As you get Ready ...

I just wanted to take a moment to wish every one of you a Safe, Wonderful & hopefully Memorable 4th of July surrounded by Family and Friends.  Life is fleeting, there are no promises for tomorrow, so we have to treasure each moment that we are given.  I guess this weekend in and amongst all of the festivities, fun and memory making.  I would just make one simple request...  If you come across a Military Member or Vet, please take a moment of your time to say Thank You.  These hard working Men & Women give up so much to secure our safety here and abroad.  I still have several friends that are still actively, selflessly giving it there all, every day.  While I was serving in the Marine Corps I learned many things, made some amazing friendships and went places I had only read about before.  Know that as we prepare for our cookouts and fireworks there are many military members that are away from their friends, families standing duty ready to answer the call if necessary.  One of my dear friends has found her own way to honor our military members.  Cathy from Cathy's Creations, she makes absolutely gorgeous jewelry.  Right now, through the month of July, for every bracelet that is purchased Cathy is donating $5.00 of it, giving back to support our Troops.  Here is her link, you can read her story and I encourage you to look at all of her beautiful, wearable works of art.  Cathy's Creations: We remember.  Just let her know that you came by to show her some love from Alpha-Pink-Omega!  This weekend I will raise my glass to each and every one of you.  Thanking you for coming here to read my blog & showing me your support.  It means the world to me and in 29 days I will walk 60 miles to show my support and love for all that have been touched by cancer. 

                                                                          XoXo

Count Down Officially Begins... 30 days till the 3-Day in Cleveland ...

Not where I want to be 30 days out from the walk, but it is what it is... Trying to maintain my training while getting everything else done.  No rest for the weary.  Although, I must say that I need to take it down a notch as I was informed by my Dr. that I have pneumonia and a perforated ear drum.  If I don't take this seriously, I could jeopardize my walk in Cleveland.  Please don't ask me how in the summer I ended up here, but I did.  So, now I am left with only one choice which is to take it easy till I can get past this.  Frustrated, but not defeated...

Taste the Rainbow, and I don't mean Skittles...

What you put in, is going to be equal to what you get out.  I have re- learned this little fact in the last few weeks.  Whatever you put into your body is going to either help you achieve what you want, or it will hold you back.  I have been eating clean for a while now and I can tell you I feel a difference.  I always heard people say that they could feel when their sugar was low, or they needed to have a snack because they were feeling their energy lacking.  I can for the first time in my life say I know and understand what people are saying.  The first week and a half two weeks I felt awful.   As I was purging my system of my dependency on Mountain Dew, not that I felt I drank it all that often, but obviously enough that when I quit, my body went through with drawls.  The same went for my food choices, it wasn't like I was making poor choices all the time, but for what I want to achieve, I was.  Learning what a true portion is, to how to cut out things that are not needed in daily food choices.  I can tell you that it has not been easy, but slowly, sometimes ever so slowly, I learn that you don't need those things that you once craved.  Now don't get me wrong, they still tempt me, they still taste good, but the extra food coloring, dyes and preservatives and fillers just have no place in my vision of how I want to be.  So, I keep hydrating with lots of water, snacking and eating things that are good for me with no added anything and keep my eyes on the future.  Slowly, deliberately with dedication and determination I will get to where I want to be.   

Just a Glimpse ...

For those of you that have never participated in a Susan G. Komen 3- Day for the Cure you might not know all of the preparation and training that goes into getting ready for those, 3 days and walking 60 miles.  Here is just a sample of a week of training.  As you can see the  training schedule starts 24 weeks out.  With only four short weeks to go the miles really start to add up.  In the last few weeks the anticipation and excitement also start to build.  To see all of the friendly faces that have greeted you before, and getting ready to meet new friends.  Over the next few days I will give you a inside look at walking 3 Days and covering 60 Miles.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® would like to thank New Balance, the official training partner of the 3-Day for the Cure, for sponsoring the Virtual Personal Trainer. Your 24-Week Training Schedule for This Week  Monday   Rest     Tuesday   5 miles   Easy walking Wednesday          45 minutes   Moderate cross-training Thursday   6 miles   Moderate walking Friday   45 minutes   Easy cross-training Saturday   10 miles   Easy walking Sunday   8 miles   Easy walking

