So, my cats hate Mardi Gras...

It's a fact.  They hate it.  Mainly, because the entire celebration taunts them - with feathers.

On my fridge (the freezer part) I had an awesome magnet.  It was of a Mardi Gras lady, with feathers in her hair.  Pretty.  Pink and Pretty.  Pretty and Pink and Sparkly.

And then, the cats exacted their revenge on the taunting magnet.  Some how they got it down (levitation is my best guess), broke it in half, and ripped the feathers off.  She never even had a fighting chance.

Hank and Pearl want you to know that they WILL NOT be allowing the good times to roll in their presence.  Not this year.

A letter to my younger self.

Ever have those moments where you think - dammit, if ONLY I would have known this when I was 16??  I have them all the time. There is so much that I wish I knew back then that I do know today.  So many frets I wouldn't have fretted.  So much heartache that I wouldn't have to endure. So, here is a glimpse at what I would have told her:

Dear Younger Andrea,

Let's get a few things out in the open - you need to hear this.  It's for your own good.

1.  Breathe - It's okay, slow down, take it one day at a time.  You have your whole life to figure things out.  Enjoy being a kid, and yes you are still a kid.  The process is where the magic happens.

2.  It gets better.  I realize that in this moment this is all you have, all you know, all you understand.  But you will make new friends, you will find people just like you, you will fit in, you will be okay.

3.  It's perfectly fine to not be one of the *pretty* girls.  Beauty fades, but personality, that is something that you will take with you your entire life.  You can't get THAT at the drugstore.  Also, you ARE pretty - you are Andrea pretty.

4.  Listen to your grandparents.  They may seem ancient, but what they know and will share is extremely valuable.  You only get a limited time with them - pause and enjoy every second.

5.  Lighten up!  An A- in PE is not the end of the world.  Take risks, don't play it safe, don't color inside the lines, don't follow all the rules.  Dance like Hell to the beat of your own drummer.

6.  Finally, all your struggles will make you a better person.  You will come out the other side stronger, smarter, funnier, and more empathetic.  Don't forget where you came from, don't forget how it felt, don't forget that you were carried on the backs of others, and that you will be compelled to pay it forward. 

High Fives,

The Better Version.

BUSTED!!!

I have a problem.  BIG.  HUGE.  I am a sucker for inappropriate music.  Hip hop, yes.  Gangsta rap, yes. Can't help it.  It's like the beats infect my brain, and I can't. stop. listening.

Today, I was at the grocery store in Colfax just humming away (I can't stop doing that either).  I was in my own little world, and I got busted. 

Checker Lady:  Well, that sounds like a pretty song what is it.

Me: *deer in the headlights look* Huh?

Checker Lady:  You know, that song you were humming, what is it?

Me: *12 shades of red*  Oh, I don't know just some song I picked up somewhere...

Checker Lady  Well, it sounded like you knew it well.  You sure you don't know the name?

Me:  Uh, nope.

Lady, drop it!!  Because there is no way that, in this lifetime, I am going to tell you - "Oh, yes.  That little number, well it's Mystikal's Shake Ya Ass."  Not happening.

Here's to super secret inappropriate shenanigans.

Giving Thanks.

I have noticed a lot of folks are listing what they are thankful for, and I think that is great.  It's nice to be able to take some time to reflect on all the positives in our lives.  ALSO, it is a great way to celebrate that little holiday between Halloween and Christmas.  So, high fives to all of you.

Since I am not really spectacular at following directions I have a decided to do things my own way.  It's not a new thing; it's part of my DNA.

For your reading pleasure I'd like to share the first 15 things I am thankful for...

1. For Shiloh who continues to put up with my crazy time and time again; who allows me to be me every day, and loves me regardless; who is a willing participant in all my schemes and adventures; who continues to believe, and to love, and to laugh.  Thank you.

2. For My mother who, no matter how old I get, will always treat me like I am 12; who is so incredibly proud that often her enthusiasm makes me blush; who never fails to remind me that I am important, that I am special, and that she will always love me more than rainbows, and sunshine, and unicorns.  Who teaches me kindness, and thoughtfulness. Thank you.

