Say whaat?!

What am I doing?
What the F am I doing?

In high school I was not what you would say the model 'athlete'. Yes I played volleyball year round and was in pretty good shape, but that was the only sport that I could kinda play. 
Every year around this time I would be attending overnight and day camps for volleyball in order to get ready for the upcoming tryouts.  That along with playing on an outdoor rec team and attending my Dad's volleyball boot camp.  Tryouts always entailed hours of sweaty horror.  High school volleyball tryouts are in the hottest part of the summer mid/late august.  There were a few things you knew you would have to do.  Run at least a mile and run hills.  Throughout my volleyball seasons I had several bouts with asthma, so the embarrassing asthma attacks would always surface at the most appropriate times.  I have a horrible memory of me sprinting hills while everyone else has completed their set amount already.  And I will ALWAYS remember the one girl who did the remaining with me, and my team that cheered me on.
So getting back to that mile and hill runs.  You would think knowing that I would have to do these things I would prepare myself ?  No way, man! I had so much better things to do like...paint my nails, mmm kay?
My Dad would have me run to the mailbox and back, which is probably a 1/2 mile, MAYBE... And I would no lie run down the hill of my parents drive way, walk some, run some, stop at the mailbox, walk to the neighbors driveway and run back.  But of course I told my Dad I ran the whole thing.  Why do we do these silly things? So silly.
Which brings me to my question I keep asking, What the F am I doing?  Tomorrow I'm running my first 5k race.  Okay...maybe it's called a "race" but we all know this one (finger pointed at me if THAT'S not obvious) will be just fighting to make it through.
I started running a few years back because I wanted to finish my walks faster.  What can I say sometimes I can be impatient. ha!  This year I decided to start a schedule in hopes to run a 5k.  Along with some seasoned runners coaching and encouragement from the hubs (who literally told me that if I don't run in 90 heat back when I started, that I should just never run because it's not always going to be perfect running weather. I can't even believe he said that...but he was right and that night I ran and thanked him) I have been running faithfully for a good few months.  I've done 3 miles once and hopefully I'll be able to do it again tomorrow.
I picked up my 'packet' after work.  Which by the way...the 'packet' isn't a packet at all, it's a bag of info freebies and a tshirt.  Why don't they just say 'bag'? So confusing this running world.

I am anxious.  Not sure what to expect except for the fact I will look like I'm dying...the...entire...time.  Wish me luck! I hope I live to tell the story.

Lo Siento mis amigos.
I have been MIA for awhile now, I have missed you.  Some things have been keepin me busy, the volleyball season kicking into full swing and the ever continuous remodel of our home.  I hope you are doing well and excited for a turkey, shopping and family filled week.
While I have almost had to call in reinforcements to advertise my coaching abilities to some prospective players after 2 weeks my Dad and I ALMOST have a team.  I have found that tryouts are not only for the girls but for the coaches.  I almost feel as if it is a personal attack if they do not choose to be on my team. I mean, come on, am I not the best coach ever?  Seriously I'm kidding best coach ever thing, I try my best.  I Hate this time of the season, and I don't just toss that word around lightly, and every year it seems to get a little more ridiculous.  I do however love that first practice, you know the one that they actually all listen at.
Anyway, Our downstairs is slowly getting transformed and we will soon be able to use our entire house!  Our bathroom has gone from this...

To this in 2 weeks time.

To say that I love it, doesn't even cover my excitement.  It's amazing.  Even more amazing because we didn't have to do anything but pick out the appliances/paint/tile.  Of course we still need to find a mirror, but then it will be a full functionin bathroom, woo hoo!

Year old cake

Well I think you are about due for a UF update.  Things are going well.  I've  tried my hardest to stay within my daily caloric bank.  I have just recently increased my exercise to include going back to the gym and soon enough it will include 2-3 night/week volleyball practices.  I weigh in every Thursday, this week I am happy to report was a good day!  Down 2.5lbs from last week for a grand total of 13.5lbs lost to date.  Woo hoo!
Since my last UF update there was a little anniversary thrown in there.  We got what I hope to be a yearly photo by our trellis.

We then made the trek out to the American Club where we were married a year prior.  And what do you know? It was a lovely sunny day.  Not a rain cloud in sight.  I know I know 'it's good luck if it rains on your wedding day'. This phrase seems so easily said by those that had a lovely sun shining day.  ANNNYWAY we took a few pics there in the gazebo, walked around the property and reminisced about the day.  Our wedding day was truly was our most favorite day ever.

