Featured Blogger on Wednesday Workout Blog Hop!

Extremely honored to be the featured blogger today on the Wednesday workout Blog Hop!

Hosted By: My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl

This is a workout blog hop for Wednesdays! You will receive workout tips, exercise ideas and healthy food ideas from My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl, plus work on your followers!!! Fitness and Health doesn't have to be boring or hard. It can be fun and enjoyable. Fitness is my life and I totally love it. I am a certified group fitness instructor through {NETA}. I teach 20 fitness classes a week and love every minute of it.

Our featured Blogger.

ME:N

First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am married to my best friend whom I met on a blind date when I was in 11th grade. He was a "Yankie" from Pennsylvania and I fell head over heals for him. We supported each other through4 years of college at UNC Greensboro and then 4 more years at UNC Chapel Hill for Pharmacy school for me and Dental school for my hubby.

KIDS:

I am a mother of 3 wonderful kids who definitely keep me busy! Ashleigh is 11, Ted (Teddy) is 9 and ANdy is 5. WOW, how God has blessed me.

RUNNING:

I began running a little over a year ago and was hooked. It began as a social time with my friends. Now, it is me time.I have run 2 half marathons, one being the Disney Half and several other races.

I am not really concerned with my time, however, I do have my own personal goals. My mantra:

Me Against Me

I realized after about 6 months of running that I WAS out of shape prior to my running. I did not realize it before, I just thought it was working full time and having 3 kids.

I have lost 13 pounds since running which was all left over from having babies. I feel great!

My goals:

1. More organized training for my next run. (Rock n Roll Half Va. Beach)

2. Yoga anyone. Need to do this.

3. I would love love love to try a tri, however, I do not have a road bike. (ANY SUGGESTIONS for a newbie biker?)

4. More time for my hubby.

5. Change my families diet to a healthier diet> (ANY SUGGESTIONS?)

Thanks for visiting!

NISH LINE

Waiting for Summer!!!

My blog hops today!

Welcome to the "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop, hosted byTake It From Me! Welcome Wednesday is a great way to meet new people and learn new things as well as increase your blog followers! So let's have some fun!!

Hosted By: My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl

This is a workout blog hop for Wednesdays! You will receive workout tips, exercise ideas and healthy food ideas from My Fitness World , Lets Move It Mamma's & Living Smart Girl, plus work on your followers!!!

My Yoga 2 Go Giveaway at Living Smart Girl!

HEAD ON OVER TO LIVING SMART GIRL TO ENTER!!!!

I copied this directly from her post :

What is My Yoga 2 Go?
Well it is the only complete Yoga kit on the market today.
Your best Yoga in 3 Easy Steps.

Quick Overview

This system is so convenient and simple to use! Just choose your sequence, pull the corresponding cards for that sequence and insert them in to the pockets of the tote, hang on a wall or doorknob, stay connected to the pose, in the breath and in the moment! There is nothing like the My Yoga 2 Go practice system!

Would you like to have one of your own?

I did a review/giveaway a while back for My Yoga 2 Go and got this awesome kit. But, I don't use it. I do Yoga and love it, but just never seem to go away from home where I would use this kit. So, I decided to promote My Yoga 2 Go again and give my gift from them away. They are a great business with many great Yoga items to buy. So even if you don't win this, or don't want this make sure you check them out and bookmark them for future shopping :)

Here is what you get ~

The practice system includes;


The Practice Deck of over 70 Yoga Posture Cards

7 different sequences

A Multi-pocket display tote & Carrying Case

How to Enter ~

Leave one comment for each thing you do. Make sure you put your email address so I can contact you if you win.


*Living Smart Girl via GFF ~ Mandatory
*Follow Sited and Blogged via GFF ~ Mandatory
*Follow My Yoga 2 Go on FB ~ Mandatory

Extra Entries ~

*Vote for Us ~ Click Here
*Subscribe to our Feed
*Follow Living Smart Girl Group on FB
*"Like" Living Smart Girl on FB
*"Like" Sited and Blogged on FB
*"Like" EZShoppes on FB
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*Join WAHMSurf
*Tweet this Giveaway ~ Can do this daily for extra entries
*Facebook this Giveaway ~ Can do this daily for extra entries
*Blog this Giveaway ~ ~ Worth 5 Entries (comment 5 times for this one)


Contest ends May 9th at midnight. (central time) Drawing held May 10th by Random.org

Good Luck :)

Thanks again to Living Smart Girl for this awesome giveaway!

GTKY Sunday Edition

1. what's something you've eaten and liked, but didn't think you would?

?

2. plastic surgery..yay or nay?

depends on the situation and if it is safe and makes someone feel better, Go for it!

3. 2 things you love about spring are.....?

