To ease the pain.

This week you may hear me tell you that I am hungry, a lot.  I am.  I am attempting to eat healthier.  Stop laughing.  I can do this. 

One of my, after lunch but before dinner, snacks has always been chips and salsa.  I love the stuff.  Now, I find myself, trying to be healthy, and without chips in the house.  BUT!  I found something that has the same kind of crunch.  It wasn't exactly the same, but it took the edge off and held me until dinner.  Plus, it was only 35 calories.  Behold:  Snap Peas and Salsa!!

Sometimes unhealthy rituals are meant to be broken.  I think my future waistline will thank me.

Here's to new alternatives.

Andrea

Food Rule.

When in Boise I must go to Blimpies. That is my rule.

I believe with my heart and soul that Blimpies make the best sandwiches, and it is due largely to the magnificance of their pickles.  I've stopped asking for extra extra extra pickles; I ask for *fists full* of pickles.  They seem to understand that a little better.

Look at this beauty.

Roast beef and swiss on wheat, light mayo and mustard, lettuce, tomato, and fists full of pickles.  This my friends, is sandwich perfection.

May you find a tiny piece of Heaven in each bite.

The Beauty of Cauliflower.

WHAT!!!  That's what you're thinking, right??  No, it's okay.  It's what I thought too.

Then I discovered just how wonderful this little veggie could be.  What you'll need:

Cauliflower
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
                                          Goat Cheese
                                          A Lemon

Cut up your cauliflower, toss it in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, throw it on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 until it turns soft and a smidge brown around the edges.

In the meantime, in a small bowl mix together about 1/2 cup of goat cheese, the juice of one lemon, and the zest of half of that lemon.

Add your cooked cauliflower to that concoction, mix well, salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

You'll thank me - I promise.

Here's to the delicious and the yummy.

Andrea

That damned snake!!!

Two weekends ago I went out to weed my flower bed.  It was time.  It's Mother's Day.  I, as a general rule, NEVER plant or weed before then.  Your beds will always freeze or blow to bits (on the Palouse anyhow).

I had my rake, my shovel, my watering can.  ready. to. go.

... and then I was violated.  A SNAKE attacked me on the sidewalk, and then jumped (as snakes often do) into my flower bed.  I screamed, danced around, threw my rake, yelled at Shiloh, and make lots of other gagging noises.

Shiloh came over and asked what I would like him to do.  I asked that he throw him in the road - so that I may run him over with my car.  Shiloh looked at the snake, looked at me, and said - maybe you should weed a different day.  I gagged, danced around, and said "how do I know that he will not take up permanent residence?"  Shiloh said, "don't worry, his bites won't hurt that bad and he isn't venomous."  Gee, thanks!!

So, what did I do??  Took my rake smashed the lavender bush repeatedly, and yelled "OUT DAMN SNAKE!!!!"  Shiloh came back over and asked me nicely to move to another flower bed, and stop making a scene. (note to reader... I was asked no less than three times to please, stop making a scene in the front yard).

I went inside.   I considered paying someone to weed the damn flower bed.  Then I got a little brave. 

I found the water hose, and set to work.  If the snake wouldn't come out by brute force - I will drown him.  The next 15 minutes were spent 'watering' the flower bed.  No signs of the snake.  Then I found a big stick in the yard, and spent the next 5 minutes poking the bush with my stick.  No signs of the snake.  Then I took my rake and raked, and raked, and raked, and raked the bush.  No signs of the snake. 

I started on the faaaaaaaaar end of the flower bed, and began to weed.  I mostly finished.  I never did see the snake again.  So, either he had decided it was time to move along OR he thought "this lady has lost her biscuits and I'll move when pigs fly." 

Here's to winning small battles.
Andrea

...and I'll do it MYYYYYYY way.

Let me start by saying this is going to be very ranty.  However, this all needs to be said... so listen closely.

