Can't a girl make up her mind?

I was told that it was hard to comment with the other layout, so I switched back to the old one, but I want it to be cleaner, so I got rid of a lot of the links, buttons etc on the sides.  I hope it will work better this way.  Besides, I like my little fit girl at the top!  I'm glad you are hanging in with me while I try to figure out what I want to do around here!

So, things are going along pretty good.  We are as rested as we can be, we have a bit of stress in our lives right now, so sleep is sometimes elusive.  I'm almost completely caught up on the laundry from our trip.  GEEZ, I didn't think we had that many clothes!!!  Office work is almost done, just have to pay the bills today and then I am done!


Workouts are going ok.  I am going to be starting Les Mills Pump when we get back from Houston.  I am really looking forward to it.  I did the Step workout yesterday and I really think I am going to LOVE this workout.  Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire has always been my "soul mate" workout, but I may have found a new one.....  I'll keep you posted.

 I am still wearing my fitbit ( which I absolutely LOVE) and working on getting my steps in everyday.  My goal is 10,000 steps and 10 flights of stairs every day.  When we were on vacation our goal was 20,000 steps.  We walked everywhere.  In fact, in 12 days, we walked 80 miles.  That is pretty darned good if you ask me!  Our feet were pretty tired at the end of each day!



The kids all came over for a Cajun feast on Sunday.  I made a vegan etouffee, beans and rice and we had Key Lime pie for dessert.  We brought that pie back from Key West, we weren't sure it was going to make it, but it did and it was quite yummy!



As soon as we get back, I have a couple of cookbooks to review and that will mean new recipes to try!  YAY!  I love that!  Hope you will be looking forward to it as well, it's been a while since I've posted some new recipes!

Rawesomely Vegan!  The Ultimate Raw Vegan Recipe Book by Mike Snyder and Easy Vegan Meals by SparkPeople by Stepfanie Romine.

Excited to check these out!

We have a pretty good challenge for the day today on my Missouri Fit Club facebook group page.  If you want to play along here it is:

Tuesday Tens! Workout for at least 30 mins. Then add in 10 of the following:

crunches or situps
pushups
stairs
burpees
jumping jacks
mountain climbers
and
bicep curls with at least 5 lbs.

Do this twice or if you are really crazy - 10 times!!!! 

We are pushing strong for the end of the month!

Let me know if the commenting is working properly again.  

Vacay Recap

Hey everyone!  We made it home safely last night, fell into bed and I slept like a baby!  We were both so tired from the hard day of driving!

We had a blast on our trip.  It all started when we went to Brian's parents 50th anniversary.  The next day we headed out to see what we could find to do.  We didn't have plans for 7 whole days, just deciding daily where to go and what to do. A little risky, but fun!  Then we would be in Key West for 5 glorious days!

The first day we drove to Arkansas to the Diamond Mine!  This is something we have been talking about doing for a while.  The kids were going to join us and then life happened and it didn't.  So, we decided to check it out.  I didn't find a diamond, but we had a good time and it is something that we want to do with the kids later!

It was cold, but bearable.  We bundled up and gave it our best effort!

We woke up to snow, didn't get quite far enough south, but drove out of it pretty quickly.  Next stop - New Orleans!  We had never been there, thought we'd check it out..... Booked our room for 2 nights, lots to see here.  (Funny aside - I asked the guy if we could stay 3 nights, he looked at me and said "Oh, honey... tomorrow starts Mardi Gras, you won't find a room for miles around).  So 2 nights it is.

We had a blast - walked the entire downtown area and explored and enjoyed.  Had some amazing food, good drinks and were exhausted!!!

After we left New Orleans, we took the ferry across the water and stayed the night in Panama City Beach!  We got there after dark, it rained HARD the next day, so there was a quick walk on the beach and we were out of there.  No photos.....  But, it was a nice stay.  The room was nice, the beach was even better and I got my feet in the sand.  Brian got in the water and was amazed at how cold it was.  54 degrees is pretty cool water!  He was freezing!

We drove most of the next day in the rain, finally decided to go to Siesta Key!  My dear friend, Denisa had been there and told us it was a can't miss.  She was right!  Talk about a wonderful beach!

There was no place to stay on Siesta Key, but we had a fantastic meal and time and then moved on to find somewhere to bed down for the night.  We found a place and the only room left was a suite, ok, if you are going to force me to stay here..... it wasn't the greatest room, but we were happy with it.  The only problem we had was that it was so stinkin' noisy.  It was on the first floor and I thought that was the reason.  We could hear people walking and talking on the sidewalk outside, we were woke up by the trash truck at 4:00 in the morning and could even hear the traffic from the road - quite a ways away.  We were prepared to complain and ask for some type of refund.  UNTIL..... Brian discovered that every window in the place was wide open.  We had no idea.  Brian was laughing so hard he couldn't hardly talk.  Trying to tell me what was funny was even more funny.  So no complaining from us, we were too stupid to know the windows were open.....