The green yard I am looking at right now and the warmer temps.

4. when's the last time you went on a picnic?

A couple of Sundays ago. I did not prepare the food, but I picked up some bbq from Grandpas Kitchen and we had a picnic in my backyard.

5. what's your favorite app?

Siri on my iphone which is voice activated and allows me to ask where things are located and then gives me specifics. It allows me to say "nearest Sushi restaurant" and it will find it and even allow me to make reservations if available or dial the number to make reservations. Very simple and fun.

6. who does the grocery shopping in your house?

Me Me Me

7. would you rather take a spin class or zumba?

Zumba. never taken either class but I love to dance

8. how often do you go out to dinner?

Too many days. Probably 2-3 times a week. Wish I could change that.

John Taylor Recovery 5k

Ran the John Taylor 5k Recovery run today. I ran with a friend from work who has recently started running an has lost over 30 pounds in the last 6 months. So excited for her. It was a nice run, but had lots of hills. Not a great run for a 5k 1st timer. Anyway the story behind this run is as follows:

It was just a normal autumn afternoon near mile marker No. 172 on I-95 in Halifax County when Officer John Taylor of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department made what he thought would be a routine traffic stop of a 1997 Geo Prism. The normalcy changed to horror as Officer Taylor was met with gunfire and struck four times: once in his throat, again in his chest, in his intestine and, finally, in his arm. This began a terrifying period for John Taylor and his family that left him clinging to life in critical condition. After multiple surgeries at Pitt County Memorial Hospital Officer Taylor has been able to begin his long road towards recovery.

John Taylor is not just a passionate police officer, but he is also a devoted friend and loved by his family. He is a friend to many and hero to even more. John values physical fitness, which may be vital in his recovery process. He loves to participate in 5K races, leisurely and competitively. Through this incident, John has challenged himself to get well enough to run again. With the assistance of his police brothers and sisters, this goal will, hopefully, become a reality.

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Police Benevolent Foundation and the NCPBA will be holding the Officer John Taylor 5K Recovery Run. This event is being organized by two officers and friends of John Taylor, Deputy Sheriff J. Puhak and Master Officer M. Moseley. The purpose of this event is to raise community awareness of the dangers in the law enforcement profession and to promote physical fitness. More importantly, we would like to honor Officer Taylor for his sacrifice on that terrible day.

The event will consist of a 5-kilometer (3.10 miles) run and a fun run/walk (1 mile). All participants will receive a commemorative T-Shirt. Participants in the 5K run can have their runtimes tracked and certified. The creators of this event are asking for local support by way of spectators, side-line prayer warriors for Taylor and local law enforcement. Any donations are welcome. The event philosophy is this: Taylor took a physical sacrifice; in turn we will repay him through running, praying and contributing financially for him. All donations are tax-deductible, and the proceeds will be used to aid Officer John Taylor in his lengthy recovery and to support the Foundation created to assist law enforcement officers and their families.

When you lay your head down at night, there is an officer in the dark protecting your community. When you go to work during the day, there is an officer responding to calls and fighting for your neighborhood. Let’s show our support for these officers, deputies and members of the law enforcement community. Most importantly, let’s honor Officer John Taylor.

Whats Up Wednesday???

This is what's up!

Painted my daughter ex-room dark blue. The pink blinds will be taken down. This will be my youngest sons future room. I WILL NEVER PAINT ANYTHING DARK BLUE AGAIN! It looks great but it is a pain to paint and very messy!

Organized most of my kitchen and replaced all of the cabinet liners. It has been 6 years since I put down the last liners. This time I put down a none stick rubber kind.

You probably cannot see this, however, I put wall paper on the back of this built in book shelf in my hallway. I should have taken a before picture. This bookshelf was filled with magazines and books and looked awful. Wish it were a better picture.

Finally, I went to my dermatologist to get my stitches taken out. About 2 months ago, I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in-stiu. This means I was extremely lucky because it was on the top layer of my skin and I caught it early enough that it could be excised with a simply surgery and I would be fine. Now, this means no sun bathing and living and breathing SUNSCREEN. Well, apparently they did not excise enough and left a small margin on "one" of the lateral sides. Well, had to get MORE cut out. YUCK!!!! I have been wearing a big bandaid and sporting stitches for about 2 months. Anyway, I feel extremely lucky that I caught it in time knowing that Melanoma is a leading cause of death due to skin cancer. I know several people who have lost there lives to this. I am a mommy, I am invincible, I CANNOT DIE>

So, what was suppose to be a 5 min visit, ended in this. All is well, 2 weeks and I get these stitches out and hopefully no more cutting on me!

Follow Me, Chickadee Tuesday!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Music Monday!

I found this video over at Navy Wife & Running Fool. Such a wonderful song and video! Amazing what God can do through people!!

