Knees...Thighs...and...Feet... Oh My!

I have been having this nagging ache/soreness in my knee. I tripped and fell like a month ago, and bruised my knee. It was sore for a few days, I rested, worked out when I could, iced it, etc. It went away and I was getting in these awesome runs; speedy, long, intense, all the good things. Now my knee is hurting again. Being a runner, or working out a lot, is really a challenge, but injuries make them worse.

My thighs, I now know where the massive bruises are coming from. I have this terrible habit when I'm doing upper body strength workouts, of bringing down the dumbbells, whether swinging them or just dropping them, onto my hips/thighs. Big bruise on my leg = no bueno.

Feet. They haven't been blistering or bruising and that is good news. So either my feet have finally broken in my running shoes (I've had them since July) or something else has happened. Either way, I'd like my feet to stay this way.

I've been trying new things at the gym, forcing myself to go outside my comfort zone and lifting heavier, trying the things that I normally might have skipped. I'm so impressed at my interval ability, 6.0 MPH for 2 mins and 7.5 MPH for 1 min for 30 mins may not be a stretch for most, but for me it is awesome. I can keep it up and it hasn't been a fluke. I really think it has helped with my steady runs, making them a little faster and a little less taxing. Not to mention, I feel like my weight is going down like I prefer. I'm almost done with Week 7 of my version of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Trainer. I accommodate it with what my ability allows, what my gym has access to, what my time allows me to do, etc. I'm tempted to repeat the second phase before moving on to phase 3, but I'm not sure. I still have one more week in phase 2.

Lowered Ears

I got my ears lowered today, aka, I got my hair cut. It desperately needed it, unfortunately my girl told me some things that I dislike about my hair.

1. It grows unevenly (or my last haircut was done unevenly, I'm hoping my favorite hairdresser in NorCal doesn't cut unevenly or Momma Benz and Dani Benz are gonna have some problems).

2. It's super tangly and wavy (Okay, I already knew that).

3. I have a random piece of hair in the middle of my head that is HALF THE LENGTH OF THE REST! How does that happen? When I thought I had gum in my hair after Disneyland and was trying to get it out did I break that much off?? Did my last haircut accidentally have that happen? So, weird.

4. I should come in for a bang trim more often so that I enjoy them, rather than loathe them.

That's all. No photos, I'm a bit lazy and my eyes are about to close, good night.

Things I Love... and Things I Loathe

Loathe: Doing the dishes.

Love: The color yellow, which coming from me is crazy, because I've never been a fan.

via

Loathe: When radio stations ruin songs by playing them on REPEAT (Adele, I'm talking about you).

Love: Coming home from the gym to Mexican food after having a fantastic workout.

Loathe: Shiny, nude colored shoes. Especially when worn with khaki pants. They look like they belong in a wedding party NOT for everyday wear.

via

Love: The Voice and Blake Shelton. Oh, Miranda, you lucky lady.

Loathe: Headaches and migraines; I've had too many recently.

Love: This pin I pinned awhile back. If you weren't aware, on my mom's side of the family I am the first granddaughter, and my cousins didn't like it and always called me "Princess Lindsay." I am still a princess. My senior year of high school my quote was, "You don't have to live in a palace to be a princess." HRH Lady Diana Spencer Princess of Wales.

Source: christine-renae.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Happy Tuesday!

Hmm...

I am trying to figure out where I want this blog to go. I want it to be for me, but that sounds so selfish. I want it to benefit me and also benefit anyone who takes the time to read it; whether they are people I know personally, or just all of you in the blogosphere. I am big on fitness and being healthy, but I truly don't think that making my blog all about my health and fitness, and any follies that come with it, will be feasible, it is too limiting. I am not a fashionista and I am not one to post photos of myself, since I have a mediocre camera, and usually do not put too much effort into my appearance. I know, I am sorry for those of you who are not as naturally beautiful as I am. I'm not sure how you deal with it. Just kidding, I like the way I look with or without makeup; with or without my hair done; in jeans and a tee or all dressed up. And in many ways, some of my random ramblings don't ever seem to make sense even to me. I may be MIA as I figure out how I want this blog to go and grow.