3. For My brother who makes my work days 85% better; who knows I am ridiculously cranky pre-9:00 am, and always says a cheery "good morning" anyway; who continues to make me laugh; who has a heart of gold; who is the most authentic person I have ever met; who I admire.  Thank you.

4.  For Melinda, who loves me as though I am her daughter; who never passes judgment, and accepts with arms wide open; who teaches, and listens, and loves; who supports me in all I do. Thank you.

5. For My Sisters in Law, you have taken me on as a true sister.  I irritate the shit out of you, make you shake your head, and you love me anyway.  Cathryn - thank you for your immense patience and fast friendship.  I feel like we have been the greatest of friends our whole life.  Julie - thank you for believing, for cheering, for being my biggest fan.  Holly - thank you for your honesty, and clarity, and getting my sense of humor. Kami - thank you for being you, and always you, and for your beautiful spirit.  I love you all more than you will ever know.  Thank you.

6. For Beefer who participates in my shenanigans; who accepts late night phone calls; who would mortgage her house for bail money (if I ever need it); who reminds me that you can be smart, and pretty, and funny, and have amazing dance moves; who believes in strength, and intelligence, and doing the right thing. Thank you.

7. For Karly B who has been by my side since childhood; who always lends an ear, or a starburst, or a hug, or a special chat; who I don't get to see enough; who keeps me grounded; who shows me you can be strong and soft; who loves with ever fiber of her being.  Thank you.

8. For My Peeps, and don't act like you don't know who you are, who keep me going; who send me texts; who know the exact moment I am down and lift me up; who keep pushing me; who keep me laughing; who accept my lunch/coffee/fro-yo requests without a second thought; who I look forward to seeing (or IMing) every single week (or day in some cases); who have seen the crazy (lock it up, Andrea) and keep coming back; whose friendship is as important as air.  Thank you.

9. For My Grandparents who carried me on their proverbial shoulders; who shaped my morals; who provided me character; who gave me a soft place to land; who believed in me even when I couldn't; who taught me to swear, and to be fabulous.  Thank you.

10.  For My Nieces and Nephews who make me so proud; whose company I cannot get enough; who give me hope for the future; who make my heart sing.  Thank you.

11.  For Running who has given me clarity; who provides me with an outlet for all my energy; who has shown me that I am not breakable, I am not weak, I do not give up in the face adversity; who provided me with energy and motivation and free t-shirts and medals for a lifetime.  Thank you.

12.  For Writing who had provided me a creative outlet; that has given me a platform to present my musings, my ponderings, my life in blips.  Thank you.

13.  For Reading who has shook me to my very core; who has allowed me to travel to far off places from the comfort of my couch; who allows me to live as another for a short period of time; with whom all things are possible.  Thank you.

14.  For My Job who allows me to meet wonderful people and see amazing places; who has found a perfect fit for my gift of gab; who takes care of me; who creates an environment where I can thrive; who makes each day seem less and less like work.  Thank you.

15.  For the Kindness of Strangers whose simple smiles make me happy; whose unassuming gestures make me believe in the good of humanity; whose willingness to help others that cannot help themselves restores my belief in the human spirit.  Thank you.

Insert Theme Music Here...

I think that sometimes I forget that I am not super hero material.  Before we start making assumptions that I think I'm all that and a pack of crackers, hear me out.

It's Sunday, I get to run the first long(ish) run (over four miles) since my 26.2.  I should be OVER THE MOON.  But, I am warm and comfortable and lacking motivation.  I don't want to go.  I want to sit in my chair, and drink my coffee, and watch crap television.

The little voice inside my brain begins to holler, well it starts as more of a whisper, "...get up, get.up., getupgetupgetup"  I attempt to tune it out with multiple games of songpop, but to no avail.  It starts again, "you need this.  YOU. NEED. TO. RUN -  I know you don't want to NOW, but in an hour - you'll be patting yourself on the back."  I pretend I can't hear it - but it starts eating at me. 

I always get so irritated when I lose my motivation.  I feel as though I should be Super Runner Girl; the girl with a cape, and a theme song, who is always over-enthusiastic about running.