We decided to check out the other Keys.  Since we were staying in Key West, why not spend a couple of nights in the keys.  We can find out which one we like best this way.  Well, a long weekend and the Keys add up to not many rooms... I was afraid we were going to have to sleep in the car on the beach or something, but we found a GREAT room on Islamorada.  It was perfect.  The "beach" was beautiful.  Now, I say "beach" because the beaches there are different from what I was expecting.  They bring the sand in, they are small and we had a private beach just for our hotel.  We walked around and explored the town.

  Found a wonderful restaurant to eat at and enjoyed ourselves.  We got up and watched the sunrise - absolutely stunning.  I've already shared the photos, you've probably seen them and if not, just scroll down a little and you will see them.  Then we walked around the property and found some cute little friends.

Really colorful fish and the antenae you see sticking out are lobsters.  So cool!

Since rooms were pretty scarce on the Keys, we found one online for the next night and just booked it.  This was the only room that really sucked.  It was horrible.  But, beggars can't be choosy right?  However, the price we had to pay was unreal.

We were in Key West.  I've blogged about it quite a bit already, so read below if you haven't already to see all the fun times we had.

We loved every single minute of it!  I'm so glad we did this and now we are gearing up for the Fight of Our Lives.  I have created a separate page to explain what that means.  You can read about it if you want.  I don't want this page to become about that, I want it to stay the same.  So, head over there, it is listed at the top of this page, if you want to read about it.  I'll be blogging about that when I feel like sharing and have anything TO share.

Another day in paradise

Yesterday was Brian's birthday and he got to call the shots for the day.  We started off with a nice breakfast at the southernmost point!  This was our view as we were eating.  I'm thinking I could really get used to this!

Perfectly peaceful.

We started our walking and let me tell you, we have logged some miles this last week or so.  My feet are so tired at the end of everyday and I was surprised at how sore my legs were after touring the lighthouse, so yesterday was a bit of a challenge.  I ended up getting a new pair of shoes.  That really helped with my feet.  The legs just had to work themselves out!

 We toured the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and The Little White House, both were enjoyable, then we had lunch at the Cheeseburger Key West.  Brian just had to eat a cheeseburger..... I stuck with the fish :)

Had to make a stop at Sloppy Joe's - had a daiquri called Pain in the Ass.  Mix of pina colada and rum runner.  Good!

 Next stop was Mallory Square for sunset.  Saw a magic show, juggling with knives and a really tall unicycle.  It was really crowded and we didn't get to see much of the sunset this time around.

We had dinner at Amigo's (home of the square taco), couldn't miss that one.  I had the veggie taco and a fish taco ( I don't think I've ever eaten this much fish), Brian had a lobster taco and shrimp taco.  It was really good.

We went back to our place and rested a bit, then I remembered that I didn't get Brian something totally yummy for his birthday, so we headed out to see what we could find.  We were not disappointed.  Raspberry filled beignet.  Delish!

By this time, we were beat.  My feet were tired and Brian's were screaming ( he had 2 huge blisters on his feet from all the walking).  We called it a night, got in the hot tub and then got to face time with Mads.

All in all, a pretty good day!

Beautiful day from start to finish

We are on vacation.  In Paradise!  I'm so glad the kids are housesitting and taking care of our business for us so that we could be in paradise!  Thanks guys, I'll get you a t-shirt or something....

How about this for a start to your morning, how could this not make you happy?

Good Morning!

Then we have been busy exploring the island and having so much fun. We have walked and walked and walked.....  9 miles yesterday.

 We went and walked at Smathers Beach

 Had some fresh coconut water - YUM!  So refreshing....

 Lunch at Hog's Breath Saloon - can't miss that!  Had ceviche - it was delish!

Watched the sunset at the top of La Concha.  Absolutely stunning.  The crowd applauded.  Perfect show!

Off to see what today brings, we are having a bit of a lazy morning today.  That's okay, my feet and shins are still tired from yesterday.  :) 

Enjoy your day!

50 years!

Last night we celebrated Bill and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary.

We had a blast and I love it when the whole family gets together!  Nothing better for me!

 How is it that I didn't get a good photo of Stephanie and Cassie, must have been too focused on the kids.  Sorry girls!!  The kids had a blast running around and hiding under the table - it was covered with a grass skirt and made a perfect hiding place!  I think we all enjoyed Brian's recollections of Bill and Judy always having one eye on them between them and Judy's famous good morning song!  Bill told the story of RAGS!  He loves that one!!   I hope that they will continue to enjoy a wonderful married life for many more years to come!  Such a wonderful legacy to pass on to the future generations!

If you find a shoe on a shelf

it is bound to cause you to ask questions and make you remember stories.

Mostly you will wonder why it is there, and who put it there.  How long has it been there?  A while evidently.  I posted yesterday about the shoe on the shelf.  It's been there for a few years ( maybe 3).  I guess you can tell I don't dust up there very often....  but I digress.  This isn't about my cleaning abilities, or lack thereof.

