We have got to get this out in the open, it is really chappin' my hide.
Let's be clear, I totally understand that we all run for different reasons: health, fun, competition, meditation, alone time, or all of the above. However, if you are serious about this - and want to continue on the running path uninjured, you need to run smart and you need to be consistent.
I cringe when I hear people say I really wish I could go running but it's too cold, too hot, too rainy, too windy, or my most "want to box your ears" excuse... I'm too busy. Just be honest. You don't really WANT to do it; because if you did - you would get your booty off the couch/bed/floor/ and go and do it.
You need to be honest with yourself. Don't make excuses to give yourself a pass on something you know you should do. If you want to get your run on - do it. You won't melt (Nikki and I ran 9.3 miles in the pouring rain, and hey - we are still alive. And furthermore, you can always use this fancy thing called a dryer - amazing, right??) You won't blow away - yeah, it will suck, but it will build character. AND Finally!! put it on your calendar, get up an hour earlier, or DVR your TV show. It's like anything else in this life - if you really want to do it - you will find time.
Conditions aren't always going to be perfect. Life isn't always perfect, but is it overcoming the obstacles that help us build strength and confidence. You have to get out and get dirty and freeze your buns off to truly appreciate the "perfect" days.
AND most of off - use your doggone brain! If you haven't ran in a week, don't lace up and run 5 miles. Chances are you'll be so sore the next day - you will decide that you should probably rest for the next week, and the cycle of bad habits begin. Start slow, incorporate broken runs, and seek help when you need it.
Phew. I feel so much better now.
May your day be filled with smart decisions and no-excuses.
Andrea
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Twilight Zone?!?
It seems that things at the Farmer House are always just left of center. Shiloh and I are perfectly normal people when we are apart, and completely normal things happen to the both of us when we are separated. But put us together and its mass chaos; full of hearty belly laughs.
For example, last night Shiloh was watching Lonesome Dove - totally normal (well - okay debatable). I bring dinner into the living room, and we decide to change the channel. For a VERY brief moment we stop on Cisco - the garden dude, and this is what he says as he is blathering on...
"You know what the definition of a deer is?? A 200 pound slut." No. I am not kidding. So, Shiloh and I start laughing, because the statement is soooo bizarre. Then, of course, I pipe up through the laughter and say, "Deers weigh waaaaaaay more than 200 pounds." Which sends Shiloh into new fits of giggles, and eventually he chokes out... "the weight wasn't the weird part Andrea... Seriously... No way man, that slut is at least 250."
Finally, we compose ourselves and switch the channel. Next up a promo for a show about "little people" (I don't know what the pc preference is these days) called Pit Boss. Looks like a show about little people gangsters complete with cigars as big as their arms, and fedoras, and pin stripe suits. Then the voice over says, "All new Pit Boss on .... the Animal Planet." To which I reply - why is a show about little people on the Animal Planet. New fits of giggles. It took us a good 15 minutes to get to our dinner. Good thing the enchiladas were extra hot last night.
May your day be filled with odd comments and unguarded moments.
Andrea
For example, last night Shiloh was watching Lonesome Dove - totally normal (well - okay debatable). I bring dinner into the living room, and we decide to change the channel. For a VERY brief moment we stop on Cisco - the garden dude, and this is what he says as he is blathering on...
"You know what the definition of a deer is?? A 200 pound slut." No. I am not kidding. So, Shiloh and I start laughing, because the statement is soooo bizarre. Then, of course, I pipe up through the laughter and say, "Deers weigh waaaaaaay more than 200 pounds." Which sends Shiloh into new fits of giggles, and eventually he chokes out... "the weight wasn't the weird part Andrea... Seriously... No way man, that slut is at least 250."
