Leaning tower of PANCAKES!

Well, I'm up :(  It's too early to be up on Sunday, but I have to leave for work at 7, so I have to suck it up and just enjoy it!  I decided I needed a reward for getting myself out of bed...Pancakes! :)  Spelt Healthy Pancakes from Angela at Ohsheglows.com are fluff and the recipe is for one!

Healthy Spelt Pancakes
1/2 C Spelt Flour
1 t cinnamon
tiny pinch of sea salt
1t baking powder
1/2 T Manitoba Harvest Hemp protein powder (optional)
1/2 C Almond milk

Mix together dry ingredients the night before.  In the morning just mix in the milk spoon onto medium hot griddle, use oil or non stick spray.

I added a mashed banana in between the pancakes.  They were soooo good!  And now I am ready for the day!
Have a good Sunday!

What a day!

Well it all started with a little green, then a run/walk then back home for Vegan Overnight Oats with some banana topping and raw almond butter, yum! 

Then it was off to get my oil changed and make a Whole Foods run...my last one that takes 25 minutes!! (Our new apartment is only a few miles away from it!) I needed to pick up some bananas and almond butter and pitas.  I found these pitas with carrot and lentil flour and some other stuff too.  Seven grams of protein! 
Then I went home to eat lunch and go get my hair cut.  I haven't had a hair cut in a while so I was looking a little like a disaster.  Then I went and got my eyebrows threaded.  I found this girl from Iran who does an amazing job.  Good brows always makes me smile :) 
Then I came home and started in on the project of the week....

 I knocked out the storage closet, living room and bathroom.  So just the kitchen and bedroom and we'll be well on our way outta here.
It was a very productive day, but I am EXHAUSTED!  Time for some dinner and a night of relaxing till Bryan comes home. 
I found out yesterday that I have to work at 7:30 am tomorrow.  YUCK!  But hopefully not too long, we are taking an upgrade on the system and we have to be there to test everything before Monday morning. 
Hope you had a wonderful Saturday!  

Goodness

Well it's official, I started packing!  Good thing I guess, since a week from today we are moving :)  It's exciting to start fresh in a new apartment with new carpet and a fireplace!! Wohoo!!  Bring on the Fall!!!  Hoping that this mini heat wave this weekend is the last of the 100s we see for this year! 
Today is going pretty well.  I had to train a cardiologist this morning, it's a very good lesson in patience and listening :)  It went well though.  Then Bryan is off and we are taking a trip to Whole Foods at lunch :) That makes me happy, I love to go there, very relaxing and I just feel good after I leave ...although my bank account can't always say the same!
This morning I had some Vegan Overnight Oats based on the recipe at http://www.ohsheglows.com/.

1/3 C. rolled oats
1 C Almond Milk (I'm sure you could use whatever kind you want)
2T Chia seeds (these make the oatmeal, they absorb all the liquid and really add a TON of good nutrients)
1T Hemp (I add this to pump up the protein)
1 banana mashed (small)
Cinnamon ( I add alot, I LOVE cinnamon)

Whisk all ingredients together, cover and put the the fridge over night.  If you really wanna get crazy, freeze a banana and then right before your ready to eat throw it in the food processor and blend till smooth.  Then layer that in between layers of the oatmeal.  I'm telling you it tastes like dessert for breakfast!

Hope you have a fabulous day!!

Refreshed

This morning it was so not hot, I couldn't contain my excitement!  It's been stifling here for just about forever.  even the nights stay in the high 90s so when you walk outside in the AM it's like hitting this wall of heat and humidity, not very energizing!  But today!  Today was fantastic, in the 70s and cloudy, haha that sounds depressing to read, but really it was great!  So great that I ventured out for a slow run.  It was nice, I felt like I was somewhere in October with the nice breeze, perfect weather!  Although soaking in the morning does have it's consequences, I got back from my run at 7 and I am supposed to be to work by 7:30...yeah didn't happen.  But it's ok, they survived without me :) 
Today feels like a fresh beginning for some reason.  You know that feeling in the fall when you are getting ready to go back to school and everything is new and clean, it's my favorite time of year and I do believe that today it is starting to peak through the blazing sunbeams of the summer. 
I was reminded this morning that God has a plan, I know it's pretty "Sunday school".  But today it seems to penetrate deeper, it's a real plan, nothing I do can mess that up.  I just need to seek God's wisdom and He will handle the details.  It's so freeing to think of.  We don't have to worry or stress or get anxious about anything.  Ahhhh if I could just hold onto this feeling forever!
Have a wonderful day!

