Old Friend, New Beginning

One of my closest and oldest friends in the world is moving to KC!

Mark is my super awesome, always pick up where we left off, mega best friend. We met in the third grade when I first moved to Kansas and we have experienced everything from church camp to mosh pits together.

We actually had a pact that if we were both not married by the age of 28, we would tie the knot. I'm not sure if Mark has enough patience or determination to put up with a girl like me full-time, so he's probably happy that the husband squashed the pact.

He has decided to go back to school to be an anesthesiologist and will be attending JCCC. This sounds so cheesy, but I'm so proud of him for turning his whole life upside down to follow his dreams.

Although he always sides with my husband, and constantly gives me a hard time, Mark will always be Mark to me.

We haven't lived in the same city for eight years, but not anymore.

He came in town yesterday to sign a lease on an apartment. so we had beers at Tanners.

He was watching ESPN. Typical boy.

Much better.

Looking forward to it being like old times. Bus Boy. LOL

Worried

Here's proof that spandex is not sexy.  What's even better about this pic is our awesome condom caps.

This was Heather and I doing a brick last night. It went well, but made us a little worried for the swim portion. We swam for about 30 minutes and then ran 2.8 miles.

This Friday, we are taking the day off to train for all three events (swim, bike, run) at Smithville Lake -- the actual Tri course. We won't complete it as fast as we will in the race, with fast transitions, but we will at least experience all three courses.

Two and a half weeks and counting! Do you think it's OK to drink pretty heavily the four weekends before a triathlon? Because that's what's happening! I'm worried for myself. And my body.

Oh summer...always so busy.

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

Spinach and feta. Two things I love separately and together. Why not throw them into a turkey burger?

The ingredients in this recipe sure enticed me when my friend, Sarah, sent it to me months ago. These are so tasty, this is the second time I have made them. Plus, it's lean turkey, so a healthy alternative to red meat.

This was found on allrecipes.com -- a great go-to site for recipes. You should try it. The hubs devoured them. With lots of ketchup of course.

His exact words were, "I think I might like these better than regular burgers." Who knew that I could get him to eat spinach!

It makes quite a few patties, so be ready for leftovers if you're only cooking for two.

Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces feta cheese
1 (10 oz.) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 lbs. ground turkey

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.

Mix together eggs, garlic, feta cheese, spinach, and turkey in a large bowl until well combined; form into 8 patties.

Cook on preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes.

I paired with the healthier, flat buns with a slice of tomato. These are also wonderful bunless!

ENJOY! This recipe is a definite keeper!

Back to the Little Apple

We traveled to Manhattan this weekend for a wedding. A friend of Brian's from high school and college. The wedding ceremony was immediate family only, so it was actually just a reception at Manhttan Country Club.

They were married on 7/10, at 7:10 on the 7th hole. I thought it was cute the way it was all orchestrated. The reception was beautiful, accompanied by an awesome band that kept the dance floor hoppin'. One thing they did that I thought was unique and different was a "video message room". There was a video camera set up in a room off to the side for guests to leave the newlyweds a message. It was fun.

We decided to go a little early to grab a bite to eat and revisit campus. This is the place where we spent a few years. Five for me, and nearly a decade for Brian. Just kidding, but he was there for six and half years:).

I love this town. It brings back so many wonderful memories for me. My first years with Brian, my beloved sorority, football games, Aggieville, date parties, frat parties, flip cups, Pilsbury Creek, theres way too many to name. But seriously, Manhattan just has a feeling about it.

Here's a few photos from our great weekend.

The Ville

 Dinner and drinks at Rockabelly Deli. Summer beer.

Where I spent most of my days for class. Oh Professor Gould, I miss thee. NOT.

Where Brian spent most of his time for class. This is him showing his love for Seaton.

 

Damn you Umberger. Natural Disasters=worst class ever

Brian wanted to go by the DU house. Not sure he was too impressed with how classy the front lawn looked.