E-L-E-V-E-N

My title is really self-explanatory. Eleven random tidbits about me. You can thank Leslie at A Blonde Ambition for this post, even though mine is a day late. Enjoy.

1. I really like to brush my teeth and love the way they feel after I have brushed them. I used to keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in my purse, and really need to put it back in there.

2. I pretend that I don't watch a lot of TV. My coworkers must think I'm really boring. In all honesty, when I'm not at work or at the gym or shopping, I am watching lots of TV. I just don't watch shows when they are normally scheduled. HULU and repeats are how I keep up. In fact, watching American Idol right now, as it is normally scheduled feels odd.

3. I am addicted to Raisinets. I can not buy any kind of package of them because I will eat ALL OF THEM.

4. I am deathly afraid of skin cancer, but I love looking tan and laying out at the beach. I am a very small amount Mexican, and even when I wear SPF 100 sunscreen, I get tan.

5. I bring my camera everywhere and rarely take more than 5 pictures. I wish I had more photos to document things, but I never do.

6. I like to make lists, but they are never very organized, I don't always or ever remember to bring them with me, and I lose them. Or even worse I make multiple lists on one page that have nothing to do with each other and I inevitably throw them out. No organization skills for me.

7. Sunglasses are my favorite accessory. Sometimes you need to feel BAD. Channel Michael Jackson here please.

8. I listen to all kinds of music. Sometimes I find out about older songs like yesterday and they become my new favorite. The favorites right now are: "Bait A Hook," by Justin Moore; "Shake It Out," by Florence and the Machine; "Heads Will Roll," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs; and "Over You" and "All Kinds of Kinds," by Miranda Lambert. I love music.

9. My favorite food is Mexican. I could eat tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, etc. every single day. My waistline and hips don't approve, but I love it.

10. I love "jammies" as Chris and I call them. I love wearing pajamas. I don't wear them in public and I'm not lazy, but I love the matching top and bottom combo. In that category also fall robes and slippers. For like 5 years I wanted a big, soft, cozy robe for Christmas. My grandma made me one, that worked, but I wanted a fancy one and nobody would get me one. Finally, my coworker got me one for our secret santa at work. She might be my favorite person ever now.

11. I had 6 grandparents. My mom's parents' divorced when she was in high school and both remarried before I was born. I thought it was weird when kids only had 4. Obviously I wasn't thinking about the fact that you can't have 6 biological ones. They've all died now, but I was so lucky to have them all and to have learned so much from them.

Questions from Leslie:

1. If you could raid any celebrity's closet, who would it be and why?

Reese Witherspoon. Classic, chic, and comfortable all at the same time.

2. If you were a shoe, what would you look like?

Flat and leopard print. Easy to walk in, but with a kick.

3. What is your biggest pet peeve?

The cupboards being left open.

4. Favorite song of all-time?

"Friends in Low Places" - Garth Brooks (I didn't even have to think about this).

5. Are you a dog person or a cat person? And why? (If you don't like animals, we can't be friends.)

Dogs. They are loyal, less moody, really just want love and affection, and are always there for you.

6. You're queen for a day. How do you spend your royal 24 hours?

Gym early. Perfect oatmeal or french toast for breakfast. Yummy lunch, lots of coffee and lasagna for dinner. I'd read by the beach, probably in Ocean City, MD in summer (it must be summer). Shop until I drop without a worry for the cost.

7. What's the most delicious thing you've ever eaten?

Filet Mignon and Creamed Spinach and Au Gratin Potatoes from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

8. What scares you the most? (This can be deep and complex or shallow...whateva you feel like!)

Dying before I really feel like I've accomplished everything I want in life.

9. Which celebrity do you wish would drift off into obscurity?

Angelina Jolie. I'm sorry if you're a fan, I really can't stand her.

