Check It Off the To-Do List!

I've said it once, and I'll say it again...my sister rocks.

I'm a pretty independent person, but there are some things I just can't get accomplished on my own.  This weekend, I really wanted to get a couple of just such things checked off my to-do list, so Ashley was kind enough to come over and give me a helping hand.

This was the state of my living room as of yesterday morning.  Pretty boring.  I'm hosting a baby shower for my good friend in a couple of weeks, and I wanted to pretty this place up!  Plus, the art I got for Christmas has been sitting on my floor for two months now...time to put 'er up!

The spacing was complicated, which is where Ashley came in.  She helped eyeball it...

...and was great at helping me remember numbers as I measured. :)

I am loving the finished product!  (Sorry for the glare...working on learning to take pics with the new phone.)  So far, they have not fallen off the wall.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thanks again for the help, sis!  I am one lucky girl.

Did anyone knock some good stuff off the to-do list this weekend?

Defeated....

While I am in no way, shape or form, by any means a PROFESSIONAL photographer, I give it my all behind the lens.  My mind is always working on ways to take the ordinary shot and make it into something that everyone wants to see.  I have found that some of my favorite shots have been candid photos of children doing what they do naturally...PLAY!

When given the chance to photograph some family portraits yesterday I can honestly say it was my first (while I'm sure not my last) time feeling absolutely defeated by the camera.  How an object that can't acknowledge me in any way could seem to cover my whole day with this tiny dark cloud...I do not know.  But I didn't seem to get a single good shot and just couldn't get the right angle or the right position being either zoomed in or zoomed out.  I wouldn't call it a failed attempt, but certainly not what I had hoped would come out of the opportunity. 

To reassure myself that I'm not the only one in the world who has walked away from the chance to give a family some memories through photography...I have looked up some quotes I'd like to share.

I found them here...

“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it." - Ansel Adams

“ Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." – Henri Cartier-Bresson

Maybe just random photography IS what I should go for... however setting a goal may get me a little further into this hobby... one last quote of goal-setting inspiration...

“ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper." – William Albert Allard

So there you have it... on my journey to probing deeper and taking that shot that no one else can!

Amy's Photo Challenge result:

 

Challenge:  A photo of something people would think I'm weird for laughing at...

It's no secret to anyone that knows him... Matt is an avid sports fan.  He loves every sport, but football is his favorite.  Even though we don't live in Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers are by far his favorite sports team of all time.  A few weeks back when they lost the game resulting in the end of their season, Matt watched in the position he is in this photo.  Amy and I thought it was funny how he sat like this for the majority of the game so I decided to jump in the photo and mimic him.  This photo kind of sums us up...I, really could care less about sports (except hockey), and he is my total opposite. 


For next week's challenge: Something that reminds you of high school.

Until next time....How do you overcome the feeling of defeat? 

5K on the Way

My cousin and I are running a 5K this weekend, and I'm really excited about it.  I'm surprised I'm not dreading it, however, because my good ol' shin splints have returned and I know I am not going to PR at this race (seeing as I'm only allowing myself to run a few miles this week to avoid some serious shin pain). 

And, *gasp*, I'm OK with that.

So, I thought today would be a good time to reflect on why 5K racing is awesome, regardless of the time.

1. I always run a 5k with a buddy (whether we run together or not), and running buddies are awesome.

2. They are short enough for my family to come and watch without getting terribly bored.

3. Races feel a little like a carnival, and there are always interesting people around.  Without the super-nerves of a half marathon, you can really enjoy the atmosphere, and the run, with all the cool people.

4. You have enough energy at the end to blast past some people...sorry!  :)

Can't really count this as blasting past...she let me beat her.

5. Even without a PR, it's fun to track your time, set goals, and compare with past races.

There is a chance of light snow on race day, which won't be good for my time, but I'm aiming for faster than 28:30, which would be my second fastest 5K.  We'll see if the shin splints and Mother Nature agree.  I have been pretty leary of setting a time goal for myself, as I don't want to be disappointed, but I still want to push myself.  I'm definitely a person who is afraid to fail.

Do you pressure yourself to meet goals?  Any races coming up?

Resolutions Update

Can you believe it's already the end of January!  It seems like just yesterday we were posting about our 2012 goals/resolutions.  Being a month into the year, we thought it would a good idea to update on the goals we set...also to help remind and motivate us!

Amy's up first...