I will be the very first to admit that I do not know all there is when it comes to running.  Not.  Even.  Close.  (This should be very clear by my most recent injury).  However, there are two things that drive me 100% batty and we need to chat about them... ready??

Yes, I would love, love, love to help you.  I can give you pretty basic advice.  I can certainly share what I do, what I use, what I eat, how I train, what works for me, and what I love.  These things may or may not work for you, but it is what I do and I am happy to share.  I cannot predict how you or your body will react to these things.  I *can* tell you how much time and effort you will need to to put into running a half or a full marathon, how you will need to run outside long hours, how you will need to eat somewhat correctly, how it will feel like running has consumed you, how very very difficult it will be.  I'll need you to *trust me* when I say that you will need to be honest with yourself, consistent with your running, or realistic about your goals.  I promise, if running that far was *no big deal* everyone would do it.  It is a huge deal.  HUGE!!!  Let's not minimize that.

Secondly, I am very content with my training schedule.  Running is personal - what works for me may not work for you, and that is OK.  And while I love being invited to classes, runs, events (don't stop that) please don't demand that I need to add cross training, strength training, hill training, or whatever, to my schedule.  I'm good.  I will do it my way.  MY WAY.  I will not compromise.  And, if you haven't already ran a couple marathons - I really don't want to hear it.  It would be like me telling a parent of five children what they should and shouldn't be doing.  Just because you read it on the internet does not mean it applies to everyone.  I promise.

That said, I would 100% be over the moon if all my friends were runners.  Running is such an amazing sport.  It is one of the very few that allows you be alone in your head.  It is my meditation, my chance to reflect, my chance to remember who I am and what I want to be, it is my religion.  I want everyone to experience this, and I would love to be a part of that journey.  But at the end of the day - it is YOUR journey, YOUR adventure, YOUR experience.  Grasp that with both hands and love the adventure...  or run, rather.  You won't be sorry you did.

Here's to going the distance.

Andrea

Things I Do Not Understand. #1

So, I am singing a long to this fabulous song in my car, and it gets to the chorus. 

I sing, what I think are the right lyrics, and then think "what the Hell does that mean"? 

The Song:  Ventura Highway
The Lyrics:  Alligator Lizards in the Air

Now, you tell me.  What does that even mean??  AND WHO THE HELL IS JOE!!!

Don't believe me??  Have yourself a listen...

Here's to alligator lizards in the air... and I hope I just didn't say something perverted.

Andrea

Ladies and Gents. Poor Little Pitiful Pearl.

This is Pearl.  Our lovely lady kitty. 

Shhhhhh... she is very tired, and really cannot be bothered by your shenanigans. 

She is very very busy all day long herding the other animals, reminding them of the rules, grooming them, putting away their toys, telling on them, bossing everyone around, and generally checking to make sure there is order in the Farmer house. 

Without her there would certainly be mass chaos.

She doesn't like it when things seem out of place.  That string there, on my sweatshirt, was not in it's rightful place.  She was trying very very hard to correct that.  She knows where the toys go, and she wants them all to be there all the time. 

When Pearl isn't busy maintaining the household, you will often find her staring straight at the wall.  I say, "oh look, Pearl has found Jesus."

We are very lucky to have this little lady.  Without her, I would be the only General in the house, and it is very hard to keep everyone in line.  I am confident that I can turn my back on the others (including Shiloh) for a second, and if there is trouble Pearl will go out of her way to find me.  And when everything is in its rightful place, and everyone is behaving.  We sleep.

Here is to order, restored.

Andrea

Follow this blog.

No, for reals - and hear me out.

Do you enjoy what you read?  Do you come visit me every so often just to see what kind of hijinks I have been up to??  Does this blog make you laugh, think, shake your head, appreciate the small things, provide you a moment of sanity??  Then you need to click that little button that asks you to follow and here is why: 

I love to write this blog.  I really do, but if I am the only one enjoying it - well I can write in a journal. That said, if you follow me - then I feel like people want me to do this, are actually enjoying themselves, and I have a purpose to write. 

