... and who doesn't love a good monkey blog.

You're right.  I should have posted this a long time ago.  When CJ first introduced it to me, but I failed you all.  I was lazy.

However, I am redeeming myself by posting this *now* - so get ready to thank me.  Because really you will be singing this forever and ever, amen.  This is one of the worst earworms out there, and it may lay dormant for awhile and then BAM! when you least expect it - there it is. 

Now, on with the show.

In Andrealand it has been converted to "Dino gummies, dino gummies, keepin' Andrea from starvin', dino gummies"  also, "baby kitties, baby kitties, hindin' in the dark, baby kitties."  You're welcome for that.

Here's to grabbin' onto that pig and holdin' on tiiii-iiiiight!!!

Andrea

Long Run Fuel - also, MOST delish breakfast. Ever.

It took me a really long time to figure out what to eat before my long runs, or intense work outs, or on cold days where nothing sounds particularly good.  Usually, it wasn't enough food, and then it became - whoa, that hurt my tummy.

BUT - I have found the best new thing!!!  It tastes good, and it sticks with you - without hurting your tummy!!  Can I get a "hallelujah!!"

Here it is:  Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal.

You'll need:  Instant plain oatmeal, greek yogurt with honey, and a handful of strawberries. 

Next - cook the instant oatmeal as instructed on the packet, and cut up your strawberries.

Step Three:  Mix the contents of your yogurt into the oatmeal.  It should all melt nicely since the oatmeal will be hot.

Final Step - Mix in the berries, and eat it all up - YUM!!

Here's to new concoctions.

Andrea

It's the little things.

Remember when you were little, and you were over the moon, super, peeyourpants excited about a quarter??  Then, all of a sudden, somewhere in your teens and 20s nothing was good enough.  You could have won a trip to Fiji, and you'd just shrug your shoulders, and go back to being uninterested and self important. 

Well, now that I am officially all grown up - it is time to get excited about the little things again.  May I direct your attention to the photo below: 

Those are my brand new Lacoste bath towels.  I got them at The Rack for 50% off.  Totally did a happy dance, grabbed the lady next to me and said "they're so FLUFFY I'm gonna die!!!" (Ala Despicable Me) She looked like maybe I was going to rob her; so I let go. 

I am in love, and I also love that I got so excited about new bath towels.  After all, it is the little things in life that keep us sane.

Here's to small delights.

Andrea

Me, Me, Me - It's ALL About Me!!!

Okay, not really. 

It's just that I had to update the "about me" section of the blog to reflect some recent changes.  I don't want to fool you all into thinking I do things that I do not, or well used to do. 

So, there you have it.  We are all up to date!!

Here's to being proactive (or actually remembering to do stuff).

Andrea

Sharing Time!!! Coffee.

So, most of you know that I have an obsession with my Keurig.  On the weekends, I go through about five cups of coffee a day, probably a little bit much, and if I wasn't worried about dehydration I would drink more.   However, dehydration aside, I am also worried about how my obit would read... "poor Andrea, died from coffee overdose.  First of its kind.  Some would say she was wired to death."  again, I digress.

Due to my caffeine addition, I have had the wonderful chance to sample many of the different flavors of coffee - and I have a favorite.  It's been decided.  Wild Mountain Blueberry.  I realize this doesn't sound very delicious, but let me tell you - oh holy yumness.

I don't really do cream or sugar in my coffee (I figure if I am gonna go that route there is going to be chocolate, and whipped cream, and lots of flavor involved) - this is just a simple delight that brings a smile to my face every morning. 

A close second - Golden French Toast - the coffee, not the meal.

Here's to the surprisingly delightful.

Andrea

... It's not a new obsession.

Blast from the past, eh. (Karly, I really hope you are loving this picture as much as I am).

Don't be jealous.  I know you love my blond hair, awesome glasses, choker, and really what's not to love about those eyebrows?!?!

But what I want you to pay particular attention to, is my sweater vest!!  It's not a new thing.  For those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE a good sweater vest.  It's basically part of my DNA.  I don't even care if is 80 degrees outside.  When the mood strikes - it's "sweater vest time"!!

Call names, and point fingers if you must.  I'm just sorry you're not cool enough to pull it off, too. 

Here's to individual style and pizazz!

Andrea

Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Fuggetaboutit. (That's my attempt at being gangsta).

Who loves food!!!  Ooh, me, me, me!!  I generally like to think that I make healthy food (stop. laughing) - make, not eat, key focal point.  But, THIS I know to be healthy, and it is sooo yummy - you won't even realize your eating veggies!!  Just do it - you'll totally thank me.  (... and if I already posted this recipe, and I am re-posting, to lazy to look thanks, it's well worth it).