Finally, we compose ourselves and switch the channel. Next up a promo for a show about "little people" (I don't know what the pc preference is these days) called Pit Boss. Looks like a show about little people gangsters complete with cigars as big as their arms, and fedoras, and pin stripe suits. Then the voice over says, "All new Pit Boss on .... the Animal Planet." To which I reply - why is a show about little people on the Animal Planet. New fits of giggles. It took us a good 15 minutes to get to our dinner. Good thing the enchiladas were extra hot last night.
May your day be filled with odd comments and unguarded moments.
Andrea
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dress of Awesome.
Let's just get one thing straight. I have the best book club. Ever.
This month we are reading the book, "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray. It is seriously laugh out loud funny.
To prove my point - here is an excerpt of its awesomeness:
THE REPUBLIC OF CHACHA:
MoMo B. ChaCha was not happy. His favorite pajamas were not yet back from the cleaners. When MoMo was unhappy everyone was unhappy. With a sigh, he settled on a pair of cotton pj's. In the morning, he would have the cleaners assassinated.
MoMo removed his custom Elvis-with-sideburns hairpiece and placed it carefully on the plaster of Paris wig form made to look just like MoMo, complete with a long, fat mustache and oversize sunglasses. Without the wig, the dictator's head was like a smooth pond covered by thin strands of brown floss, strands that had grown thinner during the 15 years, 4 months, 3 days, and 22 hours he had been the absolute ruler of the Republic of ChaCha. It was a small country, but rich in natural resources of the type that make other countries bend over backward to accommodate it. For this reason only, MoMo had a seat in the UN where, on more than one occasion, he had stood on the table in his platform shoes and ermine-trimmed bell-bottoms and danced out his protest against U.S. sanctions. He hated everything about the country of the Miss Teen Dream Pageant, except for three things: Elvis Presley, the greatest entertainer who ever lived; reality TV, especially the raucous Captains Bodacious; and Ladybird Hope.
For this reason, every night after dinner and executions, he would retire to his secret bedroom on his private yacht, which had been wallpapered ceiling to floor in photos of Ladybird Hope. He would don his Elvis Comeback Special black jumpsuit pajamas, crawl into his heart-shaped bed, and pretend Ladybird was beside him, as if they were a couple on an American sitcom.
"Ladybird, why do we not have the sex? A little less conversation and a little more action, please."
"You are so fresh, Peacock!" MoMo answered himself in a high, Ladybird Hope voice. "Let us to watch episodes of Captains Bodacious now, and in the morning, we kill defenseless animals with our big guns."
"As you wish, Ladybird. Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii."
May your day be filled with glitter, sideburns, and special Elvis comeback special pjs.
Andrea
This month we are reading the book, "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray. It is seriously laugh out loud funny.
To prove my point - here is an excerpt of its awesomeness:
THE REPUBLIC OF CHACHA:
MoMo B. ChaCha was not happy. His favorite pajamas were not yet back from the cleaners. When MoMo was unhappy everyone was unhappy. With a sigh, he settled on a pair of cotton pj's. In the morning, he would have the cleaners assassinated.
MoMo removed his custom Elvis-with-sideburns hairpiece and placed it carefully on the plaster of Paris wig form made to look just like MoMo, complete with a long, fat mustache and oversize sunglasses. Without the wig, the dictator's head was like a smooth pond covered by thin strands of brown floss, strands that had grown thinner during the 15 years, 4 months, 3 days, and 22 hours he had been the absolute ruler of the Republic of ChaCha. It was a small country, but rich in natural resources of the type that make other countries bend over backward to accommodate it. For this reason only, MoMo had a seat in the UN where, on more than one occasion, he had stood on the table in his platform shoes and ermine-trimmed bell-bottoms and danced out his protest against U.S. sanctions. He hated everything about the country of the Miss Teen Dream Pageant, except for three things: Elvis Presley, the greatest entertainer who ever lived; reality TV, especially the raucous Captains Bodacious; and Ladybird Hope.