Not just a purpose, but an obligation to share and to continue. 

This is just a thought - a way of knowing who you are as readers.  I like to know. 

Here's to doing what your told.

andrea

Graveyards of the South. Hauntings of my Soul.

This may not be as cool as you think it is going to be, or it could totally exceed all expectations.  How's that for vague. 

Mrs. Cathryn and I were in New Orleans two years ago, and visited one of the above ground graveyards (you see, you don't bury people in the swamp... successfully). 

This was one of the few places that you could really see the damage from Katrina, and it was one of my favorites. 

I hadn't posted my photos until now.  I wasn't ready.

It was haunting.

The wording of the stones:

Simple.

Formal.

Full of the kind of grief that can never quite be explained in words. only in looks, and gentle touches.

There was so much to see; with the eyes, the heart, the head...


So much sorrow.

So many memories.

Beautiful celebrations.

Broken hearts.

Spirits everywhere.

To be moved, and yet not know he who moves you.

 

To give life where life comes to rest.

To remember.

To reunite.

To breathe.

To begin to understand one's own mortality.

It was a place of honesty.  of truths revealed.

secrets shared.  tales untold.

mysteries.



The spirits will shake you to your core.  The material will matter less.  The urge to hold you love ones tighter will burst from your belly, and leave you rattled and disturbed.  You'll need two phone calls home tonight.   To check.  To exhale.  To know.

You'll leave here a little fuller.

You'll appreciate the beauty - where none previously was seen.

You'll reflect.

You'll remember.

Here's to the people of New Orleans.  May your light forever shine.

Andrea

... and YUM.

Who loves chocolate???  Are ya with me??  I felt the need to make dessert at book club, and here is what we had.  (Don't you wish you were in our book club??  We are pretty amazing.)

Let me show you how to be fancy.  Get out your apron (see, already fancy).

Now, I made these with that spiffy little Pampered Chef Brownie Pan that you see there and why yes, I can take your order.

Okay, see those things??? 

Get those things - break and bake cookie dough, oreos, and boxed brownie mix. 

Then you will smoosh one break and bake cookie into the bottom of each square, easy.

Next, you will top each piece of cookie dough with an oreo cookie. 

See, not hard at all.

Then, make the brownie mix as directed on the box.  Once that is done, top each square with the brownie mix until it covers the cookie.  Viola!!

Bake them until the brownie is done, and you will have the following: a super delicious double cookie brownie. 

Next time I think I will use sugar cookie dough, golden oreos, and blonde brownie mix.  This could be switched up a number of times.... (who has thin mints left.)

Here's to triple layers of delight.

Andrea

The Business of FancyDancin': Part One.

Lessons Learned.  That's important right??  Take aways, tid bits, sound bites, memories....

I think I got it this time.  No, I really think I do.

It is my belief, that when we face challenges, bad days, failures, flesh wounds, we are supposed to learn something.  I understand that most people don't think this way; I am not most people (in case that wasn't clear from the get go).

After the race (the flesh wound race) I struggled on what it was that I was supposed to learn.  I didn't understand.  But now I do.  I get it.  Comin' in loud and clear - over and out.

Control.  I have to, sometimes, give that up.  As much as I like to plan, over think, pin point, plot, OCD-out on something - sometimes you just cannot control the outcome.  And *that* can be okay.  I can give up control, and still live, still survive, still thrive.  I don't have to get uber focused on the details, the trees, the itty bitty details.  I can let that all go, I can focus on the forest, and enjoy the ride. 

I can enjoy the ride without knowing at what mile post we'll be stopping for snacks.  Because even when you know... the world may have a different plan for you.  Let's just hope next time it isn't a flesh wound.

Here is to the business of fancydancin' without choreography.

Andrea

Nailed It - For the Ladies.