1. Actually complete either my workout room or my office.  No progress made on this one so far.  It's on the financial to-do list for March, after I throw my friend's baby shower and hopefully pay off a student loan.

2. Start a retirement savings account.  Again, no progress.  This one will pop up after the office is finished.

3. Run a sub-2:00 half marathon.  Starting to get nervous about this one, but I know it's too early for nerves.  The shin splints are back, and I'm not sure what it's going to do to my training (I've got my eyes on a May race, so would need to start training fairly soon).

4. Run a race in every season.  So far, so good...sort of.  I'm signed up for a Superbowl Shuffle 5K next weekend.  After that, planning on talking to the doctor about the evil shin splints, and then running a half in May.  Just haven't signed up yet.

Both of our teams are out this year...may as well run before the Superbowl (and then go eat some wings, obviously)!

5. Go meatless one day per week. Check. So far, so good!

Resolution: To spend more time appreciating what I have than worrying about what I don't.  I have my good days and bad days...but most are good.  Glad for the reminder though!

And Ashley...

Goals:
1.  Finish painting my house:  No progress made on this yet, being our house is new construction it had to be looked over and any issues with the construction had to be fixed by the builder... that took MUCH longer than planned and the work was only sub-par to me so we are currently fighting to have the work re-done...this time BETTER!  Paint will come soon after.

2.  Establish a workout routine that I look forward to following:  So far I've been seeing what is out there...  I've been able to get out for a few long walks that made me feel good about myself and I plan on trying to start the "Couch to 5K plan" found here.  I feel it is worth a try but I'm not going to hurt myself if I discover I'm just not a runner.

3.  Organize my life:  Working super hard on this and so far so good!! Very proud of myself.

and my resolution- To get in touch with old friends.    I haven't gotten in touch with many old friends YET, but I have tried to see the positive in people even if they aren't or have never been my friend.






How are you doing on your 2012 goals/resolutions?

The start of a hobby.

    I thought I would use this blog entry to share some special photos I've taken.  I have come across letter photography at a few craft shows that I was at this past craft season and one show last year; I thought it was so cool.   So this year I wanted to personalize a gift for Christmas, but I just couldn't find photographed letters that I liked enough to put them together into a wall hanging.  Instead, I took out my own camera and took some letter pictures of my own.  I have only one or two shots of just a few letters of the alphabet, but it's a start!  Here is some of my work...

*Please do NOT copy or reuse or erase the watermark on any of my photos without permission*

  

...and the photo responding to my challenge from Amy: 

Challenge was -Something I am proud of

The Chevrolet symbol on the wheel of my car.  I am VERY proud of my car that I bought on my own shortly after graduating college. 

Alrighty, sis...here is my challenge for this week:  Take a photo of something that people would probably think you were weird for laughing at.

Oh, Oatmeal

I am trying to eat healthy these days...not necessarily to lose weight, but because I like the way I feel when I do.  I have always been a HUGE fan of breakfast--I would eat it for every meal of the day.  My mom was asking me for some breakfast ideas the other day (she is a toast and yogurt eater, which SO would not do it for me), so I thought I'd do a post of some of the healthy breakfasts that I have been loving lately.

I am a sweet breakfast sort of girl, and it has to hold me over for the morning.  If I get too hungry before lunch, it throws off my whole day.

Ashley and her husband always make fun of me for loving oatmeal...so prepare yourself for several of those.

Giant bowl of oatmeal stumbled upon while walking through NYC...obvious photo-op.

So here are some of my fav's, in no particular order:

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oatmeal from Get Healthy with Heather

My teaching schedule requires me to get up super early, so making breakfast is not in the cards.  I pretty much love all things PB/banana, and I like my oatmeal a little on the thicker side, so I love this one!

Oatmeal Protein Pancake from Carrots 'n Cake

I don't make it with protein powder, as I think it makes it a little too tough.  Instead, I top it with PB and banana...mmm.  I make it the night before and toss it in the fridge.

Pumpkin Protein Frosting from Healthy Diva Eats

I totally did not expect to like this, but it is amazing.  Pretty much the first thing I make with leftover pumpkin.  I put some on a banana or waffle.

Breakfast Cookie from The Fitnessista

Another awesome overnight breakfast.  I make mine with dried cranberries in it (tried pumpkin, but it made it too soft).  I usually top it with some--you guessed it--banana.

Flax Crusted French Toast from Carrots 'n Cake

Tina pretty much rocks at breakfast ideas.  This is one of my favorite weekend breakfasts.  Who can guess what I top it with?

