Friday, October 28, 2011

Dana's BIG adventure!

I got up yesterday morning, got myself going and went about my morning routine, nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, I was planning for a party that evening, so I did some cleaning and then left for my monthly massage.  I had a busy day planned, but it was out of the ordinary at all.

After my massage, I ran by the store to get a few things for the party and then headed over to Brian's office.  I was going to pick out the cabinets and stain color for the house we are re-building on 17th St.  Our friend is going to move in there as soon as it is done and I wanted her to go with me to give her input on the cabinets.  She works with Brian at Pro 100...

So off we went to check out the cabinets.  I wasn't familiar with the location of the cabinet shop, but hat was okay - I had the garmin.  Little did I know that she would take us down the wrong road.

We turned exactly as she told us and came to a dead end area - the road was missing a huge chunk.  Now, we were in the Jeep, it does have 4 wheel drive and there were tire tracks that showed me that other people had climbed the innocent looking dirt pile to the side of the road. 

Little did I know that if I would've turned around and gone another few blocks there was a brand new road that came right where we needed to be!  Things would've gone completely different if I had known that.

So, over the little dirt pile I go and promptly get stuck.



 I look at Judy and tell her that I think we are high-centered.  I tired 4 wheel drive high and low, going in reverse and forward, turning my wheels right and left. I pushed and Judy drove, Judy drove and I pushed.  Nothing.  I HAD to pick up the phone and call Brian.  This was not going to be good, however, Judy and I could NOT stop laughing.....

He picks up the phone and I tell him, you are going to have to come and get us, I am stuck.  He has a FEW words for me.  I won't repeat them here in case little ears are listening.  But, he said he was on his way.  Now, I think he is understanding that I am HIGH-CENTERED.  The Jeep isn't going anywhere.  get it?  He didn't.  He and a buddy from work show up in a PRIUS.  Danny has his coffee mug, so he can really understand the situation.  I told Judy, we are in trouble here they come - in the Prius.  Not sure how that is going to help. 

Brian tells me to get out of the jeep, he needs to try everything I have already done.....  Danny needs to take photos and then had assessed the situation at this point and decides that a fulcrum will work. He gets a piece of steel and a rock and proceeds to try and pry the front of the Jeep up and Brian is going in reverse.  Not happening, hot stuff....

Brian thinks it needs more weight in the back, Judy and I hop in the back and Danny stands on the back of the Jeep.  Nope.  Not working either.

So, Brian decides that since we are now late for our appointment with the cabinet people, we should just head on over there and then we will deal with the Jeep.  The first words out of his mouth at the cabinet shop is "Do you have a tow strap and a truck?"  I think he finally got it.....

They did and Judy, Danny and I picked out the cabinets, Brian and the cabinet guy took off to get the Jeep.  Thank goodness it worked after  all. 

I am sure that I am the laughing stock of Pro 100 and maybe here, but I'm okay with that.  We've taken the Jeep on a level 5 trail in  Colorado and I get the darned thing stuck 2 feet off the pavement....

Funny thing is I just burst out laughing at random moments now just thinking about it!  It was a BIG day!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A week of highlights!

It's been a week!  I've been feeling a little under the weather, but I've been productive.  I'm glad that I have my nutrition in place so that when I do feel sick, it's not nearly as bad as some people!

These are the highlights from this week:

Went to see Brad Garrett in concert.  It was a small, intimate venue and he was funny, but vulgar.  I knew this going into the show, so I wasn't surprised.  Photo is a bit blurry, but I got one of Brian and I before the show started.

 My friend, Robin came over on Monday.  She needed a wig for a party this week and we had fun playing around with them.  Funnily enough, she chose the green one that neither of us have on!

 As you know, we lost 3 houses in the tornado.  We are working on rebuilding and the house is coming along quite nicely.  I'm going tomorrow to pick out the cabinets and the stain for them and the doors and trim....  So exciting to see the neighborhood coming back!

Madelyn came over today - she was as adorable as usual.  Her little personality is coming out - she never stops talking and I mean NEVER!

I didn't get a photo of her today but I love this one of her with one of the 'big punkins' from our pumpkin patch at the lake. 