Relaxed Day

My day started with going to sunrise service near Geneva-on the Lake, with the family.  From there we headed home for a few hours before the kids went to spend time with their Grandmother.  While the kids  got to visit, Mom & Dad took advantage of the time allotted going to Ashtabula Rod & Gun Club.  After three hours of trying out multiple hand guns.  I came to find that I was most comfortable with a 40 S&W.  Barney's last stand happened.  I took him out on the first shot with a hole in his jugular, I must say that the ensuing cluster was quite impressive.  Back to pick up the kids, dinner then got in an easy eight mile walk. Yup, today was pretty much a lazy day, but sometimes you just need to take it down a notch and have a little fun!

CommUNITY Day ...

Today, if Mother Nature behaves. I will be at First United Methodist Church from 7:00am - 2:00pm. The Church is located at: 4506 Elm Avenue, in Ashtabula. The Pancake Breakfast starts at 8:30. I have been participating in their CommUNITY Day for the last two years.  This year I will have a booth set up in the Health Fair Section, to sell my Alpha-Pink-Omega Shirts, Bracelets and now Jugg Huggers!  I am also helping Ed Donahoe who is one of the 60- Mile Men sell his Calendars.  

They will also have the following things going on at the Church, if you would like to come by and say Hello!

*Pancake Breakfast

* Give Shop

*Health Fair

*Popcorn

*Kid's Games

*Picnic Lunch

*Ice Cream

*Bake Sale

*Balloons

*Farmers Market

*Books

*Crafts

*Amish Goods

I Hope if you are local that you will make a point to come out.   Check out all of the WONDERFUL things going on, and show your support to everyone that is participating & putting on the event.  It really is a great time.  

~Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Tandoori Chicken Legs

I love trying out new recipes.  To experience exotic new spices and flavors that make your taste buds dance, as well as making your mouth smile.  I am allergic to peppers.   So I avoid them like the plague, but I still try to make different recipes just omitting the peppers          ( when possible ). This recipe is one that I haven't made in quite a while.  I know that the marinade base contains yogurt along with other ingredients, but I still feel that this is on the light side of cooking.  So, here we go & I hope you enjoy this recipe.  

XoXo

~Tandoori Chicken Legs~

Ingredients: 

1 container ( 8 ounces/250 g) Plain (Unflavored) Yogurt

1 Garlic Clove, minced

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Chili Powder

1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1/4 teaspoon of Ground Turmeric

8 Medium Skinless Whole Chicken Legs

First:  In the plastic bag, combine the Yogurt, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Vegetable Oil, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt and Turmeric.  Press the top of the bag so it is flat and there are no air bubbles inside, then seal the bag.  Gently squish the bag to mix the ingredients. 

Second:  Carefully open the bag and add the Chicken Legs.  Seal the bag as before and gently move the bag to coat the Chicken in the Yogurt Mixture.  Refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours or longer.  ( Also, remember to remove all of the skin off the Chicken before you place it in the mixture ).

Third: Arrange the oven rack in upper third of the oven.  Heat the oven to 425*F (220*C).  Line the jelly roll pan with the Aluminum Foil.

Fourth: Using tongs, remove the Chicken from the plastic bag.  Leave a thick coating of the marinade on each leg.  Arrange the Chicken on the prepared pan.  Throw away the bag and the remaining marinade.

Fifth:  Bake until the Chicken is browned and cooked through, about 35 minutes.  Using pot holders, remove the pan from the oven.  Serve Hot.  

~Garnish~ After placing the Chicken on a serving plate, garnish with Chopped Fresh Cilantro, Lime wedges and small bowl of Raita.