Apple Pie Oatmeal from Oh She Glows

This is my absolute favorite oatmeal recipe.  For awhile, I was making it every weekend.  It makes my house smell awesome for hours.  No PB or banana here...shocking!

Post-wedding brunch...my favorite part of their big day.  (haha...jk sis!)

I'm always on the lookout for new breakfast ideas.  Pass along your favorite!

20 Questions

I've seen this survey pop up on several of my favorite blogs this week, so I figured we might as well jump on in!

1) What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday?

Amy: Lunch and shopping with my mom/sister
Ashley: Spending time with my mom and/or Amy or just relaxing with Matt.

2) List your top three favorite TV shows.

Amy: Glee, The Office, Biggest Loser
Ashley: Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Say Yes to the Dress


3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them?

Amy: It sounds kind of vain to say that I would rather be in them, but I'm not a big photographer, and so the alternative is my only choice.
Ashley:Take them for sure!


4) Why do you blog?

Amy: I really love to write, always have...and this gives me a great excuse to write WITH one of my favorite people!

Ashley: I'd give the same answer as Amy but I'd also add because it's an easy way to make sure we document memories.  It's sad that so many years have gone by with out documented memories.


5) Share five websites that you visit regularly…

Amy: Facebook, Hotmail, AOL, my Google Reader, and Pinterest.
Ashley: Facebook, Pinterest, Yahoo, Target, and of course Blogger!


6) If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be?

We don't have Twitter!  It's definitely on our list of things to do...


7) List a few of your favorite snacks.

Amy: Basically anything involving PB and banana, cereal, or a bagel if I'm feeling mischievous. 
Ashley: I'm not much of a snacker...but when I do I favor granola or crackers


8 ) Do you have a pet? If so, what kind?

Amy: Nope...but definitely thinking about a dog.
Ashley:  Same as Amy! 

9) Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without?

Amy: My phone, my computer, and my car (lame answer...probably the same for lots of people)
Ashley: I'd say my phone, my computer and my camera.


10) What’s your favorite drink?

Amy: Lately I am sooo into iced coffee with vanilla almond milk...mmmm
Ashley: I'd have to say Water...I don't like juice and am not a fan of many other things either.



11) Do you enjoy cooking?

Amy: Love it...just wish I had a little more time for it...and someone to clean up after I'm done.  :)
Ashley:  I enjoy it and but I'm still learning.

12) Do you have children?

Amy: Nope...unless you count the 160 I keep track of at work.  :)
Ashley: Nope


13) What are your favorite hobbies?

Amy: Running, reading, blogging, and crafts.
Ashley: Writing, reading, crafts, photography


14) Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?

Amy: I'd say I'm a little more on the shy-ish side.  Although I am quite outgoing with people I'm comfortable around.
Ashley: I'm on the shy side, very rarely like to venture out of my comfort zone.


15) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?

Amy: I would worry less and be a little less stuck in my routines.
Ashley:  I need to learn to stop sweating the small stuff... if I can't change it don't worry about it.

16) Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Amy: Not sure why, but I LOVE Michael Douglas...and I'm a big fan of Jon Krasinski (did I spell that right?) from The Office.

Ashley: I'm not sure I really have one.  Although I do like movies with Julia Roberts and George Clooney.


17) What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this week?

Amy: Either threw an ice cream party for some of my students, or helped celebrate my Grandpa's 85th birthday.

Ashley: I think through the eyes of a 2 year old and 6 month old I do "cool" things often but I'd say the best thing for me was the celebration of my Grandpa's 85th, that was special to me.


18) Do you live near your family or far from them?

Amy: I have run to Ashley's house before...so we're quite close, and my parents are only about 10-15 minutes away.

Ashley: Same as Amy's answer except I have never run to her house before and I'm about 20 minutes from my parents and about 1/2 hour from Matts.


19) List three of your talents.

Amy: Singing (although I don't let people hear it anymore), making a 3-leaf clover with my tongue (yep, I'm that awesome), and catching things that fall out of the cabinet (but I never get to do it when someone is there to marvel at my skills...haha).

Ashley: Writing Poetry, Off the wall ideas that contribute to my creativity and I'd say teaching children, not really a talent but I am finding it hard to answer this question.


20) What is your greatest attribute?

Amy: I have surprised myself at my ability to make something difficult into something I can be proud of.

Ashley: My level of patience with situations that many other people can't be patient with.