One Down

I can't believe tomorrow is February.  We are one month closer to spring!  I cannot wait until March.  The weather will be warmer, which means I can take the dogs outside for walks/runs.  I'm really looking forward to getting the dogs out of the house for a while.  I want to take them to the pond so Daisy can teach Penny how to swim.  I cannot wait to get my bonus and I am going to pay off my car!  It'll be like I got a pay raise.  At the end of Feb. I'll find out what my real raise will be.  Hopefully it's more than the 1% last year.  This spring we will get our backyard seeded, which means we'll have a grassy yard this summer.  That is going to be soo nice. 

March is when we will get to plan for our vacations and possibly a fence for the backyard.  I also cannot wait to see my flowers bloom this year.  I did a lot of planting last year, and I want to see the finished product.  I know I'll have to move some things around, and I still have a lot more I want to do, but I want to see where I am now.  March we get to buy our Bonnarroo 2011 tickets too!  I am so excited.  It's going to be so much more fun this year, now that Dan is healthy.  Here's hoping it is a little cooler this year and it doesn't rain!  Is anyone else planning on going?

Part of me is really glad that winter is almost over, but part of me keeps saying, "Slow down, enjoy today."  I have a really bad habit of looking ahead too much.   So, yesterday, Dan and I went on a date.  We got all dressed up, and went to Stone Creek Dining Company.  It was a really neat restuarant (design wise), and the food was really good.  It was a little expensive ($25/meal), but a nice place to go for birthday/anniversary/ect.  Afterwards, we rented a couple of movies, put the dogs up, and just relaxed together.  We don't put the dogs up too much, so there is always something distracting us.  Either, the dogs need to go out, want to play, are chasing the cats, or the cats are getting into something....it goes on and on.  We are going to start making time for us sans pets at home more often.  We have decided that we are going to give Sierra away within the next month.  We just can't have 4 pets.  So, if you know anyone who wants a really good indoor cat, who requires minimal work, let me know.  She's great with kids, and would do best in a home with no dogs, but she tolerates them pretty well.

I must admit, it's really nice to have the option to be able to go out with Dan, now that he's getting an paycheck.  We don't do too much during the week because he gets home around 8:30, but I just feel more relaxed knowing that we have that option.  Just being that much less stressed, has really helped me spend more time for me.  I had to work this weekend, and I got really upset about it.  I didn't have much work to do, but I really felt like work is intruding on my personal life.  I don't have to work a weekend again until March, which is nice, but it was almost easier to go in on the weekends when it was every 3 weeks.

In other news, the local weather reporters are going crazy talking about this upcoming snow/ice storm that is supposed to hit tonight.  They are saying we maybe lose power for a couple of days, because the lines will be iced over.  I'm really hoping we get some ice so I can work from home, but I really don't want to be without power in this cold.  I really don't do well with the cold, and I don't want to relive the Great Muncie Ice-Storm of my undergrad.  Here's hoping!

Spare Time

Now that Dan is working, I’ve been able to spend more time (and money) on some of my hobbies. I’ve really started to look forward to life outside of work, now that there is minimal stress.

Last week I ended week 2 of my 100 pushups challenge, so today I take my 2nd exhaustion test. I’m really excited for it. My goal is to get at least 25, and I’m hoping for 30. That would be over double my 1st exhaustion test, just 2 weeks ago. This has been harder than I thought, but I get excited to see the progress I’m making every day. For my front and side planks, I’m up to holding for 20 seconds. Wednesday I’ll be up to 25. These aren’t as fun and tend to get boring, but I’m sure once bathing suit season comes around, I’ll be happy I did them. Today Dan has his exhaustion test too, and he should be able to get 100. We decided our next challenge will be to do pull-ups. My goal is 20 and Dan’s is 30. The pull-ups will be a lot harder, and will have slower progress, but come Spring time, we will have both made significant improvements.

I’m very excited to report that on Saturday, I was able to run 2.5 miles in 27min and I felt fantastic. I was a little sore yesterday and this morning, but nothing too bad. I really went in without any expectations, and since I did so well, I’m looking forward to Saturday to see if I can increase my speed. I really need to get some new running shoes, though. My feet and knees are starting to hurt, and it’s been a year and a half. But, it helps to have some girl friends who want to run a 5k this spring to keep me motivated.

