June 5th…could be the death of me

I’m planning on running a 20K June 5. It might consist of a walk, jog, run, be carried across the finish line by a co-worker or have an ambulance drive me.

The 12 week program officially started on Monday, so far so good!

One step closer to becoming a runner :)

I’m a crochet class drop out…

Yes, I attempted to learn how to crochet. I believe I put forth a good effort, but I failed. I guess the biggest thing is trial and error. When you crochet you have to get into a rhythm. Well, picking it up every couple of days didn’t work out so well for me. I understand the basics, but I was unable to get two granny squares done. It’s one of those projects you have to be in the right state of mind and I guess I just couldn’t get into. I shall try again soon.

 Now to the reason why I’m a crochet class drop-out. So the class consisted of two classes. YES – only two. I went to the first class.  I didn’t feel like going to the second two hour class where I was unable to accomplish what I originally wanted to get done. I originally planned to go, but when my roommate said hey do you want to grab sushi tonight. I was all about that idea. I think the next time I go home I’m going to sit down with my aunt and have her teach me.

Now to the bright side of things…failing at crocheting made me realize that the sewing machine is calling my name. Sewing is so much easier and mindless. Hmmm what type of sewing project will I come up with.

Body and Soul = Yoga

I don't know why, but something about the title just makes me chuckle. Tomorrow night I'm going to a yoga class. I really struggle with yoga for a few reasons.

#1 - I'm not very flexible

#2 - When the instructor tells me to close my eyes and think of a happy place I'm just focusing on not falling over!

I'm going to try really hard this class to relax and enjoy it.

So for all my ag friends I thought you would get a good chuckle out of this. There is a yoga pose called the cow face. Its called the cow face because when posed the outline of the body supposedly looks like the broad mouth and narrow head of a cow. Maybe its just me, but I don't see it. Check out the you tube video below and let me know what you think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-acLT1lsMYo

Fat Tuesday, Lent, Running and Crocheting

I'm catholic, so in honor of FAT TUESDAY and with Lent starting tomorrow I did a little shopping and drinking tonight. Sorry to dissapoint you, but I didn't wear party beads.

I'm giving up shopping for Lent. I consider myself to be professional, so this is going to be a real sacrifice. I honestly love shopping not just for myself, but other people. For those of you that don't know what Lent is, it is the time from Ash Wednesdy to Easter.

I bought a new pair of running shoes and
an iPod arm band at Sports Authority.

FYI...please notice the CLEARANCE tag.

Of coures, I had to stop by Tj-max for
a Betseyville computer bag that was

originally $55 and at Tj-max I paid $19.99.

I had to swipe the old debt-it card a few last times before Lent started. I love Tj's it is one of my favorite stores. During lent, I also do not eat meat on fridays or I try not to. Last year I would always forget and remember after I would place my order. That didn't exactly work out so well.

Half marathon update -

I'm signing up for the Des Moines Dam to Dam (June 5th) 20K. A couple other co-workers are going to run the race, so I figure I can do it too. I plan to follow the Hal Higdon 12 week half marathon program for novice. I bought new shoes, so I don't have an excuse not to run and now that I have an iPod holder I have the tunes too. I'm a huge fan of the app Pandora. Honestly, I'm sorta scared, but I'm ready for the challenge at the same time. I have always wanted to do something like this and I figure it will be a great way to get in shape. Now I just need the weather to warm up.

Crochet update -

Well, this is still a work in progress, but a big update from my last post. I worked for about 2 hours on Sunday night. I'm starting to get the hang of it, but it still takes me a really long time. More updates to come towards the end of the week.

You can actually tell it is a
flower in the middle this time.

Stay tuned for an update on the girls weekend.

Crocheting or some people call it...

I had my first crochet class last night or some people like to call it stitch and bitch. I know several of my friends got a good chuckle when I told them I was doing a crochet class. A few of their responses were...

• Crocheting is for old ladies
  
• That doesn't suprise me
• People still crochet

So here is an update from my class. The class was at ephemera and consisted of 10 people. You know how it feels the first time you ride a bike without training wheels, well thats how class started out. I knew how to do the basic chain stitch well after that I was lost! 

There wasn't a lot of one on one time with the instructor. Of course, there were people that could crotchet at different levels. Fortunately, the table that I was at had another special person aka someone that was slow at crocheting. I'm very competitive, so the fact that other people were farther ahead was frustrating. I finally was getting the hang of it towards the ends of the class. 

Below is a photo of a granny square. The instructor gave everyone a square to keep and use as a reference. My end product/blanket will consist of several granny squares.

Now, don't laugh this is what I got accomplished in 2 hours. I have a feeling I will be crocheting sweaters in no time! :)

 The instructor provided the class with online tutorials and her website, so hopefully I can have my homework (complete 2 granny squares) done by the next class. My goal is to complete four granny squares by my next class on Feb. 23. The teacher said it takes her 15 minutes to complete one. I have a feeling it is going to take me 7-8 hours or even longer. The thought even crossed my mind that I might have to pay someone to crochet a few squares for me. 