Leading up to our anniversary the big question was, where are we going to eat.  It was easily decided that we would just play it by ear with all the health issues my Grammy had been going through.  So after visiting our venue we had an early dinner/late lunch at Bravo, which in the midst I received a phone call that my Grammy wasn't doing well.  I was determined to enjoy our meal and then afterwards go to the hospital.  After ordering a glass of wine I think we both were feeling a little better.  Our meal was nice, unplanned and quiet.  oh and yummy.  After our meal we went straight home and from there I went straight to the hospital.
Things had settled and my Grammy was transported over to inpatient hospice.
I came home to flowers from my Huuuusssband, a bottle of champagne and year old cake.

Thoughts

Life keeps giving me reminders to slow down.

Remember what is important

Cherish relationships

Love is powerful

And so is a hug

Or a gentle hand squeeze for reassurance

That everything will be okay

In a world of chaos and unjust.

chilly...I mean chili

This past weekend we made the journey to a far away land or the Chili Pepper Festival.  Really it's only a half hour drive but you would think we might be living in another era with the horse drawn carriage and Amish folk.

We were quite impressed by the amount of people that flocked to the festival,also impressed by the amount of vendors.  Ahhh and the many salsa and hot sauce samples, needless to say Josh was in heaven.

Entertainment of the day was when Josh got him and my parents a smoked crab stuffed jalapeno,  thinking it wasn't too hot everyone took a big bite.  Here's everyones 'omg this is hotter than I thought look'

After everyone got some chili and pulled pork for lunch, we headed up to the pepper fields.

Peppers as far as the eyes could see.  It was a gorgeous day for a fall festival!  I love this time of year!

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

Today was one of those days when I just kept having conversations over and over in my head...possibly just talking to myself, and possibly reinventing 'what I should have said'.  Most of of the phrases that kept ruminating(aren't  you proud SCL, apparently I have some smart friends too ;-)) around were "Are you kidding me?" and "What?! Do I look like an idiot".  What made these thoughts and conversations to myself exist today is no longer important, as I am Over it.  So I will turn to the positives of the day.
1. Still sticking to my healthy living plan, or operation UF.
2. Had a lovely 2.5 mile walk at lunch with a friend eventhough its a decent 95 degrees out.
3. Made another batch of yummy SpiCAY hummus.
4. I made weight watchers Turkey Meatloaf for dinner, and it smells delish. Recipe at the bottom.
5. I came home to this on top of my laptop.

Oh yes that's baby Josh

How can I not have a good day now?  I seriously busted out laughing, made my night.






WW Parmesan-Turkey Meatloaf
Makes 8 Servings
1T olive oil
1onion, chopped
1 1/4 lb ground skinless turkey
4 slices whole-wheat bread, made into fine crumbs
1/2 cup ff milk
1 egg lightly beaten
3T ketchup
2T grated parm cheese
1t minced garlic
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t dried thyme
1/4 t ground pepper

1.Preheat oven to 350F; spray 8x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. In small skillet, heat oil. Saute the onion until tender.
2. In med. bowl, combine the onion, turkey,bread crumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, cheese, garlic, basil, thyme, and pepper; blend well.  Transfer to pan. Bake until browned and cooked through, 50-60 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into 8 slices.
Per serving; Cal 181, F 9g, Carb 10g, Fib 1g

Toasted Cheese

The past few days have been filled with tears, sorrow, joy, heartache, fear, anxiety, stress, smiles, hugs, kisses and most of all Love and Memories.

The love that this family has for one another is amazing.  They have been nonstop at the pops side for everything.  When I think about all the love, I get overwhelmed.  That is just in the immediate family.  The love that surrounds us is overwhelming as well.  So many people reaching out to help with anything we need, thoughtful phone calls, emails and texts, just dropping off meals with out even asking.  Sending flowers, delivering flowers, the mailbox full of cards.  Thank you so very much.

Memories are filled of hope, that everything will be okay and comfort, that everything is okay.  The past few days has been a rollarcoaster of emotions.  Saddness equaled out with happiness when talking about memories.

One memory that keeps coming up is one between Sandy and her grandson.  The toasted cheese story has been referenced atleast 3 times, probably more, in the past several days.  One day when Cameron was over, Sandy asked if he would like a toasted cheese sandwhich.  Unsure what a toasted cheese sandwhich was, Cameron said no, I'd like a grilled cheese.  And to Sandy that was a grilled cheese, so she had a few giggles and it has now become a family inside joke.

