5 for Five #20

Good Monday Evening to you all!!

Thanks to Jenn and Jessica for this fabulous link up as always!!

Last week, I was playing catch up still at work and I just was not able to blog as much as I would like too.  So let's start fresh on this weeks goals and get back to blogging.  :) 

May 20th - May 24th

1. Workout at least 3 times this week (Monday, Wednesday and one other day)
2. Finish washing towels and put them away
3. Straighten up desk and bookshelf
4. Keep sewing my chevron quilt
5. Start a saving money plan (I guarantee Andy will ask about this around (9:30pm tonight)

I'm also sending out prayers tonight to those affected by the Oklahoma Tornado this afternoon!  I know living in the midwest tornado warning are absolutley dreadful to deal with but to deal with a tornado coming straight for you and one that is an EF4, is just plain scary!

High Five for Friday #6

1. Andy got me a Mother's Animal's Day card from Smokey and Keeley!  I thought it was so cute that he thought about me.  It totally put a smile on my face.
2. Jena, Claire and I at my mom's for Mother's Day dinner.  I love how Claire smiles at the camera now.  :) 
3. Fitbit!!  Back to step counting everyday!  It hit over 10,000 steps two days in a row (Wednesday with 16,017 steps and Thursday with 11,006)  That's a personal best for me!!
4. Couch to 5K is back!  Day one at the gym on Thursday.  It felt awesome!!
5. Finally got around to making iced tea at home.  It's so easy to make and it's refreshing to drink!  Win, win in my book!  :) 

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

Liebster Blog Award

One evening I was catching up on all of my favorite blogs while in Wisconsin and I came upon Kristen's blog, The Concrete Runner like I always do.  She was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award.  As usual I read the entire blog and she nominated 7 people for this award.   While reading through them, I thought, "That would be so cool if she nominated me".  HA!!  There my name was and I was nominated!!  You would have thought I was awarded the academy award or something!  I was super excited to see it!!  Sometimes I think no one reads this blog, and I'm OK with that. I do this for me, not for anyone else.  :)  Kristen's blog was the first blog I had ever read.  We graduated high school together in 2003 (almost 10 years ago on June 1st!  Holy Cow!) and I always thought it was a neat idea.  In the 8 months I have been blogging, I have gotten to know so many neat people all around the country.  

Anyways....haha!

Kristen nominated me for a Liebster Award.  The Liebster Award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers by another blogger who sees them as a blogger who is “up-and-coming.”

The Rules:  List 11 random facts about myself

1. Answer 11 questions that Kristen wrote for me
2. Nominate 11 other bloggers
3. Create 11 questions for my nominees
4. Display the Liebster Award badge

Random Facts About Me

1. I have really small ears.  No one notices until I say something, and then it's all they can talk about because they never noticed how small my ears are.
2. If I could, I would adopt all of the animals I see.  It breaks my heart to see any animal cruelty in the world.
3. I am a very loyal friend who would do whatever I can for anyone in need.  The minute someone takes that friendship for granted, it's almost impossible for me to allow them back into my life.  
4. I'm so addicted to my iPhone.  Sad really...
5. I don't drink.  It's rare for me to have an alcoholic drink in my hand.  I hate the taste of alcohol.  I would rather have a piece of chocolate cake or something fatty instead of drinking all of those calories!
6. I worry about EVERYTHING on a daily basis. An annoying habit, that's for sure!
7. I have a routine for bedtime and when I get up in the morning.  I do the same thing getting ready for bed every night and the same thing every morning when I get out of bed.
8. I have horrible eyes!  In fact, before I met Andy I was the only person who had such bad eyes.  Sad thing, Andy has worse eyes than me!  Our poor future kids.....LOL.  I have been wearing glasses/contacts since I was 7 years old.  I still remember the day that I had to get glasses because I couldn't see the blackboard anymore in school.
9. My two front teeth are not all real....My brother and I thought it would be a good idea to have me sit in our wagon and "steer" with the handle while he pushed me down the hill of our driveway.  I guess you can figure out that it didn't end well.  I fell out of the wagon and scraped my face, my knees and scraped my teeth (yep, I hear you all cringe right now).  My two front teeth were sanded down and chipped.  My poor mom worked an overnight shift the night before, so she wasn't thrilled to have to wake up to her kids being goofballs.
10. I worked in retail for over 10 years and finally got my break in a "big girl" job a year ago on May 14th!  I worked at Hallmark for 2 years, Best Buy for 4 years, Office Max for 1.5 years, Famous Footwear for 1.5 years and Micro Center for 2.5 years.  
11. I am so ready to be a mother.  I love reading blogs about everyone's little one's and cannot wait to have the life that a lot of you all have.  Good times and in bad, I will still love it! :) 

Kristen's Questions for Me

1.  What do you want be when you “grow up”?

I wanted to be a teacher and now at the age of 29, I kind of regret not getting my degree in teaching.  While I love my job now, I can see where I would be a better teacher than in Human Resources.  I did contemplate about a year ago going back to school and getting my master's in teaching, however; my current workplace called me for an interview, hired me, and that is where I am now.  At least I finally got my foot in the door somewhere to do some actual Human Resources work!!  :)  

2.  What is your favorite sport to play or watch?

I love watching baseball games, but only if you are at a game.  On TV, not so much!  The only sports I will watch on TV are playoff games or the Olympics (Summer Olympics mostly).