* Makes 6 Servings*

~Raita~

A raita is a cold yogurt sauce that is often served with spicy Indian foods. 

~Raita~

Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:

1 Cup Plain ( Unflavored ) Yogurt

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1/2 Cup peeled, seeded, and finely chopped Cucumber 

     ( or just get the seedless style Cucumbers and chop up ) 

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Cilantro

Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.  

Additional Information:  Tandoori is an Indian style of cooking that uses a marinade made from yogurt, lime or lemon juice, and spices.  The yogurt and juice tenderize the meat as it cooks and also helps the spices cling to it.  The spices used in a tandoori-style cooking are mostly the same as those used in Indian curries.  

What is a Tandoor you might ask?  Tandoor -style dishes are cooked in a special oven called a tandoor.  Tandoors are often round like barrels with domed lids.  They are made from clay, which absorbs heat and doesn't burn, so the oven stays hot for a long time.  A fire is built in the bottom of the oven and the walls absorb the fire's heat.  The temperature inside can be as high as 800*F (427*C), but is usually around 500*F ( 260*C).  Food is put on long skewers and held just above the fire.  The oven is so hot that meat cooks very quickly and stays juicy as well as flavorful.  Breads like nann and root are also cooked in a tandoor.  Dough is rolled flat and slapped directly on the oven wall to bake.  Because of the intense heat, the dough sticks and cooks there.

The Story Behind the Journey ...

Ok, most of you are probably wondering what you are looking at and WHY..?  This would be a CT Scan of my Sister, Rebecca.  This was taken April 1st of this year.  Now, let me tell you that this was NOT an April Fool's Day Joke.  At the time, I was setting up the Sock Hop   ( my first fundraiser of the year ).  I got a very shaken call from my brother -in -law, Matthew.  As you can see by his labeling of the CT Scan he has a "cheeky" sense of humor.  When he called he was not himself, and he was having a hard time telling me what had just happened to my sister.  With what little information I had at the time, I was left with the decision to tell my parents or wait till I had more information to give them.   
 ( Just a little back information before I go on ), both Rebecca and Matthew are very skilled skier's and snowboarders so this was not an accident due to being a novice of the slopes.  I should also add that Rebecca is a highly skilled Doctor with many years of experience, graduating from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.  So, back to the story... Apparently, there was a male skier that was not paying attention and slammed into Rebecca at a high rate of speed.  She suffered a horrific blow, having ribs broken as well as her Spleen being split into two separate parts ( Not Normal ) and her one Kidney being severely damaged.  Being knowledgable of her surroundings, and knowing that it was a bad accident ( not the total extent of her injuries, but knowing   enough ) she made the difficult decision, to have Matthew by pass the nearest medical center and take her to a Hospital that she knew could take care of her.  In making this decision, it almost cost Rebecca, her life.  By the time that Matthew got to the Hospital she almost bled out,  they rushed her in to Emergency Surgery.  This is were I was left at the time just knowing that she was in a really bad skiing accident and that she was currently in surgery.  So, I told Matthew to concentrate on things there and to do what he could for my sister and I would take care of the rest.  To tell or not to tell... I know that most of you are thinking that this would not be a difficult decision to make.  However, it was extremely hard for me, as our parents are older and you always want to know as much as possible before you deliver this kind of news.  I took a moment and tried to weigh the options that lay before me.  Finally, I placed the call.  I told my parents all I knew at the time and asked them to try to be patient. Blowing up Matthew's phone would not get us the answers that we wanted any faster.  Waiting, is always one of the most difficult and frustrating things to do, because we always want to know now!  Once the surgery was over, Matthew called me to tell me what had happened and I relayed that I had talked to our parents.  He felt that he was now able to call and talk to them.  She was still far from "out of the woods", but she made it through the surgery.  Three months later she is still working on her recovery.  It is a slow, painful process.  Ok, for those of you that know me, you already know how tenacious I am.  Let's just say, that my sister is just as determined.  Now to the part of WHY? Why did I just tell you ALL of this?  Well, Rebecca decided long before the accident that she wanted to walk in the 2011, Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Arizona with me.  For those of you that have participated in one of these events, you already know the level of commitment that you need to be ready for that weekend to come.  The amount you need to raise and the miles you need to walk even before you get to the event.  With that being said, I believe in letting people have their own experiences and journey.  If it were not for the skiing accident, I would help my sister any way I could to fundraise, but would not do it for her.  As I think it is all part of the experience.  However, this is not the case.  I want my sister to concentrate on getting better and doing what she can at her own pace.  I am happy to report that BOTH of my walks, Cleveland and Arizona I have already raise my minimum of $2,300 for each walk.  I was thinking of adding a third walk either Washington DC again, or going to Atlanta.  As much as I would LOVE to see my friends that are walking in each of those cities, I felt it would be a hollow feeling, knowing that my sister was struggling.  So, with the help of my dear friend, Cathy from Cathy's Creations we took the money that we raised at our on-line auction and put it towards Rebecca's account, ( $ 1,600 to be exact ).   So, at this point I would ask you, if you were planning on donating to one of my walks this year, would you please consider taking that same donation and put it towards Rebecca's account. Here is the direct link to her Susan G. Komen 3-Day Account.  http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/ArizonaEvent2011?px=5844949&pg=personal&fr_id=1600 