In the hard days to follow, memories and love are what we have to be strong and carry on.

Do me a favor, stop dwelling on the petty stuff and focus on what is important.  Family and friends.

Love

The past few days have been difficult, sorry I have been missing from blogworld.  The world lost a wonderful, caring, sweet lady on Sunday evening.  My mother in law passed away from a very aggressive lung cancer.  She had been going through several bouts of chemo and multiple surgeries the past year and half.  The lung cancer metastasized to the liver and there it went haywire.  The past few days have been spent helping the family make arrangement, reminiscing, going through pictures and consoling.  This family is a strong one and is doing well, considering.  They are thankful that she is not scared or in anymore pain, I am also thankful.  Tomorrow we will honor her full life with many family and friends.

While going through pictures we came across this one.  Her and my father in law at their junior prom in 1958, High School Sweethearts.

Times like this make you reflect on your own life and what is important.  Cherish the times that you have with family and friends.  Life is too short.
We thank everyone for the love they have shown myself and family through this time. We are so blessed.

20 in a row?!

Dang girl you are out of control! 

This is my 20th consecutive post.  Happy 20th Consecutive Post Day to me!  To celebrate I will make Spaghetti.  Here's my special recipe:

What you expected me to make the sauce from scratch? Um no...it's a celebration hello! I busted out the store bought.

Buy me some peanuts and AW SHUCKS CORN...

One recent hot August night we gathered a bunch of our friends and family for a good old fashioned baseball game.  Everyone (I hope) had a great time, lots of laughs. 

Sometimes at the expense of others. ~but really...if my zipper was busting out of my skirt I honestly would give you permission to make fun of me for it. literally busting at the seems~

The Hubs' sister rented out part of the Party Patio a few months back at Coca Cola Park for the Iron Pigs.  What better way to spend a summer night with a bunch of your favs!  On top of spending quality time, we lucked out in getting to see Victorino play in the game.  Here he is first time up to bat and making it to first.

For those of you non-Phillies fans (shame on you) he's on the baseball team, the Phillies.  That was almost embarrassing to even type, shame on you.

Oh and what is Aw Shucks?  Only the best corn on the cob you could ever possibly buy.

Ps. did I get Take Me Out To The Ball Game song stuck in your head?  Good, me too.

Balance

Have you read the ever so popular book these days Eat Pray Love?  If not pick it up today, or ask me to borrow my copy. Excellent read about a woman who is reevaluating what is important in life and putting everything in balance.  It made me step back and look at my life.  I strive for a balanced life, of course it doesn't always happen, but for the most part I hope to achieve it.  When you are stressed just a little re-balancing can make things a little easier.  It's a juggling act, no doubt, and these days with so much going on it can be very difficult.  But if you take yourself out of the stressful situation and look to see how you can make it better, it is usually re-balancing something in your life.  Something that has either taken up too much of your thought or time or has not taken up enough.  And when balancing doesn't work, go for cookies.

Namaste

Life

At work I deal with a lot of programs that are offered through the County and State for older adults.  There is a program called Life, an all inclusive type program with Dr's, daycare and other aging needs.  When I put my note in that I called the people at Life.  I had to chuckle.  My subject read; "Phone call to Life".
Hmmm...If I made a call to Life (not the program, but actual Life) what would it be for today?
Subject:
Phone call to Life
Journal Entry:
Phone call to life made on this date.  Discussed why people act the way they do, why do they try to make my job hard when I am only trying to make theirs easier by helping? Life unsure of answer at this time, will call back when discussion is completed with involved parties.  Life informed this caseworker that Karma is involved and not to worry.

So....
What did the Red Tomato say to

The Green Tomato?

Hey why don't you Ketchup!

I love my Dad's cheesy Dad jokes. Hah and this is one of his recent ones when I told him only one of my tomato's was red and the others are slacking.  Put a smile on my face and gave me a little chuckle and hope it did for you too.

While our garden is not too extensive and confined to individual pots, it has brought me joy to watch it all grow.  Last night the hubs used some of our rosemary to make oven potatoes yum! And I cut up some grape tomato's for a tomato and mozzarella salad.  There is something so satisfying and peaceful about gardening.  I will have to remember for next year to have a little more selection.

One thing I can't live without

For my wedding shower about a year ago I got one of my favorite gifts of all time.

