat poorly but I need to eat smarter! This part of the challenge is a constant battle but I’m in it to win it! I want to win!!!

Bear with me folks as I try to win the Hubs Challenge.  I’d love for once to be that girl, all fab in her bathing suit, not worrying about being uncomfortable and wanting to run and cover up. That’s what I want, so let’s  make it happen! 
Have you ever done any kind of challenge that you wanted to SLAY??? I honestly would like to beat my husband, I’m not going even pretend! 😂


RunGAB 2

If we were running today, I’d tell you…

…that despite my new found “awareness” of my life and schedule, I don’t feel like doing ANYTHING today! Which is kind of funny considering we ARE having a RunCHAT!😂. I came home after Julian’s workout today, with FULL intentions, but sat my butt down and decided on a rest day. Is that bad??? #pleasesayNO

…I’ve been at Pinterest again! Man…is that a time suck!! But it is all with good intentions, I promise!!! I have been pinning “at home exercises” like the one from yesterday until I can get back to the gym.

….I am secretly worried about my race this coming Saturday. I just want to do well and I am afraid I won’t!  But…I’ll be there…so I guess I am a success regardless.  Sprint Triathlon….here I come!!

….I stepped on the scale yesterday.  I needed to know where I was, so I know where I need to be.  Although I wasn’t in love with the number, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.  I still need to shed about 15lbs.  43 is hard on the body, y’all. 😉 

I always enjoy our chats!  Till next week!

I LOST it alright……

I lost one stinking HALF of a pound!! Ok….I got my frustration out! I am happy that I at least lost SOMETHING….but I was hoping for a bigger BANG than 1/2 pound.

I did the last of the summer series 5k yesterday. I started off my morning with a broken watch strap on my Garmin!!

Not really how I planned THAT to go….
I had my iPhone with the Nike+ app any way, so all isn’t lost!

The run felt good….felt REALLY good considering I’ve been getting up at ass crack of dawn to run at least 1.5 miles on the DREADmill! But this Florida heat….OMG! I thought for sure I was going to shave off some time….NOT SO MUCH! The proverbial “wall” came about 1/4 of a mile left in the race and my “get up and go”…. got up and WENT! My tank just felt empty….I wasn’t physically or mentally tired…it was just so HOT. And I think that’s what got to me or at least got in my head!! I was mad (that’s the competitor in me), but I got over it…EVENTUALLY! 😉.
I have to remind myself…I at least lapped everyone that was still sleeping at 7 am (at official race time). #LOL
I also reminded myself that the ALS “Ice bucket challenge” that I’ve been called out on FOUR TIMES would have been perfect after the race! I could do my part to 1) continue to raise awareness of ALS , 2) cool off, and 3) get my friends off my back because I haven’t followed through yet on the challenge!! 😉
Haven’t heard of the “Ice Bucket Challenge”? Check out it out here

Oh well….back at it on Monday! I will SUCCEED!

LOVE that watermelon!!

How was your weekend?