An Odd Phenomenon.

When I was in New York City, back in April, I noticed something very strange.  I don't know why this is happening and I think it's crazy.  Bear with me now, but why on Earth are women walking around in workout clothes... all over the city... shopping... riding the subway, etc.

Because you and me both know that they are not actually working out, not while holding their dog in their arms.  I am pretty sure they know it too.  Now, as someone that goes to the gym frequently, I know there are the women that dress so you notice them and who do like to wear their workout gear to be seen beyond the gym.  But, the rest of us women don't do that and we get in and out of the gym and then go home and shower and put real clothes on.  We don't go to the grocery in sweaty nasty smelling workout outfits.  It's just not going to happen.

Look it's not just the women in NYC.. it seems the stars in L.A. find it glamourous as well....

I did not take these photos.  They're from the girls website or something like that.

I don't get it.

I.  Do.  Not.  Get.  It.

Not one little bit.

No not even an ounce of understanding.

Can someone please tell me why this is happening?

Chewy Cake

For some reason, whenever I catch a Paula Deen show on the Food Network, I come in at desert time.  That's how I came across the Pink Lemonade cake and that is how I discovered this super easy and tasty treat...


CHEWY CAKE

• 1 (1-pound) package light brown sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 stick butter softened, plus more for greasing
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla and stir well. Fold in coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips until well combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted through the middle comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan before cutting it into squares.

I was amazed at how little prep time was needed to make these bars and I really enjoy the flavor.  I had to use almonds instead of pecans, because that is what I had on hand.  I would post a picture but I've already given out/ eaten this whole batch!

Try them out... NOW!!!

My Third Camp Pendleton Mud Run

In my last post, I briefly mentioned that I started running because of the Camp Pendleton Mud Run.  In case you were curious if the Mud Run really contains mud, the answer is, yes!!

Me and my mom.  She's been to all 3 runs, to cheer me on!

Oh, look how clean and pretty we are...

Enter MUD, lots and lots of MUD!  Ahhh ha ha ha!

As well as, walls to jump, a river to cross, a slippery slope to climb, hills to traverse, ankle deep dirt, and creek crossings.... as well as some more mud!

This is the final mud pit, you must crawl under all of those flags before making your final steps to the finish line.  It is always rewarding to be at this point.

This is our third Mud Run with Camp Pendleton, but our second together.

I wasn't eating the mud... on purpose...

If you want to check this run out next year go to their site  Camp Pendleton Races.  They have a bunch of races, but the only one I have been crazy enough to try is the Mud Run.  If you feel that you must run this race, you literally have to sign up the 1st second after you ring in the new year.  This race sells out that fast!  Good luck and happy running!

P.S.- You can look at all of the cute Marines... I mean awesome machinery.  But while you are looking, you might as well thank them, the Marines, not the hummers for all of their hard work!

Running and Running...

At the beginning of 2008 I started running.  I had discovered the Camp Pendleton Mud Run and my friend and I signed up for it, thus starting my running career.  I didn't want to look like a fool in front of all those gorgeous Marines.  That would be just plain wrong.

The Mud Run is a 10k (6 miles and some change).  The longest run I did in preparation for my October 2008 Mud Run was three miles.  I was dead after the run.  I had horrible cramping in both calves, so in the final mud pit, I pulled myself through with just my hands.  But I finished!!  (Maybe due to some tough love from a young Marine who shouted at me, "This isn't the Mud Walk, it's the Mud Run!!")

It is hard to believe that this run was so hard for me, and that I was so exhausted that I could not even eat after the run.

I started running with one of my classmates while we were getting our teaching credential and that lead to other small runs, a few 10ks here and there.  What I didn't know is that ultimately we were building up for something even bigger.

Back in October, I ran my first half marathon (Long Beach, Oct. 17, 2010) with my best friend Stacie and I said I would never do that again, but then in February, I ran another half in Palm Springs (Stacie too).

Well, last weekend, I ran my first full Marathon!  That's right, I ran the San Diego Rock n' Roll marathon on June 5, 2011.  Stacie ran as well, but we parted after the bathroom line, ha ha.