I’ve also found some time to work on some craft projects. I’m getting a good start on my Vacation scrapbook. I have a lot of catching up to do. I’ve also found some cute ideas for some art work for around the house. I’ve started on part of it, but I’m nervous to start on the 2nd part. Hopefully I’ll have a good portion of it finished next week and I can share some more details.

I have to say, we had a little scare at our house last week. Dan started his modified Velocity diet (extremely low carb) to shed some of the holiday pounds. He had some terrible side effects that brought back memories of his pre-diagnosis days. Everything turned out fine, and now that he’s eating more carbs, his symptoms are gone. Dan just found one more thing he can’t do post-surgery. I am glad that we have an Oncologist that Dan is comfortable enough with to ask anything that pops into his head. He responds quickly and doesn’t mind the questions.

In other news, Dan is officially done with his 1:1 training at work. He has orientation today and tomorrow which means he’ll be home around the time I get home. It will be nice to have a couple extra hours with him in the evening today and tomorrow. And starting Wednesday, he will be on his own. I know he’s really looking forward to it.

Happy Monday!

Friday!!

Yesterday, Dan got his first paycheck!  We are officially a dual income family again.  And!  We are going on a date tonight to celebrate.  I am so excited to re-introduce date nights into our schedule.  I wish we had time for weekly date nights, but my goal is twice a month.  Don't have date nights?  Read this article.

Yet another reason why I'm so excited for date night, is because we are again on a very low carb diet.  We splurged for the holidays, so now we are cutting back.  But, tonight is our cheat night!  Having a planned cheat night has definitely kept me accountable for our diet, and has given me an added bonus to our date.  Do you schedule cheat days??

Today is also, my last day for my Push up challenge for this week.  So far, its going ok.  The first day was hard, but I made it through.  Wednesday, I didn't read the workout and only rested for 60sec and not 90, so by the end of it I was thinking this was a bad idea.  Once Dan pointed out my error, I was again excited for Day 3 today.  2 minutes rest here I come!  Dan decided that he was going to do the challenge with me, but his initial test he got 75, which put him at week 6. He was very surprised that he got so many, and he's certain he can get 100 in no time.

Its been 2 weeks since Dan and I have both been working, and we seem to be adjusting to the new schedule pretty well.  Dan is getting up with me in the morning, which is really nice.  Plus, we go to bed around the same time, which means we get our "pillow talk" time back.  Daisy is doing fine being in her room while we are both gone, but Penny is needing a lot more play time being cooped up in her kennel all day. 
I've taken on a little more of the cleaning through the week, but with the dogs up during the day, and both of us being gone, things are staying cleaner.  We definitely have less dishes.  Plus, I can get some alone time during the week to work on some of my projects.  I'm slowly going down my cleaning list, including dusting chandeliers, washing walls, and organizing closets.

Dan seems to be enjoying his job.  He's a little tired of training, which I don't blame him.  Training is so boring and tedious, especially when you have experience in that job previously.  He really likes the company, and I think he's enjoying being out of the house, doing his own thing, being productive to society. 

So far, this year is turning out great.  I just wish the weekends would slow down a bit.

Fitness Tests

I have been inspired by my friend Katie do a 100 push up challenge and a modified 200 sit up challenge.  I'm modifying the sit up challenge because sit ups aren't good for your lumbar region of your back, and I have enough back problems as it is.  So, I will be doing front and side planks, holding for 10sec for 3 sets, 15sec, ect.  The challenges last 6 weeks.

I did my initial test for the push ups, and I got 14 traditional push ups!  For week one here are my three days:

Day 1 - 6 sets resting 60 secs: 10, 12, 7, 7, and max
Day 2 - 6 sets resting 90 secs:10, 12, 8, 8, and max
Day 3 - 6 sets resting 120 secs: 11, 15, 9, 9, and max.

This is a quick and easy thing I can do before or after work and feel like I've actually done something on the days I don't make it to the gym, or in addition to.

You should join me on theses!   It will just take you 15min 3 days a week, and by the end your arms and abs will be in great shape!

Year of Progress

With it being the new year, I thought I'd update everyone on how I was doing on my Goals list I created in September.
I have not run a 5k, but I did start to get back into running, just to sprain my ankle in December.  So, I'm back off running and am trying to get back into it.  I also have not tried GeoCashing and I didn't make it to either a college or high school football game.  I also decided not to do the Red Cross Disaster Training due to stress at work.
However!  I did change my name on my work badge and my license, and am on track to get my passport.  I've given to 2 charities, am still attending the Clinical Pharmacology Course, and am still on track to pay off my car.