Keurig

This is awesome!  Working different shifts, it's pointless to make a whole pot of coffee.  Plus if I make a whole pot, I will usually drink a whole pot and that's not necessarily a good thing.  Wasteful and usually results in me shaking and talking uncontrollably.  While the K-cups can be pricey.  I think the convenience and non-wastefulness (pretty sure I just made up a word) outweighs the price.  Plus it beats stopping at Starbucks or Dunkin, which I would resort do on lazy days.
Here is the Deal of the Week.  While it's not like most of my DOTW's where I barely spend any money, still it's something that I WANT to spend money on.  I purchase my K-cups at Bed Bath and Beyond, and use my 20% off coupons (which you can use in one order 1 for every item you have, and they expire even if they have an expiration date).  I came across some $5 off of $15 purchase.  This is a better deal for the coffee.  With 2 20% off coupons for 2- $9.99 2 K-cups would be $15.98.  With a $5 off $15 2 K-cups are $15!  Only $1 in savings but that extra $1 bought me an icecream cone from Micky D's :-) 
It's the simple things in life people!  Oh and what's my Fav flavor you ask?  Butter Toffee...Yum!

Sharing is caring

I have to share...

sometimes I come home to this

I think someone misssed me while I was at work

I'm glad they had fun with my clothes

I will have to wear my pj shorts over my pj capris, this must be what the kids are wearing these days

I was somewhat disappointed this time...there were no cut out eyes, nose, or smile.  You will have to rely on your imagination

That guy of mine...he's pretty special

Success!

On my trip to Target today I picked up a pair of shoes for $4.98 (cha-ching!) and this for $2.48...

A little something for our soon to be new office...

Who would have thought success would be on clearance and only cost you $2.48?

Pink?!? Part 2

P.I. Buss (before I was a G, I was a B, and I inherited my P.I.ness from the B.) at your service...So my dilema with the pink hydrangea when I thought I was getting blue.  Believe it or not you can change the color of your hydrangea by putting aluminum in the soil?!?!?! I'm torn...

Why mess with nature? hello?!?!? it's actually blooming for me, maybe I inherited some of my Grandpa's green thumb?

That's the Horticulturalist with my Mama, how cute are they?!

or maybe just luck?  Maybe it wants to be pink, and I have 'pink' days and can understand.
And on the other hand, I long for blue hydrangea's.....

All About Hydrangea's

After reading up on color changing, I think I have decided to wait.  Often times Hydrangea's can change themselves.  So we'll see what next summer brings.  Plus I want it to get used to it's new home.  So I will learn to love my bright pink hydrangea.

Pink?!?

*squint your eyes so the pictures aren't so blurry...my camera and I were not cooperating, I told it there is no "I" in team but it didn't listen...

Um excuse me but you were supposed to be blue...

not florescent pink, I am very disappointed in you.  I suppose I will grow to love you.

Thank you pepper and tomater for cooperating.

I am excited to try the fruits of your labor.

Simple Life

We are a few hours away from some well deserved R&R.  Between volleyball, work and house projects we are sooo ready.  Nothing like nature to get your spirit refreshed.

We are off to Locust Lake, a PA state park just about an hour from our home.  I have had many family camping trips with friends, immediate family and extended family.  Lots and lots of fun memories and stories have come out of all those camping trips.  Now I share that with the hubby. 

Our first couple camping trips he was not sold on the idea.  I think it might be hard for some to relax.  There is really nothing to do besides set up camp, figure out what you are eating for dinner and go for a hike.  No checking email or facebook, no video games or tv, just pure out door fun and enjoying each others company.  Our lives today are so complicated, doing a million things at one time.  It's good to stop and smell the roses, or campfires.

"And The Rhythm of Life

is a powerful beat, puts a tingle in your fingers and a tingle in your feet" Oh those chorus days have a way of sneaking in. This energetic song was in my head all weekend.

So many blessings and love this week have shown me all the good that surrounds us.  My friend Kylie had her first baby on Memorial Day.  She actually had him on her due date! 

I love baby feetsies

I was able to visit the new familly that next day. 

She is my first friend to have a baby.  It has sparked so many questions and thoughts in my head.

 I guess I'm just getting a new perspective on things.  It's just amazing how fast your world can change.  Life is AMAZING!

We ended our week by celebrating my cousin Mary's wedding.  Her now husbands name is Joseph. Get it, Mary and Joseph, get it? get it? How cool is that?

Lovely couple, and it's always a fun time to get the whole family together. 

It was our first wedding as a married couple, and it made me oh so thankful that I didn't need to make a list/flowers/programs/favors/centerpeices you get the idea....

Dear Diary, This weekend was a pretty good weekend.