CrAzY

Life has been a little crazy here in Oklahoma!  We are moving in a week and 3 days so we have to start packing up our lives and moving just a few miles to a cheaper, but nicer apartment :)  I cannot wait to get out of the second hand smoke zone!!  It's nauseating!  Fresh air here we come! 
This weekend was pretty low key, Bryan and his brother in law ran the 5k in some stinking hotness!  They did great tho!  Saturday I tried to run, but my pelvis didn't like that too much so I basically took a long walk.  Bryan worked and then after work we went to this Greek restaurant that I got a gift certificate from.  Had a delicious pita with hummus and some tabbouleh.  Reminds me of the good old days in Queens with the Greek music blaring right outside my window :) 
Sunday was pretty laid back went to church and took a nice long nap, which was good while it lasted, but then I woke up completely disoriented, I hate when that happens!
This morning I had another super yummy green smoothie, it really gives me the motivation to get up in the morning :):)  Had a good cross training workout and headed to work.
Well I have to go teach a computer class to some doctors...wish me luck!! :)  Have a great day!

Green and Go

Green Goodness :)

Well this morning it was a bit of a struggle to get out of bed, but I knew that I would feel better once I got moving.  I have been doing something new for my pre-workout meal.  Making a green smoothie.  It is sooooo good and gives me tons of energy.  Not to mention tons of other great stuff like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and not shabby on the calcum.  All that before breakfast :)



1 frozen banana
hemp protein powder (or any protein powder, really)
1 handful of fresh organic kale
a scoop of greens powder
a little water

Blend until smooth and Enjoy!

It sounds a little, well, green at first :)  But I am telling you it is good!  The banana adds alot of sweetness and texture.  There is also tons of other ideas at http://www.greenmonstermovement.com/ .  It's a great way to start your day! 
Well I am sitting here finishing up and actually kind of enjoying my peppermint tea :)  So I better get moving.
Have a great day!

an extreme makeover

This weekend was busy, but good.  Not what I really felt up to after the week I had, but I believe that God is doing some major renovations inside of me. I can see things changing in the way that I think and the needs that I have.   I went to the conference on Friday and Saturday, which was very challenging and refreshing.  Then church was good, some great reminders about being persistent and seeking God constantly.  I am feeling better too!  Today I did my normal cross training workout and lifted upper body. I did a little abs and then stretched big time.  I still feel tight, but I am definitely not feeling the pain that I did before.  I think I might switch up my training and do cross training 3 days a week and do an easy run and a short speed workout along with my long run, once I am back to 100%.  My body has never really liked 5 days of running a week, so I was probably not smart to think anything had changed!  I am so thankful to God for the encouragement of healing!  I also know that if I wasn't healed that He would have still taken care of me.  That's the lesson I do not want to forget! 
Otherwise things are going good.  Saturday I made toast quinoa.  It was SUPER easy.  Just mix quinoa, sunflower seeds and a touch of maple syrup.  Then bake it for about 15 minutes at 325, I think.  It's like a sweet protein treat!  Bryan loved it too :)  Sunday morning I continued our new tradition of having breakfast together, sitting down and just taking our time.  It was a really good time to reconnect and just rest.  I made some spelt pancakes topped with almond butter and mash bananas.  Delish!  I'm still forcing down the hot tea... trying to be a tea person...I guess it takes practice :)  Sunday night I made veggie burgers again, a little different than the first ones I tried and a little easier.  These had beans, (I used garbanzo cause I have a TON, but it called for black beans, anything would probably work)  oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder and Cayenne pepper.  You just blend everything, form patties and bake for 40 min.  They tasted really good, kind of a Moroccan feeling with the cinnamon and beans. 
Bryan works normal hours today! YEH :)  So I won't be asleep when he comes home and we could actually eat together! 
This coming weekend we are supposed to run a 5k with Bryan's brother in law.  Bryan isn't a hardcore cardio guy, so this has definitely stretched him, but he's really been pushing himself and doing great!  Bryan is definitely doing it, but we will have to see how I feel by then.

Going Beyond...

I have had a tough week, I have pretty much been stripped of every coping mechanism and am standing completely in God's hands.  Between not being able to run and having to rest in His plan for my life in the future.  Plus those little things, like Starbucks (yes you read right, I am proud to say I am in recovery 11 days now without a single drop!:) 
I went to the Going Beyond conference with Priscilla Shier.  It was a stretch for me, since I didn't really know anyone else going, other than a few women from my church.  It was an amazing time of just surrendering.  Just being still and watching God rearrange me and remind me that even in those times when I get hung up and anxious about the past and future, He is able to create something in me.  He is able to use me, as long as I am willing.  Talent and personality don't limit your usefulness to God.  It's amazingly freeing to watch other women be real about their struggles, but not only that.  It's so exciting to hear of how God can bring them through and above those things and make something great out of their life.  I pray that I don't leave this weekend unchanged.  I want to continue on this journey towards complete surrender and complete freedom. 

Looking up

Today is going much better.  I went to the chiropractor and he thinks it's unlikely that I fractured my pelvis again.  He says its probably from my sacroiliac joint not working properly and my back is very tight on the left side.  So hopefully with a little patience and $$, I'll be back in no time! Praise the Lord!! 

