One Mile(stone)

I think I just ran my first mile.

No, really.

Let me back up.

I've run many a mile(s), just never consecutively (I don't think--though there was one time a month or so ago I think I may have in the middle of a workout and not realized it).

I already worked out today with weights, but I got a wave of extreme fatigue and instead of taking a nap or lazily fighting it, I decided to pump myself up with a quick run. Once I got started, a few seconds in, I thought, what better day to try than the last of 2011?

Not only that, but it was a 12 minute mile exactly (Unplanned. In fact, I was aiming for 15, sad as that sounds! We all start somewhere...). I have cardiovascular endurance, but not speed. It's partially a mental thing, partially lung, it seems. Because although my calves were tight, as they often are, my legs felt OK: good even (until I slowed down!). But today I proved I can push through the pain, be it physical or mental.

I know MANY people walk at 4mph, but that used to be my "running" (err, I guess jogging...) speed. But now I'm inching my way up to 5 and 6 mph, a place I never thought I could be, even though neither are particularly remarkable for many.

But as they say on Pintrest...



I don't normally do resolutions, but I've had a goal in mind for a few months--and maybe, just maybe, by 2012 it'll be achieved.

BIG Hint: 3.1.

xo,
Amanda

Christmas Dinner

After my last post I was on a coffee high, while everyone else passed out.

I took the opportunity to fit in a 35 minute treadmill run. I know, who works out on Christmas? But I truly felt like it, so why not? Now my legs feel so tired from running & then standing for hours to cook that I can barely stand it, but it's only one day....

Finally, I got myself cleaned up & got started on the next round of food.

While that was all cooking, we took the opportunity to have 2738384 photo shoots.

Bella was laughing at me.



Yeah, the bald look isn't really in for me...EEK!



Still NOT my best look, but my mom looks way too cute not to post!



Meh, neither of us look our best here either, but what can ya do?



There's not a meal that goes by where food doesn't get on his shirt, tie, or pants. Heh.



More snuggles, natch.







Oh, right: the meal.



Appetizers:
spinach artichoke dip, queso, shrimp cocktail, veggie chips, taro/sweet potato/other chips, organic blue corn chips, baby carrots, celery, deviled eggs, and black olives

Main Event:
filet mignon & mashed potatoes. I also tried one of the crab stuffed clams I accidentally slightly overcooked.

I forgot to make the salad! Doh.



Served alongside giant glasses of Prosecco. Which my dad kept INSISTING was Champagne. He didn't understand that they're similar, as in they're both sparkling wine, but one is Italian (does Prosecco always have to be Italian? *ponders*), while one is ONLY from Champagne, France. Oh well, it's still bubbly vino and that's alright with me!



Fancy pants time!





Finally, my brother & I.




Excuse Buster's odd eyes. He had red eye in almost every pic, the little demon! Clearly iPhotos red eye corrector wasn't at the top of its game today....

We tried to go see the Descendants at the indie theatre, but our steaks took too long to cook and we wouldn't have made it. Kinda disappointi...

Err, wait, what's that you say? Oh, sorry not you. That was the pumpkin pie & vanilla/cinnamon/maple whipped cream calling. I must bid you adieu. A couple gingerbread or almond sugar cookies might find their way into my, er, pie-hole as well. It's only fair.

Then, I must watch the Christmas classic, Dexter Season 2. Eh, ok so it has nothing to do with Christmas, but I'm gonna watch it anyway. So there. Hopefully Elf too if my Dad ever goes to sleep and gives up the big tv! SANTA! I KNOW HIM! I wanted to watch it the other nite, but we couldn't find our copy and it wasn't on tv 'til today. Weird!

Hope your Christmas, Hannukah, or anything else you celebrate (life?!) was amazing, too.

xo,
Amanda

Christmas Morning

Looks like we were good this year-Santa came!!



First up--stockings! Obvi.


I told him to smile. What's up with that? HAHA. Family...



And modeling my oh-so-(NOT)-flattering onesie ;)


Makeup-less face not able to be shown because I still want to have SOME pride-ha.

Then, presents!


He's a MAN!


Here's (most of) my loot. I'll post a more detailed list later.




Way WAY too much! But I love it ALL.

Lots of snuggles were to be had


Yeah, yeah that one was from yesterday, shhh close enough


GASP Naked pets! NOT ok in this household ;). But their sweaters kept getting caught on their paws & it wasn't fancy-clothes time yet!


HAHA mid-yawn. Isn't he ferocious?!



It isn't the holidays if you don't get humped by your dog, I guess! Yikes!



Oh, Buster.

After the presents were unwrapped (took less than 2.5 hours--a personal family record. Usually we hit the 3-3.5 hr mark), it was time for breaky-fast! Ham & cheese egg casserole topped with a last minute addition of cream cheese (GREAT decision) + egg nog bread pudding baked french toast.






And egg nog coffee. Lots of coffee.


+2

Misc. Decor:





Even my nails got festivus with the rest of us :-P



I guess it was tiring getting so much new stuff. Nap time for some!



Be back later with another recap, hopefully!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

xo,
Amanda

Christmas Survey

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

WRAP. I didn't realize some people just set them under, that would practically ruin Christmas for me! Half the fun is opening everything!!!!

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White

Do you hang mistletoe?

Nah. I'm pretty sure you don't need to make out with your family. Just sayin'

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

Hmm....I like everything we make, hence why we make it. Fave is prob the spinach artichoke dip.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Can't think of anything specific, but we always had excellent Christmases

Snow? Love it or dread it?

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Shame on you haters! :-P

Real or fake tree?

Fake. We had a real one a couple of times, but it gave my Mom and I horrible headaches, so we're probably allergic.

What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

Seeing people happy

What is your favorite Holiday dessert?

pumpkin pie with gingerbread cookie crust or pumpkin gingerbread trifle

What is your favorite tradition?

watching my family open their presents

What tops your tree?

the past 2 years (we always seem to lose the toppers, so it changes) it's been a SUPER sparkly star that my mom, dad, and I love, but my brother thinks is sooo tacky, lol

What is your favorite Christmas Song?

I'm not a huge Christmas song person, but I like that Garth Brooks "Santa Looks a Lot Like Daddy" one OK, or really any of his Christmas Album...and for shame, for shame, but I've always been partial to that "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays" one by N'Sync (I don't know the real title, but I'm sure you know the one...). The Hippopotamus one always makes me laugh, too. And not a Christmas song, but...what are the holidays without Adam Sandler's Hannukah song?!

What do you leave for Santa?

cookies, milk, and veggies for the reindeer, duh!

Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?

Whoever wakes up first (at a reasonable hour, say after 8) can wake everybody else up, as people slowly get out of bed to head downstairs, we all open our stockings, one by one, then find our cozy place on the couch, cuddle in with the pups and kitties, then open the presents 1 by 1. It usually takes 3 hours, at least. Then, I make breakfast & coffee with egg nog when we're done (even though it's usually past lunch time...) and we feast. Only to be followed by beginning to start the appetizers and dinner process.

Picture taken about 5 minutes ago, but you get the idea ;)

Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?

mostly online--more unique choices!

YOUR TURN!!

xo,

Amanda