Hmmm.  On second thought, that title may not be.... well, whatever.

I have found the best. thing. ever!!!  Jamberry Nail Shields.  Look!!  Aren't they freaking cool!!!!!

Traditional manicures and I don't always get along.  They paint - I smudge.  They decorate - I chip.  I pay $30.00 - only to have it ruined in a day or two.  Same with pedicures.  I am good until I go out for a long run, and then the corners of my big toe "wear off".  No Beuno. 

With these - I can go for weeks!!  Well, several weeks (3-4) on my toes and about 9 days on my hands - mostly because I get a little crazy, and tear them off when I get stressed. 

So, because I love them so much I wanted to share!! (even though I thought about keeping this little gem to myself).   I booked a party through the consultant that sells them - so you could give them a shot.  Go to the website below, and check them out.  If you decide to order anything, just put my name down as the host.  MMMMMKay.  Thanks!!  Do it, it is loads of fun.  Seriously, $15.00 and you've got perfect nails.

www.YourNailStyle.com 

Still confused???  Watch this video.  Magic!!

Here's to having magic at your fingertips.

Andrea

...because this stuff always happens to me.

Let's get it out there.  I blame this on Chrissy Shelton, and you'll see why very shortly.

I needed to get the inside of my new car (yes, you read that right) cleaned; after the 100K it looked like I had given it a dirt bath.  Lynne informed me there was this awesome express detailing place in Lewiston, and when I happened to find myself there - I jumped at the chance to have someone else clean it all up.

It should be noted that my iPod is synced (sunk??) with my car.  I am not entirely sure how it all works.  I'm still figuring it all out.  I pushed what I thought was the off button, turns out it wasn't.  However, because I pushed the "off" button I didn't think to look and see what was coming up on my playlist.

Fast forward, Mr. Car Wash dude brings me my keys and says, "she's all ready."  Smirking.  I thought he was smirking because it was raining, and my hair was a mess.  Turns out it is because he was being serenaded by Lil Kim and the filthiest song I could possibly have on my iPod.

Now, before we start judging - I am always looking for good running songs.  I really don't care about the lyrics; I just want a good beat.  Ms. Shelton suggested I give "How Many Licks" a try.  She was right - excellent running song.  As far as lyrical talent goes - well, Lil Kim certainly has a way with words.

I was basically mortified, and am not entirely sure that I can go back there.  Although, I bet that wasn't what he was expecting to get to listen to - so there's always the amusing element of surprise.

Here's to the unexpected.  Keep them guessing my friends.

Andrea

A sure remedy for the bad day blues.

You ALL know by now, that I love a good animal video.  I prefer cat videos - they are my favorite - but I will never snub an honest to goodness awesome funny animal video.

... and thus, I bring you "Animal Crackers"  enjoy.

Here's to the animal kingdom in all its glory,

Andrea

I need bandmates. Who's in?

I just had the best idea ever.  No, really.  Hear me out.

I would like to create a touring Hall and Oates cover band.  Name??  Haulin' Notes.  Get it???  I mean really, how awesome would that be.  And before you get all sanctimonious about how you don't really like them and their long flowy hair, tight pants,and short shorts.  Let me remind you of five little things....

Can't go for that, Maneater, Rich Girl, Private Eyes, Kiss on my List...  You just try not to sing along, and bob your snobby little head.  You can't do it.  So, just suck it up and get out your boat shoes.

Plus, there are about a billion other fantastically awesome songs that I didn't even mention.  A cover band would be sooooooooooo fun.  Come on guys.  Let's do it!!  Who's in???

Here's to great ideas and awesome names,

Andrea

My Itty Bitty Love Affair.

It's true.  I'm in love - with my Keurig. 

How I managed life pre-Keurig I will never know.  It's beyond me actually, and I am fairly certain that if the house was burning down and I had five minutes to grab stuff - it'd be safe.