3.  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hawaii!  No joke, I would move there in a heartbeat!  While, I would miss my family, living in paradise would be nice too!  :)  Andy and I have an agreement, retire in Florida by the water and live near bike trails so we can ride our bicycles whenever we want.

4.  What is your favorite pair of shoes (athletic or non-athletic)?

I don't have a certain pair of shoes that are my absolute favorite, it depends on my outfit at that moment....I love Tom's shoes and flip flops in the summer.  I also love my workout shoes and how could you not, they are HOT PINK!! 

5.  What bones have you broken and how did you break them?

I have never broken a bone (I'm knocking on some wood as I type).  No stitches, no ER visits, no surgeries.  I'm boring!  :)  Worst thing to happen to me, kidney stones senior year of high school.  Was told if they wouldn't pass on their own, surgery would happen.  I did pass the stones on my own.  

6.  What is your favorite book or movie of all time?

Well, at the moment, I am highly enjoying the books written by: Rachel Schurig.  If you like "chick flick/romantic" books, she is right up your alley!  :)  I just read a 4 books series of hers called, "Three Girls".  I loved all 4 of the books.  I am just starting a new series of her's called, "Love Story, Book One".  There are 3 books in that series. 

Movies, oh how I love movies.  Comedy's , Chick Flick/Romance, and Animated movies are my favorite.  Ultimate favorite movie: "Despicable Me".  I CANNOT wait till "Despicable Me 2" comes out this summer!

7.  Are you introverted or extroverted?
Introvert.  I may like to talk but it's really to people who I really know: family, friends, neighbors, my pets (HAHA!) and Andy.  Most of the time I run out of things to say to people.  My mom did raise me right in being polite, saying please and thank you, saying hello and I like to wish everyone to have a great day.  Sometimes people like that reminder that not everything that happens should bring us down.  A nice, "Have a great day" can always spark a smile in people. :) 

8.  Besides blogging, what other hobbies do you have?
I love to bake and cook, sew with my sewing machine or cross-stitch, read books on my Kindle, and exercize (biking, walking, running 5K's).

9.  Do you have any hidden talents?
I can sing, really well from what I am told.  I love to blast the radio and sing along.  :)

10.  How far away do you live from your childhood home?
LOL!  This is funny, I think I live 15 miles away from my childhood home.  

11.  What is your favorite dessert?
ICE CREAM for the win!  LOVE, love LOVVVVE Ice Cream.  It doesn't matter if it's ice cream, or frozen custard, or even frozen yogurt.  It's all delish in my eyes.  :) 

11 Questions for my Nominees

1. Who do you consider your hero?
2. If you could be given ANY gift what would it be?
3. What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why?
4. What is your favorite TV show of all time?
5. What's the worst/most embarrassing CD/Album you've ever owned and do you still have it?
6. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be and who would it be with?
7. If you could have any animal/creature, what would your ultimate pet be?
8. What was your favorite toy as a child?
9. What are you afraid of?
10. If you could pick any other first and middle name for yourself, what would it be and why?
11. If you won the lottery (1 million dollars), what would you do with the money?(Be Honest!)

I nominate...

1. Beth @ My Life More Abundant
2. Samantha @Life is But A Stream Thoughts 
3. Ashlee @ Life Without Pink
4. Danae @ Weekend Waitress
5. Elyse @ My Life with A Cherry On Top
6. Rebekah @ The Story of My Life
7. Stephanie @ Wife Mommy Me

My favorite blogs that have just over 200 followers that I thought I would still nominate anyways...

1. Amy @ The Story of Us
2. Ashley @ Him and Her Plus Four

I apologize that I do not have 11 people to nominate.  I would love to nominate more, but they are just too far over 200 followers.  

Thanks to Kristen @ The Concrete Runner for this nomination!  It's exciting to know that people like to follow what I have to say.  :) 

Lately...

Where is the time going!?!  I know that I have not been on here lately, and to be honest I would love to be on here more, however; life in general has gotten in the way.  I swear ever since we got home from Wisconsin, we have been on a non-stop moving train with things to do every day and night.  No complaints here though.  I have been loving all of the company and good times spent with friends and family.  

Lately I've been...Walking on work lunches, counting calories, wearing my fitbit, drinking TONS of water, riding my bicycle, and tracking all workouts.

