A Case of the Mondays

I definitely had the Mondays today, and I didn't even have to be at work today.  I did, however, have to get my grumpy bear out of bed this morning.  Along with Ryan's new job, comes the responsibility of having to open the store during the week at 6:30 am, and he is definitely NOT a morning person,  which means at our house alarm clocks start going off at 5:30.  We have a real alarm set to play awful 50s music, his phone, and my phone all going off every 5-10 minutes until he finally gets up with just enough time to shower, brush his teeth, throw on some clothes, and rush out the door.  Luckily we maybe live 5 minutes from the store.  Throw into the mix that neither one of us are particularly chipper in the mornings and top it with the first cold morning of the year ( it was 39 when he left)  and my love for open windows and you have a very ill morning.

Needless to say, my day didn't get off to a great start.  Instead of staying up and starting on my list of stuff that I had planned, I grabbed the dogs and had a snuggle fest in the bed, under the sheets, where they are not supposed to be and went back to sleep til oh about 10:30... fine 11:30.  So I had already wasted half of my day before it even got started.... BOO!  Luckily, I have snapped out of it.  It's a nice and chilly beautiful fall day, I'm trying out a new recipe that I stole from a friend, started my 10k training, and will catch up on housework eventually.  I even convinced myself that I am still on board for marriage!!!

 I kid, I have never doubted my engagement for one second, despite cranky mornings.

So I had a great weekend!!  I have talked before about wanting to create a new social circle in our new town since we plan on staying here for a while, so Saturday, I hosted my first dinner party!  Once I realized everyone just couldn't find my house and hadn't stood me up, it was so much fun!  We had a taco night, I made Halloween treats, and we carved pumpkins while gossiping about the people at work not cool enough to get invited, very high school, but true.  I had such a great time and I can't wait to do it again.

our pumpkins!! well minus 1, one girl was a little too advanced to put ours beside hers

TREATS!! Chocolate dipped apples, oreo truffles, and vampire bites! Thanks Pinterest

 This is how Ali treats new guests, everyone is forced to love her

So, after definitely eating too many of those yummy treats, today was the day I get back into serious weight loss mode.  I think that I let myself get lax because I have come so far and I do look and feel so much better, but then I remember that I still have even further to go!!!  I have tracked everything in MFP, and plan to keep up with my workouts even if I'm lazy!

I started my 10k training today.  I'm using the Hal Higdon plan rather than an app on my phone... just for shits and giggles, no real reason.  Today was supposed to be a stretch and strength day, but because I had already gotten excited about running today..... for reals, kinda sad, but true.... and I still can't bring myself to face Jillian again, I swapped it up.  The wild and crazy rebel I am did tomorrow's run today, and I will do my Jillian time tomorrow.  So how was my run?  Different.... it was only about 50 degrees out which is about 20 cooler than when I normally run which meant I had to get used to a couple of things, namely running in more clothes and breathing in chilly air.  But I loved it!!!  There were some times where I was hot and wanted to strip off my long sleeves, but then the wind would pick up and I would be freezing.  I even decided to push an extra half mile and ran 3 miles instead of 2.5.  I always feel amazing after I run, I'm not sure that it is that elusive runner's high yet, but I just feel great and I'm off to tackle the world... or at least laundry mountain.

almost home!  the trees are starting to get pretty!

tried on bridesmaid dresses for a friend, this one is a 16!!!!

I hope y'all had a great weekend!!

Friday Fun-Day.... or just a regular day

YAY IT'S FRIDAY!!  Which for you regularly scheduled working folks, means PART-AY!!  For me, it's usually just another day, but this Friday is PAY DAY!!!!  So I get to make the house payment and do a very small amount of shopping for vital supplies!!  We are trying to get on a stricter (more strict??) budget, which means less fun mindless spending, and more saving.... weddings are EXPENSIVE y'all, even not very big ones, like ours!!  Plus with Christmas just around the corner, every dollar counts!!

So, basically, this is just my random thought dumping for the day... enjoy!!

