I am a Runner.

I am a Runner. Who would have ever thought it? If you knew me growing up, you would never expect that I like to run...

I ran the 4 x 200 relay in middle school. We were not necessarily good. I've never been a long distance runner either. However, in early 2013, I started a couch to 5K program and I was hooked. Embarrassingly, after I had been running for over a year, I decided to get fit for some running shoes at the Manhattan Running company. I had been running in $40 Nikes from Pennys! Yikes! That just proves that I'm cheap and that running and working out like that was not what I had typically done up to that point!

One of my favorite moments was when I was shopping for shoes, I told the lady in the store that I am kinda running on a regular basis. I'm not necessarily a runner but I do run about betweeen 1-3 miles about 3 times a week. She looked at me and said, "Honey, you are a runner. If you run that much a week, you are a runner." That moment really blew me away. I am a runner. I am a runner!

Since that moment, I've since ran several more 5Ks. I've ran in every city I have traveled. Running outside in a new and different city is such an awesome experience... a little frightening sometimes, but awesome. Currently, I'm training for a half marathon. Crazy. Today was my longest run... 7 miles... I ran for over an hour! I was super proud of myself! I walked in the door and told JM - I made it! :) He was proud but not quite as excited as me.

Right before I started off on my run tonight. Isn't my KSU headband cute? 

One thing that makes the running bearable is my playlist. I have the iTunes app on my phone and it is the best money spent each month. I've decided to share my prized playlist below. And btw - JM listens to country when he runs - who does that?!?

I run this playlist on Shuffle

• Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
• I'm not a huge Avril Lavigne fan, but this is a quick, fun song. 
• I Like That - Richard Vission & Static Revenger feat. Luciana 
• Hum... I actually don't love this song either. But - I think So You Think You Can Dance did a routine to this a few seasons ago. It keeps me going. Nevermind. I just YouTubed the dance and its clearly not the same song!
• Work B**ch - Britney Spears
• This song always seems to pop up when I'm wanting to slow down or quit. But Britney telling me I have to work to get there... apparently that works. 
• Titanium - David Guetta feat. Sia
• Roar - Katy Perry
• I don't love Katy Perry. It's a good run. Added bonus... David loves this song so I run through it thinking of him singing to it! 
• Fireball - Pitball
• Oh man. I love this song. It makes me want to Salsa. And I may have dancing arms a bit when in comes on. 
• Lose Yourself - Eminem
• I have a secret. Eminem is one of my guilty pleasures. 
• Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
• This makes me think of my Jodi who I taught in dance.
• Stand Up (For the Champions) - Right Said Fred
• So many things to say about this song. I love the 2003 K-State Football video to this song. It is awesome. I can't find it on YouTube... what's up with that? When I added this song to my playlist I couldn't believe Right Said Fred sings it...Doesn't he sing I'm Too Sexy? 
• WTF (Where They From) - Missy Elliott
• My Missy. Love me some Missy Elliott. 
• Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
• I want to see Bruno Mars in concert. I hear he puts on a great show!
• Wake Me Up - Avicii
• A little slow... a balance song. 
• Come Get It Bae - Pharrell Williams
• This is another one of those "kick in the butt songs." It also used to be my ringtone. :)
• Good for You - Selena Gomez
• I like this song. My friend doesn't like this song because it paints a picture of making yourself look good specifically for a guy. I totally get what she's saying. When this song comes on I always feel a little guilty. I tell myself... looking good for me, looking good for me. :) 
• Love You Like a Love Song - Selena Gomez
• Same Old Love - Selena Gomez
• Have you caught on that I love Selena Gomez. 
• Glam - Christina Aguilera
• And my girl Christina. 
• Wild Wild West - Escape Club
• Much better than the other Wild Wild West
• Talk Dirty - Jason Derulo
• Want to see him in concert! NOW! 
• Wiggle - Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dawg
• This song wants me to run of my big fat butt. 
• Want to Want Me - Jason Derulo
• Have you seen the Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan sing off of this? HOT!
• Lips Are Movin - Meghan Trainor
• Better When I'm Dancing - Meghan Trainor
• Probably my favorite song of 2015. LOVE! It's everything better when you are dancing? I may have some dancing arms during this one as well. 
• Cake by the Ocean - DNCE
• This is my Dilly's favorite song. 
• Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) - Us3
• I swear this was a opening number song from when I was younger. 
• Remind Me Who I Am - Jason Gray
• I love an eclectic range on music.  
• Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
• Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• Another kick in the butt song. 
• Work It - Missy Elliott

You are welcome. 