For this reason, every night after dinner and executions, he would retire to his secret bedroom on his private yacht, which had been wallpapered ceiling to floor in photos of Ladybird Hope. He would don his Elvis Comeback Special black jumpsuit pajamas, crawl into his heart-shaped bed, and pretend Ladybird was beside him, as if they were a couple on an American sitcom.
"Ladybird, why do we not have the sex? A little less conversation and a little more action, please."
"You are so fresh, Peacock!" MoMo answered himself in a high, Ladybird Hope voice. "Let us to watch episodes of Captains Bodacious now, and in the morning, we kill defenseless animals with our big guns."
"As you wish, Ladybird. Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii."
May your day be filled with glitter, sideburns, and special Elvis comeback special pjs.
Andrea
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wanna Know a Secret...
I am fairly certain that most of you are familiar with one of my favorite websites: www.postsecret.com
However, if you aren't you should check it out. They post new secrets every Sunday, and it is now part of my Sunday routine. Get up, eat, run, check postsecrets.
It always gets me thinking - what would my secret be... Hmmm, wouldn't you like to know :)
May your day be filled with all things mysterious,
Andrea
However, if you aren't you should check it out. They post new secrets every Sunday, and it is now part of my Sunday routine. Get up, eat, run, check postsecrets.
It always gets me thinking - what would my secret be... Hmmm, wouldn't you like to know :)
May your day be filled with all things mysterious,
Andrea
Friday, June 24, 2011
Salsa Anyone!!!
Summer is HERE!!! and what does that mean?!? BBQs and Picnics -duh!!!
My weakness is, and perhaps always will be, chips and salsa. Fresh homemade salsa will send me to my knees every time.
![]()
Here is a fabulous recipe that I make in my handy dandy Pampered Chef Manual Food Processor - which you must go and buy RIGHT now!! www.pamperedchef.biz/afarmer
The Bestest Salsa:
One Can Ro-Tel Tomatoes
One Big Can Diced Tomatoes
One Bunch of Cilantro
One Sweet Onion
Couple Cloves O' Garlic
Juice of One Lime
Salt to Taste.
You will need to make this in halves, and try not to eat it all at once. So, delicious.
May your day be filled with sugar and spice.
Andrea
My weakness is, and perhaps always will be, chips and salsa. Fresh homemade salsa will send me to my knees every time.
The Bestest Salsa:
One Can Ro-Tel Tomatoes
One Big Can Diced Tomatoes
One Bunch of Cilantro
One Sweet Onion
Couple Cloves O' Garlic
Juice of One Lime
Salt to Taste.
You will need to make this in halves, and try not to eat it all at once. So, delicious.
May your day be filled with sugar and spice.
Andrea
Friday, June 17, 2011
A Letter to My Lady Friends.
Dear Lady Friends (although not all of you are offenders),
We need to have a serious chat. Now, I appreciate good underwear as much as the next lady - let's be real clear about that. However, I do not appreciate having to view yours. I know, I know - if I don't like, don't look. You probably aren't doing for my benefit anyhow.
But seriously, your thong - it's above your pants, and well, that CAN'T be comfortable. And... it's bright pink, with... well... with more bells and whistles than any pair of underwear has the right to contain. All of which, are located on a VERY tiny piece of fabric that is (well I think) supposed to be covering your crack... am I right about this?
Oh, I am so disturbed. I want to tap you on the shoulder and say - 'scuse me hun, can you put that thing away. Again, not because I don't appreciate a nice pair of drawers - but for the love... the kids man, the kids. Not to mention you look like, well, a ho.
Am I alone here??? I am so very embarrassed for these gals. There is a fine line between sexy and skanky (okay not so fine) but they have jumped over the damn line and are running for the hills. I just can't imagine A. yankin' my undies up so high that they show over my pants - on purpose and B. that I would think it a fashion statement rather than an OMG where is the rock I can hide under I am so embarrassed moment.