So, for the Resolutions for the New Year, Dan dubbed last year as "The Year of Perseverance" and this year as "The Year of Progress."  In keeping with that theme, here are my resolutions:

1 - Keep mastering techniques at work to develop myself as a scientist.
2 - Start working out again and introduce more vegan meals into our diet to stay healthy
3 - Devote more time to myself and my hobbies.
4 - Meet our financial goals for the year so we can continue to work to being debt free.
5 - Be a better friend and wife.

That's it.  I've never really been a New Years Resolution person and always found myself setting goals in the summer.  None of these goals are "measurable," but I will know how I'm personally progressing which is the theme.

I wish everyone luck with their goals, and if you think of ways to help me with mine, just let me know!

A Texas Christmas

As probably every already knows, Dan and I were able to go to Texas during my year end vacation to visit my sister's family.  It was my Dad's gift to pay for us to go, and we had a great time.  I honestly wish we could've stayed longer.  I miss having so much time with my family.  I love being on the go and seeing my nieces and nephews.  Plus, I got some good time in with my parents and sisters. 

We got to Texas on Dec. 26th and opened gifts with my sister's family.  Afterwards Dan and I needed some quiet time so we went out on a date to Outback.  I ate like a horse, but it was fantastic to have a good meal after the 18hr drive.  We went to bed at 7pm and slept until 10.  We were exhausted!!

The next day we took a trip to downtown San Antonio and got to see the Alamo and the Riverwalk.  The Alamo was definately on my bucket list, but I didn't plan on ever being there to see it.  So, it was really neat to see the history and layout of the buildings.  The riverwalk was gorgeous.  We went on a boat tour around and learned about the buildings.  We left thinking we would be able go to back one night to see all the lights, and check out a restaurant and a bar, but we didn't have the energy or time.  Downtown San Antonio is really nice.  Its fairly clean, everything is in walking distance, and there's a lot of history.

Tuesday was my niece's baptism.  I got to start the day off with a little shopping with my mom and sisters while Dan went to the gym.  I found some really good deals at Target.  It felt good to have some girl time, and I always love to shop.  Afterwards, we got ready for the baptism, followed by dinner at CiCi's Pizza.  Definitely not the best pizza in the world, but its a good deal for a group.  They must tailor their pizzas to kids, because I don't know many adults who would go for mac and cheese pizza.  Blah.

Wednesday was our last full day there and we got to go to a Wildlife Park.  You drive around the park in your car and you get to feed the animals.  It was so much fun.  A majority of the animals would eat out of your hand, and a few would even stick their heads in the cars to get the food! 

My favorite animals were the zebra and bison.  The zebra are just like horses, just much prettier. And the bison have such long tongues, and are very gentle.  Dan's favorite were the Texas Longhorns.  Their breath smelled like rotten spinach and made me gag.  But, they are massive.  I couldn't believe how big their horns are.  The weirdest part was for lunch there, I ordered a grilled chicken salad, and they gave me chicken salad (like with the mayo and grapes) on top of a house salad with honey mustard.  Texans really don't know what health food is.  We did go to an awesome Mexican restaurant that night.  I ate so much I was stuffed!  They had borracho beans, which is my new favorite mexican dish.  I can't wait to try and make it.  They cook pinto beans in beer, and add in bacon, onion, and tomatoes.  Yum!

Dan and I ended our trip by spending Wednesday night in Austin with his old college roommate.  We had such a great time hanging out.  It felt like we were back in college.  I wish we could've stayed a couple nights in Austin to get to see the city and spend more time with his friends.

I must admit that I learned a lot about Texas while I was there.  There was so much diversity, and no, not just Latinos.  There were so many types of restaurants there.  Anything you could want to eat, they have.  Texans also love their IHOP.  Every 3rd billboard was an American Flag with nothing written.  There were several Obama is a socialist billboards.  But, everything is Texas branded.  Texans are very proud to be from Texas, and its neat to see.  Not many people are proud to be from Indiana.  It was funny to see a church commercial relating feeling lost in life to missing a deer hunting.  LOL.  Oh, Texans also don't have an accent that I noticed.  However, the people in Arkansas do.

Overall, we had a great time and are so excited to go back, but next time we are going to fly!  It is not worth the time it takes to drive.