This weekend I am working on my "get social" goal and hosting what was going to be a dinner... Thanks Alabama homecoming, at my house.  It's going to be fun!  A few girls from work are coming over and I am making tacos and we are going to carve pumpkins and maybe watch a Halloween movie.  I'm even going to make a few Halloween treats that I saw on Pinterest to show how domestic I am!!  So, wish me luck on not running of my attempt at new friends with my potty mouth, jumping dogs, and getting day wasted while hyped on SUGAR while quoting Honey Boo Boo and Mean Girls.... good times to be had!

Today I signed up for Pile On The Miles with my new best friend and blogging mentor, Keyona @ Skinny and Delicious ( I know if y'all read my blog you already read hers because she is that freakin cool).  Basically, you set a goal for yourself to run X amount of miles in November and you track it each week.  There are awesome drawings that you will be entered in and a great way to stay off those holiday pounds!  So check it out!  Registration goes through October 31st!!

My dad has returned my 30 Shred DVD that I had conveniently lost at their house last weekend, and even remembered to bring my weights back too... which means no more excuses, I have to make 20 minutes for that bitch today.  I just have to remember the results I am getting, but I still hate her sooo much.

Well, I guess I better get back to taking care of my ill ass kinda sick fiance... poor,wing.  You'd think being a nurse I would be better at taking care of loved ones when they don't feel good, but I'm just not.

Happy Friday you guys!!  I hope y'all have exciting weekends!!

~ love, jenn

An Award For ME?

So I have been nominated for the Liebster award a few times now and I figured it's time I get on it!! Thanks to Stephanie, Patricia, and Nikki for making me feel like a cool kid!!

 

So this is how it works, kids.....

~ If you were nominated, post 11 things about yourselves.
~ Then answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you created.
~ Create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers you decided to nominate.
~ Choose 11 bloggers to nominate with less than 200 followers.
~ Make sure and let these people know you nominated them! No tag backs, so don't nominate   someone who nominated you. 

11 Things About Me

 ~ I am TERRIFIED of snakes.... and not just normal scared, like to the point of irrational.. it has held me back from lots of things I'd like to do.  I was even trapped in a snake filled gym by some 2nd graders when I was in middle school... I think that's when I got mean. 

~ My original life goal was to work with elephants in Africa.  I think they are AMAZING creatures and are by far my favorite animal.  I get teary eyed when I see them, and I can't wait to see them in real life someday.  Ryan even incorporated my love for elephants into his proposal!

~My dad had a kidney transplant last year, thanks to his wonderful sister. and he is part of why I became a nurse.  

~I love cake decorating, but I don't really do it anymore.  It was something me and my mom did together and since we live so far apart now, something just isn't the same.

~Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year!!!  I love every single thing about it and am SO FREAKING EXCITED that it's almost time!!  I can't wait to get my tree out and decorate MY house for the first time!  Growing up, our tree was usually up by Halloween (my mom is an event planner so the holidays are her busy time, so if it wasn't up by then, it wasn't happening) and it is taking a lot not to drag that bad boy in right now!

~I am starting grad school next fall!!  I love nursing, but I think I like the science behind it more than the bedside care part of it, so I am going back for my Nurse Practioner Degree!  Hopefully, I can get a job with transplant services and work with families going through what mine did!

~ I can't stand ranch dressing... it literally disgusts me!  I think a significant part of what keeps Ryan and me together is our mutual hate of ranch.... that, and our amazing saracasm and witt :) he completes me... haha

~ I do NOT believe in TMI!  please tell me any disgusting or dirty story that you have to share, and I'm more than willing to give it right back..... I have no filter. 

~Ryan is a big geek/gamer and I pretend that it bothers me, but I secretly like it.  I have always had a thing for the nerdy guys.  Plus, there are way worse things he could be out there doing other than playing x-box or warcraft... plus he can always fix my techie challenges :)

~Fresh sheets and freshly shaved legs = Heaven!!