Maybe I am a prude. Maybe I am just getting old. Either way... I'll keep my underthings well hid.
May your day be filled with the art of being tasteful.
Andrea
We need to have a serious chat. Now, I appreciate good underwear as much as the next lady - let's be real clear about that. However, I do not appreciate having to view yours. I know, I know - if I don't like, don't look. You probably aren't doing for my benefit anyhow.
But seriously, your thong - it's above your pants, and well, that CAN'T be comfortable. And... it's bright pink, with... well... with more bells and whistles than any pair of underwear has the right to contain. All of which, are located on a VERY tiny piece of fabric that is (well I think) supposed to be covering your crack... am I right about this?
Oh, I am so disturbed. I want to tap you on the shoulder and say - 'scuse me hun, can you put that thing away. Again, not because I don't appreciate a nice pair of drawers - but for the love... the kids man, the kids. Not to mention you look like, well, a ho.
Am I alone here??? I am so very embarrassed for these gals. There is a fine line between sexy and skanky (okay not so fine) but they have jumped over the damn line and are running for the hills. I just can't imagine A. yankin' my undies up so high that they show over my pants - on purpose and B. that I would think it a fashion statement rather than an OMG where is the rock I can hide under I am so embarrassed moment.
Maybe I am a prude. Maybe I am just getting old. Either way... I'll keep my underthings well hid.
May your day be filled with the art of being tasteful.
Andrea
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Just try not to dance...
Yup - this is the song of the week. Really, I cannot get enough. You should see my awesome dance moves that accompany this jam. Prime viewing occurs when I am attempting to dance and run simultaneously.
Please excuse the lameness of the video - just close your eyes and DANCE!! Dance I say!!
May you day be filled with fancy dancin'
Andrea
Please excuse the lameness of the video - just close your eyes and DANCE!! Dance I say!!
May you day be filled with fancy dancin'
Andrea
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Honey Badger Don't Care!!
This is my morning funny - I love this video. Makes me laugh every time.
May we all live a little like the honey badger today... crazy without a care in the world.
Andrea
May we all live a little like the honey badger today... crazy without a care in the world.
Andrea
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Blisters Be Gone!!
Have I got a deal for you!! An old running secret, apparently. Passed down from generation to generation. Be very quiet... I am about to fill you in.
Anhydrous Lanolin.
Yup. That's it. That is the magic cure for all things blister related. I am the QUEEN of blisters. I am so very very blister prone. Doesn't matter the shoes, the socks, the sweat, the tears - blister, blister, blister, blister.
Where do you find this gem you ask?? Go to any pharmacy, and ask them to order it for you. It isn't very expensive, but they don't seem to stock it. Make absolute sure it is ANHYDROUS.
This stuff is sticky, tacky, and tar like. Trust me when I say you will need 5-7 minutes to rub it into your feet. If I am just going on a short run, I just rub it into my high blister frequency areas: edges of my big toes, tops of pinkie toes, underneath middle toes. I have been using this stuff for two weeks now, and NO blisters. Magic.
Take my word - your feet will thank me.
May your day be filled with feet saving magic.
Andrea
Anhydrous Lanolin.
Yup. That's it. That is the magic cure for all things blister related. I am the QUEEN of blisters. I am so very very blister prone. Doesn't matter the shoes, the socks, the sweat, the tears - blister, blister, blister, blister.
Where do you find this gem you ask?? Go to any pharmacy, and ask them to order it for you. It isn't very expensive, but they don't seem to stock it. Make absolute sure it is ANHYDROUS.
This stuff is sticky, tacky, and tar like. Trust me when I say you will need 5-7 minutes to rub it into your feet. If I am just going on a short run, I just rub it into my high blister frequency areas: edges of my big toes, tops of pinkie toes, underneath middle toes. I have been using this stuff for two weeks now, and NO blisters. Magic.
Take my word - your feet will thank me.
May your day be filled with feet saving magic.