It would mean the world to me!  I know this blog entry was LONG today & Thank you for sticking it out with me, but I felt like it was a story that deserved to be told.  I look forward to November, in Arizona with great anticipation not only to see  my sister, but to share the 3-Day experience with her and everything that those 60 miles hold for us.  

Let's Here it for ...

Myself, Barbara & Troy with our Jugg Huggers

Jugg Huggers!  I know the name may throw you but, read on... I met Troy initially through Facebook, we chatted a bit through private messages and I became very interested in trying out his product, Jugg Huggers.  Troy and his wife Barbara traveled from Florida last weekend to attend, Hogs 4 Hooters.  Let me tell you that they are an incredible couple.  They came up with Jugg Huggers.  It is a really simple device, but it gives you one really good work out.  You can add it to one of your current workout programs or I have linked ( 3 ) different videos below to show you ways to get the most out of your Jugg Hugger.  No more worrying about dropping your kettle bell or a weight on your foot, and you can adjust the weight, by just drinking some of your water!  You will never be dehydrated as it is a constant reminder to drink your water!  Here's a BONUS...  If you travel and want to get in a great workout, now you can and it won't add lots of bulk to your luggage.  It has a nifty zipper pouch so that you can keep your ID, money, keys and Yes, even your smart phone!  I have been using mine now for a little under a week & I love it.  I take it every where with me.  It even has a great grippy ball on it so if you get stuck in traffic, you can squeeze the ball to relieve a bit of your tension.  I copied what they have written on their page to give you their detailed description, I also have included their link so if you would like to order you have a direct link.  They are $19.95 each, with free shipping right now.   You can design your own color scheme or pick from one of their patterns.  As you might have guessed, mine is PINK!  If you do decide to order one, please put in the comment section that you found them through Alpha-Pink-Omega.  Troy and Barbara are willing to help in my efforts to continue to walk in multiple Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events.   

www.jugghugger.com

Get the best out of your workout and never go thirsty again! JuggHugger makes a great addition to your exercise routine.

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" JuggHugger " is a strap made of washable/durable fabric with sewn in STASH POCKETS and squeeze clips for quick connects.

JuggHugger also has stress ball for squeezing while performing many exercises replacing cold, awkward and often dangerous ketelbells and dumbbells.

JuggHugger is machine washable and easily pocket stored. NO MORE PURSE in the Gym, at the Beach, Hiking or just out walking. All while ensuring proper daily hydration.

Buying small bottles of water on impulse can COST several dollars
per day... The "JH" saves thousands of dollars per year..