He said this would have never happened when he was there.

There was crap everywhere. One guy even left his car doors and back hatch wide open. There was a huge subwoofer in the back that just anyone could have stolen. Passing out before responsibility can kick in, I remember those days.

At the reception.

Brian and Fox with his "BM" patch (best man)

Roomies for the night.

Pita Pit! Of course. This trip wouldn't be complete without the Pit.

Daisy Dukes, One Piece on Top. Huh?

Yep, a one piece. Not a bikini on top. Sorry Katy. A very covering, fat roll-sucking, make-you-feel old one piece.

That's what Heather and I went shopping for tonight. Ohhhhhh yeah, it was hot.

Now, you're probably wondering why the heck we were shopping for one-pieces. Here's why:

We are both doing a Women's Triathlon (I totally talked Heather into it) in July and a one-piece is one of our few attire choices. We need something tight, something that will dry quickly, and something comfortable to swim, run and bike in. That's a pretty tough requirement list. 

Needless to say, the butt-hugging, really uncomfortable one piece didn't work out for either of us.

We settled on spandex shorts (no padding) and dri-fit tank tops. Much preferred to the one-piece and the other alternative of wearing just a sports bra and leaving our muffin tops exposed. LOL. Whether you truly have a muffin top or not, you can't hide it in tight spandex. Trust Me.

So watch out Triathlon 2010, Heather and I will be sporting the same spandex shorts and the same dri-fit tanks, only different colors.

Spandex daisy dukes that is. Pretty much the hottest thing ever.

Summer Shandy

Time to introduce one of my most recent addictions.

I first found out about this beer from a friend when she brought it over for a bbq. I was then re-acquainted with it over 4th of July weekend when my brother brought home two cases of it.

It is amazing. I haven't been this much obsessed with a beer since Bud Light Lime came out.

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy = Simply Delicious.

Doesn't it have a refreshing ring to it? A medium beer with a refreshing lemonade taste. This beer is perfect for hot summer days. You should try it.

Off to enjoy one of these because boy do I need it after a day like today!!

Happy Friday!

In the Stacks

With my new found enjoyment to read, I figured it was time to get a library card to save my wallet a few bucks. Therefore, I made a trip to the good ole public library yesterday.

Let's just say, I couldn't really remember exactly how to use a library properly. I know it's sad, but I haven't stepped foot in one since high school, maybe even middle school. I wasn't much of a reader back in the day. Let's face it, my life at that time was consumed by social activities, boys and causing trouble.

I couldn't believe there weren't any catalog drawers with all the little removable cards! Just kidding, I knew libraries were past that, but that is exactly what I remember about libraries as a kid. I can even remember when there were no computers.

Can you believe there were no computers? Wow, has technology come a long, long ways.

I nervously looked around and found my way to the adult fiction section. I browsed several authors/books I have been wanting to read, but no luck. I even browsed Nicholas Sparks and there was only one measly book by him. I began to get the feeling this library might be a little picked over for my taste in books.

I typically don't read anything without a recommendation. I am that bad of a reader and must have a book that will hold my interest. I used to hate reading, but am finding a calming element in it these days:). So please send me any recommendations you have!

After my unsuccessful browsing experience in the stacks, I hopped on a computer and did a little searching. I found all the books I wanted, I just have to wait for them to be transfered from other locations around the city to my library. How convenient is that! I thought it was awesome! I can't wait for my books to come in.

On another note, I finished the book I was reading, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I highly recommend this book. It was very different than any other book I have ever read before, and I'm sad to see it end.

Set in the 1960s, during the civil rights movement in Jackson, Mississippi, African American women were trusted to raise white children, but not to polish the household silver. They weren't even allowed to use the same bathroom. One of the main characters, Skeeter, has just returned home from college with an English degree and is eager to become a serious writer. She then collects stories from the maids and discovers the varying relationships between white families and their help. It's full of unlikely and unacceptable bonds, complicated relationships, disappointments, and heart and history.