GTKY Sunday Edition

1. do you watch/read the news?

Unfortunately, no. I wish I followed the news better, however, I really don't watch that much T.V. during news hours.

2. how would you describe your "look"?

I am just me. My "look" is athletic. Most of the time I am in running clothes and t-shirt with a hat.

3. did you play sports in high school or college?

I ran track for 1 year and was a cheerleader for 9 years

4. would you rather give up lipstick/gloss or high heels?

High heels. Hate them!

5. what's your favorite show to watch on tv?

DWS, American Idol, Modern Family, Cougar Town.

6. would you rather bake or cook?

Bake

7. shorts or skirts?

Shorts, unless it is a cute running skirt!

8. what's your favorite scary movie?

Nightmare on Elm Street

Thanks Mark!

"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." - Mark Twain

Am I turning into a REDNECK???

CONFESSIONS:

Getting a little worried. I have recently become addicted to Salt and Vinegar Pork Rinds. This is a southern delight that some folks would not even think about trying.

Yes, that is White Zinfandel wine beside the pork rinds.

I took this photo at my local supermarket "The Pig" (Piggly Wiggly)

Look at all the varieties of pork rinds, skins, fat back, and cracklin.

Next, my concerns continue with my enjoying the Monster Truck Jam. My husband and I took our 3 kids to the "jam" last weekend and I had a blast. It was loud and crazy.

Finally, this is my idea of a good home cooked meal. I am in the midst of building my fire pit in my backyard, however, when it is finished, this will be a weekly summer meal.

RUNNING NEWS:

This week was not great for running. I ran a little over 10 miles this week because I was so involved in other things. You know how life gets in the way. I painted my laundry room.

Here is the before:

Here is after:

The horrible florescent light makes it look really yellow but it is an awesome yellow color.

I hate my laundry room. It is so narrow and it is where we enter the house through the garage. I am probably going to put a wall decal " wallie" on the wall across from the washer and dryer because it is so narrow. It is soooooo much brighter and cheer. I still hate doing laundry!!!!

Also, I have almost completed my daughter's bedroom. I will post a before and after photo when all is complete. I painted and moved furniture all week.

I guess I am giving all kinds of excuses for why I am not running as much. Pretty much, let's just say. . . I need to get my lazy butt out of bed before everyone else and hit the road.

MY GOALS:

Run 4 x a week

Finish my daughter's bedroom

Cross train. . . remember I joined a gym for a reason.

Finish the fire pit

LIVE fully, Laugh often, Love deeply!!!!!

Jelly Bean Virtual Race hosted by Run with Jess.

Celebrate Easter by racing in the blog-o-phere!

Free to enter!

Hosted by: Runwithjess.blogspot.com

What's a virtual race? A virtual race is running a specified distance (timed) without being present in the actual race location.

DATE: Anytime during Easter week (April 18-24)

LOCATION: Pick your favorite local route or just hop on a treadmill.

DISTANCE: 5K or 10K... or you can make it a split from a longer run.

A 5K is 3.1 miles. A 10K is 6.2 miles.

RESULTS: Report your race time no later than Tuesday, April 26 at 12:00 noon CST.

E-mail your time to runwithjess@comcast.net.

PRIZES: All finishers who report back with a race time will receive one entry into the prize drawings from our great sponsors. Get an extra entry if you send a photo!

Prize for Best Photo and/or Costume... winner will be decided by and expert panel.

All other prizes will be randomly drawn for using random.org. You many only win once.

REGISTRATION: To join the virtual race, you first need be a follower of Run with Jess blog -OR- like Run with Jess on Facebook.

Getting to know YOU

Hosted by: www.mannland5.com

1. do you weigh yourself?

I used to, however, I realized it really is just a number. If you workout often, sometimes you gain muscle mass and that number is truely. . . just a number.

2. what's the nastiest thing you've ever eaten?

That is a hard question. I will try anything, and nothing really stands out for me. I guess I like anything.

3. snail mail or email?

email.

4. do you have any irrational fears...what are they?

Stuck in an elevator or small place.

Driving on a bridge that has not been completed.

5. do you play an instrument?

I used to play the trumpet and baritone in middle school. Now I play the PS3 Rockband drums.

6. would you rather be bitten by a snake or attacked by a bear?

Yikes, I live on a lake and I am always on the lookout for snakes they a simply GROSS. When I run I always have visions of a bear coming form behind. I

I guess bitten by a snake . I am a pharmacist and I know that I can get the the hospital in time to get the anti-venom. We have lots of it at the local hospital.

7. do you ever go braless in public?

All the time. I HATE a bra.

8. today i am thankful for........................?

Today I am thankful for my family and friends and being healthy!!!