But today, I'm just Andrea and, while I eventually went running anyway (and was glad I did) I just wanted to sit in my chair.  And you know what?  I am okay with that.

Adults are Boring.

It's true, being an adult serves a purpose.  There are certainly times and places where adult-like behavior is appropriate, and anything less is a bad judgement call.

But, do we have to be soooooo serious all the time??  I know that I refuse to be.  Laughter keeps you young, gives you perspective, stirs the soul, awakens the spirit.  I am pretty sure it's better for you than a multi-vitamin.

If you can't get down and be ridiculous every now and then - well I feel sorry for you.  You have become a cranky old person trapped in a younger adult body (or not so younger adult).  Sometimes, you just have to let the inner child out and give them free reign of the place.  It's a way of detoxing.

Life is far to short to sit around giving stink eye (old lady face) to everyone and anyone that maaaaaaay just be having a good time.  So what if someone has the giggles in the "stomach issues" section of the pharmacy.  As a wise woman once told me, "fart jokes are funny."

So, let's take a moment.  Watch this video.  And dance like an idiot - readysetgo!!

HEEEEYYYYY, sexy lady!!!!   ...and you're welcome.

(and no, I have no idea what he is saying, but I cannot get enough)

Cross Training or Torture....

If given the choice between the two I would really have to think hard.  Very hard.

A group of us have begun the journey to incorporate some cross training into our running/workout/fitness lives.  It'll be fun, they said.  It'll make you a stronger runner, they said.  How hard can it be, they said.

First, let me tell you that without my most wonderful group of ladies - Chrissy, Anna, and Cathryn - without you, I would have quit after the first day. You know, that day where I couldn't walk, and my whole body felt as though maybe I had been in a car accident - yeah that day.  But because of a little thing called peer pressure, I showed up for day two, and day three.  I even some how managed to keep up my running schedule.

By Thursday night, I found myself in the bathtub with no clear exit strategy.  It took me a good five minutes getting in there, and now with legs that won't work, a core that won't contract, and arms that felt like jello... I was screwed.  I thought about just staying in there for a couple days... the water was nice after all. 

It's now several days later (I did make my way out of the tub) things hurt less, and perspective has been gained.  I have a tendency to jump in with both feet - all in, or not at all.  Perhaps, this week I shall learn about moderation.  I'd like to work hard, and be sore - don't get me wrong.  But when you spend the next 4 days walking as though you may have a neurological disorder - you have gone too far. 

I went against the ONE piece of advice I always give people who are starting to run.  Start slow, finish with a little gas in the tank, so that the next day you look forward to the run.  If you give it all you have the first day, you lose the joy and feeling of accomplishment.  Instead, you feel defeated and out of shape.  Manageable goals, Andrea....

To the group of ladies that keep me coming back - bless your hearts.  I appreciate you more than you ever know.  I *also* hope that you were just as miserable. 

lace up, double knots, high-fives. 

My Morning Smoothie!!

I am sorry I don't have a picture for you, but I drank it already.

For the past three years, I have turned my nose up at smoothies.  Being on a liquid diet for 6 weeks will do that to you.  Also, I am not all that hungry in the morning - and because of my mess of a jaw (17 screws and 4 plates) it takes awhile for things to get loosened up enough to want to chew. 

However, I have created a really yummy breakfast that doesn't have a TON of calories, that keeps me full, and that I can tolerate.  Want my secret??  Of course you do!!!

Andrea's Morning Smoothie.

1 cup frozen fruit, whatever kind
1 small banana
1 container of Greek 0% yogurt
1/3 cup quick oats
a pinch of chia seeds, and a pinch of flax seed (totally optional)
About a cup and a half of plain ole coconut water (more or less depending on how you like it).

Blend all that up, and enjoy.  Now, you can add protein powder if you wish - or remove the oatmeal if you aren't fond of thick drinks.  Make it your own really.

I usually let mine sit for a bit - mainly because it is too cold right away.  And with all that metal in my face, cold is a killer.

Bottoms up!!