" JH " is your security blanket with endless benefits! Can be used in group classes as well as part of your personalized workout.

 JuggHugger - "when your palin' with your gallon"

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Avoiding the Pitfalls ...

o

It is amazing how if you don't pay attention, how easy ( almost effortlessly ) you can slip back into old habits.  If you get lazy, (slip).  If you don't feel like putting effort into it reading labels, (slip).   If you just decide that your hungry now and it won't matter (slip). The kids didn't finish ( whatever ),  I hate to have it go to waste (slip).  I think you get were this is going...  
So, I have started to integrate my new eating into the new family eating.  It was becoming increasingly difficult to make meals for everyone else and not eat what they were eating.  Plus, I decided if it was good enough for me to eat, it's good enough for my family to eat.  Snacks are becoming more fresh fruit and veggies, instead of animal crackers with chocolate milk.  I almost had my jaw hit the floor today.  I was eating my salad with tuna fish, Roma tomatoes and celery.  Out of know where, the kids decided that they wanted a salad too.   I gave it to them, thinking I was going to watch them spit it out.  To my shock & delight, even the 3 year old had a clean bowl.  So,  I will continue to introduce them slowly & bit by bit to a new way of eating.  

Five Weeks or 39 Days to Go ...

Can't believe that in 39 Days I will be walking again in Cleveland!  Where does the time go?  I am getting so excited to see all of my PINK family again.  If I am totally honest, I don't feel like my training for Cleveland has gone as smoothly as it did last year, but I keep doing what I can, as I can.  I know that just being around everyone at the event is an adrenaline rush all on it's own.  Yes, it's still 60 miles, but it seems easier when you are walking it with friends.  So many things have changed since last year.  What I am eating, the gear that I am wearing and my level of comfort with the walk.  Last year I did most of my training in the gym, countless hours walking on a treadmill in the dead of the night.  This year, almost all of my miles have been out on the road, going down the sidewalks, dealing with the curbs and many hills.  I miss going to Snap and walking at night as I can get in many more miles and hours, but getting real road time is priceless.  So, in 39 days we will see if my new approach, works.  

Will Always and Forever be ...

Daddy's Little Girl...  I know it might sound corny or old fashioned, but in a world that moves way too fast I think we forget to Thank those who have taught us the most.  From the moment I took my first breath my Dad was there, supporting, guiding, teaching and always loving me.  I know that at times it couldn't have been easy, as I have always been a willful child,  passionate and headstrong.  I don't think that you can fully appreciate your parents until you become one yourself.  You get to experience first hand all of the excitement, fun, great sense of pride, and yes, even frustration at times.  You want to capture every moment and never let it go.  I know that just watching our boys grow up, you wonder where the time goes.  I think as a parent you always wonder if you are doing the best for your children and giving them enough enriching, memorable moments.  My Dad over the years has given the very best he had to my Mother, Sister and to me.  When I was growing up I didn't need to listen to countless lectures of how a man should treat a woman.  All I had to do was watch my Father every day.  Loving, kind, selfless and rarely ever raised his voice.  I can remember as I got older having conversations with my Dad and he would guide me giving me his best advice.  I didn't always take it, but I knew deep down he only ever wanted me to have the very best life had to offer.  I could go on and tell you of all the wonderful moments, that I have stored in my memories, but instead I will tell you just this.  My Father, there will never be another like him.  When they made him they broke the mold .  As a little girl you look up to your Father and he is the first man that ever truly holds your heart, the part that I gave to my Dad will never belong to another.  I hope that on this day it has lead you to remember all of the wonderful moments that you have shared with your Father over the years.  Unfortunately, for some of my dear friends this day is truly painful, as their Father has since passed.  I hope that in their time of sorrow, they can remember a brighter day, that they shared with their Father having fun.  To every Father, Pop, Daddy or other name that you had for your Dad.   Happy Father's Day!  You may never get told enough, but you are loved very much, I hope that you know and feel it every day, not just today.  Love You Daddy!  XoXo  Your Little Girl 