What you'll need:
tablespoon of butter or olive oil
clove of Garlic (optional)
one sweet onion
two apples
one butternut squash
two tablespoons of mild indian curry
four cups of vegetable or chicken stock
(1/8 of a cup of brown sugar - optional)

Step One: We will have lots of fun (oh, whoops - wrong theme.  We're not singing.  I forget).  Melt your butter, or heat your olive oil.  Add crushed garlic, and chopped and peeled onion.  Saute! 

Step Two:  Chop and peel your apples and butternut squash.  Cut into fabulous cubes.  Just like this.

The pot should be sizzling by now, so go ahead and add your curry.  Stir it all up.  Breathe in that yumminess.

Now add the chopped apples and squash, mix well - hope you've been working out.

Add your broth, set the temperature to med, put the lid on the pot, and let boil and simmer for 40 mins or so (or really until the veggies are all soft.)  The house is going to smell amazing, and your tummy will be rumbling.

Now that your veggies are all squishy - you can either, use an immersion blender to blend it all together  OR (get out your safety glasses) and spoon the mixture, a little at a time, into a normal blender and blend.  Be careful not to over fill your blender, because hot stuff + blender = explosions.



Now look how pretty that is.  Enjoy.

Here's to attempting to be healthy - Andrea

Crazy Cat Lady.

In only two short weeks this, this, is what I have become.

I call the kitties my babies.  I make sure I have to know where they all are all times.  I take pictures of them all the time with my phone.  (I have titled the ones below "we come in peace" and "cat naps")

I cuddle them, love them, buy them gifts, talk to them as if they are human, show my friends pictures of them at lunch (thanks for not running away Anna) and really - I cannot wait to see them when I come home from work. 

Now, I knew I had reached an all time low (or high depending on your judgment of the crazy scale) when I was walking through the house doing my best "where are my baaaaabies" - Sylvia Ann, Intervention impression. (yes, yes, I realize addiction is awful, but really - imagine me, walking through the house, bellowing like this woman, after my cats.)

Here's to indulging in our inner crazy.

Andrea

Ah Ha!! This is why you HATE running.

Three weeks off.  Just three.  Granted those three weeks (after I ran a freaking marathon) were filled with gluttony, that baby Jesus himself could be proud of, but really I didn't think it would be a very big deal.

I was wrong.  Oh.  So.  Wrong. 

Day One - 20 mins.  Lace up my shoes, turn up my tunes, and I'm off.  Whoa, who shrunk my running clothes??  Did someone come in my house and exchange all my shorts?? Certainly they weren't this tight before.  Did these shorts come with butt pads?!?  Whatever, keep going.  Why are my legs so heavy??  Are the bottom of these shoes filled with lead??  Must.  Slow.  Down.  Damn this got hard, how much time do I have left... whew only 18:00.  Ugh.  SHUT UP EMINEM!!!  I WILL NOT "lose" myself, I don't care if this is my chance, don't care.  Why are you so angry anyhow.  I need to sit down.  Where are the water stations??  I NEED ASSITANCE PEOPLE!!  Thankfully, I made it home, and promptly went to find my marathon medal, put it around my neck, and congratulate myself for a job well done.  (Ugh, why is this medal so heavy).

Day Two - 30 mins.  A.  Who stabbed me in the foot, and B.  Why isn't there blood in my sock.  Surely I have a flesh wound.  Running doesn't hurt this much right???  Was I really calling 10 mile runs "baby runs", can someone please slap me next time I do that.  Wasn't I all nifty and junk.  WHERE ARE YOU GOING SO FAST OLD LADY!!!!  Did I smoke a pack of cigarettes last night?  Do people actually do this for fun?  I hate those people.

Day Three - 20 mins. 15x100.  I'm dying.  Asked Shiloh to please play "My Way" at my funeral.  I'm going towards the light, certainly they have nice fluffy clouds in Heaven, and someone will rub my feet.

Day Four - Rest Day, Rest Day, Lalalalala.  Oh couch, where have you been.  I missed you sooooo much.

Day Five - Oh, gotta rest one. more. day.  effing foot (who cares if it may be broken - COUCH TIME!!!)

Day Six - 30 mins.  Fine.  Finefinefinefine.  Fine.  Huh, that wasn't so bad. 

Day Seven - 40 mins.  Ohhhhh,  right,  I do like this.  There's that groove!!!

See folks... even people who are nutty bonkers about running have moments where they would rather clean the toilet, and reorganize the junk drawers rather than get out and run.  It's the sticking with it part of it that counts.  It may take longer than a week for some of you decide you love running, but maybe with some time you two can be friends. 