Mostly, I loved the characters in this book and how there wasn't only one narrator. Great read!

Brick

I completed my first "brick" tonight for my triathlon training.

I'm not going to say it went great, but I did it.

Bricks refer to training on two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other with little or no interruption in between. This could be a bike/run workout, swim/bike or run/bike.

When one stops biking and goes into running, the legs feel strange and heavy. This is why they call it brick training because the legs feel like bricks! The heart rate increases as the body tries to switch the blood from flowing into the muscles used for biking to those used for running.

I did a 7 mile bike followed by a 2.25 mile run. I should have started doing bricks weeks ago, but time just got away from me. Lucky for me, my husband joined me so I had someone to encourage me along the way:).

I have about 3.5 weeks until the Tri and we are busy every single weekend leading up to that. Which means I should be doing bricks at least twice during the week.

Wish me luck and encouragement. Boy do I need it.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I hate rain. Seriously sunshine, could you not grace us with your presence for even 30 minutes this weekend?

How gloomy and depressing are rain and clouds? In my opinion, freakin' gloomy!! BLAH!

Gotta love when this (see below) is sitting right in the back yard and you can't even step foot in it. My poor raft didn't even get any love this weekend. Tear.

Luckily, my brother and his friends put the pool to use after an intense all-day drinking game. It was freezing. And pouring. None for me.

Boys will be boys.

All in all, it was a great weekend spent with family. Lots of catching up and movies.

Yes, we watched three movies: Invictus, The Book of Eli and From Paris With Love. The only one I thought was great was The Book of Eli. The other two were just ok. Invictus was a little slow moving for me and Paris With Love was a semi-weird storyline, but full of action. I would recommend all of them, I just didn't think any of them were amazing or anything.

The rest of the weekend consisted of consuming large amounts of alcohol and food. My parfaits turned out scrumptious. I even had one for breakfast the next morning. YUM. Thanks to my mom for being such a great hostess to everyone!

The whole fam took turns at lighting fireworks. We weren't planning to do any, but my brother got the itch and went and purchased some.

 Bringing back memories. Flowers were my favorite.

 Throwing a crackle ball. Notice...I have shorts and a tank top on. Maybe because I didn't pack one pair of jeans with me. Can you tell I was hoping for nice weather? Thanks rain.

My brother throwing a huge pack of Black Cats at me while I was lighting another firework. Hence, all the smoke. Luckily, I ran to the other side of the street.

 Pyros.

Our culdesac and yard looked like they were on fire.

 Huge mortar.

Too bad Jakey Boy didn't have as much fun with the fireworks as everyone else. He was scared to death. He wouldn't leave Brian's lap.

You would think a hunting dog wouldn't have problems with noises that sound like gun shots. But nope, not this reject hunting dog. He hates fireworks.

Tucker loved the fireworks! He would look up and follow them as they went in the air.

 

I even had some time to visit my good friend from high school, Sarah, and her adorable kids. It's always great to see old friends and catch up. Oh, and Jake even invaded her mom's fish pond in the back yard. Sorry about that Sarah! My dog is crazy! 

She just started a blog last week and I'm hoping to learn about all of her exciting daily experiences with raising two under two.

Bye for now! Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday weekend! 

Proud to Be an American

I seriously LOVE the 4th of July. And not because of fireworks. I don't even really like fireworks that much. I just love this holiday. Having a long weekend, lake or pool time, family and friends, sunshine and beer, there's just a feeling about it. I guess I'm just proud to be an American.

Well, it doesn't look like we will be getting too much sunshine this weekend. So much for my dreams on this American holiday. Boo. Go away rain! I want to lay by the pool!

We are having a family BBQ tomorrow. Here's a recipe I am going to try.

Red, White and Blue Parfait

Colorful, festive, semi-healthy and delicious looking!

For additional festive fourth of July sweets, see this link for ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.

Happy 4th of July!