Hogs 4 Hooters ~2011~

Early start this morning.  Up at 5 am making sure everything was ready to go for the event.  Got everyone ready to go and we got to the Days Inn in Conneaut at 8:30am.  At first it was just the family and a few other people.  Then one by one the bikers started to show up.  The thunderous sound of bikes.  Now, I am going to take you back to April.  Scott and Alicia Penniman came up with the idea of Hogs 4 Hooters, about the time I kicked off the sock hop.  Scott loves to ride his motorcycle and had been on poker runs before so he put the two ideas together and Wh-ala!  It turned out to be a nice day.  The weather held out and everyone seemed to have a great time! Here is a picture of my tent. Showing off all of the merchandise.  I took out a variety of things to sell.  I also took some of my gear out with me to share with people.  I would explain a little bit about them, like the Glow Bag and my Vibrams.  Hopefully, I will have some new people now following the blog as I talked to lots of people and handed out my cards.  I also have some exciting news to share, but it will have to wait till tomorrow as today has been a very long day.  Good Night Everyone & Thank you for coming out and showing your support! 

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Stew

Found this while I was looking for new clean eating recipes.  I love this stew! It is so easy to make and leaves me feeling satisfied.  I know that some might view this as more of a Fall/ Winter recipe.  However, I am a fan of eating what my taste buds call for, not waiting till a particular season to roll around. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Stew

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped 1 16-oz can black beans 1 16-oz can kidney beans 1 16-oz can corn (drained) 1 8-oz can tomato sauce 2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies 1 1.25-oz packet taco seasoning 1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

Mix everything together in a slow cooker except chicken. Lay chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. This is good eating with cheese, avocados, light sour cream, and a few tortilla chips.

Tips: I use 3/4 cup as a serving. If this recipe is too spicy for you, then substitute a can of diced tomatoes for one of the diced tomatoes w/chilies.  In the same regard, if it is not spicy enough for your taste, you can always add heat by adding different spices and peppers to kick up the heat.  I found using fresh tomatoes & corn cuts down on the salt.  You can still use caned versions, I would just suggest getting the low salt version or try rinsing all the caned items that you are using.  I also like to add light sour cream and cilantro to garnish with.

Number of Servings: 14

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 14
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 115.8

• Total Fat: 0.8 g
• Cholesterol: 7.9 mg
• Sodium: 782.8 mg
• Total Carbs: 17.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5.4 g
• Protein: 7.8 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Stew calories by ingredient

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user GINGERFISH. 

Just have to ...

Around here,
we don't look backwards
for very long...
We Keep Moving Forward.
Opening up new doors and
doing new things
because we're curious...
and curiosity keeps leading us
down new paths...
~*~ Walt Disney ~*~

I love this quote & today I decided to add something new into the mix, to keep things moving forward for me.  I have a Nordictrack Incline Trainer X3 that is Interactive.  So, yesterday I asked for a little motivation and today I got it.  I started Level 1, Lose Weight, Jillian Michaels Ifit.  Week 1, Day One.  Let me tell you, in 25 minutes and a touch short of a mile, Jillian had me sweating.  I couldn't believe it!  In between the incline changing and the speed, it was a good addition to my normal routine.  Tonight I will continue with my regular workout, but I will be adding in Jillian to challenge me and hopefully it will help me burn off more.  As most of you know, I workout by myself and I do not have a team.  On the 3-Day I do sometimes walk with my friends teams, but when I am training sometimes, I wish I had someone that was here to push me.  Once the Cleveland 3-Day is over, I will start either Turbo Fire or P90X.  My goal is by November's, 3-Day to have impressive before & after photo's to share with you.  

Till then just...

KEEPMOVINGFORWARD

XoXo

WANTED: a Motivator !