Here's to a week of longer runs and new adventures.  Tally Ho!!

Andrea

The Last Resolution: Through the Looking Glass.

... please take the time to appreciate that "Alice in Wonderland" reference.  I am very proud of that.

Okay, on to the final goal-shift-attempt at change.  In the New Year I resolve to - see myself as others see me.  (Warning, I am about to get all serious on you).  Ladies, I am thinking this is a band wagon you might want to jump on.

I will be the first to admit that when you give me a compliment I think you are a big. fat. liar. 

"Andrea, you are so pretty..." - Alright, what do you want?
"Andrea, how did you ever get so funny..." How much does it cost?
"Andrea, you have great hair..." Okay, so I won't argue this one *wink*
"Andrea, you are an inspiration..." Here's my credit card.  Have yourself a ball.

But what if, just what if, all of these things are actually true.  What if we are more than we ever thought possible.  What if we could look past our flaws (freckles, weird nose, crazy eyebrows, awkward always - thanks) and embrace our inner fabulousness.  What if we stop apologizing for what we think we are, and start living up to what you know us to be?  *Are you singing Ain't No Stopping Us Now - cause I totally am*

So, let's stop what your doing.  Take a big deep breath. Believe in ourselves. Realize our potential. AND BOOGIE!!!! (speedo alert - you've been warned).

Too much confidence too soon?  Ah well - here's to us; each and every one.

May your day be filled with the confidence of a rock star.

Andrea

Resolutions - "I love me some Jesus, but I will slap you bitch!"

What the... That was your first response, huh.  Well, just get over being shocked for a second. The title quote of this post comes from one of my favorite multi-media artists - Erin Smith.  She is fabulous.  She is MORE than fabulous.  Her art includes sayings such as, "Please don't make me punch you in the throat." and "Martha went to prison and taught those bitches how to knit.  What did you do today?" and "Today I will think evil thoughts and try NOT to say them out loud." and "I'm sorry, I please need you to shut up for just one minute."  I am pretty sure she reads my mind.

Which brings me to my third resolution - In the New Year I resolve to SHARE MORE!!!! 

I have a love of the weird, wild, wacky, and often inappropriate - and now I am going to share them all with you.  Sometimes, okay most of the time, I keep stuff to myself.  Mainly because I don't need you to go all Judgy McJudgerson on me, but being as I don't give a shit, I will be shouting about my favorite things from the proverbial rooftops (proverbial because - really, I'm not climbing anything).

I will share with you my favorite websites, videos, artists, music, clothes, foods, shoes, eateries, and whatever else strikes my fancy - and I have a whole lotta fancy.

So sit back and enjoy the ride.  It will be all sorts of fun.

May your day be filled with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (that is code for favorite things in case you live in a cave.  Also, if you live in a cave and have internet access I am super impressed, but I digress.)

Andrea

... pardon the resolution interruption.

You know it is important if I am interrupting the resolution rants.  We need to talk.  Two words.  Fruit Pizza.

Okay, Okay, before I lose you, hear me out.  This is de-freaking-licious.

I would have a picture to show you, but I ate it all first.  Whoopsie Doodles.

Ingredients.
One package of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
One (perhaps 12oz) tub of whipped cream cheese
Enough powdered sugar to fill up said tub
Fruit of your choosing - we had: kiwi, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Alright - Step one, find your pan.  It should be a cookie sheet, or jelly roll pan, fairly big.  Grease the pan,  or Pam the pan - your choice. Slice the cookie dough and arrange pretty close together on the cookie sheet (if you are a very patient person, you could roll the cookie dough out on the sheet leaving close to 2 inches around the perimeter).  Put the cookie dough in the oven (on whatever temperature is recommended) and bake for about 2-3 mins.  The cookie dough should be kinda gooey at this point - so now is the time for the less patient of us to finish rolling the dough.  It will look like you may have ruined the whole thing when you do this - don't worry you haven't.  Put it back in the oven until it is just barely brown.

Okay - now in a medium sized bowl - mix the whipped cream cheese with equal parts powdered sugar.  Mix it up well.  Once the cookie dough is cooked and cooled top with the cream cheese mixture - think frosting.  Then top that with all your chopped fruit (you probably don't have to chop the blueberries.... just saying).

You will love this - it is so yummy.  Please don't let the name fool you. In fact, let's change the name to Fabulous Desserty Stuff (that you can kind of feel good about because it contains fruit).

May your day be filled with cookie dough dreams.

Andrea

Resolutions, Part Deux.

Let's recap.  Yesterday, we learned I will not give a shit.  Today, my addition:  in the New Year I resolve to eat and use all the "good stuff."