My mom cannot understand why I enjoy running so much and to be honest I don't know why either.  I played 11 years of soccer growing up and I was not a fan of running then.  Something has changed in me I guess.  Well, whatever it is I am glad.  I feel healthier and more fit.  I also feel quite accomplished.
Supposedly only 1% of  the people in the world has run a marathon and now I am a part of that 1%.  Not too bad if you ask me.

My Race Bling!

My first marathon bling!  It really is quite heavy, but it sure looks nice!

Heading to the starting line.  I believe this is Balboa Park.

Getting geared up!

Some Street art along the race route.  I think this is very fun.

We were running on the 163.  If there were cars here, we would be running against traffic... while the 1/2 marathoners were running with traffic.

There were supposed to be 47 bands along the race route...  I think I saw maybe 10, which is sad, since this is the Rock n' Roll marathon and all.  Here, on the 163 we had a drumming group.  They were pretty cool.

Mile 13 and feeling fine!

Some of my favorite signs, lucky for me they were all in the same place!

Only 6.2 more miles to go!  This is where I walked for 5 miles.  I met a girl in the same boat as me and from mile 20 -25 we encouraged each other.  At mile 25, we ran in... she a little faster than me.  But, we both finished!!

Here we are at the finish (Stacie and Me).

Never in my life did I think I would run a marathon... but I have.  I thought it was impossible, but it wasn't!  I encourage you to strive for the impossible, because once you get there, you'll find that it is not impossible after all and all it took was a little hard work.  Now get out there and achieve all of the 'impossible' things you want to!

A Few Things...

I have been a bit bad with my posting as of late, but it is all good, because I am about to update you like I've never updated you before.  Here it goes:

1.  I went for a run with my friend Wendy on Memorial Day.  She lives not too far from the National Cemetery in Riverside.  (It was so great seeing all of the waving flags at each headstone.)  I had no idea that every Memorial Day thousands of bikers (motorcycles) ride by with flags and horns and end their ride at the National Cemetery.  So, it was a great surprise when I saw a bunch of them speed past us on our run.  It was also great to see that there are still some patriotic people out in this nation of ours.  The streets were lined with families and individuals that still find it important to get out there and show their USA Pride!

2.  At the beginning of May, I was asked to make cupcakes for the Senior Prom at my school.  I was given this information:  A Night in Paris, 50 cupcakes, May 27th, 6:00pm.  Well I took this and I ran with it.  I made four types of cupcakes.... Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting, peanut butter and jelly with peanut butter frosting, chocolate with 'the best frosting you've ever had', and strawberry with strawberry frosting (using a pound of strawberries in the batter and a pound in the frosting).  They all turned out great and  I am thankful to my Mom and family friend Diane for helping me make the frosting and frost a few of them.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Chocolate

Red Velvet

Strawberry

Everyone really liked the cupcakes... so I hear, which is great!  A friendly reminder:  Don't forget to add baking soda to one of your batches of red velvet, because they really, really, really won't rise.

3.  The same day as Prom, I went to see the Goo Goo Dolls with my friend Allison.  We had fun.  Seeing them reminded me of high school.  They are old rocker dudes now, but they still play very well.

4.  I went to dinner a couple of weeks ago with my friend Rebecca.  We went to the Yardhouse.  I had never been there before.  I had the BBQ cheddar burger, which is pretty good because I generally get grossed out by meat and it is hard for me to try new burgers.  Well, it was so good that it made me want to eat meat all of the time!  Ha ha.  I won't be doing that, but still, it was really quite good!  We also  saw:

 I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time.  If you haven't seen this, please do.

5.  I applied for the Art job that is possibly opening up, at the school, that I have worked at for a year and a half.  I hope I get it, because I really want to be teaching Art.  That is what I went to school for after all.

6.  My grandma would have been 81 on May 31st.  I wish she could have made it to that date.

I am going to post the next two happenings on their own.  Except one isn't happening until this weekend, so it might be a week or so before it gets posted.

Enjoy your week!  I know I will be... only 3 teaching days left and then I am off for the summer!  Look out Oceanside... Here I Come!