Lately I've been...Watching what I eat and really concentrate on what I put in my mouth.  For instance, Friday night we visited at my brothers new house and my mom picked up 2 Tippins pies for dessert.  Without hesitation, I got myself 2 small pieces of pie.  Did I need it, No?  Did I even realize I was counting calories and this was going to put my calorie count over for the day, No.  Sad but true.  I really need to watch what I eat if I am wanting to lose some weight and be healthier.  Sunday for Mother's Day was off limits and eating whatever I wanted was game.  No calorie counting was done that day for obvious reasons.  Ha!!

Lately I've been...Really wanting to blog and have plenty to blog about, but I am just too busy to get the posts typed out.   

Lately I've been...Really motivated by 3 bloggers to get up and MOVE!!  I may not be running miles and miles, however; I am still getting out there and working on my fitness! 

Lately I've been...So proud of myself for my almost 10 mile bike ride on Monday evening with Andy!  It was so much fun and I am really wanting to get out and ride again very soon!  :) 

Lately I've been...Feeling guilty of the extra time Keeley has been spending in her kennel the past 2 days.  Tonight I am totally making it up to her, were going on a walk around the neighborhood and cuddling on the couch.  :)  I'm such a good puppy mommy!

Lately I've been...so very happy!  Things are really going great in my life and I have NO complaints!  :) 

High Five for Friday #5

I would like to start out and apologize for the delay in my blogging this week.  Ever since Tuesday when we left Wisconsin and came home, it's been a blur of things to do NON-STOP!!  Literally.  We got home Tuesday around 11:30am, I said hi to Smokey, we unloaded the car, and I left to get groceries.  We haven't fully unpacked everything yet, and the laundry I swear is non stop!  I still have 1 load of clothes to do and then need to catch up on washing towels and sheets.  My bedroom looks like a disaster zone and I hate it!

Let's link up for High Five for Friday, shall we!  :)

1. How adorable is my niece!?!!  This photo will totally make you smile!  :) 
2. Jackson and Claire, brother and sister love!!  This reminds me way back when Jeff and I were little.  We were best buddies! 
3. Me and Claire.  I don't look the best, but she loved taking photos and seeing herself, that's why she is pointing at the camera.
4. Smokey is oh so happy we are home.  I was planting my herbs while he enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.  He was in heaven!
5. Keeley passed out on the couch!  I love how she is using the arm rest as her pillow.  So adorable!  :) 

Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

Fun is over....

This morning, we are headed home to Saint Louis.  We had a fabulous time with Nick and Laura, but we are ready to get back to our own home.  I am going to recap some of the fun events we did over the last 6 days later on this week.  

Wednesday starts training for real for the Komen Race for the Cure 5K on June 15th.  Back to healthy eating, working out, drinking tons of water, and keeping my portions under control.  

Monday, I went out to Target to get us some drinks and snacks to help get us home.  Not going to lie, but Dunkin Donuts will make it in our car for our breakfast drive home.  You gotta love those Munchkins (donut holes)  :)  One last hurrah before the "diet" begins.  I stopped by McDonalds for an Un-sweet Iced Tea with Splenda.  I don't know about ya'll, but I swear Iced Tea reminds me of summer.  :)  It makes me smile.

Drive home time: 6 hours 35 minutes.

Estimated time to get on the road: 5:30 AM

All I can say is, Thank god for my Kindle to keep me company and my pillow to keep me comfy in the car!  :) 

Back to work tomorrow, BOO!!

5 for Five #19

Currently, we are in Wisconsin.
Tomorrow we are headed back home to the good 'ol Saint Louie!
I miss my Mokies oh so much, cant wait to snuggle on the couch with him again.
A big thanks to my mom and sister for taking such good care of my Mokes!  :) 

Thanks to Jenn and Jessica for this fabulous link up as always!!

Here's how I did last week at my goals:

{Aqua=goal reached, Purple=goal not reached} 

April 29 - May 3rd

1. Finish washing sheets and towels
2. Get my hairs cut 
3. Pack for going out of town
4. Finish vacuuming upstairs
5. Get all ends of work all tied up before 2:30 PM on Wednesday (that's when Andy will be picking me up at work)

4 out of 5, Ill take it!  :) 

~Thank god my husband is good at helping me out around the house, because if it weren't for him, the sheets and towels would not have been washed, the car would not have been packed, and I would have been missing several things for our trip.  I did not get vacuuming done because I just ran out of time.  :(  

May 6th - May 10th

1. Get home safe and sound (Tuesday morning)
2. Get all of the laundry cleaned and put away from the trip
3. Go grocery shopping (we just need milk and produce)
4. Plant my herbs in the planter
5. Menu plan the meals for the week
1. Monday - Quaker Steak and Lube (were still in Wisconsin)
2. Tuesday - BBQ Hotdogs at home 
3. Wednesday -  BBQ Hamburgers
4. Thursday - Crock pot Italian Chicken and Rice
5. Friday - Stuffed Shells