When we celebrated Nick's birthday last week, we talked about the shoe AGAIN.  It all starts when someone notices it. 

 Nick: Mom, you still haven't taken the shoe down? 
Me: I always forget about it until we all sit down here.  I don't know who put that up there, fess up, who did it?
Chase:  Whose shoe is it anyway?
Jake:  I think it's dad's
Dad:  I don't think it is mine
Nick:  Does it have your special insert in it?
Dad:  No, those are in the shoes I wear every day.
Jake:  I'm going to see what size it is
Jake:  It's an 11 1/2. Who wears that size?
No one answers.
Chase:  Jake must have put it up there, he's the only one that can reach it.
Dad:  Chase, isn't that your shoe award for running cross country
Chase:  No, I didn't win that award and it's not some old dirty shoe
Nick:  I won that award, that isn't it.  Remember, it was the shoe that Coach spray painted gold and mounted on the board.
Dad:  How could I forget Coach.
LOTS of laughter from everyone.
Meredith:  Why did he spray paint a shoe gold and mount it on a board?
Chase:  It was the Golden Shoe Award, it had some special meaning, maybe the most improved runner, can't remember.
Dad:  Remember how he used to talk and smack his hand at those award ceremonies that went on forever?
Chase:  I remember him talking about what to do if you had to go to the bathroom while you were running.  ( In a funny voice), Just go ahead and go in your pants. 
Mom:  NO!  He did not tell you to crap your pants while you were running
Chase and Nick:  YES he did!
Jake:  I had him for class and all I remember is him telling the whole class  (in the same funny voice) Don't put tic tacs in the floppy drive.
Mom:  What?
Jake: someone shoved a whole thing of tic tacs in the floppy drive of the computer and he had to pick them out, he wasn't very happy about it.
Mom:  I'm glad you got something out of the class
Nick:  I just remember him not caring about walking around naked after practice.
Mom:  That probably wouldn't fly so much today
Dad:  That is something I would not want to see
EVERYONE:  me either.
Lots of laughter.
Lauren:  Wonder whose shoe that is.....

The shoe is still on the shelf.  I don't think I'll ever take it down.

Anything but normal....

It's been a while since I've been here.  Lots going on, Nick's birthday, dr visits, my parents barn burned down and several of their sheep were killed in the fire, and just life in general. 

To catch you up: 

Nick turned 23, we had a big birthday party, cake and all the fixin's!  For each birthday I let the birthday person pick their favorite meal and cake. Then I fix it for them and we have a big family get together!  I think it's the best part of the day!

Everytime we have a family dinner and sit in the dining room ( this room doesn't get used much at our house), we have a conversation about the shoe on the shelf.   This will have to be another blog post (soon, I promise!)

Madelyn and Bumpy have come up with a new name for me.  I am now either NonaRitz or Noni Macaroni.  So, I will answer to either if you see me around!  But, you have to laugh your head off when you say it!!

I am offering a workout cardio class at OCC at 3 PM CT on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I'd love to have you join me.  (FYI - I won't be there today, sorry have an appointment!)

My X2 workouts are going well, we are staying in Phase 1 a little longer, just don't feel that I am ready to move on.

My skin is looking great and I'm loving the Nerium.  Remember, if you are local and would like to experience Nerium for 5 days, just get in touch with me (email or phone or facebook).  You will LOVE it too!

My mom called me on Tuesday and told me that their barn was on fire, many of the sheep were trapped inside.  Dad had tried to go in and rescue them, but the propane tank exploded while he was in there and thankfully, she wouldn't let him go back in.  They are devastated.  It is so sad.  8 fire departments came and many of their friends and townspeople came to help.  I am so thankful that they weren't hurt and that they were able to keep the house from catching fire.  27 years ago, their house burned and I truly believe one major fire per lifetime is more than enough.  My parents have always been generous and allowed the local FFA and 4-H kids keep their animals on their farm if they didn't have a place of their own.  Many of the sheep killed belonged to these kids.  It is so sad.  They are thinking the fire was caused by a heat lamp ( to keep the babies warm) falling, shorting out or exploding.  So sad.

The OKC news came and interviewed several of the kids and my dad.  (just for the record, my dad's name is Dan, not Ed.) 

Watch the video here.

I thought I had lost my camera, but I found it yesterday.  My brain has been so scattered lately, I'm surprised I can remember anything.  So, I will have more photos soon!

We've started a new Feb Challenge.  If you want to participate, let me know, you can either join in the group on facebook or I can add you to the email list.

Oh and I have committed to 2, yes TWO 5K's.  One in March and one in May.  Have I ever mentioned that I hate to run?  I think I really may have lost my mind...... 

So, not a lot going on here, yet again so much going on.  I'm sure it is the same for you! 

My goal for Feb is to do a better job of posting here.  Hang with me, I'll be back to normal soon, I hope!