~I love boy names for girls!!  I fully intended to name my first born daughter Ryan.... until I decided to marry a Ryan.  Now I can't wait on little Logan to be born in like 3-4 years so I can be the most bad ass dance mom EVER and throw the best birthday parties, and make the cutest outfits, and single handedly keep Etsy running!!  or I'll have a boy, and be completely 

11 Questions I Answer (since I had 3 nominations, I'll do a combo of their questions)

1. If you could spend one hour with any other deceased human being, who would you choose?
     I would want to see my Grandma again, and tell her all the things I should have while she was alive.  Losing her has changed me alot... for the better, and I'd love to tell her that.
2. If you could travel anywhere, free of charge, where would it be?
     Thailand or Africa..... elephants, duh!!!!  and sadly... snakes :( but I'd totally wear my big girl panties and suck it up!
3. What song makes you cry?
     You'll Be In My Heart, by Phil Collins from the Tarzan soundtrack.... LOL! It's me and my mom's song, it started as a joke, but as I got older it means more. Several country songs get me  too
4. If you could play a musical instrument, what would it be?
    Guitar.... duh!
5. Have you ever broken a bone?
    Yep!  like 4 of my toes.  Once while I was getting out of bed in the middle of the night to pee.... my leg was asleep and as soon as I stood up, I fell straight down.  This was the night before cheerleading tryouts so I had to tumble with freshly broken toes :(  another time I broke them was from tripping over the vacuum ... I am that coordinated.  And my right pinky is crooked to this day from me and my sister playing Dirty Dancing as kids..... we were determined to hit that lift!
6. Do you like to run?
     I do actually!  I never thought that I would, but I'm growing to love it!  I feel my body getting stronger by doing it, and it's the best workout for me weight loss wise.  Plus I love the me time!
7. Growing up what was your favorite TV show?
    I was a TGIF girl!!  I remember every Friday night me and my sister would do crafts and watch all the greats..... Boy Meets World, Step by Step, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Full House, and we always had frozen pizza for dinner.
8. What kind of car do you drive?
    I drive a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe that I got after totaling my 2006 Huyndai Santa Fe just 1 year shy of paying it off :(. 
9. Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
    If you have ever read my blog you know I have 2 fur babies.  Ali, is our oldest.  We got her right after we got our first place.... we were 3 hours from home and had no friends, so basically she is our baby.  She is a complete daddy's girl and loves being rocked to sleep even though she weighs about 60lbs.  She's a yellow dog... we aren't really sure what she is, we thought she was a golden retriever until we saw her next to one.... definitely not.  We got Brick about a year later on our 6 year anniversary, because "Ali doesn't love me so I don't have a dog".  He is 100% mama's boy and I love him more than carbs!  He is a German Shepherd and will do anything for a tennis ball and snuggles.
10. Last thing you drank?
   Pumpkin Spice coffee with Pumpkin Spice creamer!
11. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you'd do?
     Get up and dance out of my job, abandoning all of my patients and co-workers yelling EFF THIS as I skipped out the door. Not really.... I wish.  I would probably be responsible with it... pay off my student loans, car, and house; make sure my family and friends were set, do some traveling, who knows what else.  I've never really been one to want extremely extravagant stuff, so I'd probably be a pretty boring lottery winner.

Well now that you know more about me than you probably EVER wanted to, here is who I nominate to overshare next!

Annie @ Crazy/Simple Mama
Brandi @ Finding The Healthy Within
Julie @ Mom Taxi Julie
Lauren @ Misson: Skinny Jeans
Samantha @ Samantha Griffin
Brittany @ The Bucher's
Erin @ Shesabigstar
Jenn @ Thin Again Jenn
Tiffani @ Thoughts From Tiffani
Paige @ Weighting for It To Happen
Keyona @ Skinny And Delicious

Here are you're questions!!

1.  What is one of your life goals?
2.  What is your go to get pumped up song?
3.  Who is your greatest role model?
4.  Most embarrassing moment?
5.  If you could be anything, what would you be?
6.  What is your favorite animal?
7.  Are you a clothes, hair, or makeup girl?
8.  What is your favorite movie genre?
9. What is your favorite Guilty pleasure?
10.  Who is your Celebrity crush?
11.  Who/What is your Biggest inspiration?

Don't feel bad if you don't want to participate, I know it's long and a lot of effort, haha, but I will say it was pretty fun!!