I got the new camera a couple of months ago and I just didn't like it at all.  So, I had some points on my credit card and I used them to get another new camera and I have to say.  I am so happy I did that!  It really makes a difference when you have a good camera!

Tomorrow is my Real Results party and I'll be posting on Friday about my new Beachbody Challenge group!  You will NOT want to miss out on that one!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

It's been a while

I've been MIA and I apologize for that.  I think after the wedding, I just needed a break.  So, I took one.

I've been in a funk for a while now and just trying to pull myself out of it.  Workouts have been sporadic, eating hasn't been top-notch and I've been so disorganized and scatter-brained.  So, I'm working on getting my mojo back!



I scrapped the slim in 6 workout routine.  I need more variety.  I'm going to do a Slim in 6/Body Gospel routine for the rest of the month and see how that goes for me.  I know how effective Slim in 6 is, but I don't do well doing the same thing over and over every day, and Body Gospel just gets me in the right frame of mind each morning and it is fun!




We've had Mads each week and she is just so much fun!  She is Miss 20 Questions, never stops talking and while I enjoy that, sometimes it is a bit overwhelming.

She decided to take a little break yesterday - this cracked me up!

She has a mind of her own....



Last weekend, I had a family girls weekend. We didn't do a darned thing, but eat, read and relax.  Some interesting conversations, some fun beauty treatments and just a LOT of fun!  I didn't even break out my camera one time.  We kept saying we needed to take some photos, but it just didn't happen.  Our only goal was that it was a stress free weekend.  We managed to make that happen.

This week has been a whirlwind and I can't believe that it is already Thursday.  It has flown by! 

I am trying out a few new looks for the blog, if you have a preference, let me know.  Trying to clean it up some!  But in the meantime it looks like I lost my header and background. Gonna have to call in the blog squad!

Also, I'd appreciate any feedback about what you'd like to see on the blog.  I've been at a loss for words lately, not sure what to talk about - If there is a topic you'd like to see, please let me know.

Thank you all for hanging in there with me!  I truly appreciate each and every one of you!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Back to Basics

I had been doing TurboFire for so long and I decided to go back to a new routine.    Don't get me wrong, I love TF, but I wasn't seeing the results anymore, so I went back to an old friend....Slim in 6.  I've never made it through a full 6 weeks of Slim in 6.  I think it is the most effective workout for women, but it is a bit boring to me.  So, since I have the newer version, and I've committed to sticking with it for 4 weeks and then see how it goes.



I've been really sore, and I'm on my second week.  So, I am on my way!  Go Me!!!



It has caused me to really think about the way that I was working out.  I thought if I didn't go balls to the wall all the time, I wouldn't get the results I wanted.  Toning, weight loss and inches lost is what I was looking for.  I would push myself as hard as I could most days and then I would be a little burned out....  take a few days off, then go again as hard as I could!  I was having a few issues, mostly with my foot and I was in pain.  This has made me think that I can get results without having to beat myself up, so that is why I chose Slim in 6.  So, my joints are a little happier, my foot is happier and that makes me happier :)

I'm continuing with my Shakeology as usual, my challenge to myself for the month of October is to eat more salads.  My goal is one per day. Shake and Salad.  So far, I've made it.....

Me and Darin Olien, one of the creators of Shakeology

I still have the Facebook Book Club if anyone is interested in joining us.  We are focusing on the free/reduced price books for the kindle and nook.  You don't have to have an e-reader to join in, the apps are free for your computer or smart phone.

Just drop me a note by email or facebook or twitter if you want to be involved.  We have read some great books and found some really amazing authors that I probably wouldn't have read. 

If you have a kindle or nook, you have to check out Pixel of Ink on their website or  facebook.  They keep track of the new free/bargain books and it makes it so easy!

We have a fast readers group and we read several books per month and we have a one book a month group.  You can choose which ones you want to participate in.  After everyone is finished with a book, we discuss it.  It's fun!

We'd love to have you join us!





Sunday, October 9, 2011

A few of my favorite things.....

It's been a while since I've shared some of my favorite things.  So, I think it's high time to chat about them....