Andrea
Monday, June 13, 2011
Oh the HORROR!!!!
They have indeed invaded the Farmer household.
I was watching TV, oh a week ago, and Shiloh storms in the room. "We have a problem!"
Uh, duh, you are standing in front of the TV, and I am totally watching something here.
Andrea, this is serious. We have a mouse problem. They have eaten HUNDREDS of dollars worth of my mountain food, and ALL of the weight gainer packets you brought back with you from that Boise thing. For all I know we have 20 pound mice running around here!!!!
I'll take care of it... now if you'll kindly leave me to my show.
Andrea!! I am serious!!!
So. am. I. Scoot!!!
Needless to say, when left home alone one weekend, I bought some Decon and strategically placed it in the axis of evil. Yay. Good job Andrea. A couple days later, one dead mouse was found in my flower garden. Success.
Yesterday, as I went by the closet of shame I heard squeaking. Hmmm that is odd. I asked Shiloh if he set any snapping traps. He did not. Huh, oh well - I had to head out of town for work - soooooo, not my problem.
Shiloh called me and informed me there was a lot of drama in the Farmer House last night. I couldn't even begin to fathom what that might entail. Shiloh informed me he found the source of the squeaking. Turns out a "baby" mouse had fallen ill (duh, poison) and was mourning the loss of his "brother" that was dead in the hallway. Now, to me this sounded like - way to go Andrea, you successfully killed three of the mice that were causing a ruckus in the house. Not so... turns out - the "baby" mouse situation cause Shiloh a lot of grief, and he asked me what I thought he should do.
My response. Put the thing out of its misery. Run it over with your truck, something... anything.
Shiloh's response. Andrea, I am not bunny foo foo, and I will not be bopping this little field mouse.
Oh for the love!!! Just when I think I have fixed one problem...
So, I suggested that he take one of Dee's insulin needles and attempt to feed the baby mouse some left over clam chowder... or maybe he should take to WSU, and make sure to let the Dr. on call know that the mouse was poisoned. I don't think Shiloh thought I was very funny. I thought I was hilarious!!
May your day be filled with mission accomplished moments.
Andrea
I was watching TV, oh a week ago, and Shiloh storms in the room. "We have a problem!"
Uh, duh, you are standing in front of the TV, and I am totally watching something here.
Andrea, this is serious. We have a mouse problem. They have eaten HUNDREDS of dollars worth of my mountain food, and ALL of the weight gainer packets you brought back with you from that Boise thing. For all I know we have 20 pound mice running around here!!!!
I'll take care of it... now if you'll kindly leave me to my show.
Andrea!! I am serious!!!
So. am. I. Scoot!!!
Needless to say, when left home alone one weekend, I bought some Decon and strategically placed it in the axis of evil. Yay. Good job Andrea. A couple days later, one dead mouse was found in my flower garden. Success.
Yesterday, as I went by the closet of shame I heard squeaking. Hmmm that is odd. I asked Shiloh if he set any snapping traps. He did not. Huh, oh well - I had to head out of town for work - soooooo, not my problem.
Shiloh called me and informed me there was a lot of drama in the Farmer House last night. I couldn't even begin to fathom what that might entail. Shiloh informed me he found the source of the squeaking. Turns out a "baby" mouse had fallen ill (duh, poison) and was mourning the loss of his "brother" that was dead in the hallway. Now, to me this sounded like - way to go Andrea, you successfully killed three of the mice that were causing a ruckus in the house. Not so... turns out - the "baby" mouse situation cause Shiloh a lot of grief, and he asked me what I thought he should do.
My response. Put the thing out of its misery. Run it over with your truck, something... anything.
Shiloh's response. Andrea, I am not bunny foo foo, and I will not be bopping this little field mouse.
Oh for the love!!! Just when I think I have fixed one problem...