This could very well be an Andrea thing, but I like to save the good stuff.  Whether it be cookies, chips, sparkling water, berries, yummy coffee - I hoard it.  Perhaps, I was homeless in my past life.  The problem with this type of behavior is "the good stuff" typically either goes bad, or gets eaten by someone other than me.  And that, that, pisses. me. off.

So, I will now go for the good stuff first.  I won't care if I've already eaten 3 out of 6 cookies... if you haven't the wherewithall to eat them before I do - well then, here, let me shed a few tears for you while I shovel the last three cookies into my face at break neck speed. (was that too harsh... maybe, just a little??)

I will not wait for a special occasion to wear my favorite shoes, jeans, or sweaters.  I'll wear them as often as I want, and if someone asks me, "what's the occasion?"  I will reply, "I am celebrating all that is awesome."  Who's with me??
Here's to the good stuff!!

Andrea

In the New Year, I resove...

I don't really like traditional resolutions.  Usually, they are superficial and meant to be broken.  "I will work out more." - noooo, you won't.  "I will lose weight, this is my year." - probably not.  "I will keep in touch with long lost friends." - maybe for a day or two.  I hate these kinds of resolutions.  Mainly, because they clog up the gym and the track - and cause Safeway to run out of my favorite yogurt until February (that's when people give up - Valentine's candy - HELLO!!)

I've decided to dedicate a few blogs to my "resolutions."  So, numero uno.

I resolve to stop being nice to jackasses.  If you think it is perfectly acceptable to ignore me, be rude, talk down to, glare at, or insult me - well, you have just gained yourself, not an enemy per se, but a non-participant.  It really isn't fun to exhibit these types of third grade behaviors to people who just don't give a shit.  So, guess who will not be shit giving?

Here's the deal - I am too old, smart, funny, *insert your favorite adjective here* to worry about what I have done to hurt or offend you; if I have actually done anything at all.  If you can't take the good with the bad (but mostly good) - it is officially not my problem.  I will not feel guilty for not caring.  I will not continue to be nice to you.  I will not continue to try and try and try to be your friend.  WILL NOT!

So go be weird and childish somewhere else.  'Cause this honey badger DON'T GIVE A SHIT!!!

May your day be filled with things that make you happy.

Andrea

Hank and Pearl

Hank hates having his picture taken



Beauty Sleep.



I have been asking for a kitty for about eight months now.  I will admit it, and while I love Ms. Dee, I am a cat person.  (gag if you must - that's how I feel about real babies).  I am also REALLY allergic to them.  It is an awesome combination, really.  BUT - I finally wore him down.  (I have a feeling that maybe my melodramatic, "no, I really don't want anything for my birthday but a kitty" - may have worked also, "buuuut, Karly got a kitty" the ole trick one learns at a very early age - too bad Shiloh didn't respond with, "if everybody jumped off a cliff, would you?").

So, I headed to the shelter armed with the knowledge that I could get two kitties.  It was my intent all along to get an orange kitty.  I have wanted one for a really long time, and that is what the plan was going to be, until I got there.



Little Ms. Pearl



There were cages of older cats, and cages of teen cats, and lots of cages of kitties.  There were a couple orange ones, but they were boring, and didn't especially enjoy being held.  There were fluffy ones, that I must admit, were pretty cute.  And, then what to my wondering eyes should appear??  Two little kitties with laser sites on me, hanging from the cages, mewing with what I could only imagine as, "hey, hey, hey, hey."  I walk over and open their cage.  The kitty, soon to be known as Hank, jumps out of the cage and onto my head, "well hello, sir."  He is purring, and squirming, and is pissed when I have to put him back in his cage.  I scoop out the other kitty, soon to be known as Pearl, and she nuzzles my neck and falls asleep.  Yup - these are the two. 



Hank is very very tired.



Don't let Hank fool you.  He's not an angel.



Hank is certainly the ring leader of the mischievous action.  He is tiny, missing part of his ear, and doesn't necessarily want to wait for you to pick him up... he'll just climb on up himself, thanks.  Pearl is quiet, and timid, and loves to follow Hank around to be a witness to the trouble.  Dee is adapting well.  She has always been willing to share the home with any other type of living creature.  We hope that they will keep her company without driving her to drink... oh, wait, that's me :)  The only thing that she really hates is when they try to eat her food, but we can work around that.



Hank and Pearl were born at the shelter, and had only ever lived in a cage.  They aren't quite sure what to do with all they space they have now.  They really enjoy running at top speed across the linoleum, and jumping up and down the stairs, and over any type of enclosure that Shiloh decides to make.  We are so happy to have them, and don't worry, I have invested heavily in Zyrtec.

May your day be filled with fuzzy joy!!

Andrea