So, there ya have it.... I finished!!  Thanks for hanging in there, I know that was a long one!!!  And just because what is a blog post without a picture, here is a glimpse of my life last night.

 NOT CHICKEN for dinner!  It was scrumptious!

 The babies watching us watch the cars

They were doing the Conga!  Sorry, it's blurry :)

If someone could explain to me how to make a signature that would be great, but for now.....

Love, Jenn!

Weigh Day Wednesday!

I guess since I'm back on track, I need to get back on track with my weekly weigh in posts... so here it goes.....

0.4 lbs lost

Yep, that's it.  Well, technically I lost 4.4 lbs, but since I had a 4lb gain last week (period, crap eating, laziness)... even though I said I wasn't going to even step on the scale.... my grand total is 0.4.

Don't get me wrong, I am really happy about this loss.  I busted my ass this week.  I ran 4 times for a total of  about 12 miles, conquered my first 5k, got back on the good eating train with only 1-2 bad meals, and bought my first pair of skinny jeans.  All in all, a great week!  I am 2.2 lbs away from being down 50 lbs, and I think next week just may be the week!!

Just a reminder of what I am NEVER going back to!  These were taken last year for 80s Halloween night.  Aren't my friends GORGEOUS?!?!  skinny bitches... lol.  sorry about the poor quality... as you can tell from our wine glasses, we had other priorities.

So, I think Monday, will start my official 10k training.  Not that I am in a huge rush to run one... someday.  It is more so that I can push myself to get past my 3.2-3.4 mile mark.  I still can't believe that I am able to push my body to run that far.... even if I am wayyyy slow.  So, I figure using a training program will help me push myself harder.  Today's run was a good one though.  After my hilly 5k I decided maybe it's time to conquer the fear of hills, so I ran the whole trail with about 4 hills 2 of which are pretty steep instead of my comfortable loop with the 1 hill.  I'm not going to lie, it was tough and I wanted to stop about 5 different times, but I kept going.  I ran the scary side twice and my easy flat side once  for a total of 3.2 miles and only about 3 minutes slower than in my 5k.  All in all, not a bad run!

So, I am officially off work for 8 days!!  This is my favorite part of the month and the only redeeming quality to working night shift.  I am really hoping to get my house clean, my craft room set up and functioning, and to try some new recipes that I will hopefully be sharing with you guys, in addition to my runs and being reunited with Jillian- my dad found my DVD :(   Most importantly, I will be catching up on my DVR which is filled with 2 weeks worth of treasures... The Voice, Once Upon A Time, Sons of Anarchy, American Horror Story, Revenge, Nashville (my new favorite), Walking Dead, Modern Family.... who knows what countless treasures I have managed to record!  

I hope y'all have a great HUMP DAY... make it count :)  I'll keep you posted on all the awesomeness that is going on over here.  And if you feel like seeing lots of duplicate photos plus more.... follow me on Instagram @ jenlynn426  I'm getting more comfortable with pictures and I love random stuff so I'm getting better at it :)  and I want to follow you too!  So comment me your user name so I can blow ya up!!

love, Jenn

First 5k & Weekend Fun!

Okay, so Saturday was my first 5k and it was AMAZING!!  It was such an all around positive experience, and I am so glad that I crossed this off my bucket list!!  This was, hopefully, the first of  many to come, and I will never forget it!  The only negative was that my shirt was a size small and when I asked to swap it, they said all they had left were smalls.... why did they ask me what size I wanted when I registered then?  Oh well, maybe I can wear it next year!!

This 5k was the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run supporting breast cancer.  There were over 5,000 people running in this event and included any person you could imagine... women, men, survivors, kids, big, thin, all coming together to support a fantastic cause.  All money raised went to help by equipment to help provide the earliest detection possible!

It was a beautiful day with temps in the 50s and sunny skies and I actually wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be.  I ran with my best friend ever, Christina, who had actually done a race before, so that came in handy.  Parking was a NIGHTMARE and we had to cross a major road to get to the race area, and as we were about to step into the street, I tripped and fell for all the passing cars to see.  Luckily, I managed to only scrape my knee.... it wouldn't have been a true Jenn experience if I hadn't busted my ass at some point.

at the starting line!!