I can't do a blog post about my favorite things without mentioning my vita-mix.  I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY!  I usually take it with me everywhere I go.  This weekend, we went to the lake and I didn't take it, I missed it.  My shakeology wasn't as good, my soup wasn't as good.  I'm spoiled and I know it!



I also love my fitbit.  I love that the website is free, I love that it clips to my bra and no one can see it do it's thing.  They have a new one out - the Fitbit Ultra.  The difference with the new one is that it will count your climb.  It has a clock on it too.  As cool as it sounds ( I am a gadget junkie), I will stick with my old one for now.  It is working fine and I don't NEED the extra stuff right now. Right?



I just got a clarisonic and am LOVING it!  It is taking my skin care routine to a new level. 

Speaking of skin care, I LOVE Nerium AD.    I am getting really great results with it.  Check it out for sure!  Lightening my age spots and wrinkles are disappearing!  YAY!



I got the new Urban Decay Naked eye shadow palette and it is certainly one of my favorite things these days as well as Korres makeup.


My Brooks sneakers are a Godsend! My plantar fasciitis is doing so much better since I got them! If you are local, be sure to check out The Run Around for the best shoes and best service!




I've been drinking Coconut Water lately and it is helping me to stay hydrated and I'm enjoying it.  I picked up the Zico Chocolate flavored one at Whole Foods this weekend.  Haven't tried it yet, I'll let you know how it is -

 speaking of chocolate - Chocolate Shakeology is da bomb.com!!  Refer back to the vita-mix to get the best shake ever!!!



These are a few of my favorite things..... I have many more, but that is enough for now.  What are your favorite things right now?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

It's better on a stick!

So, we've been at Tulsa....  to the state fair!


 I was amazed at all the food.  Everything is served deep fried and on a stick.  You name it, they had it.  Deep fried kool-aid, deep fried cheesecake, deep fried pizza, good grief I could go on and on and on.  But, I won't....





No wonder this country has such a problem with obesity.  But, never fear.  I found ONE place that served somewhat healthier and vegetarian options!  YAY!!  I can eat!!!

I chose the spinach and black bean bodacious burrito.  It was monstrous, but delicious.  I got it without cheese and it was perfect!  We sat down and across from me was a woman eating deep fried cheese on a stick and her sister and gone to get the deep fried cheesecake.  I can feel her arteries clogging....

After we ate, we took Madelyn to see the dog show.  She loved it, laughed and clapped through the whole thing and was still talking about it last night.

  We watched Devin show his sheep and then wandered around some more until we had had all the fun we could have!  It was a great day.



But, when we got home, I felt out of place not eating off a stick, so for Lauren's birthday dinner, I made CAKE POPS!


Everyone enjoyed them, they were a lot of work, but fun to make.  I need to find a better recipe for the icing, but it was a learning process since it was my first time!

We had a great time celebrating with Lauren, Madelyn sang happy birthday - Lauren opened her presents, but the best part was we were all together!


Sunday, October 2, 2011

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Finally got my new computer up and running.  I haven't gotten the info transferred from the old one yet, but hoping to get it done this week.  Since I only have half a screen that I can see, I am going to have my computer guy do it.  So, it looks like another trip to Springfield is in order, darn the luck :)

Friday, I met my aunt in Tulsa and we had a girls day out!  We shopped, we ate and we had fun!  It's been a while since we were able to spend time together.  It was just what I needed.

Yesterday was a bit of a lazy day.  I got some work done around the house and then Brian and I just hung out.  We did go out for dinner.  We tried the new Pacific Rim restaurant and loved it.  I especially loved the mongolian BBQ.  This way I know I am getting what I want to eat!!  Stir fry veggies and tofu!  Tasty!!



Today we are headed to the Tulsa State Fair.  My nephew is showing his sheep and we are meeting up with Mom and Dad!  Chase, Meredith and Miss Madelyn are going with us.  It's sure to be a good time.  I may break down and eat a funnel cake.......

Nick and Lauren get home from their honeymoon today and I can NOT wait to see them. 

Today is also Lauren's birthday!  Happy Birthday to my daughter-in-law!!!



Off to have some fun and see what today brings.  Hope you can find some joy in your day today as well!