10. You're 16 years old again. What advice would you give your younger self?

People will like you for who you are as a person when you're an adult. Your weight and clothing size don't make you who you are. And even if you struggle as an adult, as long as you're healthy, that's all that matters.

11. What's your Starbucks order?

Skinny Vanilla Latte or Iced Nonfat Caramel Macchiato

I don't have blog friends, so, if you'd like to post and link to my comments, go for it. :)

Eleven questions for you:

1. What was the first concert you attended and how old were you?

2. If you've gone to college, or any kind of post high school education program, do you use the degree you've received in your current job (so random, but a good question)?

3. If you could travel to any country, where would it be and why?

4. Favorite comfort food?

5. Favorite TV show (new, old, reality, etc.)?

6. What is your dream job and why?

7. What is your favorite animal, any animal real or imagined?

8. Disney theme parks, Universal theme parks, or theme parks with actual roller coasters and scary rides?

9. If fast food had no calories, what meal from what place would you eat every single day?

10. You're stranded on a desert island, what 5 things could you not live without?

11. Make up your own question and answer it!

Enjoy.

V-Day

We don't typically celebrate V-Day, but we took some silly pictures on Saturday that we say describes our relationship:

Exhibit A:

"Super Strong Tator" punching Chris in the face.

Exhibit B:

Chris teasing me and me crying.

I promise, we do really love each other and neither one of us would know what to do without the other. We like to be silly and goofy. He always make me smile and always knows how to make me feel better. I love him more than anything and could not imagine my life without him.

He did make me dinner.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fancy Schmancy

Like the new look? I asked Chris what color he says reminds him of me, and he said green. Green is my favorite color but I rarely buy it or decorate with it. I don't wear it often either. I also love pink and there you have it, pink and green. I like it, for now. I have a tendency to want to change things all the time. I'll try and refrain.

Yesterday I set out to spend some of my birthday $$$. I was successful. I spent 4 hours shopping. Although, I am having buyers remorse over a $12.95 sports bra. I'm not sure I'm going to like it AND I rarely spend more than $10 on anything. I really wanted to turn into a fashion blogger after my clothes purchase yesterday, but the pictures are not as flattering. I plan on wearing it again today (I know, I wear my clothes like 5 days in a row - I hate paying to wash my laundry). Maybe I'll get a better photo with natural light; if the sun comes out today.

We'll see if I can spend anymore birthday money today. Happy Sunday. :)

Inspiration NOT Thinspiration

I have been totally MIA and I apologize.

I went to my parents' for a long weekend for my grandfather's funeral and internment, which did not happen. That's another story for another day.

Today I stumbled across this article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/thinspiration-blogs_n_1264459.html?page=1

It made me sick, but I know that we have a huge problem in this society. We think that being skinny, model thin, "perfect," with no blemishes, etc. is what makes us a woman and beautiful. First and foremost, most models are close to 6 feet tall. It is easier to look thin when you're that tall than when you are 5 feet tall. But, we all know that these magazines and advertisements are airbrushed. No matter what way you slice the cake, and please eat the cake, they aren't realistic. I am a huge fan of new mantras that I have seen: Strong is the new Skinny. So much better.

I know that I am in the process of losing weight, although I am doing it in a healthful manner and for more than just outward beauty. My insides need to be healthy. My grandparents' both died from heart related issues. That might only be one pat of my genetic makeup, but of my four biological grandparents, that's 50%.

I know that I will never weight 120 pounds, and I don't think I would want to be there. I know that I have wide hips and big boobs and I am okay with that. I don't have a goal weight, I'd like to wear a size 8 again. That's all. I'm not that far, but most of all, I want to be healthy. I want to lift my groceries and not feel over exerted. I want to chase after something and not be out of breath. When I'm ready for children, I want my body to be healthy for it.

I really like this pin I made a few weeks ago:

Source: piccsy.com via Lindsay on Pinterest