As for the race itself.... holy HILLS!!!  I was expecting one or two, but it seemed like the whole race was uphill!  We started up front to avoid the stop and go and before I knew it the first mile was over in 10:45!!  A full minute faster than my fastest mile... I kinda knew I was in trouble then.  I did have to take a couple of breaks to walk, never for more than a minute or so, and I was beating myself up over it on the inside.  I crossed the finish line at 38:30, my fastest time ever!!  It felt beyond amazing, I felt like I could do anything, and if I had been able to breathe easily, I might would have cried.  It was such a special thing to be sharing with my best friend, 5,000 strangers, and all the people cheering us on.  I can't wait to do it again... in December!!!  We already signed up to do the Rudolph Run and are working on snazzy costumes!!  If you just so happen to be in the Alabama area yeah right come by and join me for the best feeling ever..... almost.

 After!  idk what my face is about!!

And what better way to celebrate your first 5k than with MIMOSAS!!!

This weekend, I also learned that I REALLY need to work on my sex appeal.........

I sent Ryan this picture, with a text saying "this is your birthday lingerie, ENJOY!!"  to which he replied, "LOL, that's foxy!  It's really cute, did you buy it?"  Ummm NO!  It was supposed to be a joke!!  So, I have decided to definitely invest in some slut wear no matter how self conscious I may be.  Sexy has NEVER been my thing... cute and goofy/awkward.... maybe.  Fake it til you make it, right??

 Fox and Shark = BFF!!

We were pretty sure we heard them calling security to come remove us from the dressing rooms

Yesterday was Ryan's 27th birthday, and the 8th that we have spent together!  Since we both had to work yesterday, I decided to make him a big birthday breakfast before I went to bed.  Don't worry, he didn't eat the whole thing, and I had a VERY modified version.

 A rare picture of us.... taken back in 2010 :)

So, that was basically my weekend.  I went back to work last night and I just have to make it until Wednesday morning and then I am off for 8 glorious days that I am hoping to fill with cleaning, organizing, and countless projects!  I hope y'all had a great weekend!!!

Love, Jenn!

it's 5k EVE!!!

Hey y'all!!

I hope everyone has had an amazing week!!  I love coming home to visit my parents, it's like a little mini vacation.  I don't have to cook or clean, I usually get presents, and I am basically the center of attention.... DREAM :)  While all that is great, I really do love getting to spend time with my parents and sister, sometimes living a few hours away is hard.  We have always been a super close family and I really miss the day to day stuff, just laughing, talking, watching tv, making fun of each other..... it's the tits :)  So heading home tomorrow will be bitter sweet, but I do miss my pups and man!!

So, I am back in the game officially as of today!!  Last weekend I fell completely off the bandwagon with eating and working out, and this week was only slightly better.  I only did the shred once and today was my first run since Sunday, and eating, let's just say I ate.  So, I stepped on the scale today and was up 4.4 lbs.... boo!  I know I can't really blame it on my period since I have not gained once during my time of the month since starting this journey.  I know some of it is water weight, but I guess alot of it has to do with the return of fatty mcfat-ass.  It was exactly what I needed!  I started today like it was the beginning again, and very highly motivated!  My wedding is in just over a year and I can't lose focus on the prize!  While this change is NOT about my wedding day, it's what I think about when I start to lose focus.  So keep me accountable! and by the end of October I WILL officially down 50lbs, guaranteed!

Tomorrow is my first 5k!!!  I am pretty excited and nervous, especially after I have bombed the past week, but I know it's going to be great no matter what!  I am doing it with my best friend, Christina, who I don't get to see as much as I'd like to... which is basically every day, and it is for a great cause!  I can't wait to meet some amazing breast cancer survivors, run my heart out, and, of course, get my free t-shirt.... not gonna lie, I am rediculously pumped about the shirt!!  I hope this is only the beginning of my running journey and I can't wait to share the aftermath with you guys!!