I know what you're thinking, "really, is it *that* cool?"  I was a doubter too.  I thought this machine cannot possibly be worth the sticker price.  Oh, I was wrong.  So. Very. Wrong.

Instead of drinking an extremely over priced "white chocolate coconut mocha" each and every morning (alternated with what I refer to as "pink coffee"), I enjoy a moderately over priced cup of "Island Coconut" coffee, black. 

What's that? It's enabling me to make healthy choices?  Yup it's true.  I drink a lot less of my calories these days, and still have wonderfully flavorful choices.  Same wonderful caffeine bliss - less junk.  It's a win win, really. 

If you don't have one, and you enjoy yourself a warm beverage now and then - it is a must.  This is my official stamp of approval.

Here's to awesomeness in your cup!!

Andrea

Giants of the Forrest, A Beautiful Friendship, and Flesh Wounds...

If running the "Avenue of the Giants" isn't on your bucket list - it should be.   

Last Friday, Ms. Chrissy and I set out for a road trip to the Redwood Forest to participate.  This was not just a race, but a destination adventure. 

We had snacks (sour patch kids, swedish fish, tootsie pops), we had an awesome playlist, and we had lots and lots of fun.  She was able to experience my crazy first hand (there may have been an incident with a cat), and she didn't opt to find an alternate route home.  God Bless her!

We were able to take in the awesomeness of the forest, the unpredictability of the road, and the hilarity of the Dean Creek Inn (only hilarious because we survived: spiders in my bed, bugs on Chrissy's face).

We prepped, we ate, and we arrived for our 8:45 am start time.  I feel like we were perfectly prepared.

... for what happened next, I can only tell you that I believe it to be karma.  A little less that a week ago, I was making fun of dudes with chaffing issues.  I would like to apologize to them in excess.  I had no idea.  

The gun went off, we were out and running, and the first half was perfect!!  Amazing course, amazing scenery... perfect.  I hit the turn around point at 57:03 - well on my way to making my goal.  At mile 8 - everything fell apart.  Somehow (and it isn't like I haven't worn these shorts before) the legs of my shorts had worn through three layers of skin on the inner/upper part of each thigh.  I'm not talking about just a raspberry of sorts; I am talking bleeding, oozing, flesh wound.  Every step I took was torture.  Pain seared through my legs, and left me short of breath at times.  I kept going, and I crossed that finish line - but not under 2.  I crossed in 2:01:22. 

At first I was a little pissed, pouty, grumpy... my pride bruised.  BUT after much reflection, a day in my sweat pants, lots of neosporin, and a handful of Advil - I am incredibly proud. (of myself and of Chrissy).  We both completed something in a way we didn't know we could.  Chrissy was 15 minutes faster than she thought she was going to be, and I was able to prove to myself that I am one tough cookie.  I can overcome obstacles, I can work through problems, I can believe in myself, I can fight though it all, and I am - above all - a runner. A runner that will keep wanting, and working, and striving, and training, and loving, and laughing through it all.  I am so up for this race again next year!! 

Here's to obstacles overcome and friends who believe,

Andrea

So very helpful. Not.

LOLOLOL - Forgive me for the use of the *not* joke.  I couldn't help myself.  I think they are ridiculous, thus I must use them when I can.  (FYI - best scene of that Borat movie is the *not joke* scene, also the chicken).  Anyway, I digress.

I really can't do much by myself any more.  I used to be able to file my nails without having to be behind locked doors.  (Yes, I am super fancy.  Oh, stop it)

This is what happens when I try...

Apparently, Hank is a tad metro sexual.  Huh, who knew.

Here's to help, wherever you can get it.

Andrea

Further proof God wants me to be happy.

It was Office Depot day.  Simple right?  Pencils, sticky notes, staples, and treats for the students.  EASY!!!

Tim and I were walking down the *treat* aisle when *what to my wondering eyes should appear*?????