Struggling point of view

This morning was another difficult one.  My hip still is aching and my head is spinning.  Decided to hold off on cross training today.  If there is still pain, I don't wanna chance it.  I am praying so hard that it is nothing and that the rest will do me good. 
It's crazy how things like this can effect EVERYTHING.  It's like I am looking at the world through this constant state of struggle.  Nothing looks right.  It's definitely a choice that I have to make whether or not to let it bother me, but my mind is in a constant state of thinking, as usual.  One little thing can throw us off track, and it's really up to us to decide how we are going to approach it. 
I'm so goal oriented and when suddenly a goal is suddenly in limbo, it's like I have all this pent up energy and no outlet. 
Last night I made these seed crackers, they kind of remind me of Mary's Gone Crackers, if you've ever seen them.  They are a little less crackery, if that's a word?  But they weren't bad.  I tried to take some pictures of the process to post them, but I searched high and low and couldn't find the cable to download them from my camera :( So I'll have to keep looking. 
Today Bryan is off, I am SO jealous!  But it's Thursday at least!  This weekend I am helping out with the Going Beyond Conference with Priscilla Shier.  I kind of don't FEEL like going, but I am sure I won't regret it. 
Well I guess I better get back to work.  Have a great day!

Resting

Resting is an interesting concept.  It implys that you are stopping some activity and on the onset seems to be nonproductive at best, even detrimental at worst.  But I am learning otherwise.  Taking a step back can ironically be equal to taking a giant leap forward. 
I am taking a day off today from running and trying to relax and not let my mind wander with this sudden pain that started yesterday in my hip.  Its hard to understand if you aren't a runner, but it's like putting time, effort and heart into something and then not being sure you will be able to see the fruit of your work come about in the way you wanted it to.  This journey that running and exercise in general has taken me on has truly been life changing.  Although it may see superficial to some people, it's actually a very emotional and personal undertaking.  The ups and downs that come along with it can really be great metaphors for life and teach you how to react when you feel lazy or discouraged.  I am learning to stop and listen to my body more.  I tend to be reactive and emotional with my decisions and not make lifestyle choices intentionally. In yoga I hear so often about being intentional, focusing your mind on something.  While the new age ideas I dont agree with, intention is something that I need more of.  What is my intention for today?  What do I feel God wants me to do or is trying to teach me?  Stopping and really sitting still to wait for Him to lead is super hard, but I think that it will only make us more productive and happier in the end.
 I am praying that with some rest and additional crosstraining in my training plan God will allow me to still run in New York, but His plan is way beyond November.  We'll have to sit, wait and see.

Turn on the oven, stick your head in...Welcome to Tulsa!

Today has been a little rough, I'm not gonna lie.  It started with my hip hurting during my run this morning.  Ironic since I just confirmed all my stuff for the New York marathon.  Something like this happened two years ago before the marathon...think it was mostly mental last time, so I am hoping that is the case this time too...but will take it easy the next few days just in case. Then had one of those days at work...Got home through the blistering 104 degrees and the air conditioner wasn't working!!! ahhhh! Trying to relax and breathe!! :)  Let's hope for a better day tomorrow!

Made some vanilla overnight oats for Bry, with 1/3 c oats, 1.5 T Chia seeds, 1c almond milk, vanilla protein powder and 1/2 a banana mashed.  Put everything in a bowl, whisk together and cover.  Put in the fridge overnight and cross your fingers :)  Made mine with raspberries and carob instead of the banana and protein. 

Here's to snow, ice and Christmas!! Come quickly!!!

Monday Blues...Blue is a nice color though :)

So it's Monday, SUPER hot, supposed to be 105 today, and well, it's Monday.  Trying desperately to have a positive outlook, but the weekend is so faaaarrr. 
Ok, so I'm done complaining.  I had a pretty good morning so far.  Got up and spent some time reading the Bible.  Bryan and I are doing this year long plan for reading the entire Bible.  It's great to be able to read for myself so many things that I had forgotten, and be reminded of promises that help me throughout my day.  The other day I read Isaiah 44.  Verses 2 and 3 really caught my attention. "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I.  The Lord, the God of Israel that calls you by name."  Just a good reminder that not only is God with me right now. He is going before me and showing me things, hidden things, that only He can.  It's an exciting and powerful passage.
After that I headed to the gym for a easy run and to lift a little.  Then came to work and enjoyed my overnight oats that I made yesterday.  SOOOOO good!  You just throw all the ingredients together and put them in the fridge overnight.  I tried raspberries, blueberries and carob with some chia seeds.  Very filling too, although I did want to lick the bowl :) 
Yesterday we had a meeting after church with the other youth leaders to start helping out there.  Bryan and the new youth pastor have been meeting and talking about where Bryan could plug in.  They have come up with an idea for a leadership team for the the kids.  I will be helping too!  So I think it will be a great opportunity.  We are excited to see what God does through it all. 
Hope you have a great Monday :)