Sometimes we need a little more motivation than other times. Lately, I have been feeling like I need my buddy T-Rex as               ( Pictured above ^^^ ) to become my personal trainer.  Trying to eat healthy seems to be more of a chore than I thought.  From reading the labels to making sure I check off my 6 mini meals & drink enough water without feeling like I am drowning.  Yes, I am whining...( a little ).  I am finding that reading labels is getting a touch easier.  If I can't pronounce something on the label, I put it back.  Amazing how many things have made it to my do not eat this it, or it will end up on your hips list.  Every time I get the urge to eat something that I know I shouldn't, I keep reminding myself that I have a goal to meet. The chat goes something like this... Is whatever I am about to eat worth giving up all that I have done to this point ?  So far, the answer is NO...  So, we keep moving forward.  One step at a time, overcoming one hurdle at a time.  In a world of fast food, brightly packaged food, soda & candy at every check out isle, it makes it even more of a challenge to keep reminding myself that it takes work, dedication and a T-Rex of motivation to keep going.  

H20 ~ Not just for Drinking ...

Decided it was time for Tristin & Tyler to get some good old fashioned swimming lessons.  We trucked down to the YMCA in Madison, a little further of a drive, but worth every extra mile.  While the kids were taking their lessons, I was watching as they took delight in being around the other kids and getting in the water!  They were disappointed that it was only a 1/2 hour session, but I think it is just enough for kids their age.  Afterwards we went hunting for new things to put in our pantry.  After spending about 2 hours reading food labels and trying to find new things that we all agreed would be interesting to try.  If we couldn't pronounce the ingredients on the label we didn't buy it, we also looked for items that had no preservatives. Once we got home the kids helped to wash the fruits and veggies.  We pulled out the marinated chicken and then grilled it up on the Big Green Egg.  I steamed some broccoli, the kids decided on a romaine salad with light ranch dressing.  For "dessert" the kids had cottage cheese with fresh pineapple.  Got the kids off to bed and then got in 6 miles on the treadmill, adding that to the 6 miles I walked earlier today that puts me at 12 miles for the day... Starting to feel a little bit better, not having the cravings for the sweets or soda as much.  I have found as long as I keep eating the smaller 5 or 6 meals a day I don't have the urge to eat too much or snack on things that I know aren't good for me. Oh, and water, water, water...  I am drinking more water than I ever thought possible.  

Breaking in New Shoes ...

I can't believe that in 46 days I will be participating in my 3rd, 3-Day for the Cure and it will be the second time walking in Cleveland.  This year I will be walking in different shoes, I traded in my New Balance for Vibram Five Finger shoes.  I have really fallen in love with these shoes.  So much, that I called 35 stores looking for the specific style that I wanted for my second pair.  I ended up finding them in North Carolina, after some doing and a few phone calls they arrived at my door safe and sound today. (Huge Smile on my Face ) I took them out for a training walk and I am proud to say that no blisters to be had and we walked together for 5 miles our first time out.  "Komodo Sport" is the style I chose for my second pair.  They have a thicker tread on the bottom of the shoe and I am getting used to the higher back of the shoe.  There are other differences, but I just love how weightless they are and how I can feel the ground under my feet, while still being protected.  I highly suggest these shoes to anyone & everyone.  I have "sold' about 30 pairs of these shoes to people as I walk in mine.  I am a walling, talking billboard for them as I just say enough good things about them.  I have gone into shoe stores looking for them and as I talk to the sales people in the store and tell them about all the features and benefits while answering their questions.   I literarily sell them on the shoes.  By the time I leave people want the web site so they can buy them.  ( Just waiting on Vibram to pick me up as a sales rep. or become a sponsor for me doing the 3-Day events ).   ( Big Smile on my Face, Slight Cough & a Nudge ).   I wear mine with no socks, but I know they makes socks for the shoes if you wanted them.  So, from here till the day of the walk I will be working on breaking in these shoes.  Wonder where my feet will take me tomorrow?