AN ENTIRE BOX OF BISCOFF COOKIES!!!!  OHMYGOD!!!  BEST.  DAY.  EVER.

Now, I was aware (kinda) that I could purchase these cookies online, but that seemed to be too big of a hassle.  So, I usually take one for the team and catch the early Horizon flight.  They serve these 100% of the time, and if you talk really nice and compliment the flight attendants on their amazing hair - they may give you extra.  These cookies are a little gift from God.  I soak them in my coffee and it is heaven in my mouth. 

AND NOW I HAVE A WHOLE FREAKING BOX!!!!!  YAY ME!!!

Here's to terrific finds in unexpected places.

Andrea

I think it is always like this....

Yup.  They are here.  Those pesky nerves. 

I have a race on Sunday (with Ms. Chrissy), and I am starting to get the jitters.  Please don't tell me it will be fine, or that it's all in good fun, or that it doesn't matter.  It does matter, and I am very serious about this.

It is hard to explain - these running goals of mine.  I can't make you understand my perspective, or what they mean to me.  It is all very personal - you run (or not) for your reasons.  I run for mine.  There is no wrong or right answer - for you it's fun, for me it's an exam. 

You know the kind - the runners that are out in the snow, hail, rain, wind.  It's a cult.  We can't explain ourselves.  We just know that it is a very essential part of who we are.  Also, we have these imaginary badges we award ourselves after a particularly horrible run.  I have a sash full.

However, I am having the "what if" moments, and I don't think they will go away until I am actually running.  I get butterflies just thinking about it all.  I've packed, unpacked, and repacked... and it is only Wednesday.  I have been the *most* efficient employee this week, as I have all this crazy energy and nothing to do with it.  Proposals have been written, phone calls returned, inboxes cleared out.... etc.

This isn't a full - it's a half, and it should be the most beautiful half I have ever run.  You see, it will be through the Redwood Forest, and it will be scenically overwhelming. 

I am so very excited, so very nervous, so very pukey, so very peemypantscannotwaittogetontheroad!!

But this is what I love; I love the adventure, the uncertainty, the geekiness, the thrill, the fear, and the challenge. 

I know that I have trained properly - almost ate right... almost.  I know I've got this... now, to get it under 2??  Easier said that done.

May your day be filled with moments that stir your soul.

Andrea

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes.

Holy Bajesus!!  These things went quicker than any other cupcake I have ever made.  EVER. 

Usually, after lunch - there will be about 6, or so, cupcakes left in the office work room.  Not with these bad boys.  There wasn't one left.  Not even half of one.

So - here you go.  Be fancy.  (Please, please, please - even though it might kill you - fight the urge to make a thicker frosting.  If you make a cream cheese, or butter cream, frosting for these you will lose the wonderful "latte" taste and feel.  Don't do it.)

*this has been take from Annie's Eats, who, I believe, took it from Williams Sonoma*

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes:

Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp. espresso powder
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup coffee or espresso, for brushing
• 2¼ cups heavy cream, chilled
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Caramel sauce

Let's Begin:  Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Blah Blah Blah.

Combine, in a bowl, the flour, espresso powder (you can substitute instant coffee here and be just fine), baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Whisk it all together, and put it to the side. Mix together (in your mixer if you wish) the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Slowly, add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing just until incorporated.

Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake until the cupcakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then remove the cupcakes from the pans. While the cupcakes are still warm, brush them two or three times with the coffee or espresso, allowing the first coat to soak in before repeating. Let cool completely.

Makes about 32 cupcakes.

Frosting Time:  Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-low speed at first, gradually increasing to high speed. Blend in the confectioners’ sugar gradually. Whip until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over-beat. Now frost those cupcakes, I like to use my Pampered Chef Easy Accent Decorator to frost them, but you do you. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and drizzle with caramel sauce. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.  These actually hold up really well, so don't worry about the fluffy frosting *melting*

Here's to yummy treats.

Andrea