So, I suggested that he take one of Dee's insulin needles and attempt to feed the baby mouse some left over clam chowder... or maybe he should take to WSU, and make sure to let the Dr. on call know that the mouse was poisoned. I don't think Shiloh thought I was very funny. I thought I was hilarious!!
May your day be filled with mission accomplished moments.
Andrea
Sunday, June 12, 2011
New Running Playlist.
Guess what time it is??? Time to move your booty, and boy have I got the playlist to do just that!!
1. Don't Get Me Wrong - Pretenders
2. Gold Guns Girls - Metric
3. I'm So Excited - Pointer Sisters
4. Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
5. Moth's Wings - Passion Pit
6. Hip Hip Chin Chin - Club des Belugas
7. Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
8. Hello - Martin Solveig & Dragonette
9. Explosive - Bong
10. Power - Kanye West
11. Take on Me - A=ha
12. Who's that Chick - David Guetta and Rihanna
I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
May you find your groove on this sunny day.
Andrea
1. Don't Get Me Wrong - Pretenders
2. Gold Guns Girls - Metric
3. I'm So Excited - Pointer Sisters
4. Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
5. Moth's Wings - Passion Pit
6. Hip Hip Chin Chin - Club des Belugas
7. Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga
8. Hello - Martin Solveig & Dragonette
9. Explosive - Bong
10. Power - Kanye West
11. Take on Me - A=ha
12. Who's that Chick - David Guetta and Rihanna
I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
May you find your groove on this sunny day.
Andrea
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Not for the squeamish...
Howdy Folks -
Lately, I have having a very difficult time, mentally, with my jaw stuff. Yes, the surgeries and appointments are all complete, and I am so pleased with how things have turned out. However, I have been experiencing ghost pains, and aches, and headaches, and just some soreness. I even joined a support group - just to determine if I am crazy or not - turns out I'm not. There are so many others that are going through what I have gone through, and it is so comforting to find these people.
I was chatting with one, and saying that I feel like (even though it has been 2 years) I should be back to 100%. That is when I was shown the following video, and told... "let people go through this themselves, and then try to tell you to get over it."
Holy blazes this in intense. Don't watch this if you have a weak stomach or faint at the sight of blood.
Lately, I have having a very difficult time, mentally, with my jaw stuff. Yes, the surgeries and appointments are all complete, and I am so pleased with how things have turned out. However, I have been experiencing ghost pains, and aches, and headaches, and just some soreness. I even joined a support group - just to determine if I am crazy or not - turns out I'm not. There are so many others that are going through what I have gone through, and it is so comforting to find these people.
I was chatting with one, and saying that I feel like (even though it has been 2 years) I should be back to 100%. That is when I was shown the following video, and told... "let people go through this themselves, and then try to tell you to get over it."
Holy blazes this in intense. Don't watch this if you have a weak stomach or faint at the sight of blood.
May your day be filled with the support of others just like you. - Andrea
Sunday, June 5, 2011
On the Mend.
It has been a week since we have been able to bring Ms. Dee home, and wowzers, we are learning to adjust. She has a special diet, had antibiotics three times a day, and insulin shots twice a day. We are all done with the antibiotics, but we will never be done with the others. For the rest of her life she will have to get insulin twice a day. We are just so thankful that the diagnosis was treatable, and that she is home.We (the humans and the dog) are learning to adjust to the new schedule. No more sleeping in, no more treats, no more "oh hey, can you drop by the house a couple times today and let the pup out." I think she is adjusting better than we are. She doesn't even seem to notice the shots, and she thinks that her new diet food might be the best thing ever.
Her energy is slowly coming back, along with her balance and mental awareness. She even hopped in the car on Friday with no help - as we went back to the vet to get her glucose tested. We still aren't ready for long walks on the beach, but with time we hope to get there.
I can't thank everyone enough for their prayers, thoughts, good karma, kind words, smiles, hugs, and willingness to help. My heart is full.
May your cup runneth over,
Andrea
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)