With the granny square pattern you make each individual square and hand stitch or do some type of crocheting to get them together at the end. For me it will be an accomplishment to complete one. Yes, I said one. I am really glad that I found this class. I love crafty projects and am looking forward to my end results a soft, hand-made, comfy blanket. 

I found a cool blog on crocheting called attic 24 brighten your day. Below are samples that I pulled from attic 24.

I plan to work on my granny squares tomorrow night, maybe a glass of wine will keep me on track - just a thought.

Wish me luck!

What kids say about love

So I came across a site where kids ages 4-8 were asked what does love mean? I found the responses to be quite humorus.

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."Karl - age 5

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7

"I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her."Bethany - age 4

"Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6

I'll have an update for you later tonight on my crotchet class!

Loves Happens

So last night I had a relaxing evening at home and decided to watch a movie. I came across the movie Love Happens and with Valentine's day just around the corner I thought why not. It was a great movie, I'll admit I cried.

Speaking of Valentine's day I will be spending it with two great friends. The blonde bombshell trio will be hitting the big town of Des Moines next weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie Valentine's Day and eating dinner saturday night at one of my favorite restaurants Trostel's Dish. I have a feeling this is going to be one of the best Valentine's days ever! Stay tuned for an update...I'm sure I'll have great stories.

You know you look ridiculous when...

Someone at the Des Moines airport pays for you to have a luggage cart.


On Saturday I returned from San Antonio, as I was struggling to get out of the baggage claim at the airport a lady tapped me on the shoulder. As I turned around, to my suprise there was a luggage cart. The ladies generousty made by day! :)

"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish
for yourself. It’s what you do for others." Danny Thomas

28 days of fitness

In an effort to get back into the routine of working out, I declared the month of February as the 28 days of fitness.

I plan to do some sort of physical activity every day. My original plan was to start my half marathon training program tonight, but I rubbed my heels raw at the trade show last week. It probably wasn't the best idea to where a pair of new flats. I thought they would be more comfortable than heels, well I learned my lesson. I eventually smashed down the backs and wore them as slip ons.

I don't think Paris Hilton designed these shoes to be worn for 18 hours.

Back to the 28 days of fitness...

• Start training for a half marathon
• Go to a spinning class
• Go to Aspen Athletic Club for group fitness classes 3 days a week
• Do a workout routine that involves lunges atleast 1 day a week

Motivational song for the 28 days of fitness...Sexy Chick

Wish me luck!

And the winner is...

How much money do you think I spent at the Denver market?

The person closest to the total was saleringqueen with a guess of $68.00. She wins a lovely prize! I spent $72.00 at the Denver market.

I will deliver the prize when I return from sunny San Antonio! :)

NCBA

Without a doubt, my internship in 2007 with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) during their annual conference and trade show was a great opportunity. The year I was an intern the conference was in Nashville. It was awesome to have the opportunity to work with other students from across the country that have a passion for the beef industry like I do. I am still great friends with several of the interns and a group of K-state girls! :)

Unfortunately, the group photo of all the interns in our professional attire is at home in IL. However, I thought I would share a few fun ones from a night out on the town in Nashville.

(Left to right) Matt from Texas A&M, T. Arp, myself, C. Good & Jen

Stacy and myself

Memories from Nashville...

- Hanging out with Macy gray at the pool (inside joke)

- Using the term bald guy (aka random guy being crazy drunk)

- Meeting great people (priceless)

This week, I'm in San Antonio for the 2010 NCBA conference. I'm excited to see some of the past interns and K-staters in sunny San Antonio. I'm also sad because Stacy isn't here to celebrate our three year anniversay of friendship. :(

Stay tuned for more info on San Antonio!

Denver = Amazing

So this past weekend, I hit up the big town of Denver, Colorado. I visited my college girlfriend Brigitte. I also went to the Denver Stock Show. I knew it was going to be a great weekend...something about seeing people in cowboy boots and starched jeans makes me happy.

On Saturday Brig and I went to the Denver market. I seriously thought I died and went to heaven. It was the coolest thing ever. This place was filled with cowboy boots, kippy belts, jewelry, western decorations and much more. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Of course, i couldn't leave without a few purchases. 

How much money do you think I spent at the Denver market?

Leave me a comment... 

The person closest to the total wins a lovely prize!

I also fell in love with the Lucchese diva boots, however I don't have a buyers license so I couldn't make a purchase. It's probably a good thing that I don't have a buyers license, but maybe someday. I really like the tag line for the boots "Find your inner Diva". 

p.s. - If anyone would like to get me a Valentine's Day gift I wear a size 7.5  :)

Stay tuned to see who the winner is...

Let the stories begin...

Its official -- I started my blog! I plan to write about my crazy adventures, shopping, agriculture, working out and several other random topics.

Please feel free to leave me comments.

Keep warm!