Marital bliss.We took off last Friday and had a great jog on the Konza Trail in MHK. It was a fun time together. 

Barefoot - Elin Hildenbrand

I've read several books this year already. I'm going to have to write about all of them at some point... but today is for Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand.


Barefoot was at the top of the bestseller list for quite some while. My expert opinion? It was okay. It had good character development and I was interested. It just didn't keep me wanting to read it. I love a book that sticks with you for days/weeks. A book that makes me question other things in life or at least jumps out at me in random times of the day. This book just didn't do that for me.

I laughed and cried at the appropriate moments and liked it just fine. But it was just that... a just fine book. I enjoy a good Sunday afternoon read, this book almost made that mark. The book was enjoyable, just drug out a bit too long to be considered that coveted "Sunday afternoon read" title.

I didn't do a great job in "selling" this book. But if you are interested... Amazon has it here. I vote getting it from the library. :) 

AM

What I Learn From Timehop

Who doesn't love Timehop? I first signed up for Timehop thinking it would be a fun way to reminisce and watch the boys grow. I knew I would have some sad moments remembering when the boys were little and would get some smiles from memories with friends throughout the years. What I've been surprised by is what I've learned about what I didn't see when it was happening.

I have close friends. I've always been a good friend and have been friendly with those around me. Because of that, I've felt like I have many friends and a few close friends. When I look back on my years in college, it's a blur. My time was spent working, dancing (both teaching and on Classy Cats), and going to school. Boys were a big part of my time too. But when I look back, relationships are not at the front of my memory.

Timehop tells a different story. Every day I'm surprised at the moments I forgot. The moments of friendship, quick stories and general hanging out that meant so much at the time. It still means a lot now. While some of my "remember whens" are with friends I've lost touch with, it makes me feel a connection to them, and that time, all again. Its like opening a present that generates a smile, feels a little sad/wistful and hold a whole lot of blessings.

My Timehop from 02.03.2016. 

Dillon the Villain - in front of the fireplace... who can resist a freshly bathed baby?!? 

The sweetest hug I've ever encountered. 

This must be the Day of the Dillon. What a precious little guy!

I still concur. Age 23 was pretty damn awesome. 

Dave still picks his nose... and wears Dillon's pants. They fit a little better now!

Gold Fork was Houlihans when I was in college. Does anyone remember $5 Long Islands on Fridays... OMG!

Nichole shows up on my Timehop on the regular. I miss her. A true friend who would stick up for you... and tell you when you had salad in your teeth! Honesty is such a great quality.

I wonder what my daily time capsule will bring me tomorrow? 

Finding Joy in Everyday Life

Life is not always butterflies and roses. Regular life is not trips or vacations, fun and exciting days or meals out on the town and days filled of the whole family getting along. Life is difficult and messy and not always full of pleasant things.

However, each day has a bright spot. Even in the most mundane or bleak day, there is a what my mom would call a "God Wink" that shows He's there with you.

Yesterday was a long day for me. It wasn't a bad day... it was just a day. I ran late, I dealt with issues at work... I got grumpy with my kids. But when I was pulling into town after working an extended day (and not making my necessary decompressing run), JM called me up and told me we had a new neighbor... our neighbors got a new Yellow Lab! It was definitely the bright spot in my whole day, and my "Joy" in the regular.

Tonight - I read one of my favorite books, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" with David. I snuggled him for an extra 5 minutes then ran upstairs to read, "Horton Hears a Who" and snuggle with my Dillon. Best. Part. Of. My. Day.

Book Review - More of the same

I love to read. Since my last book post, I've joined a book club. The ladies are awesome. It's a diverse group of ages, backgrounds and careers - with a very important tie... we love to read. My book club has helped me branch out into new books that I wouldn't have normally picked.