Wrapping it up, I promise... I went to Kohl's  yesterday and got a great jacket and a great pair of ankle boots after realizing my calves are still too fat for real boots for $43!!!  Thank you, Kohl's cash and amazing sales!!  Then my Grandma gave me her kohl's cash, so I already have $10 off my next purchase!  I just had to share with you guys!!  I love Kohls, it is probably my favorite place to shop.... even though I don't shop all that much for now!

please excuse the crummy pic, I had been up for like 24 hours straight and had 4 day hair... yikes!

 

I'll let y'all know how the run goes!  Also, tomorrow is Ryan's birthday dinner, he's going to be the the big 27!  He hasn't decided where he wants to go yet, but please send me all of your willpower, I'll probably need it :)

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend, can't wait to stalk read about them!

 

~jenn

Where Did The Weekend Go?!?

What did you guys do this weekend?  

Well if you are anything like me, it wasn't anything too exciting, but I had a pretty great weekend all the same.... aside from eating like I used to for 2.5 days and paying the price with headaches, being bloated, tired, and ill.   When will I ever learn?!?  It still tastes good, though.  I read all kinds of things about women saying that the junk doesn't even taste good to them anymore, where can I get some of that?!?  I agree that it isn't worth it after the fact, but as it's being shoved down my face it is delicious and my mouth is a happy girl.

Back to the weekend.  As I mentioned last post, we were prepping for our first ever yard sale on Saturday.  Well, as I pulled into my driveway after work Friday morning a couple of cars followed me.  Which is odd, since there are only 2 houses on my street that are lived in.  So I get out of the car and am asked if this is where the yard sale is.  I immediately begin to panic about what I wrote on the signs.  I run and open the garage and let people start digging, even though I had planned on it  being set up like a fancy boutique.   I finally got the nerve to ask a lady if the sign said Friday, and she said "no, Friday is just a good yard sale day"  So, that is Alabama for ya.  But if you want to come buy my shit, I am more than happy to oblige.  After being up for nearly 24 hours and making $130 I crashed!

Saturday was even better!  I had completely envisioned us sitting outside with our crap all day and then finally giving up and dragging it all to good will.  But we sold EVERYTHING with the exception of alot of my books and clothes which I boxed up and put in the attic for our spring sale that we are totally having!  Our grand total was just over $400, I was floored!  I am going ASAP to put it in the Wedding/Honeymoon fund (my savings account).  That is going to cover some good times in DC!

Also, this weekend.  I discovered Google talk, which let me talk to my e-mail/blog buddy, Keyona ,in real time!!!!  It was fantastic, and I realized that we are soul mates and we can't live in the same state because that much awesome in one place would cause chaos!  So, big thanks to her husband for setting that up!

So, today I am back on track.  Over the weekend I consumed countless garbage including a Wendy's burger, and Domino's Pizza and cheesebread.  I haven't done the Shred since my remote was eaten, and yesterday I was only able to run 1 whopping mile before I had to get home to hit the toilet.  My goals for the week are:

~Track on MFP.  I had tracked for like 60 days straight until I missed Saturday and Sunday.  Plus, tracking makes me really think before I eat.

~Get in my water!!  

~ I will do the Shred Tuesday and Wednesday morning (at least) and then run Thursday, Friday, and of course my 5k on Saturday!!

~ I am not weighing in this week.  I know it's not going to be pretty and I am not hitting my 50lb mark this week so why even let myself go there with feeling bad about myself.

My biggest goal this week is to think of something fun for Ryan's birthday... which is Sunday.  We both have to work so I am going to have to think of something for Saturday night!!!

I saw this on the Internet the other day, and I laughed so hard.... like, inappropriately.  It combines 2 of my favorite things!  So I knew you guys would appreciate it..... maybe. 

Yes, I know honey boo boo and her family are a horrible train wreck, but I can't help it, I love it... don't judge.  And if you haven't watched the honey badger video, please do so, also hilarious, at least if you have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy, like me :)

 I jumped on the Instagram bandwagon a few weeks ago and am addicted.... I'm just so nosey, I love seeing what other people are up to!  So I need more people to stalk follow.  leave me your user name if you don't mind!  You can follow me at jenlynn426.

Well, I'm off to bed so I can get my work week started tonight.... boo!  I hope you all had a great weekend!

Much Love,

Jenn