However, when in a book drought, I always lean back into my favorite author. Nora Roberts was one of my first "adult reads" and she has always been there with an easy read that takes me to another land. One thing I love about NR, she has a ton of books that have a magical, futuristic or a little "out there" twist to them. I enjoy the romantic story line with a little extra pizzazz built in.

Enter my latest NR read... and book one of 2016!

Buy it here. 

Stars of Fortune was great! I read it quickly and enjoyed it quite a bit. The book follows along a typical NR trilogy story line. Six people randomly find each other and form a group to fight whatever dark forces are that threaten them/society. Book one - the first couple hooks up (and so on and so forth). While it may be boring to follow such a predictable story line, NR changes it up each book with the magical. In this book we have a witch (or magician), mermaid, transporter, lycan, etc. Together they fight the evil Goddess that wants to take over the world and have eternal youth.

A quick, easy and enjoyable read - I always will pick up a NR book for lazy weekend at home.

Back in Action

I miss my blog. I miss the random diary entries that I feel compelled to share my opinion and our every days going-ons. Life changes and different things take priority. 2015 was not a year that I focused on me and what I need to be a great Amanda. I was a good mom, employee, wife, and daughter, not necessarily in that order, but I wasn't the best "me".

As you may know, I get a lot of passion in having a goal and working towards it or at least having an overarching narrative for what I want my life to be. I think this blog helps me be accountable to that goal or narrative.

So without futher ado.... I'm back. And here are a few things that have been happening over the past few months.

We had Christmas for my side of the family at our house. It was a wonderful day of yummy food (JM smoked a turkey!) games and hanging out with family. It really made my whole Christmas season to have everyone to our house to celebrate the holiday. 

I snuggled my Dilly by the fire. He seems to have me wrapped around his little finger. I mean - who could resist those eyes!

JM and I had season tickets to the K-State Football games again this year. And...we bought two more so we could bring our rowdy boys along. This game was pretty cold so the boys got to stay home. 

I took my Dave on a Mommy/Son date. We dressed nice, ate at a Japanese Steakhouse and went to a movie. It was an awesome Sunday date and I can't wait to take him out again. 

I got to be a Classy Cat again! And guess what? I still knew ALL the dances. Oh how I miss those days! It was great fun to dance with all the "old timers" and watch the band receive the Stutler Award. 

The boys fooled around at Christmas. :)

I'll be back soon with more words, diary entries and opinions. :)

Twiddling my Thumbs

Every time I start a blog post I think it should start...
"So it's been awhile since I've posted" or "I've decided to come out from under the rock that I like to hide."

I do, however, have a great reason (this time) as to why I've been absent from this online journal I call my blog... I have been studying for the last 4 months for the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification exam. I took the test on Tuesday and PASSED! I was so relieved, excited, and proud that all my hard work paid off! The passing grade was preliminary, I should get my official results in the mail within 2-4 weeks. The exam was not what I was expecting, so it should be interesting to see what my actual score for the exam was.

But now... I'm twiddling my thumbs. When I would normally have a book or flash cards out to study, I'm wandering around the house trying to figure out my next project. So... I'm gong to start working on my 2014 goals.

The picture I sent to my parents, Jeremy and a few friends to let them know I passed. :)

A couple of years ago, I worked on monthly goals that were all directed towards yearly goals. (In the HR performance planning world we would call these short term objectives and long term goals... obviously my mind is still stuck in my books.)

Without further ado... My May Goals

Since there is only 10 days left they are small but mighty...

• Read one book and write a review on it
• Have a garage sale - aka - get rid of our junk/clean the house/ORGANIZE!

Dave also had a big day on Tuesday... I should not let his graduation from preschool be diminished by my test taking... I didn't get any pictures on my phone, but did snap a picture of his "When I Grow Up" picture made with Aunt Boo, the preschool teacher. 

Dave's "When I Grow Up" dreams were: 

"I want to work at the new McDonald's in Topeka. I will probably make $101.00"

and

"I will be 70... that comes after 69. That is when I want to go to space, too." 

Yes - my son aspires to work at McDonald's then go to space. First, they must reinstate the space program. :)

 And just a few more pictures...

The boys love their Papa Sam. We are so lucky they have awesome grandparents (on each side) that love them and are genuinely interested in all that they do. 

Selfie Day at the park in AV